Adding yourself as an authorized user on someone else's credit card could help to build and establish your credit. However, there are some important factors to consider since becoming an authorized user can actually hurt your credit score if you're added on an account that is not in good standing.
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.
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.
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.
Potential drawbacks associated with authorized users include possible fees, unequal financial responsibility, credit score impact and more.
Does the Additional Card Member have access to your account information? The only thing the Additional Card Member can access is your account's total balance. They cannot access the rest of your account information (Card number, transactions, limit controls) unless you give them access as an Account Manager.
Authorized users can make charges, but they aren't responsible for bill payments.
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. Start using the card.
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.