What is an authorized user on a credit card?

When you add someone as an authorized user, they receive a physical card in their name linked to your account. They can use it anywhere your card is accepted, just as you would. The key difference: they have spending power but no legal liability for the balance.

Beyond basic purchasing ability, authorized users on premium travel cards can often access a meaningful set of perks. Airport lounge access, travel insurance, purchase protections and hotel status benefits are commonly extended to authorized users on higher-tier cards. The extent of those benefits varies by card and issuer, so it pays to review what your specific card offers before adding someone.

One often-overlooked advantage for the primary cardholder: authorized user spending counts toward the card’s minimum spend requirement for welcome offers. If you’re working toward a large spending threshold, a trusted authorized user can help you get there faster. All rewards from their purchases flow directly to your account.

For authorized users, being added to a well-managed account can be a meaningful credit-building tool. The account typically appears on their credit report, which can help establish history and improve factors like credit utilization and average account age.

The relationship works both ways. If the primary cardholder pays on time and keeps balances low, the authorized user benefits. If the primary cardholder misses payments or carries a high balance, it can drag down the authorized user’s score as well. Anyone being added to an account as an authorized user should be comfortable with the primary cardholder’s credit habits.

One important caveat: not every issuer reports authorized user accounts to the credit bureaus the same way, and some do not report at all for minors. American Express, for instance, does not report authorized user credit history for users under 18. If building credit for a child is the goal, verify your issuer’s reporting policy first.

Age requirements for authorized users vary by issuer. Several major issuers have no minimum age, while others set the floor at 13, 15 or 16.

Sources include issuer websites and publicly available cardholder agreements.

Adding an authorized user is straightforward. Most issuers let you do it online or by phone in a matter of minutes. You’ll need the authorized user’s name, date of birth and sometimes their Social Security number.

1. Log in to your account online or call the number on the back of your card.
2. Select the option to add an authorized user.
3. Enter the required information for the person you’re adding.
4. Set a spending limit for the authorized user if your issuer allows it.
5. A card with the authorized user’s name will be mailed to your address.

Some issuers allow the primary cardholder to set a separate spending cap on an authorized user’s card, independent of the account’s overall credit limit. American Express is one of the most flexible issuers in this regard, letting cardholders set limits as low as $200 per authorized user. This is a useful guardrail when adding someone new.

Removing an authorized user is just as simple. You can call your issuer or handle it online with most major issuers. The card is deactivated immediately, though the account history will remain on the authorized user’s credit report for some time after removal.