Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to share your American Express account with a trusted family member or friend? Maybe it's for a spouse to help with household expenses, a college-bound child to build credit, or a business partner to manage shared spending. Whatever the reason, adding an authorized user to your Amex account is a straightforward process that can offer a variety of benefits. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from understanding the basics to the final activation of the new card.
Step 1: Understanding What It Means to Add an Authorized User
Before you dive into the process, it's crucial to understand the implications of adding an authorized user. This is a big step, so let's get the facts straight.
What is an Authorized User?
An authorized user (or "Additional Card Member," as American Express calls it) is someone you, the primary account holder, grant permission to use your credit card account. They will receive their own physical card with their name on it, but all charges they make will be posted to your account.
Key Responsibilities You're Taking On
You are responsible for all charges. This is the most important thing to remember. As the primary cardholder, you are legally and financially responsible for every single purchase made on the account, including those made by your authorized user.
Their spending impacts your credit. The account activity—both positive and negative—is typically reported to the credit bureaus for both the primary and authorized user. This means responsible use can help your authorized user build their credit history, but irresponsible spending can negatively impact both of your credit scores.
Some card products have an additional fee. While some American Express cards allow you to add authorized users for free, many premium cards, like the Platinum Card®, charge an annual fee for each additional card. It's essential to check your specific card's terms and conditions to understand any associated costs.
Benefits of Adding an Authorized User
Builds credit history: For a younger family member just starting, this is a fantastic way to establish a positive credit history.
Shared benefits: Depending on the card, authorized users can often access many of the same perks as the primary cardholder, such as airport lounge access, hotel status, and Amex Offers.
Centralized spending: It's a great way to consolidate household or business expenses into one single account, making it easier to track and manage.
Convenience: It provides a trusted individual with spending power without them having to apply for their own credit card.
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| How To Add Someone To Your American Express Account |
Step 2: Gathering the Necessary Information
To ensure a smooth process, you'll need to have a few key pieces of information on hand for the person you're adding. American Express is very particular about security, so make sure you have the following ready before you begin.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Full Legal Name: As it appears on their government-issued ID.
Date of Birth: To verify their identity and ensure they meet the minimum age requirement (typically 13 years old).
Social Security Number (SSN): While not always required for every card, having this on hand will make the process faster and smoother. It also helps in reporting their credit activity accurately.
Residential Address: To ensure the card is mailed to the correct location.
Step 3: The Online Application Process
This is the most common and convenient way to add an authorized user. Follow these steps carefully from your computer or the American Express app.
Sub-heading: Logging into Your Account
Navigate to the official American Express website or open your American Express mobile app.
Log in with your User ID and password. You may be prompted to enter a one-time security code sent to your email or phone for verification.
Sub-heading: Finding the 'Add a Person' Option
Once you're on your account dashboard, look for a section related to Account Services or Card Management.
Within this section, you'll typically find an option to "Add a Person to Your Account" or "Manage Other Users." This may also be labeled "Additional Cards" or "Authorized Users."
Click on this option.
Sub-heading: Filling Out the Form
You will be directed to a secure form where you'll input the authorized user's details.
Carefully enter the full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (if requested).
You may be given the option to set a spending limit for the additional card. While this is an excellent feature for managing spending, it's important to remember that it's not a guarantee against all over-limit charges. Some transactions, such as recurring bills or international purchases, may not be subject to the limit.
Review all the information you have entered to ensure it is accurate.
Sub-heading: Reviewing and Submitting
Read through the terms and conditions carefully. This section will detail your responsibilities, any associated fees, and how the account activity will be reported.
Check the box to authorize the addition of the new card member.
Click "Submit" to complete the application.
Step 4: What Happens Next?
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
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The hard part is over! Now, you just need to wait for the new card to arrive and get it activated.
Sub-heading: Waiting for the Card
American Express will typically mail the new card to the address you provided within 7-10 business days.
The card will be sent in a plain, unmarked envelope for security purposes. The authorized user's name will be on the card.
Sub-heading: Activating the Card
Once the authorized user receives their card, they'll need to activate it. They can do this by calling the number on the sticker on the front of the card or by visiting the activation page on the American Express website.
They will need to provide the 15-digit card number and the 4-digit card ID, which is located on the front of the card.
Upon successful activation, they can begin using the card immediately.
Step 5: Setting Up the Account for the Authorized User
To give your authorized user more control and visibility (and to make your life easier!), you can help them create their own online account.
Have them go to the American Express website and click "Create New Online Account."
They'll need their new card number and the security code to create their own User ID and password.
Once they have their own login, they can view their spending activity, access card benefits, and even enroll in Amex Offers—all without seeing your full account details or personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to add someone to my American Express account if they are under 18?
American Express allows you to add authorized users who are at least 13 years old. You will need to provide their personal information and you will be fully responsible for all charges they make.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
How to add a business partner to my American Express Business card?
The process is largely the same as for a personal card. Log in to your business account, find the "Add an Employee Card" or "Add Additional Card Member" section, and follow the steps to provide their information.
How to remove an authorized user from my American Express account?
You can remove an authorized user at any time. The simplest way is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. Some accounts may also allow you to do this through your online account.
How to set spending limits for an authorized user?
During the online application process, you will often be given the option to set a specific spending limit for the additional card. You can also contact customer service to have this done for you.
How to know if there is a fee for an authorized user?
The fee for adding an authorized user varies by card product. The best way to check is to log in to your account and go through the "Add a Person" flow, where the fee will be clearly stated. You can also check your Card Member Agreement or call customer service.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
How to get the same benefits for my authorized user?
Many benefits, like airport lounge access and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits, are extended to authorized users on premium cards. However, some credits (like streaming or airline fee credits) may only be available to the primary cardholder. Check the specific benefits of your card to be sure.
How to make sure the authorized user builds their credit?
Ensure the account is kept in good standing with on-time payments and low credit utilization. The authorized user's activity will be reported to the major credit bureaus, and their responsible use will help build a positive credit history.
How to get a different card for an authorized user?
With some premium cards like the Platinum Card®, you may have the option to add a Companion Card which may have different fees and benefits than a full authorized user card. You'll see this option during the application process if it's available.
How to add a new card member over the phone?
If you're not comfortable with the online process, you can always call the customer service number on the back of your American Express card. A representative will be able to guide you through the process and add the authorized user for you.
How to get a new card for my authorized user if theirs is lost or stolen?
Just like with your primary card, if your authorized user's card is lost or stolen, you or they can report it immediately. You can do this online or by calling American Express, and a new card will be issued to them.
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