Can a cosigner remove themselves from a credit card?

Asked by: Yoshiko Satterfield  |  Last update: July 23, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (55 votes)

Some lenders have a release option for co-signers, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A release can be obtained after a certain number of on-time payments and a credit check of the original borrower to determine whether they are now creditworthy.

How do you remove yourself as a co-signer on a credit card?

If you want to be removed from the account, you'll have to call the credit card provider and be prepared to negotiate. If the other account holder would qualify for the card on their own, the credit card company may approve your request. If not, your only option is to pay off any outstanding debt and close the account.

Will removing myself as a cosigner hurt my credit?

No, it doesn't hurt your credit, but having one can get credit history in your name because most times without a cosigner, you're not approved for an apartment or loan.

Can I legally remove myself as a cosigner?

Fortunately, you can have your name removed, but you will have to take the appropriate steps depending on the cosigned loan type. Basically, you have two options: You can enable the main borrower to assume total control of the debt or you can get rid of the debt entirely.

How do you remove yourself as an authorized user on a credit card?

You can be removed as an authorized user at any time. Simply call the card issuer, and tell them that you wish to be removed.

Do NOT Ever Co Sign!!! - Dave Ramsey Rant

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Will removing myself as an authorized user hurt my credit?

Now, you may be wondering if removing yourself as an authorized user affects your credit, and the short answer is potentially. If the credit account you are removing yourself from is your oldest line of credit, your credit history will be shorter because of this.

How do I remove an authorized user from my Credit One credit card?

Removing an authorized user should also be a simple process, but there may not be an option to do this through your online account. If you log in but don't see any way to remove the authorized user, just give the customer service department a call. The phone number will be printed on the back of your credit card.

How do I take my name off as a cosigner?

Refinance or Consolidate

Another way to be removed as a co-signer, especially on an unsecured debt like a personal or student loan, is when the primary borrower refinances. Refinancing means the borrower opens a new loan that pays off and replaces the original one.

Can I remove myself as a guarantor?

If you are a guarantor and no longer wish to be, you must obtain the consent or agreement from the landlord before you will be released from your liabilities, which, if the rent is in arrears, the landlord is unlikely to agree to.

How to get out of being a co-signer?

To get a co-signer release you will first need to contact your lender. After contacting them, you can request the release — if the lender offers it. This is just paperwork that removes the co-signer from the loan and places you, the primary borrower, as the sole borrower on the loan.

Can co-signing hurt your credit?

Co-signing on a car loan can potentially hurt your credit if you or the primary borrower defaults or makes late payments. Following the application to co-sign for a car loan, you will also experience an initial drop due to the hard credit check.

How long does it take to be removed as a cosigner?

You can often remove a cosigner at any point during the loan period. Your loan paperwork might dictate specific terms, though. For example, some lenders require 24 months of on-time payments from the primary borrower before they'll consider releasing the cosigner.

How do I protect myself as a cosigner?

5 ways to protect yourself as a co-signer
  1. Serve as a co-signer only for close friends or relatives. One of loan co-signing's biggest risks is potential damage to your credit score. ...
  2. Keep copies of all the loan documents. ...
  3. Create a contract. ...
  4. Track monthly payments. ...
  5. Ensure you can afford payments.

Can you take someone's name off of a joint credit card?

Sounds easy, right? Not necessarily. Unlike with an authorized-user credit card, where you can easily remove yourself from the primary user's account, you'll need to pay off and close a joint account if you no longer want the card. And because it's a joint account, both cardholders will need to agree to closing it.

Can I sue someone I cosigned for?

Yes, you can sue the person you co-signed for if they don't make the payments they promised to make. You may be able to get a judgment against them in court, but it could be hard to collect that money since they didn't pay the debt in the first place.

Can I withdraw from being a cosigner?

The CFPB offers some sample letters a co-signer can send to request a release. Some lenders, however, only allow the original borrower to apply for a co-signer release. As a precaution, ask the lender to include a co-signer release option in the terms of the loan.

How quickly can you remove a guarantor?

Again, there is no set formula for when you can remove a guarantor from your home loan - this will change between lenders - but a guarantor can generally be released once your loan is less than 90 per cent LVR (or 80 per cent if you want to avoid paying lender's mortgage insurance) and you've made all repayments on ...

How long is a guarantor liable?

This depends on what the guarantee agreement says or what is agreed verbally. Many guarantee agreements are open-ended and will refer to liability 'under this tenancy/agreement'. This means that liability could extend beyond the fixed period, to any extension, as well as to certain changes such as rent increases.

When can a guarantor be discharged?

In short, the Ankar Principle provides that a guarantor will be discharged from their entire liability under a guarantee if: the guarantor's rights under the contract are altered without the consent of the guarantor; and. the alteration is substantial or prejudicial to the guarantor.

How do you remove yourself as a cosigner on a credit card?

Options for Removing Yourself as a Credit Card Co-Signer
  1. Ask the card issuer directly. The first option you should try is simply asking the issuer of the credit card to remove you as a co-signer. ...
  2. Ask the cardholder to transfer the balance. ...
  3. Ask the cardholder to refinance the debt. ...
  4. Pay off the card yourself.

Can a co-signer be taken off?

The short answer is yes! Removing a cosigner from a car loan is absolutely possible, but there are a few different routes you can take to achieve it.

Can a cosigner be kicked out?

Removing a co-borrower or cosigner from a mortgage is possible but difficult, and your lender may insist that you pay off the mortgage in full or refinance the house by taking out a new loan solely in your name.

Will my credit score go down if I remove myself as an authorized user?

“However, if you have a credit account that's two years old and an authorized user account that's eight years old, removing the authorized user account could hurt your credit score.”

Is it bad to remove yourself as an authorized user on a credit card?

For those who use an authorized user account to build up their credit history and don't have much of a track record with cards beyond that, removing yourself from an authorized user account would take a toll on the length of your credit history. This factor accounts for about 15 percent of your credit score.

How long does it take for an authorized user to be removed from credit?

If you discover the primary cardholder isn't making on-time bill payments, you may decide that cutting ties is the best way to go. Call the issuer and ask to have your name removed as an authorized user. It should take only a few days, and the issuer will cease making reports under your name to credit bureaus.