What is an Authorized User?

What is an authorized user?

An authorized user is someone who's been added to a credit card account by the card's owner, also known as the primary cardholder. The authorized user can make purchases with the credit card as if it were their own. However, the responsibility to pay any charges remains with the primary cardholder.

Managing your credit as an authorized user

If you are an authorized user on someone else's account, here are a few steps to take if you're looking to form positive credit habits:

• Ask to become an authorized user on the account of a friend or family member who has good credit. The primary account holder's financial behavior is tied to your own, so it's important to choose someone you trust.

• Build good financial habits, track your spending and work out a payment plan with the primary account holder. Any missed or late payments will show up on both the primary cardholder's and your credit history. So, it's important to make smart spending decisions.

• Keep a careful eye on your credit report and credit score throughout the process. Monitor your credit and note any changes that come with being an authorized user. A free monthly VantageScore® 3.0 credit score and Equifax credit report are available when you sign up for Equifax Core Credit™. A VantageScore is one of many different types of credit scores. You can also visit AnnualCreditReport.com to access a free credit report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies every 12 months.