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You can boost a child’s credit by adding them as an authorized user, but issuers’ policies vary widely on how old the child must be.
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Some parents want to give their child’s credit history a kickstart before they reach adulthood by adding them as an authorized user on their credit cards. But before you add your child to your card, you need to consider card issuer rules.
At an appropriate age, adding your child as an authorized user can help them build credit, provide access to funds in an emergency and offer lessons on using an account responsibly, says Brette Sember, author of “The Complete Credit Repair Kit.”
“They’re going to be using credit for the rest of their lives, so it makes sense that you, as a parent, should teach them how to use it carefully from an early age,” she says.
Most major card issuers allow you to add a minor as an authorized user. Some issuers impose a minimum age, while others don’t — but a few cards prohibit cardholders from adding minors altogether.
The question of whether you can add your child to your card as an authorized user hinges on age. Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Wells Fargo and Citibank have no minimum age requirements for adding authorized users to credit card accounts.
While some parents might be tempted to put a newborn on their best credit card as an authorized user so they can have 18 years of credit history before applying for their own credit lines, there’s no need to rush.
First, it’s not necessary because a few years is plenty of time for a kid to build a credit history and an excellent score. Also, adding a child too early can backfire. If you run into financial difficulties and stop making payments on that card and your credit tanks as a result, your kid’s credit will take a hit, too, unless you remove them from the card.
| Minors allowed? | Minimum age | Number of users allowed | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | Yes | 13 | Not specified | $0–$175 |
| Bank of America | Yes | None | Up to 5 | Free |
| Barclays | Yes | 13 | Unlimited | Free |
| Capital One | Yes | None | Unlimited | Free |
| Citi | Yes | None | Unlimited | Free |
| Chase | Yes | None | Unlimited | $0–$75 |
| Discover | Yes | 15 | Up to 5 | Free |
| Synchrony | Yes | None | 3 to 6 | Free |
| U.S. Bank | Yes | 16 | Up to 7 | Free |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | None | Unlimited | Free |
Source: Creditcards.com*
Updated: August 2022
Before adding your child to your card, consider the ins and outs of how the issuer handles authorized users to make sure you (and your child) get the desired benefits without getting hit by high fees.
Here are key factors to consider when adding authorized users to your credit card:
Since most credit card issuers have online banking for account management, you can usually add an authorized user online.
If you’re having trouble adding your child or someone else to your credit card as an authorized user online, you can also call the number on the back of your credit card to speak with a representative and get the process started.
Eventually, the day will come when it’s time to remove your child from your card.
You might decide to remove them if they use your card irresponsibly, but ideally, it will be because they’re ready to get their own card.
At age 18, a young adult can legally enter into a contract and perhaps get a card. However, the CARD Act of 2009 made it harder for people under 21 to get credit cards, and they must show proof of income or get a co-signer. Unlike adding your child as an authorized user, most credit card issuers don’t have an online process for this. Typically, you’re required to call in to remove an authorized user.
Most card issuers do not charge fees for additional users on credit card accounts. Bank of America, Barclays and Capital One do not impose fees for adding authorized users. However, Chase and American Express charge fees on their premium credit cards for additional users.
For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express charges $175 for up to three authorized user cards (then $175 more for each additional Platinum Card), while the Chase Sapphire Reserve card charges $75 per authorized user.
Generally, adding your child to your credit card will not hurt your credit score, as long as they use the card responsibly, and you keep an eye on your credit utilization ratio and make timely payments on your account.
Yes, if you have responsible credit card habits, then adding an authorized user will help their credit. Your credit card account will be added to the user’s credit report and positive payment history. And your credit utilization ratio and account age will be factored into their credit score. Unsure of your credit utilization ratio? Find out with our credit utilization calculator.
It depends on the situation. If you’re opening an account to share with a partner or spouse, then a joint account holder relationship may be the way to go. However, note that few issuers still offer joint credit card accounts. If you are just extending your credit line to someone else or want to help a family member build credit, then an authorized user relationship is likely the right choice.
Typically, the minimum age to be an authorized user is 13, but some card issuers like Capital One, Citibank and Wells Fargo don’t specify a minimum age. However, you shouldn’t add just anyone under 18 years old as an authorized user on your credit card just to help them build credit or give them access to your credit line.
When adding a minor or child as an authorized user on a credit card, make sure to set boundaries and restrictions on spending or use. Teach them how to responsibly handle a credit card and make sure they understand the financial impact of charging on plastic — and how it could affect both of your credit scores.
*Information was collected independently by contacting customer representatives at each card issuer represented in the table.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.
Allie Johnson is an award-winning freelance writer covering personal finance, business and lifestyle. She loves tracking down tips, tricks and cautionary tales about credit cards and money.
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