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Authorized User
Boost your score by piggybacking on good credit
Becoming an authorized user can boost your credit score 50-100 points in 30 days. Here's how to use this powerful strategy safely and effectively.
How Authorized User Status Works
1. Account Holder Adds You
Primary cardholder calls issuer and adds you as authorized user (takes 5 minutes)
2. History Transfers
You inherit the entire payment history of that card - good or bad
3. Score Updates
Credit bureaus update your report within 30-60 days with new account
Impact Calculator
✅ Best Case Scenario
- Card age: 10+ years
- Payment history: Perfect
- Utilization: Under 10%
- Credit limit: $10,000+
Score Impact: +50-100 points
➖ Average Scenario
- Card age: 3-5 years
- Payment history: Good
- Utilization: 10-30%
- Credit limit: $5,000
Score Impact: +20-40 points
❌ Worst Case Scenario
- Card age: Under 1 year
- Payment history: Late payments
- Utilization: Over 50%
- Credit limit: Low
Score Impact: -20-50 points
Who to Ask
🏆 Best Options
- Parents with long credit history
- Spouse with excellent credit
- Siblings with responsible habits
- Grandparents (oldest accounts)
⚠️ Proceed Carefully
- Extended family members
- Close friends
- Business partners
- Anyone with mixed credit
❌ Never Ask
- Anyone with poor credit
- People with high balances
- Recent acquaintances
The Right Way to Ask
Sample Conversation Script
"I'm working on building my credit score and learned about authorized users. Would you be open to adding me to one of your oldest credit cards? I don't need the physical card - I just need the account history to help my score. It won't affect your credit, and you can remove me anytime. I'd really appreciate the help, and I'm happy to answer any questions about how it works."
Cards That Report AU Status
✅ Always Report
- Bank of America
- Barclays
- Capital One
- Citi
- Discover
⚡ Usually Report
- American Express
- Chase
- US Bank
- Wells Fargo
- Most credit unions
❌ Don't Report
- Some business cards
- Certain store cards
- Some secured cards
- Corporate cards
- Debit cards (obviously)
Risks & Responsibilities
For You (Authorized User)
- Their mistakes hurt your credit
- High balances affect your utilization
- Late payments damage your score
- Account closure removes history
For Them (Primary User)
- You could charge to the card
- Their credit stays unaffected
- They remain fully liable
- Can remove you anytime
Ready to Boost Your Score?
Get our authorized user agreement template and tracking spreadsheet.