Authorized User Strategy: How to Build Credit Using Someone Else's Card

Becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card is one of the fastest ways to build or improve your credit score. Here's everything you need to know about this powerful strategy.

How It Works

When someone adds you as an authorized user to their credit card account:

1. The account appears on your credit report
2. The account's history can affect your score
3. You receive a card with your name on it
4. You can (but don't have to) use the card

Benefits

• Quick results - Can impact your score within 30 days
• Inherits positive history - Gets the account's payment history
• Lowers utilization - Adds to your available credit
• No application needed - No hard inquiry on your report
• Minimal risk - You're not legally responsible for the debt

Ideal Characteristics of the Account

Look for an account with:

• Long history (5+ years is ideal)
• Perfect payment history
• Low utilization (under 30%)
• High credit limit
• Reports to all three bureaus

Potential Impact

A good authorized user account can add:

• 30-50 points for someone with thin credit
• 20-40 points for someone rebuilding credit
• 10-20 points for someone with established credit

Results vary based on your overall credit profile.

Risks to Consider

For the Authorized User:

• If the primary holder misses payments, it hurts your score
• Removed from the account at any time

For the Primary Account Holder:

• Responsible for all charges you make
• Can affect their utilization if you spend a lot

Best Practices

1. Choose carefully - Only with someone you trust completely
2. Check if they report - Not all issuers report authorized users
3. Monitor the account - Watch for problems
4. Have an agreement - Decide if you'll use the card or not
5. Eventually graduate - Build toward your own accounts

Which Issuers Report Authorized Users?

Most major issuers report authorized users, including:

• American Express
• Bank of America
• Capital One
• Chase
• Citi
• Discover
• Wells Fargo

Some issuers don't report or have age requirements. Check before adding.

The Ethical Approach

This strategy works best within families—parents adding children, spouses helping each other. Be cautious of commercial "credit piggybacking" services, which can be risky or even fraudulent.