Want to give someone access to your Bank of America credit card, but not the full responsibility of a joint account holder? Adding an authorized user is a fantastic solution! This lengthy guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you understand not just how to do it, but why it's beneficial and what to keep in mind.
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Have you ever wished you could share the convenience of your credit card with a family member or trusted friend, perhaps to help them build credit or manage household expenses more easily? If so, you're in the right place! Adding an authorized user to your Bank of America credit card account can be a simple and effective way to achieve this. While the Bank of America mobile app is incredibly versatile, it's important to note right upfront that you cannot directly add an authorized user through the mobile app itself. The process currently requires you to use the Bank of America Online Banking website or call customer service. Don't worry, we'll guide you through the online process, which is generally the most straightforward!
The Definitive Guide to Adding an Authorized User to Your Bank of America Credit Card
Step 1: Understanding What an Authorized User Is (And Isn't!)
Before we dive into the technical steps, let's clarify what an authorized user actually means for both you and the person you're adding. This is crucial for managing expectations and responsibilities.
What is an Authorized User?
An authorized user is an individual whom the primary cardholder permits to use their credit card account. They receive a physical card with their name on it, but the account remains solely in the primary cardholder's name.
Key Differences from a Joint Account Holder:
- Financial Responsibility: This is the biggest distinction! The primary cardholder is solely responsible for all charges made on the account, including those made by the authorized user. An authorized user has no legal obligation to pay the bill. In contrast, joint account holders are both equally liable for the debt.
- Credit Impact: For better or worse, the account activity (payment history, credit utilization) is typically reported to the credit bureaus for both the primary cardholder and the authorized user. This can be a great way for the authorized user to build or improve their credit history, provided the account is managed responsibly.
- Account Control: Only the primary cardholder can make changes to the account, such as increasing the credit limit, closing the account, or adding/removing other authorized users. Authorized users generally cannot.
Benefits of Adding an Authorized User:
- Credit Building: Excellent for helping a child, spouse, or someone with a thin credit file establish a positive credit history.
- Convenience: Allows a trusted individual to make purchases on your behalf, such as for household expenses or emergencies.
- Shared Rewards: All spending contributes to the primary cardholder's rewards program.
- No Hard Inquiry (for the authorized user): Adding an authorized user typically doesn't result in a hard inquiry on their credit report.
Step 2: Gathering Necessary Information
To make the process as smooth as possible, have the following details for the authorized user ready:
- Full Legal Name: As it appears on their government-issued ID.
- Date of Birth: For verification purposes.
- Social Security Number (SSN): Bank of America requires this to report activity to credit bureaus and for identity verification.
- Phone Number: A current contact number for them.
- Optional: Their address, if different from yours.
Step 3: Accessing Bank of America Online Banking
As mentioned, the Bank of America mobile app does not currently support adding authorized users directly. You'll need to use their online banking portal.
Logging In:
- Open your web browser: Go to the official Bank of America website:
www.bankofamerica.com. - Locate the Login Section: On the homepage, you'll typically see a login box in the upper right-hand corner.
- Enter Your Credentials: Input your Online ID and Passcode.
- Complete Security Verification: You may be prompted to enter a one-time passcode sent to your phone or email, or answer security questions. Always ensure you're on the legitimate Bank of America website before entering any personal information.
Step 4: Navigating to the Authorized User Section
Once logged in, the exact path may vary slightly based on recent website updates, but the general navigation is as follows:
- Select Your Credit Card Account: From your accounts overview page, click on the specific credit card account to which you want to add an authorized user.
- Look for "Information & Services" or "Account Services": On the credit card account page, you'll typically find a tab or link labeled "Information & Services," "Account Services," or something similar. Click on this.
- Find the "Add an Additional Cardholder as an Authorized User" Link: Within the "Information & Services" or "Account Services" section, look for an option that explicitly states "Add an additional cardholder as an Authorized User" or "Add Authorized User." This is the key link you're looking for.
Step 5: Providing Authorized User Details
Clicking on the "Add an additional cardholder as an Authorized User" link will lead you to a form where you'll input the information you gathered in Step 2.
Filling out the Form:
- Carefully enter all required details: This includes the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and phone number.
- Review for Accuracy: Double-check every single piece of information before proceeding. Any discrepancies could delay the process.
- Read Disclosures: There will likely be disclosures regarding your responsibility as the primary cardholder and how the authorized user's credit will be affected. Take the time to read and understand these.
- Confirm Submission: Once you've entered all information and reviewed the disclosures, click the "Submit" or "Confirm" button.
Step 6: Confirmation and What to Expect Next
After successfully submitting the request, you'll typically receive a confirmation message on the screen.
What Happens After Submission:
- Processing Time: It usually takes a few business days for Bank of America to process the request.
- Card Issuance: A new credit card with the authorized user's name on it will be mailed to your primary address (the primary cardholder's address). It usually arrives within 7-10 business days.
- Activation: Once the authorized user receives their card, they may need to activate it by calling the number on the card or through online banking (if enabled for authorized users).
- Credit Reporting: Within one to two billing cycles, the account activity should begin appearing on the authorized user's credit report, potentially helping them build credit.
Step 7: Managing the Authorized User Relationship
Adding an authorized user is just the first step. Effective communication and responsible usage are paramount to a positive experience for both parties.
Tips for Primary Cardholders:
- Set Clear Expectations: Discuss spending limits, what the card can be used for, and how payments will be handled (e.g., will they reimburse you for their purchases?).
- Monitor Activity: Regularly check your online banking statements to keep an eye on all transactions. Bank of America's online banking and mobile app offer excellent tools for this.
- Communicate Regularly: Maintain open communication about the account balance and any potential issues.
- Be Aware of Your Responsibility: Remember, you are ultimately responsible for all charges and timely payments. Missed payments will negatively affect your credit score, even if caused by the authorized user's spending.
Tips for Authorized Users:
- Understand the Terms: Know the agreed-upon spending limits and purpose of the card.
- Communicate Spending: Inform the primary cardholder of your purchases, especially large ones.
- Be Responsible: Treat the card as if it were your own and contribute to responsible usage.
- Monitor Your Own Credit: Keep an eye on your credit report to see how the authorized user status is impacting your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about adding authorized users to Bank of America accounts, with quick answers:
How to check if Bank of America reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus?
Bank of America does report authorized user activity to the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which can help the authorized user build credit.
How to remove an authorized user from a Bank of America credit card?
You, as the primary cardholder, can typically remove an authorized user by logging into Bank of America Online Banking, navigating to your credit card account, and looking for an option to "Manage Authorized Users" or by calling Bank of America customer service.
How to set spending limits for an authorized user on Bank of America?
While Bank of America doesn't offer a direct feature to set a digital spending limit for authorized users through the app or online banking, you can set a verbal agreement with the authorized user and monitor their spending closely through your online account.
How to activate an authorized user's Bank of America credit card?
The authorized user can activate their card by calling the activation number provided on the card itself, or in some cases, the primary cardholder might be able to activate it through online banking.
How to get an authorized user their own online banking access for Bank of America?
Authorized users do not get their own separate online banking access for the primary cardholder's credit card account. They can only use the physical card. The primary cardholder retains full online access and responsibility.
How to help a child build credit with Bank of America as an authorized user?
Adding a child (typically 13 years or older, though Bank of America has no minimum age for authorized users) as an authorized user to a responsibly managed credit card account can help them establish a positive credit history early on.
How to differentiate between an authorized user and a joint account holder with Bank of America?
An authorized user can use the card but isn't legally responsible for the debt, while a joint account holder is equally liable for all charges and shares ownership of the account.
How to find the authorized user section in Bank of America Online Banking?
After logging in, select your credit card account, then look for a tab or link like "Information & Services" or "Account Services," where you'll find the "Add an additional cardholder as an Authorized User" option.
How to know what information is needed for adding a Bank of America authorized user?
You'll need the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and phone number.
How to ensure adding an authorized user benefits their credit score with Bank of America?
To ensure a positive impact, the primary cardholder must consistently make on-time payments and keep the credit utilization low. Responsible use by both parties is key.
