Are you curious about maximizing your American Express credit card benefits by adding authorized users? It's a fantastic way to share the perks and potentially boost your rewards earning, but there are some important details to understand. Let's dive deep into how many authorized users you can add to your Amex card, the benefits, potential costs, and crucial considerations.
Step 1: Understand What an "Authorized User" Is
First things first, let's clarify what an authorized user (sometimes called a "Supplementary Cardmember" by American Express in some regions) actually is.
An authorized user is someone you, as the primary cardholder, allow to use your credit card account to make purchases. They receive their own physical card with their name on it, but all charges they make are your responsibility. This means you're ultimately liable for paying the bill, regardless of who made the purchase.
It's crucial to understand that an authorized user does not have their own individual account with American Express. Their spending is linked to your account, and their activity (good or bad) can be reported to credit bureaus, potentially impacting both their credit history and yours.
Step 2: How Many Authorized Users Can You Add to an American Express Card?
The number of authorized users you can add to an American Express credit card generally depends on the specific card product. While American Express doesn't typically impose a hard, fixed global limit across all its cards, there are some common patterns and important distinctions:
Sub-heading: General Guidelines for Most Amex Cards
For many American Express credit cards, especially those that don't carry a high annual fee, you can often add a reasonable number of authorized users, sometimes even up to 99 additional users for business cards like The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. For personal cards, the number can vary, but it's generally quite generous.
However, the key takeaway is that American Express allows you to add multiple authorized users. The precise maximum number often isn't explicitly stated as a hard cap like "you can only add five," but rather implied by the card's terms or the system's capacity.
Sub-heading: Specifics for Premium Cards (and Associated Fees)
For premium American Express cards, particularly those with higher annual fees, there might be specific policies regarding authorized users and associated costs.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: For The Platinum Card, you can add authorized users, but there is typically a fee associated with each additional Platinum Card authorized user. As of recent information, it can be around $195 per additional Platinum Card authorized user. However, it's worth noting that you might be able to add a "Companion Platinum Card" for free, which comes with fewer benefits but can still be useful for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck reimbursement and travel coverage.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: For this business card, you can add employee cards (which function as authorized user cards). The fee for these authorized users has been around $350 per additional card. You can add a significant number, sometimes up to 99, to facilitate business expenses.
Other Cards (e.g., Gold Card, Delta SkyMiles Reserve): Some cards, like the Amex Gold Card, might allow you to add a certain number of authorized users for free (e.g., up to 5) and then charge a fee for additional users beyond that. Other cards, like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, may also charge a fee for authorized users, often around $175 per year per authorized user.
Always check the specific terms and conditions of your American Express card or contact Amex directly to confirm the exact number of authorized users allowed and any associated fees, as these can change.
Step 3: The Benefits of Adding Authorized Users
Adding authorized users to your American Express card can offer several advantages for both the primary cardholder and the authorized user.
Sub-heading: For the Primary Cardholder
Faster Rewards Earning: All purchases made by authorized users contribute to your rewards points or cash back balance. This means you can accumulate rewards much more quickly.
Meeting Welcome Bonus Spending Requirements: If you're working towards a welcome bonus that requires a certain amount of spending within a specific timeframe, authorized user spending counts towards that goal.
Consolidated Spending: You can easily track and manage all household or business expenses under a single account, simplifying budgeting and financial oversight. American Express often provides tools to monitor individual authorized user spending.
Sharing Card Benefits: Depending on the card, authorized users can access many of the primary card's benefits, such as lounge access, hotel elite status, rental car insurance, and purchase protections.
Building Credit for Others: If you add a responsible authorized user with limited or no credit history (like a young adult), their positive activity on your account can help them build a strong credit profile.
Sub-heading: For the Authorized User
Access to Credit Without a Separate Application: They gain immediate access to a credit card without needing to go through their own credit check or application process.
Building Credit History: As long as the primary cardholder manages the account responsibly (on-time payments, low utilization), the authorized user's credit report can reflect this positive history, helping them establish or improve their credit score. This is particularly beneficial for those just starting their credit journey.
Enjoying Card Perks: Authorized users can often enjoy many of the premium benefits associated with the primary card, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and purchase protection, without bearing the full annual fee of the card themselves.
Convenience for Shared Expenses: Ideal for spouses, family members, or trusted employees to make purchases directly that are linked to the primary account.
Step 4: Important Considerations and Potential Downsides
While adding authorized users can be highly beneficial, it's crucial to be aware of the responsibilities and potential risks.
Sub-heading: Primary Cardholder's Responsibilities
Ultimate Financial Liability: You are 100% responsible for all charges made by authorized users. If they overspend or fail to reimburse you, you are still obligated to pay the bill.
Impact on Your Credit Score: The spending and payment behavior of authorized users directly impact your credit score. High utilization or late payments by an authorized user can negatively affect your credit.
Trust is Key: Only add individuals you trust implicitly to manage spending responsibly.
Setting Spending Limits: American Express often allows you to set individual spending limits for each authorized user, which is a valuable tool for managing their expenditures. Utilize this feature if available!
Providing Personal Information: You'll need to provide personal details for the authorized user, such as their name, date of birth, and often their Social Security Number (SSN) within a certain timeframe (e.g., 60 days) for their activity to be reported to credit bureaus.
Sub-heading: Potential Downsides for Authorized Users
No Legal Obligation for Debt: While they can make purchases, authorized users have no legal obligation to repay the debt.
Credit Impact Tied to Primary Account: If the primary cardholder mismanages the account (late payments, high debt), it can negatively impact the authorized user's credit score, even if they were personally responsible.
Lack of Full Account Control: Authorized users cannot typically access account statements, dispute charges, or make payments directly to American Express unless designated as an Account Manager.
Step 5: How to Add an Authorized User to Your American Express Card
Adding an authorized user to your American Express card is generally a straightforward process.
Sub-heading: Online Through Your Account
This is often the easiest and most common method:
Log in to your American Express online account. Go to the American Express website or use the Amex app.
Navigate to your account management section. Look for options like "Account Services," "Manage My Card," or "Add Someone to Your Account."
Select the option to add an authorized user or additional card member.
Provide the required information for the authorized user, including their full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN). You may have the option to provide the SSN later, but it's typically required within 60 days for their credit activity to be reported.
Review any fees associated with adding an authorized user for your specific card.
Confirm the request. The new card should arrive in the mail within a few business days.
Sub-heading: By Phone
You can also call the customer service number on the back of your American Express card. A representative will guide you through the process and collect the necessary information.
Sub-heading: Important Notes After Adding
Card Activation: The authorized user will need to activate their new card once it arrives.
Set Spending Limits: If your card allows it, immediately set a spending limit for the authorized user to maintain control over their expenditures.
Communicate Expectations: Have a clear discussion with the authorized user about responsible spending, repayment expectations (if they are reimbursing you), and the card's benefits and limitations.
Step 6: Managing Authorized User Spending and Accounts
Effective management is key to a positive experience with authorized users.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Spending
American Express offers robust online tools to help you track spending by authorized users.
Online Statements: Your monthly statement will typically break down purchases by cardholder, making it easy to see who spent what.
Amex App: The American Express app often allows you to view real-time transactions and set up alerts for specific spending thresholds.
Spending Limits: As mentioned, use the ability to set individual spending limits for each authorized user. This acts as a crucial safeguard.
Sub-heading: Removing an Authorized User
If circumstances change or you need to remove an authorized user, you can generally do so easily through your online account or by calling American Express customer service. Once removed, their card will be deactivated, and they will no longer be able to make purchases on your account.
Step 7: Final Thoughts and Best Practices
Adding authorized users can be a powerful tool for credit card management and shared financial responsibility. Here are some final best practices:
Choose Wisely: Only add individuals you trust completely.
Communicate Clearly: Set clear expectations about spending, payments, and the consequences of misuse.
Utilize Spending Controls: Take advantage of any spending limit features offered by American Express.
Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye on your statements and transactions to ensure responsible use.
Understand the Fees: Be aware of any fees associated with adding authorized users for your specific card product.
Review Benefits: Ensure the authorized user understands and can utilize the benefits that come with their card. This makes the fee (if any) more worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to add an authorized user to my American Express card online?
You can add an authorized user by logging into your American Express online account, navigating to the "Account Services" or "Manage My Card" section, and selecting the option to "Add Someone to Your Account" or "Add an Additional Card Member."
How to remove an authorized user from my American Express card?
To remove an authorized user, you can typically log into your online account and find the option to manage authorized users, or you can call American Express customer service directly.
How to set spending limits for an American Express authorized user?
Many American Express cards allow the primary cardholder to set custom spending limits for authorized users through their online account management portal or by contacting customer service.
How to check the benefits available to an American Express authorized user?
The benefits available to an authorized user depend on the specific American Express card. You should refer to your card's terms and conditions or the American Express website for your card to see which benefits extend to authorized users.
How to find out the fee for adding an authorized user to my Amex card?
The fee for adding an authorized user varies by card. Check your card's terms and conditions, the American Express website for your specific card, or contact customer service to confirm any associated fees.
How to ensure an authorized user's spending helps my credit score?
To ensure positive credit impact, the primary cardholder must make all payments on time and keep the credit utilization low. The authorized user's responsible spending also contributes to this.
How to get an authorized user their own online account access with American Express?
Authorized users can typically create their own online Amex account with a separate user ID and password to view their own transactions, though they won't have access to the primary account's full details or control unless designated as an account manager.
How to dispute a charge made by an authorized user on my Amex card?
As the primary cardholder, you are responsible for all charges. If you believe a charge is fraudulent or incorrect, you would initiate a dispute process with American Express as you would for any other charge on your account.
How to understand the difference between an authorized user and a joint account holder?
An authorized user uses your account but isn't legally responsible for the debt, and you can remove them easily. A joint account holder shares equal responsibility for the debt and typically cannot be removed without the lender's permission. American Express primarily offers authorized user options, not joint accounts.
How to determine if adding an authorized user is worth the cost?
Evaluate the annual fee for the authorized user against the value of the benefits they will utilize (e.g., lounge access, elite status, credits) and the accelerated rewards earning for your account. If the benefits outweigh the cost, it can be a worthwhile investment.
