You’ve made the decision to remove an authorized user from your American Express account. Perhaps it's due to a change in a relationship, a need to manage spending, or a desire to simplify your finances. Whatever the reason, you're the primary cardholder, and you have the right and ability to make this change.
This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, ensuring a smooth and clear experience. Ready? Let's get started on regaining full control of your account.
Step 1: Understand Your Authority as the Primary Cardholder
First and foremost, it's crucial to remember that as the primary account holder, you hold all the power here. You are the one who is legally responsible for all charges on the account, including those made by authorized users. This means you can add or remove an authorized user at any time, for any reason, without their consent.
This is your account, and your financial well-being is the top priority.
Before you proceed, it's a good idea to consider the following:
Communication is Key: While it's not a requirement, it's often a good practice to inform the authorized user of your decision. This prevents an awkward situation where their card is unexpectedly declined at a store. A simple, polite conversation can save a lot of grief.
Finalize Any Payments: If the authorized user has made charges on the card, make sure to settle any outstanding balances with them. You are responsible for paying American Express, regardless of who made the purchase.
Gather Your Information: Have your American Express account details handy, including your account number and security information. You'll need this to verify your identity.
Step 2: Choose Your Method of Removal
American Express provides a couple of straightforward ways to remove an authorized user. The most common and reliable method is by phone, but some issuers may also offer an online option.
Method A: The Most Reliable Way - Calling Customer Service
This is the most common and often the fastest way to remove an authorized user from your account. It ensures you are speaking directly with a representative who can process the request immediately.
Locate the Customer Service Number: Look on the back of your American Express card for the customer service number. Alternatively, you can find it on your statement or on the American Express website. The general customer service number for American Express is often 1-800-528-4800, but it's best to use the number specific to your card product.
Make the Call: Call the number and navigate the automated menu. You will want to speak with a customer service representative. You might have to say "representative" or "agent" to bypass the automated system.
Verify Your Identity: The representative will ask for your personal information to confirm you are the primary cardholder. Be prepared to provide details like your name, account number, Social Security Number, and possibly other security questions.
State Your Request Clearly: Once you've been verified, simply state your request: "I would like to remove an authorized user from my account." Provide the authorized user's full name and any other information the representative requests.
Confirm the Removal: The representative will process the request and confirm that the authorized user has been removed from the account. They will also confirm that the associated physical card is now inactive and cannot be used for any new purchases.
Method B: The Digital Approach - Online Account Management
While calling is the traditional route, some card issuers are now offering online options for managing authorized users. The availability of this feature can vary by card type and country.
Log in to Your American Express Account: Go to the American Express website and log in to your account.
Navigate to Account Services: Look for a section related to "Account Services" or "Manage My Card." This is where you typically find options for things like requesting a new card, updating your information, and managing additional card members.
Find the Authorized User Section: Within the account management area, search for an option to "Add or Remove Authorized Users" or "Manage Additional Card Members."
Select the User to Remove: You should see a list of the authorized users on your account. Find the name of the individual you want to remove and follow the prompts to complete the process.
Confirm the Change: After confirming your request, you may receive an email or a notification in your account dashboard confirming that the user has been successfully removed.
Remember to double-check that the change has been processed correctly, whether by a follow-up email or by confirming with a representative.
Step 3: Post-Removal Actions and Considerations
Once the authorized user has been removed, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a complete and clean separation.
Destroy the Physical Card: This is a critical step. Make sure the authorized user's physical card is destroyed. Cutting it up into small pieces and properly disposing of it is the best way to prevent any accidental or unauthorized use.
Monitor Your Account: For the next billing cycle or two, it’s a good practice to closely monitor your statements and online account activity to ensure no new charges are being made under the old authorized user's name. This is a crucial security measure.
The Impact on Credit Scores: This is a significant point. Removing an authorized user from an American Express account will typically result in the account being removed from their credit report. This could cause their credit score to change, either positively or negatively, depending on the account's history and their overall credit profile. If the authorized user was benefiting from a long-standing account with a perfect payment history, their score may drop. Conversely, if the account had a high credit utilization or negative payment history, removing it could actually help their score.
The Impact on Your Credit Score: Your credit score as the primary cardholder will not be directly impacted by removing an authorized user. However, if the authorized user's spending habits had been impacting your credit utilization ratio (for example, if they had been running up a high balance), your credit score may improve once that spending is no longer a factor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to remove an authorized user from American Express online? You may be able to remove an authorized user by logging into your American Express account, navigating to the "Account Services" or "Manage My Card" section, and finding the option to manage additional card members. The availability of this feature can vary, so if you don't see it, the phone call method is the best alternative.
How to remove an authorized user from American Express by phone? To remove an authorized user by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your American Express card. Follow the prompts to speak with a representative, verify your identity, and then clearly state your request to have the authorized user removed from your account.
How to find my American Express customer service number? Your customer service number is printed on the back of your American Express card. You can also find it on your monthly billing statement or by visiting the American Express website and navigating to the "Contact Us" or "Support" page.
How to know if a user has been successfully removed? The American Express representative will confirm the removal during your phone call. If you use the online method, you may receive an email confirmation or see the change reflected in your account dashboard. You can also verify by checking your account summary to see that the authorized user is no longer listed.
How to remove myself as an authorized user from someone else's American Express account? If you are the authorized user, you can also request to be removed from the account. Simply call the customer service number on the back of the card and ask to be taken off as an authorized user. You do not need the primary cardholder's permission to do this.
How to handle a situation where the authorized user refuses to give back the card? Once you have officially removed the authorized user from your account, the physical card becomes inactive. Any attempt to use it will result in a declined transaction. The best course of action is to destroy the card yourself if you can, but even if you can’t, it will no longer function.
How to ensure the authorized user's charges are paid after removal? As the primary cardholder, you are ultimately responsible for all charges. If the authorized user owes you money, it's a private matter between you and them. You should settle any outstanding balance before or immediately after the removal to avoid late fees on your American Express account.
How to prevent an authorized user from being added again? American Express typically requires the primary cardholder to initiate the process of adding an authorized user. Therefore, as long as you do not take that action, a user cannot be added back to your account without your consent.
How to find out if an additional card has an annual fee? The annual fee for an additional card (authorized user card) varies depending on the specific American Express card product. You can check the terms and conditions of your card, or ask a customer service representative directly, to confirm if there is a fee for adding or maintaining an authorized user.
How to deal with the credit score impact on the authorized user? If the authorized user is concerned about the impact on their credit score, the best advice is for them to build their own credit history with their own primary credit card accounts. Removing them from your account will remove that specific credit history from their report, but it’s a necessary step if you need to take control of your finances.
