Becoming an authorized user also comes with its own risks because the primary cardholder has full control and responsibility over the account. If the primary cardholder misses a payment, it will negatively impact your credit score.
No, adding to someone with bad credit as an authorized user on your credit card will not hurt your credit. However, if this person has the credit card and is utilizing your credit limit you are fully responsible for paying off the balance because the card is in your name.
The risks of being an authorized user In order for a credit account to impact your credit score, it must be reported to the credit bureaus. If your credit card issuer doesn't report authorized user activity to one of the three credit bureaus, your credit score will not be impacted.
Reports authorized users to the credit bureaus. But if your issuer doesn't do that or the card isn't used responsibly, being an authorized user won't help them build credit.
Potential drawbacks associated with authorized users include possible fees, unequal financial responsibility, credit score impact and more.
How can I add my spouse as an authorized user? You can typically add your spouse as an authorized user to your account by calling your card issuer or going through the issuer's online portal.
The authorized user will likely not receive a monthly statement for the credit card. However, some credit cards can break out spending made by the authorized user within the balance statement so the cardholder can understand which charges were made by whom.
Here's how to add an authorized user to a credit card: Find someone willing to add you as an authorized user. Provide your full name and date of birth to the primary cardholder. Contact the card issuer. The card issuer mails your new card. Activate the card when it arrives. Create your online profile.
Authorized users on credit cards can make purchases, review their transaction history and dispute unauthorized charges. However, they don't have complete access to or control over the credit card account, and they aren't ultimately liable for the debt.
The authorized user will likely not receive a monthly statement for the credit card. However, some credit cards can break out spending made by the authorized user within the balance statement so the cardholder can understand which charges were made by whom.