Credit Card Authorized Users: Complete Guide to Adding Users & Earning Points

Adding an authorized user (AU) to your credit card can be a smart move — whether you’re helping a family member build credit, pooling household spending for more points, or grabbing an AU bonus.

But there are rules, fees, and gotchas to understand first.

Here’s everything you need to know about authorized users in 2026.

What Is an Authorized User?

An authorized user is someone you add to your credit card account who gets their own card but isn’t responsible for payments.

Key differences from joint accounts:

• AU isn’t liable for the debt — you are
• AU can’t make account changes
• AU can’t redeem points (at most issuers)
• AU’s spending earns points for YOU

Think of it as giving someone a copy of your card with their name on it.

How Points Work With Authorized Users

All spending pools together. When your authorized user swipes their card, the points go into YOUR account.

Who Spends	Who Earns Points	Who Redeems
Primary cardholder	Primary	Primary
Authorized user	Primary	Primary

This makes AUs great for:

• Couples — One partner earns all the points
• Families — Kids’ spending builds parents’ balance
• Business owners — Employees earn points for the company

The downside: If the AU racks up charges, you’re responsible for paying the bill.

Authorized User Fees by Issuer

Not all cards let you add AUs for free.

Free Authorized Users

• Chase Sapphire Preferred — Free
• Chase Sapphire Reserve — Free
• Chase Freedom cards — Free
• Capital One Venture X — Free (but lounge access removed in 2026)
• Capital One Venture — Free
• Citi cards — Generally free

Paid Authorized Users

Card	AU Fee	What AU Gets
Amex Platinum	$175/each	Centurion lounge access, Global Entry credit
Amex Gold	Free (up to 3)	—
Amex Green	Free	—

The Amex Platinum AU fee is steep, but each AU gets their own lounge access and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit ($100 value). If your AU travels frequently, it can be worth it.

Authorized User Bonuses

Some issuers offer bonus points for adding authorized users.

Current Offers (March 2026)

Amex (Targeted):

• Occasional offers of 5,000-20,000 MR points
• Usually requires AU to spend $500-2,000
• Check your Amex offers tab for targeted deals

Chase:

• Historically rare
• Occasionally 5,000 points for Sapphire cards
• Usually requires AU spend within 3 months

Capital One:

• No current AU bonuses

Pro tip: Before adding an AU, log into your account and check for targeted offers. Amex especially likes to offer AU bonuses.

Credit Score Impact

For the Primary Cardholder

Adding an AU has no direct impact on your credit score. Your utilization, payment history, and credit age stay the same.

For the Authorized User

This is where it gets interesting. The account may appear on the AU’s credit report, which can:

Help their score if:

• Your account has a long history
• You have low utilization
• You always pay on time

Hurt their score if:

• High utilization on the card
• Any late payments
• Short account history

The “Piggybacking” Strategy

Adding someone with thin credit as an AU can instantly boost their score. This works because:

1. Your account history transfers to their report
2. Your low utilization helps their utilization ratio
3. Your on-time payments become their on-time payments

This is 100% legal and commonly used for:

• Kids turning 18
• Spouses with limited credit history
• Anyone rebuilding credit

Timeline: Most issuers report AU accounts within 1-2 billing cycles.

Chase 5/24 and Authorized Users

The famous Chase 5/24 rule counts new accounts opened in the past 24 months. But what about AU cards?

The rule: AU accounts CAN appear on your credit report and may initially count toward 5/24.

The fix: If an AU card is blocking your Chase application:

1. Call the Chase reconsideration line
2. Explain it’s an authorized user account
3. They can manually exclude it

Alternatively, you can dispute the AU account with credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to have it removed from your report.

Pro tip: Check your credit report before applying for Chase cards. If AU cards are pushing you over 5/24, handle them first.

Issuer-Specific Rules

Chase

• AU fee: Free on most cards
• Can AU redeem points? Yes
• AU gets own card: Yes
• Spending limits: Can set individual limits

Chase is AU-friendly. Authorized users can even call to redeem points, making it convenient for couples.

American Express

• AU fee: Free (Gold/Green) or $175 (Platinum)
• Can AU redeem points? No — primary only
• AU gets own card: Yes
• Spending limits: Can set individual limits

Amex is stricter — only the primary cardholder can transfer or redeem Membership Rewards. AUs earn points for you but can’t touch them.

Capital One

• AU fee: Free
• Can AU redeem points? No — primary only
• AU gets own card: Yes
• Lounge access: Removed for AUs in January 2026

Capital One recently eliminated lounge access for authorized users on the Venture X. AUs used to get unlimited Priority Pass visits — now they get nothing unless the primary spends $75,000/year.

Citi

• AU fee: Generally free
• Can AU redeem points? Varies by card
• AU gets own card: Yes

Best Cards for Authorized Users

If you want to add AUs without fees or hassles:

Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Free AUs
• AUs can redeem points
• Points pool for transfers to Hyatt, United, etc.
• No annual fee for AUs

Best for Lounge Access: Amex Platinum

• $175/AU, but includes Centurion lounge access
• Each AU gets Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Worth it if AU travels 3+ times/year

Best No-Fee Option: Chase Freedom Unlimited

• Free AUs
• 1.5x on everything
• Points transfer to Sapphire if you have one
• Great for adding kids or low-spending family members

How to Add an Authorized User

Chase

1. Log into chase.com
2. Go to account settings
3. Click “Add authorized user”
4. Enter their name and SSN (optional for credit reporting)
5. Card arrives in 7-10 days

Amex

1. Log into americanexpress.com
2. Go to “Account Services”
3. Select “Add authorized user”
4. Enter their info + agree to any fees
5. Card arrives in 5-7 days

Capital One

1. Log into capitalone.com
2. Go to “Card settings”
3. Click “Manage authorized users”
4. Add their information
5. Card arrives in 7-10 days

When NOT to Add an Authorized User

❌ Don’t add AUs if:

• You don’t trust them with spending
• They have a history of financial irresponsibility
• You can’t afford to cover their purchases
• You’re trying to hide spending (it’s all on one statement)

Remember: You’re legally responsible for everything they charge.

Removing an Authorized User

Changed your mind? You can remove AUs anytime:

1. Call the issuer or log into your account
2. Request AU removal
3. Cut up their card
4. The account may stay on their credit report (they can dispute to remove)

Important: Removing an AU doesn’t erase their spending — you still owe any balance they ran up.

The Bottom Line

Authorized users are a powerful tool when used right:

✅ Do use AUs to:

• Build credit for family members
• Pool household spending for more points
• Grab AU bonus offers

❌ Don’t use AUs to:

• Give spending access to people you don’t trust
• Circumvent credit limits
• Hide purchases from a partner

The best strategy? Add trusted family members to your best rewards cards, set spending limits, and watch the points stack up.

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Related Guides:

• Chase 5/24 Rule Explained
• Best Credit Cards for 2026
• Credit Card Application Strategy
• Amex Membership Rewards Guide
• Chase Ultimate Rewards Guide