LEARN · AUTHORIZED USERS
How authorized user accounts work
Being added to someone else's credit card is three separate events: the issuer adds you, the account reaches a credit report, and a scoring model evaluates what's there. Each can happen without the next. These guides take each step in turn — and cover what changes when you leave.
EP. 01
How authorized user accounts actually work
The mechanics, from issuer to report to score. Start here.
EP. 04
What changes on your credit report after you're added
A 30-day walkthrough of the fields to check.
EP. 07
How long it takes an authorized user account to appear
Checking each bureau separately, and what to do if it's missing.
EP. 14 · Coming soon
How to read an authorized user account on your credit report
Responsibility, dates, balance, limit and history.
EP. 16 · Coming soon
Authorized user vs joint account
Responsibility, access, reporting and leaving.
EP. 21 · Coming soon
Authorized user accounts and building your own credit
Why lenders still look at your own accounts.
EP. 20 · Coming soon
Secured cards and credit-builder loans
What each adds alongside an authorized user account.
EP. 24 · Coming soon
Authorized user mistakes that stall your credit plan
Seven assumptions to check.