What if I told you that you could build credit without applying for a credit card, without making a deposit, and potentially see results in as little as 30 days?
It sounds too good to be true, but it's completely legitimate. It's called becoming an authorized user, and it's one of the fastest ways to build credit from scratch.
Here's everything you need to know.
What is an Authorized User?
An authorized user is someone who gets added to another person's credit card account. You get a card in your name, but you're not legally responsible for paying the bill—the primary cardholder is.
How It Works:
- Someone with good credit adds you to their credit card account (usually a parent, spouse, or trusted friend)
- You get a physical card with your name on it
- The account appears on your credit report, including its entire payment history
- You start building credit from day one—even if you never use the card!
Real-Life Example:
Sarah has no credit history. Her mom has a credit card she's had for 8 years with a perfect payment record and a $10,000 limit. Mom adds Sarah as an authorized user.
Within 30-60 days, Sarah's credit report now shows:
- An 8-year-old account in good standing
- Perfect payment history (96+ on-time payments)
- Low utilization (mom only uses $1,000 of the $10,000 limit)
Sarah's credit score goes from zero to 680 almost overnight.
This is the power of authorized user status.
How Does Becoming an Authorized User Build Credit?
When you're added as an authorized user, most credit card issuers report the account to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
What gets reported:
- ✅ The age of the account (how long it's been open)
- ✅ The payment history (every on-time or late payment)
- ✅ The credit limit
- ✅ The current balance and utilization
What this means for your credit:
- Instant boost from the account's positive history
- Lower average utilization (if they keep balances low)
- Longer average age of accounts (if the card is old)
The catch: If the primary cardholder misses payments or maxes out the card, it will HURT your credit too. This is why choosing the right person is critical.
Benefits of Becoming an Authorized User
1. Fast Results
Unlike opening your own credit card (which takes 3-6 months to generate a score), authorized user accounts can show up on your report in as little as 30 days.
Timeline:
- Day 1: Primary cardholder adds you
- Day 30-60: Account appears on your credit report
- Day 61+: You have a credit score (or your existing score improves)
2. No Credit Check Required
You don't need to apply or get approved. The primary cardholder simply calls their credit card company or adds you online.
What this means:
- No hard inquiry on your credit report
- No risk of rejection
- No impact on the primary cardholder's credit
3. You Don't Have to Use the Card
This is key: you can build credit as an authorized user without ever making a single purchase.
Some people ask the primary cardholder to NOT even give them the physical card—they just want the credit history benefit. That's totally fine!
4. Perfect for Beginners
If you have:
- No credit history
- A thin credit file (only 1-2 accounts)
- Recent credit damage that you're trying to offset
Authorized user status can give you a significant boost in a short time.
Who Should Add You (And Who Shouldn't)
Not all credit cards are equal. The person adding you needs to have an account with specific characteristics.
The Ideal Primary Cardholder Has:
✅ Excellent credit score (740+)
✅ Perfect payment history (0 late payments, especially in the last 2 years)
✅ Low credit utilization (under 30%, ideally under 10%)
✅ Long account age (the card has been open for 3+ years)
✅ High credit limit (the higher the better for your utilization ratio)
Example of a GREAT card to be added to:
- Opened: 2015 (9 years old)
- Credit limit: $15,000
- Current balance: $500 (3% utilization)
- Payment history: 100% on-time payments
- Primary cardholder's credit score: 780
Example of a BAD card to be added to:
- Opened: 2024 (brand new)
- Credit limit: $500
- Current balance: $490 (98% utilization!)
- Payment history: 2 late payments in the last year
- Primary cardholder's credit score: 620
Who Can Add You:
- ✅ Parents
- ✅ Spouse/partner
- ✅ Siblings
- ✅ Trusted friends or family members
- ✅ Anyone willing to help (even if you don't use the card)
Important: Some people offer "authorized user tradelines" for sale. This is legal but risky—you're trusting a stranger, and some credit card companies frown upon this practice.
Step-by-Step: How to Become an Authorized User
Step 1: Find the Right Person
Talk to family members or trusted friends who have:
- Good-to-excellent credit
- A credit card they've had for several years
- Responsible spending habits
What to ask them:
"Would you be willing to add me as an authorized user on one of your credit cards? I'm trying to build my credit, and I won't use the card—I just need the account history on my report."
Step 2: Verify the Card Reports to Credit Bureaus
Not all credit cards report authorized users to the credit bureaus. Ask the primary cardholder to call their credit card company and confirm:
Question to ask: "If I add an authorized user to this account, will it be reported to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion)?"
Cards that typically report authorized users:
- American Express ✅
- Chase ✅
- Bank of America ✅
- Capital One ✅
- Citi ✅
- Discover ✅
Cards that might NOT report authorized users:
- Some store credit cards
- Smaller regional banks (check first!)
Step 3: Get Added to the Account
The primary cardholder can add you:
- Online: Through their credit card account dashboard
- By phone: Call the number on the back of the card
- In person: At a bank branch (if applicable)
Information you'll need to provide:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (in most cases)
- Address
Processing time: 1-2 weeks for the card to arrive, 30-60 days for it to appear on your credit report
Step 4: Decide If You'll Use the Card
You have two options:
Option A: Don't use it at all
Ask the primary cardholder not to send you the physical card. You'll still get the credit benefit.
Option B: Use it responsibly
If you do use the card:
- Only make small purchases
- Pay the primary cardholder back immediately
- Never max it out or create problems
Step 5: Monitor Your Credit Report
After 30-60 days, check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com or through a free service like Credit Karma.
What to look for:
- The new account should appear on your report
- It should show the full payment history
- Your credit score should increase (if you didn't have one before, you might now!)
How Much Will Your Score Increase?
Results vary, but here's what's typical:
If you have NO credit history:
Adding an authorized user account with excellent history can give you a starting score of 650-700 in just 1-2 months.
If you have some credit (but it's thin):
You might see a 30-60 point increase, especially if the authorized user account has:
- A long history (5+ years)
- A high credit limit
- Low utilization
If you have bad credit:
Authorized user status can help offset negative marks, but it won't erase them. You might see a 20-40 point increase if the positive account outweighs the negatives.
Risks and Downsides
Authorized user status is powerful, but it's not without risks.
Risk 1: The Primary Cardholder's Mistakes Hurt You
If they:
- Miss a payment → Your score drops
- Max out the card → Your utilization skyrockets, score drops
- Default on the account → Major damage to your credit
Solution: Only agree to be added to accounts of people you trust completely.
Risk 2: You Might Be Removed at Any Time
The primary cardholder can remove you as an authorized user whenever they want. When that happens, the account disappears from your credit report.
Impact:
- Your credit score might drop (especially if it was your oldest or best account)
- Your credit utilization might increase (you lose that credit limit)
Solution: Build your own credit simultaneously. Don't rely solely on authorized user status.
Risk 3: Some Lenders Discount Authorized User Accounts
A few lenders (especially mortgage lenders) might give less weight to authorized user accounts because they know you're not legally responsible for the debt.
Solution: Use authorized user status as a stepping stone, not your only credit account. Combine it with your own secured card or credit builder loan.
Combining Strategies for Maximum Impact
The absolute BEST approach is to combine authorized user status with your own credit building efforts.
The Power Combo:
Month 1:
- Become an authorized user on a strong account
- Open your own secured credit card
Month 2-6:
- Your authorized user account appears on your report → instant boost
- You use your secured card responsibly → gradual credit building
Month 7-12:
- You now have 2 positive accounts
- Your credit score is in the "good" range (670-720)
- You're ready to apply for better credit cards or loans
Result: You've built credit MUCH faster than using either strategy alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be an authorized user on multiple cards?
Yes! Being added to 2-3 cards (from different people) can give you an even bigger boost. Just make sure all the primary cardholders are responsible.
Will becoming an authorized user hurt the primary cardholder?
No. Adding you as an authorized user does NOT:
- Impact their credit score
- Affect their ability to get credit
- Show up as a hard inquiry
The only risk for them is if YOU use the card irresponsibly and don't pay them back (which is why many people don't give authorized users the physical card).
Can I build credit as an authorized user if the primary cardholder has an ITIN instead of an SSN?
It depends on the card issuer. Most major banks (Chase, Amex, etc.) require the primary cardholder to have an SSN, but some smaller banks and credit unions may allow ITIN holders to add authorized users.
How long should I stay an authorized user?
Stay as long as the account is in good standing and helping your credit. Once you have your own solid credit history (2+ years of your own accounts), you can ask to be removed if you want—but there's no rush.
Can I remove myself as an authorized user?
Yes. You can call the credit card company and ask to be removed. Once removed, the account will disappear from your credit report within 30-60 days.
What if the primary cardholder dies?
The account will eventually be closed. When it's removed from your credit report, you'll lose that credit history. This is another reason to build your own credit alongside being an authorized user.
Your Action Plan
Ready to boost your credit as an authorized user? Here's what to do:
This Week:
- Identify someone with excellent credit who might add you
- Have the conversation (explain you won't use the card)
- Confirm their card reports to all three bureaus
Within 30 Days:
- Get added as an authorized user
- Set a calendar reminder to check your credit report in 60 days
Within 60 Days:
- Check your credit report to confirm the account appears
- Check your credit score (you should see an increase!)
- Open your own credit card to continue building credit independently
Combine This with Other Strategies
Authorized user status is powerful, but it works best when combined with other credit-building methods:
- The Complete Guide to Building Credit in America ← Full strategy
- How to Get Your First Credit Card ← Build your own credit
- Best Secured Credit Cards for 2026 ← Great for beginners
Have questions about becoming an authorized user? Drop a comment below!
Last Updated: January 2026
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