Becoming an authorized user: pros and cons

How being added to someone else’s credit card can help your credit, and the risks on both sides.

How it helps

When you are added as an authorized user, the card’s history may appear on your report, including its age, limit, and on-time payments. That can help someone with little or no credit.

Pick the right card

It helps most when the card is old, has a low balance, and is always paid on time. A card with high balances or late payments can hurt you instead.

Who owes the money

The primary cardholder is responsible for the bill. As an authorized user you generally are not, but any charges you make affect their account.

Check that it reports

Not every card company reports authorized users to all three bureaus. Ask first. If the account turns negative, you can ask to be removed.