Sunday Reader Email Question: Can Adding an Additional Cardholder Improve Credit?
TPG Reader Kris writes:
"I have excellent credit, while my fiance's is not so great ... He has about 7 thousand in credit card debt on two cards with a total credit limit of 14 thousand dollars or so. Because of that he's been unable and unwilling to get into mileage game. Would adding him as an authorized user on one or more of my cards bump up his credit at all? It takes twice the time to earn amazing vacations if only one of us can get the credit!"
In short, yes - your husband will benefit by being added as an authorized user on your credit cards as long as they are being paid on time and the balances kept low. Authorized users are reported to all of the major credit reporting bureaus, so he will probably see a bump in his score due to adding more positive accounts to his credit report. Check out this post on how FICO scores are calculated - he will also benefit from the length of time you've had your accounts in good standing.
This is also a great way for parents to help build their children's credit. Most card issuers will allow you to set a limit on the amount an authorized user can spend, so you don't have to worry about them spending past an amount you are comfortable with. Adding a user who has bad credit will not negatively affect yours, as long as everything is paid on time and your debt to available credit ratio does not spike up.
In general, while credit cards can be the keys to the mileage and points kingdom, you should really do research if you are carrying balances. While getting mileage bonuses may be tempting, depending on the balance you carry, it may make sense to get a card with 0% APR (like the Chase Slate card) so you can work to pay off the balance while it is interest free (note: there is a 3% balance transfer fee so do the math to make sure it would make sense).
[card card-name='Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card' card-id='22125056' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
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- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
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- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees