How to Add Someone to Your Credit Card

Add your spouse or child as an authorized user.

Adding someone to your credit card account is known as adding an authorized user. The person you add will be authorized to sign his name for purchases and use the card without problems. This is convenient if often send your credit card out with others to make purchases for you. Adding an authorized user is different than adding a joint account holder. With a joint account, both users are legally responsible for the bill, whereas an authorized user is not. Adding an authorized user is free and takes only a few minutes to process.

Instructions

1. Gather your credit card account information to have it handy. Make sure you have your Social Security number, as it may be required for verification when contacting your credit card company.

2. Meet with the person or gather her information to be added to the account. You will need the person's full legal name and Social Security number. In most cases, the credit card company will need to speak with the person for verification.

3. Contact your credit card customer service department. The telephone number will usually be on the back of your card or on your billing statement.

4. Speak with a representative and verify your account details. Tell the representative you would like to add an authorized user to your account. Provide the user's information and let the representative speak with the person, if needed.

5. Decide whether you want the authorized user to have his own card on the account. An authorized user can either be authorized to use your credit card, or have his own card for the same account.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding an authorized user to your credit card is convenient if family members often use your card. In the past, adding an authorized user to your credit card would affect the person's credit score, a term known as "piggybacking." Since the FICO credit score standards were changed in 2007, adding someone as an authorized user will not affect the authorized user's credit score.

• Be wary about letting an authorized user have her own card, even if it is a close family member. You will have little means of monitoring or controlling the spending on your account. Anyone you add as an authorized user will not be held liable for purchases under any circumstances. You are still fully responsible for your account. If you want the user to be partially responsible for the account, ask the representative to add them as a joint account holder rather than an authorized user.

References

• MSN Moneycentral
• Credit Net