Ever thought about how many people have access to your financial resources? While adding an authorized user to your American Express account can be incredibly convenient, there might come a time when you need to revoke those privileges. Perhaps a relationship has changed, spending habits are concerning, or you simply want to simplify your financial life. Whatever the reason, knowing how to remove someone from your Amex account is crucial for maintaining control and safeguarding your finances.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have all the information you need to confidently remove an authorized user. Let's get started!
Step 1: Understand Why You're Removing Them (and the Implications) ♀️
Before you pick up the phone or log in, take a moment to consider why you're making this decision. The reasons can vary, and understanding them can help you prepare for any conversations or potential repercussions.
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| How Do I Remove Someone From My American Express Account |
Common Reasons for Removing an Authorized User:
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Relationship Changes: A divorce, breakup, or even a friendship turning sour can necessitate removing someone from your account.
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Spending Concerns: If the authorized user is consistently overspending, not contributing to payments, or making purchases you're uncomfortable with, it's a clear sign to act.
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Financial Independence: The authorized user might have built sufficient credit and is ready to establish their own financial accounts.
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Simplification: You might simply want to reduce the number of people associated with your account for better financial oversight.
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Security Reasons: If you suspect misuse or fraudulent activity, immediate removal is essential.
Potential Impact on Credit Scores (Yours and Theirs):
Removing an authorized user can have an impact on both your credit score and theirs.
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For the Primary Cardholder (You): The impact is generally minimal if you maintain good financial habits. Your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit) might change if the authorized user's spending was significant, but it usually stabilizes quickly.
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For the Authorized User: This is where the biggest impact can occur. When an authorized user is removed, the account typically disappears from their credit report.
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If this was their only or oldest credit account, their credit history length could shorten, potentially leading to a temporary drop in their credit score.
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If the primary account had a high credit utilization or a history of late payments, removing the authorized user might actually benefit their credit score in the long run, as that negative history will no longer be reported.
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Pro Tip: If the authorized user is looking to build their own credit, encourage them to apply for their own credit card before you remove them from your Amex account. This ensures a smoother transition and helps maintain their credit history.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
Having the right information at hand will make the removal process much smoother.
What You'll Likely Need:
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Your American Express Account Number: This is crucial for verifying your identity.
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Your Personal Information: This includes your full name, address, and potentially your Social Security Number (SSN) or other identifying details.
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The Authorized User's Full Name: You'll need their exact name as it appears on the account or their card.
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The Authorized User's Card Number (if available): While not always strictly necessary, having the physical card or its number can sometimes expedite the process.
Step 3: Choose Your Removal Method
American Express offers a few ways to remove an authorized user. The most common and generally recommended methods are by phone or through your online account.
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
Option 1: Calling American Express Customer Service (Recommended for Quickest Results)
This is often the most direct and fastest way to remove an authorized user.
Sub-step 3.1: Locate the Customer Service Number
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The primary customer service number for American Express is typically found on the back of your credit card. For general inquiries, you can often reach American Express at 1-800-528-4800 (for U.S. accounts).
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If you have a specific card type (e.g., Platinum, Gold), check the Amex website or your card's benefits guide for a dedicated customer service line, as these often offer specialized support.
Sub-step 3.2: Prepare for the Call
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Have your account number and personal identification ready.
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Be clear and concise about your request: "I would like to remove an authorized user from my account."
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Be ready to provide the authorized user's full name.
Sub-step 3.3: The Call Process
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Dial the Number: Call the American Express customer service line.
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Navigate the Menu: You'll likely go through an automated menu. Listen carefully for options related to "account services," "managing authorized users," or "other inquiries." If you're unsure, selecting the option to speak with a representative is always a good choice.
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Verify Your Identity: The representative will ask you security questions to confirm you are the primary cardholder. This might include your name, address, SSN, mother's maiden name, or specific recent transactions.
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State Your Request: Clearly inform the representative that you wish to remove an authorized user from your account. Provide the authorized user's full name.
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Confirmation: The representative will confirm the removal. Ask for a confirmation number or email for your records. They may also tell you what will happen to the physical card (it will be deactivated).
Option 2: Removing an Authorized User Online (If Available)
Some American Express accounts offer the ability to manage authorized users directly through your online account portal. This option might vary depending on your specific card product.
Sub-step 3.1: Log In to Your Online Account
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Go to the official American Express website (americanexpress.com).
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Enter your User ID and Password to log in.
Sub-step 3.2: Navigate to Account Management
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Once logged in, look for sections like "Account Management," "Account Services," "Manage My Card," or "Additional Card Members." The exact wording might differ based on the website's layout and your card type.
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You might find an option to "Add or Remove Authorized Users" or something similar.
Sub-step 3.3: Select and Remove the User
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
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Locate the authorized user you wish to remove from the list.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal. You may need to confirm your decision with a password or other security measure.
Note: If you cannot find an option to remove an authorized user online, it means this functionality isn't available for your specific card, and you'll need to call customer service.
Step 4: Secure Your Account After Removal
Once the authorized user has been removed, it's a good idea to take a few extra steps to ensure your account's security.
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Sub-step 4.1: Destroy the Authorized User's Card
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The authorized user's physical card will be deactivated immediately upon removal. However, it's best practice to retrieve the card from them (if possible and amicable) and shred it or cut it thoroughly through the magnetic stripe and chip. This prevents any accidental or unauthorized attempts to use it.
Sub-step 4.2: Consider a New Card Number (Optional, but Recommended in Some Cases)
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While removing an authorized user deactivates their card, the account number itself remains the same unless you request a new one.
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If you are removing someone due to trust issues, suspected misuse, or a contentious breakup, it's highly recommended to request a new card number for your primary card. This ensures that even if they had memorized the number or had it stored somewhere, they can no longer make charges.
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When requesting a new card number, be prepared to update any recurring payments or subscriptions linked to your old card number.
Sub-step 4.3: Monitor Your Statements Closely
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For the next billing cycle or two, carefully review your American Express statements. This is to ensure no lingering charges from the authorized user appear and that the removal has been fully processed.
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If you notice any unauthorized activity, contact American Express immediately.
Step 5: Communicate (If Appropriate) ️
While not strictly necessary for the removal itself, informing the authorized user about their removal is often a good idea to avoid awkward situations or confusion.
Sub-step 5.1: The "Why" and "What"
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Be honest but firm. Explain your reasons for the removal.
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Inform them that their card will no longer work.
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If there are outstanding balances or purchases they made that you expect them to repay, discuss this clearly. It's best to settle any financial obligations as quickly as possible.
Sub-step 5.2: Handling the Conversation
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In-Person or Phone Call: These are often the best methods for sensitive discussions.
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Keep it Professional: Even if the relationship is strained, try to keep the conversation as professional and calm as possible.
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Set Expectations: Clearly state that the card is no longer active and they should not attempt to use it.
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
Step 6: Follow Up on Credit Reports (Especially for the Authorized User)
After a few weeks or a month, it's a good practice to check credit reports to confirm the account has been removed.
Sub-step 6.1: For the Authorized User (Most Important)
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The authorized user should obtain their credit report from all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) a month or two after the removal.
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They can get a free copy of their credit report annually from AnnualCreditReport.com.
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They should look to see if the American Express account no longer appears on their report. If it does, they may need to dispute it with the credit bureaus to have it removed.
Sub-step 6.2: For the Primary Cardholder
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While less critical, you can also check your credit report to ensure everything looks as expected and there are no unexpected changes to your credit utilization or account history related to the removal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to remove an authorized user from American Express online?
You can remove an authorized user by logging into your American Express online account and navigating to the "Account Management" or "Additional Card Members" section, if this feature is available for your specific card. If not, you'll need to call customer service.
How to remove myself as an authorized user on an Amex card?
If you are an authorized user and wish to be removed, you can typically call the American Express customer service number on the back of the card and request to be removed from the account. You do not need the primary cardholder's permission to remove yourself.
How to remove a deceased person from an American Express account?
To remove a deceased authorized user, you will need to contact American Express customer service and inform them of the cardholder's passing. They will guide you through the necessary steps, which typically involve providing documentation like a death certificate.
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
How to remove a spouse from my American Express account?
The process for removing a spouse is the same as removing any other authorized user: either call American Express customer service or, if available, remove them through your online account.
How to remove a business authorized user from American Express?
For business accounts, the process is similar to personal accounts. You'll generally need to contact American Express customer service for business accounts or manage it through your Amex @Work or business online portal.
How to stop an authorized user from using my Amex card immediately?
The quickest way to stop an authorized user from using your card immediately is to call American Express customer service and request their immediate removal. This will deactivate their physical card. You can also request a new card number for your primary account for added security.
How to get a new card number after removing an authorized user?
After removing an authorized user, you can request a new card number by calling American Express customer service. This is often recommended if you have any concerns about the authorized user having access to your previous card number.
How to check if an authorized user has been removed from my Amex account?
You can verify the removal by logging into your online American Express account and checking the list of authorized users, or by calling customer service and asking for confirmation. Additionally, the authorized user's card will no longer work.
How to deal with charges made by an authorized user after removal?
If an authorized user made charges before their removal, you, as the primary cardholder, are still legally responsible for those charges. You'll need to settle these with the authorized user directly. If charges appear after their removal, contact American Express immediately to report unauthorized activity.
How to understand the credit impact of removing an authorized user?
Removing an authorized user typically causes their credit report to no longer show that account. If it was their oldest or only account, their credit score might temporarily drop due to a shorter credit history. For the primary cardholder, the impact is usually minimal unless it significantly alters your overall credit utilization.
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