What adding an authorized user means

An authorized user is someone you give permission to access your account and take actions on your behalf. Depending on the account type, this might mean they can view your balance, make transactions, change settings, or manage billing. The person you add does not need their own separate account — they use your existing one with the permissions you set.

The process and what an authorized user can do varies significantly by account type. A bank account authorized user has different powers than an authorized user on a credit card, which differs again from an authorized user on a utility account or insurance policy. Before you start, know what you want this person to be able to do, because that determines which account type you are working with and what steps come next.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add an authorized user through your account settings, your provider's website, by phone, or in person — the method depends on your provider and account type.
  • The person you add will need their full legal name, date of birth, and sometimes their Social Security number or ID number, depending on the account type.
  • An authorized user on a credit card builds their own credit history with that card, while an authorized user on a bank account typically cannot build credit.
  • You remain fully responsible for all activity on the account, including charges or withdrawals made by the authorized user.
  • You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same method you used to add them.

How to add an authorized user online

Most banks, credit card companies, and utilities let you add an authorized user through their website or mobile app. Log into your account and look for a section labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Users," "Authorized Users," or "Account Holders." The exact name varies by provider.

Once you find that section, you will typically see a button to add a new user. Click it and enter the person's full legal name, date of birth, and sometimes their Social Security number or government ID number. Some providers ask for their address as well. After you submit, the provider may send a confirmation email to you or to the authorized user, or both. Keep that confirmation — it shows the date the authorization took effect.

If you cannot find the section online, check your provider's help center or FAQ page by searching for "add authorized user" or "manage account access." If the option is not available online, move to the phone or in-person method below.

Adding an authorized user by phone or in person

Call your provider's customer service number — you will find it on your statement, on the back of your card, or on their website. Tell them you want to add an authorized user. They will ask for the person's full legal name, date of birth, and possibly their Social Security number or ID number. Have that information ready before you call.

The representative will confirm your identity by asking security questions or requesting information from your account. This protects against someone calling and adding themselves without your permission. Once confirmed, they will add the authorized user and tell you when the change takes effect — usually immediately, but sometimes within one to two business days.

If you prefer to do this in person, visit a branch of your bank or a local office of your provider. Bring a government-issued ID and the authorized user's full legal name and date of birth. The staff member will process the request on the spot or send it to their processing team, and you will receive written confirmation.

What information you need before you start

Before you contact your provider, gather the authorized user's full legal name exactly as it appears on their government ID — middle name and any suffixes matter. You will also need their date of birth in the format your provider requests, usually MM/DD/YYYY.

Many providers ask for a Social Security number or tax ID number, especially for credit card accounts or accounts that report to credit bureaus. Some ask for a government-issued ID number instead. A few providers, particularly for utility or basic bank accounts, may only need the name and date of birth. Check your provider's website or call ahead to confirm what they require — this saves time when you are ready to add the user.

How authorized users affect credit and liability

On a credit card, an authorized user's activity appears on both your credit report and theirs. This means their credit score can improve or decline based on how the card is used. If you add a family member with poor credit habits, their spending affects your account and your credit score. If you add someone with excellent credit, it does not help your score — only their own activity on the card affects their credit.

On a bank account, an authorized user typically does not build credit history. Their access is limited to the account itself — they can withdraw money, make deposits, or pay bills from that account, but the activity does not appear on their credit report.

You remain legally responsible for all activity on the account, whether you made it or the authorized user did. If an authorized user overspends, overdrafts the account, or makes unauthorized charges, you are liable. You cannot later claim the charges were not yours just because someone else made them. This is why you should only add people you trust completely.

Removing an authorized user

You can remove an authorized user at any time using the same method you used to add them. Online, go to your account settings, find the authorized user's name, and look for a "Remove," "Delete," or "Revoke Access" button. By phone, call customer service and ask them to remove the person by name. In person, visit a branch and ask a staff member to process the removal.

The removal usually takes effect immediately, though some providers process it within one business day. Once removed, the authorized user loses access to your account. If they have a physical card in their name, contact your provider to have that card cancelled as well — removing them from the account does not automatically cancel their card.

What happens after you add an authorized user

If you added the authorized user online or by phone, your provider will send confirmation to you by email or mail. If you added them in person, ask for a written receipt. Keep this confirmation — it shows the date the authorization took effect and the authorized user's name as it appears in your account.

If the authorized user needs a physical card or checkbook, your provider will mail those separately. This can take five to ten business days. In the meantime, the authorized user can often access the account online or by phone using your account number and their own password, depending on your provider's system.

You should tell the authorized user how to access the account and what they are and are not permitted to do. Even though they have technical access, you set the boundaries — for example, you might say they can view the balance but not make transfers, or they can pay bills but not change the account holder's contact information. Your provider's system may enforce some of these limits automatically, but others depend on trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an authorized user see my full account history?

Usually yes. An authorized user can typically view transactions, balances, and statements going back as far as your provider stores them online. Some providers let you restrict what an authorized user sees, but most do not. If privacy is a concern, do not add that person as an authorized user — consider other options like giving them a limited power of attorney instead.

What if I want to add someone who does not have a Social Security number?

Call your provider and ask whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a government-issued ID number from another country. Some do, some do not. If your provider cannot add them without a Social Security number, you may need to explore alternatives like a limited power of attorney or a joint account holder instead.

Does adding an authorized user affect their credit score?

On a credit card, yes — the card appears on their credit report and their score can move up or down based on how the card is used. On a bank account, no — authorized user status does not appear on credit reports. If you are trying to help someone build credit, adding them as an authorized user on a credit card is one way to do it, but only if the card is used responsibly.

Can I add an authorized user if the account is in someone else's name?

No. Only the account holder can add an authorized user. If you are not the account holder, you cannot add anyone. If you need someone else to have access to an account in another person's name, that person must contact their provider and add you themselves.

What is the difference between an authorized user and a joint account holder?

An authorized user has access to your account but you remain the sole owner and are responsible for all activity. A joint account holder is a co-owner — both of you own the account equally and both are responsible for all activity. Joint accounts are more complex legally and financially. If you only want to give someone temporary access or limited permissions, an authorized user is usually the simpler choice.