The content is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change.

If you would like to add an authorized use to your account, you can. Whether it’s a spouse, a child, or a parent, it’s a fairly straightforward process.

  • Step 1: Gather the personal information of the person you would like to add. This includes:

    • Full legal name

    • Address

    • Social Security number

  • Step 2: Call your card issuer and ask to add an authorized user to your account and provide the information asked for. In some cases they may not ask for a Social Security number or address, but it’s good to have those things ready in case you need them.

  • Step 3: Ask about setting limits on the user’s account. Some issuers let you place a limit on the amount authorized users can charge to your account. That means you can give your teenager a $100 limit, but your spouse a $5,000 limit.

It’s as simple as that. Another benefit of adding an authorized user to your account is that the user’s credit score can be improved through using your account. Someone with poor credit may not be able to get a credit card, but if they are an authorized user on another person’s account, that card will appear on their credit history and can improve their credit. This is known as “piggybacking” and it’s a well-accepted practice.

tags : Credit Cards Credit Score

Disclaimer: This editorial content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of the credit card issuer(s), and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer(s). Reasonable efforts are made to present accurate information, however all information is presented without warranty. Consult a card's issuing bank for the terms & conditions.
All rates and fees, and other terms and conditions of the products mentioned in this article/post are actual as of the last update date but are subject to change. See the current products' Terms & Conditions on the issuing banks' websites.