In most cases, you'll need to provide the authorized user's date of birth and Social Security number (SSN) for the credit bureaus to update their file. American Express, Bank of America and Discover, for example, require this information in order to add an authorized user.
Not surprisingly, the credit card account holder must take this step — you can't add yourself as an authorized user to someone else's credit card. In order to add an authorized user, you'll need to provide that person's name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as an address for them to receive a card.
You can add an authorized user to your Capital One account either online or over the phone, at (877) 338-4802. And you can add anyone, regardless of age or relationship, as an authorized user to your Capital One credit card account. You just need their Social Security number, birth date and address.
An authorized user is someone who is permitted to use another person's credit card. Once the original cardholder signs off on the authorization, the authorized user gets a card in their name that is linked to the original cardholder's account.
Become an Authorized User
Credit card issuers that do not require an SSN for authorized users include Capital One, Chase, Citi, and Barclays. The cardholder will be asked to provide a name, birthdate, address, relationship to the cardholder, and possibly citizenship status of the authorized user.
According to a 2018 study done by Credit Sesame, people who had a fair credit score saw their credit score improve nearly 11% just three months after becoming an authorized user on someone's credit card.
Banks need to verify account holders' identification, and some banks do this with an SSN. But there's no law that prevents a bank from opening a bank account for someone without an SSN.
Depending on the bank, instead of an SSN or ITIN, they may accept a passport number, government-issued ID numbers, such as municipal and community identification cards, or an alien ID card.
Adding an authorized user won't hurt your credit—unless they spend too much and leave you in a lot of debt, or they exceed your credit limit. If you're considering adding an authorized user, we've got the information you need to make the right decision.
The authorized user is considered a secondary cardholder with access to an account but no ownership. Authorized user status can help someone establish credit if the account is managed well. Full payment history is often reported to the three major bureaus, which is how authorized user status works to build credit.
An authorized user builds credit when the credit account holder maintains responsible credit habits that help a credit score grow, such as making on-time payments and paying off balances in full.
Yes, adding children as authorized users can help their credit scores. It's up to the primary cardholder to maintain a healthy credit score so the authorized users can reap the benefits.
Yes, piggybacking credit is legal, however it is not a well-known credit-boosting method, as many people are unaware that it's an option. Piggybacking became a method to boost credit after The Equal Credit Opportunity Act was enacted in 1974; which made it illegal for a creditor to discriminate against any applicant.
No, being added as an authorized user will not allow the lender to do a hard inquiry on your credit report. This is because the account holder is responsible for the debt that an authorized user generates.
The Impact of Being Removed
If you're the primary account holder, removing an authorized user won't affect your credit score. The account will continue to be reported on your credit report as normal.
Foreigners in the U.S. theoretically can be approved for a credit card as long as they have a Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or know someone willing to add them as an authorized user.
However, larger banks such as US Bank, TD Bank, Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo will allow non-residents to set up a checking account and a savings account. Instead of your SSN, they'll ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and other documents.
Usually the account owner chooses a spouse, relative, business partner, or close friend as an authorized signer. To add an authorized signer to an account, both you and the individual will usually need to go the bank to fill out an application and provide proper identification.
All of your charges will show up on the card's statements, so the account holder will be able to view your activity, where the transactions were made and the amount of your purchases.
Selling tradelines is not technically illegal, as of early 2021. Legally, as a credit card holder, you can add anyone to your credit card. Accepting payments for adding someone as an authorized user is also legal. However, it is frowned upon by both banks and credit bureaus.
Yes, Capital One notifies the credit bureau when authorized users are added to any credit card account. This can be an easy way to help build someone's credit history. However, you should think twice if you plan on applying for multiple credit cards in the near future or the primary cardholder has fair credit.
Does credit card piggybacking still work? Yes, credit card piggybacking still works. While many financial institutions and credit bureaus frown upon this practice, especially on for-profit credit piggybacking, it remains a valid method that you could try to boost your credit.
Minors under the age of 18 cannot open their own credit cards by law (or get approved for other forms of credit), so adding children as authorized users is a simple workaround many parents use to give their kids access to the convenience and benefits of a credit card.
Age requirements for authorized users
There is no overarching legal age requirement for adding someone as an authorized user. But card issuers do have different rules, policies and processes for adding minors to card accounts.