Adding an authorized user to your American Express card can be a smart move. It lets someone else use your account while you keep control. An authorized user can make purchases, but the main cardholder is still responsible for paying the bill.
This option can help build credit for the added user. It’s great for families who want to share rewards. But it’s important to pick someone you trust. American Express lets you add users who are at least 13 years old.
Authorized users on Amex cards can enjoy many perks. These may include airport lounge access and hotel benefits. The exact rewards depend on the card type. Some cards charge fees for extra users, while others don’t. It’s wise to check the terms before adding someone.
Adding an Authorized User to Your American Express Card
Adding an authorized user to your American Express card can be a convenient way to share your account with a family member or friend. But it’s important to understand the benefits and responsibilities involved before making a decision.
Benefits for Authorized Users
- Build Credit: Authorized users can build their credit history as the account activity is reported to credit bureaus under their name. This can be helpful for young adults or those with limited credit history.
- Convenience: Authorized users have their own card, making it easy to make purchases and track spending.
- Rewards and Perks: They can enjoy the same rewards and benefits as the primary cardholder, such as travel perks, purchase protection, and access to exclusive events.
- Financial Responsibility: Using a card responsibly as an authorized user can help establish good financial habits.
Responsibilities for Authorized Users
- Spending Limits: Authorized users should adhere to any spending limits set by the primary cardholder.
- Prompt Payments: While the primary cardholder is ultimately responsible for the bill, authorized users should make every effort to pay their share on time to avoid affecting the primary cardholder’s credit score.
- Card Security: Authorized users are responsible for keeping their card secure and reporting any loss or theft immediately.
- Account Activity: It’s important to keep track of their own spending and avoid any unauthorized charges.
Responsibilities for Primary Cardholders
- Choosing the Right User: Select an authorized user who is responsible and trustworthy.
- Setting Spending Limits: Consider setting spending limits to control the authorized user’s access to the account.
- Monitoring Account Activity: Regularly review the account statement to track the authorized user’s spending and ensure there are no unauthorized charges.
- Communicating Expectations: Clearly communicate expectations regarding spending, payments, and card security to the authorized user.
- Legal Responsibility: The primary cardholder is ultimately responsible for all charges on the account, including those made by the authorized user.
| Responsibility | Authorized User | Primary Cardholder |
|---|---|---|
| Spending | Adhere to limits | Set and monitor limits |
| Payments | Make timely payments | Ultimately responsible for the bill |
| Card Security | Keep card secure | |
| Account Activity | Track personal spending | Monitor overall account activity |
Adding an Authorized User
The process for adding an authorized user varies depending on the specific American Express card. Generally, you can add an authorized user online, by phone, or through the American Express app. You’ll need to provide the authorized user’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Removing an Authorized User
You can remove an authorized user at any time by contacting American Express. This will terminate their access to the account and their card will be deactivated.
Building Credit as an Authorized User
Being an authorized user can be a helpful way to build credit, but it’s not a guarantee. The primary cardholder’s credit behavior significantly impacts the authorized user’s credit score. It’s important for both the primary cardholder and the authorized user to use the card responsibly and maintain good credit habits.
Key Takeaways
- Authorized users can use the card but aren’t responsible for payments
- Adding a user can help build their credit history
- Benefits for authorized users vary by card type and may include travel perks
Understanding Authorized Users on American Express Cards
American Express lets cardholders add authorized users to their accounts. This can benefit both the main cardholder and the added user, but it comes with some key points to consider.
The Role and Responsibilities of an Authorized User
An authorized user on an American Express card can make purchases with the card. They get their own card with their name on it. But the primary cardholder is still in charge of all payments.
Authorized users can:
- Make purchases
- Earn rewards (on some cards)
- Use card benefits
They cannot:
- Change account details
- Add more users
- Close the account
The main cardholder must pay for all charges. This includes what authorized users spend. American Express sets age limits for authorized users. They must be at least 13 years old.
Impact on Credit Score and Credit History
Being an authorized user can affect credit scores. The account shows up on the authorized user’s credit report. If the primary cardholder uses the card well, it can help the authorized user’s credit.
Good habits that can help:
- Paying on time
- Keeping balances low
But bad habits can hurt too. Late payments or high balances may lower the authorized user’s score. The impact depends on other factors in their credit history.
For new credit users, being an authorized user can help build credit. It’s a way to start a credit history without applying for their own card. This can be useful for young adults or those new to credit.
Benefits and Rewards for Authorized Users
Adding authorized users to an American Express card can unlock a range of perks and benefits. These extras can make the added cost worthwhile for many cardholders and their guests.
Navigating Amex Benefits for Additional Card Members
The Platinum Card offers many of its key benefits to authorized users. These folks get their own card and can earn points on purchases. They also get airport lounge access through the Global Lounge Collection. This includes entry to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges.
Authorized users can sign up for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Amex will cover the cost once every 4 years. They also get Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
For car rentals, authorized users enjoy perks with Hertz, Avis, and National. These include upgrades and faster service.
Exclusive Offers and Credits
Amex Offers are available to authorized users. These deals can save money on shopping, travel, and more. Users can add offers to their card through the Amex app or website.
Some credits are shared with the main account. The $200 hotel credit and $200 airline fee credit fall into this group. Other credits are per card. Each authorized user gets their own $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit each year.
Digital entertainment credits and Uber Cash are tied to the main account. The primary cardholder controls these benefits.
Travel and Luxury Perks for Frequent Travelers
Authorized users can book through Fine Hotels + Resorts. This program offers room upgrades, late checkout, and other luxury perks at select hotels.
They also get access to the Amex Concierge. This service can help with travel planning, dinner reservations, and more.
For flights, authorized users can use the International Airline Program. This offers discounts on premium tickets with certain airlines.
Travel insurance is another key perk. Authorized users get coverage for trip delays, lost baggage, and rental cars when they pay with their Amex card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adding an authorized user to an American Express card comes with benefits and responsibilities. Here are key points to know about fees, credit impacts, age limits, and more.
What are the benefits for an authorized user on an American Express card?
Authorized users can enjoy many perks on American Express cards. These may include airport lounge access, travel credits, and purchase protections.
Some cards offer unique benefits. The Platinum Card gives authorized users their own hotel and airline credits.
How does adding an authorized user on American Express impact their credit score?
Adding an authorized user can help build their credit history. The primary account holder’s payment history and credit utilization may appear on the authorized user’s credit report.
This can boost the authorized user’s credit score if the account is managed well. However, negative account activity could also harm their score.
Is there a fee associated with adding an authorized user to an American Express account?
Fees for authorized users vary by card type. Some cards offer free additional users, while others charge annual fees.
The Platinum Card charges $175 annually for up to three authorized users. Other cards may have lower or no fees for adding users.
What is the minimum age requirement for an American Express authorized user?
American Express does not set a minimum age for authorized users. The primary cardholder can add users of any age to their account.
This allows parents to add children as authorized users to help teach financial responsibility from a young age.
How does the credit limit for an American Express authorized user work?
Authorized users share the primary account holder’s credit limit. There is no separate limit for additional cardholders.
The primary cardholder can set spending limits for authorized users through their online account or by contacting customer service.
Can an American Express authorized user be denied, and what are the reasons?
American Express may deny an authorized user request in some cases. Reasons could include the primary account holder’s credit standing or past issues with the proposed authorized user.
If denied, American Express will inform the primary cardholder. They can contact customer service for more details about the decision.
