The Authorized User Strategy
Inherit years of credit history for free. The fastest way to build credit — if someone with good credit is willing to help.
When you're added as an authorized user on someone else's credit card, that account appears on YOUR credit report with its full history.
This means if your parent adds you to a card they've had for 15 years with perfect payment history, you can inherit that entire 15 years of credit history. In 30-60 days. For free.
This is one of the most powerful credit building strategies available — especially for people with no credit or thin credit files.
How It Works
- Someone adds you to their credit card as an authorized user (usually takes a phone call)
- You don't need the card — being added is enough (you don't even need to know the card number)
- The bank reports the account to credit bureaus with your name/SSN attached
- The account appears on your credit report (typically within 1-2 billing cycles)
- You inherit the account's age, credit limit, and payment history
Key point: You're not legally responsible for the debt. Only the primary cardholder has to pay. You just get the credit history benefit.
Which Banks "Backdate" Authorized Users?
Not all banks are equal. Some banks "backdate" the account, meaning you inherit the full account age. Others start the clock from when you were added.
| Bank | Backdates? | Min Age | Reports To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | ✓ Yes | None | All 3 |
| Capital One | ✓ Yes | None | All 3 |
| Citi | ✓ Yes | None | All 3 |
| Discover | ✓ Yes | 15 years | All 3 |
| Bank of America | ✓ Yes | None | All 3 |
| US Bank | ✓ Yes | 16 years | All 3 |
| Barclays | ✓ Yes | 13 years | All 3 |
| American Express | ✗ No | 13 years | All 3 |
⚠️ American Express Does NOT Backdate
If you're added to an Amex card opened in 2010, your credit report will show the account starting from when you were added (e.g., 2025), NOT 2010. The card may say "Member Since 2010" but that's not what gets reported to bureaus. For building credit history age, avoid Amex for authorized users.
What Makes a "Perfect" Account for AU Strategy
Not all accounts are equally valuable. Here's what to look for:
- Long history — The older the better. 10+ years is ideal.
- 100% on-time payments — Any late payments will show on your report too
- Low utilization — Under 10% is ideal. High utilization hurts.
- High credit limit — Adds to your total available credit
- Backdating bank — Chase, Capital One, Citi (not Amex)
💡 The Ideal Scenario
Parent has a Chase card opened in 2008, never missed a payment, $15,000 limit, usually keeps a $500 balance. They add you as AU. Result: You inherit 17 years of perfect credit history, $15,000 in available credit, and 3% utilization. Your average age of accounts jumps dramatically.
How to Ask Someone
This is often the hardest part. Here's how to have the conversation:
Key points to emphasize:
- "You stay in complete control" — They can remove you anytime with one phone call
- "I don't need the card" — You don't need to use it, have it, or know the number
- "I'm not responsible for paying" — Only they are legally liable for the debt
- "It won't affect your credit" — Adding an AU doesn't impact the primary's score
- "It will really help me" — Explain why you need to build credit (apartment, car, etc.)
Sample script:
Risks for the Primary Cardholder
In fairness, here are the (minimal) risks for the person adding you:
- If they give you a card: You could spend on it and they'd owe the money
- Credit limit impact: Some banks count AU credit limits toward the primary's total exposure
- Removing you: Takes a phone call but isn't instant
Solutions: They can add you without ordering a physical card. They can set spending limits. They can monitor the account. Most importantly — they're always in control.
What If the Primary's Credit Goes Bad?
If the primary cardholder starts missing payments after adding you, that will show on your credit too. However:
- You can remove yourself at any time by calling the bank
- Experian specifically will remove AU accounts that go delinquent when you weren't responsible for paying
- Dispute if needed — You can dispute AU accounts showing negative info since you weren't obligated on the debt
Authorized User vs. Joint Account Holder
These are very different:
| Authorized User | Joint Account Holder | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal liability | None | Full liability |
| Can be removed | Yes, easily | Very difficult |
| Negative marks | Can be removed | Permanent |
| Availability | Most cards | Rare (mostly CUs) |
Stick with authorized user status. Joint accounts make you legally responsible for the debt and are much harder to escape from.
Don't Buy Tradelines
There's a shady industry of companies selling "tradelines" — paying strangers to add you as an AU on their cards. Avoid this.
- FICO 8 detects it — The algorithm discounts AU accounts where there's no family relationship
- Mortgage underwriters flag it — Fannie Mae guidelines allow them to disregard non-family AU accounts
- Identity theft risk — You're giving your SSN to strangers
- Potential fraud — Using it to misrepresent creditworthiness can be bank fraud
The authorized user strategy works best when it's organic — family members or close friends helping you build credit legitimately.
Timeline: What to Expect
The Bottom Line
The authorized user strategy is the single fastest way to add years of credit history to your file. It's free, it's legal, and it works.
If you have a family member with good credit willing to help, this should be your first move. Combine it with Experian Boost and a secured card for maximum effect.
Just remember: use backdating banks (Chase, Capital One, Citi — not Amex), choose accounts with long history and low utilization, and never buy tradelines from strangers.