Adding someone to your American Express account as an authorized user can be a fantastic way to share the benefits of your card, help a loved one build credit, or manage family finances more efficiently. However, it's crucial to understand the implications, as you, the primary cardholder, remain ultimately responsible for all charges.
So, are you ready to extend the power of your American Express card? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
A Comprehensive Guide to Adding an Authorized User to Your American Express Account
Adding an authorized user, sometimes referred to as an "Additional Card Member," to your American Express account is a relatively straightforward process. American Express offers a few convenient ways to do this, primarily online or over the phone.
Step 1: Understand What an Authorized User Is (and Isn't!) – The Crucial First Look
Before you even think about clicking buttons or dialing numbers, let's get crystal clear on what you're doing. An authorized user is someone you grant permission to use your existing American Express credit card account. They receive their own card with their name on it, linked to your account.
Here's what's important to grasp:
Your Responsibility: You, the primary cardholder, are 100% financially responsible for all charges made by the authorized user, including any interest and fees. Even if they promise to pay you back, American Express will hold you accountable.
No Separate Account: The authorized user does not open a new account or have their own credit line with American Express. Their spending is on your account.
Credit Building Potential: For the authorized user, their activity on your account (especially if you maintain good payment habits) can positively impact their credit score. This is a common reason why parents add their children to their accounts.
Access to Benefits: Authorized users often gain access to many of the benefits of your American Express card, such as lounge access (on eligible cards like the Platinum Card), car rental elite status, and Amex Offers. However, some benefits, particularly those involving statement credits, may be limited or shared with the primary cardholder.
No Credit Check for Them: Generally, American Express does not perform a hard credit inquiry on the authorized user when you add them.
Now that you understand the fundamental aspects, let's proceed!
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Information
To add an authorized user, you'll need a few key pieces of information about the person you're adding. Having this ready will make the process much smoother.
Full Legal Name: As it appears on their government-issued identification.
Date of Birth: American Express typically requires authorized users to be at least 13 years old.
Address: Their current residential address.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Other Identification: While you might be able to initiate the process without it, Amex generally requires the authorized user's SSN within 60 days of adding them for credit reporting purposes. If you don't provide it, their card might be deactivated.
It's a good idea to confirm this information with the individual beforehand.
Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Method
American Express provides a couple of primary ways to add an authorized user: online or by phone. Both are efficient, so pick the one that's most convenient for you.
Sub-heading A: Adding an Authorized User Online (Recommended)
This is often the quickest and most straightforward method.
Log In to Your American Express Online Account: Go to the American Express website and enter your User ID and Password.
Navigate to Account Services: Once logged in, look for a section like "Account Services," "Manage Account," or "My Account." The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your card and the website's current layout.
Find "Add Someone to Your Account" or "Manage Other Users": Within the account services section, you'll typically find a link related to adding additional card members or managing other users. Click on this link.
Select the Card Account: If you have multiple American Express cards, you'll be prompted to select the specific card account to which you want to add the authorized user. Be mindful, as some cards may have different fees for authorized users.
Enter Authorized User's Details: A form will appear where you'll input the information you gathered in Step 2: full name, date of birth, address, and potentially their SSN.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all the entered information for accuracy. You'll likely see a summary of the terms, including any potential annual fees associated with adding an authorized user to your specific card.
Submit Your Request: Once you're satisfied, submit the request. American Express will then process the request and mail a card to the authorized user (or to your address, depending on your selection).
Sub-heading B: Adding an Authorized User by Phone
If you prefer to speak with a representative or have questions during the process, calling is a great option.
Locate Your Card's Customer Service Number: This number is usually found on the back of your American Express card or on their official website under the "Contact Us" section.
Call American Express Customer Service: Dial the number and follow the prompts to speak with a customer service representative regarding your credit card account.
State Your Intent: Clearly inform the representative that you wish to add an authorized user to your account.
Provide Requested Information: The representative will ask for your account details to verify your identity, and then for the authorized user's information (as gathered in Step 2).
Listen for Confirmation: The representative will confirm the details and inform you about the next steps, including when the card is expected to arrive.
Step 4: Consider Any Fees and Benefits
While some American Express cards offer free authorized users, many premium cards do charge an annual fee for each additional card member. For example, adding an authorized user to the Amex Platinum Card can incur a significant annual fee, though they gain substantial benefits like lounge access.
Before finalizing, ensure you understand any associated costs and the specific benefits your authorized user will receive. American Express is transparent about these details during the process.
Step 5: Setting Expectations and Managing the Account
Once the authorized user's card arrives (typically within 3-5 business days), activate it as per the instructions.
Communicate Clearly: Have an open discussion with your authorized user about spending limits, how they should inform you of purchases, and repayment arrangements (if applicable). Remember, you're on the hook for all charges.
Monitor Spending: Regularly review your American Express statements online or through the Amex app. You'll see all purchases itemized, often indicating which card (primary or authorized user) made the transaction. This helps you track their spending and ensures they're adhering to any agreements you've made.
Help Them Build Credit (If Applicable): If the goal is credit building, emphasize the importance of responsible spending on their part, knowing that your on-time payments will be reported to the credit bureaus for their benefit (if they are 18 or older).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about adding authorized users to an American Express account:
How to add an authorized user online? Log in to your American Express account, navigate to "Account Services" or "Manage Account," find the option to "Add Someone to Your Account" or "Manage Other Users," and follow the prompts to enter their details.
How to add an authorized user by phone? Call the customer service number on the back of your American Express card and inform the representative you wish to add an authorized user. They will guide you through the process.
How to check if adding an authorized user costs a fee? During the online process, American Express will clearly display any fees associated with adding an authorized user for your specific card. You can also confirm this by calling customer service or checking your card's terms and conditions.
How to determine the age requirement for an American Express authorized user? American Express generally requires authorized users to be at least 13 years old.
How to provide the authorized user's Social Security Number (SSN)? You can often provide it during the initial online or phone application. If not, American Express typically requires it within 60 days for credit reporting purposes, and they will contact you if it's missing.
How to monitor an authorized user's spending? All authorized user purchases will appear on your primary monthly statement, itemized by individual card. You can also view this activity in real-time through your online account or the Amex app.
How to remove an authorized user from an American Express account? You can typically remove an authorized user by logging into your online account (look for "Manage Other Users" or similar) or by calling American Express customer service.
How to ensure an authorized user's spending helps their credit score? The primary cardholder must consistently make on-time payments and keep the credit utilization low. This positive payment history will generally be reported for the authorized user (if they are 18 or older).
How to grant an authorized user access to their own online account? Once the authorized user receives their card, they can visit the American Express website and register for their own online account, allowing them to view their specific transactions and the overall account balance.
How to know what benefits an authorized user receives? The benefits an authorized user receives vary by the specific American Express card. Generally, they get access to many of the primary card's travel, purchase protection, and lifestyle benefits, but certain statement credits or specific perks might be reserved for the primary cardholder or shared. It's best to check your card's benefit guide or ask an Amex representative.
