Do you want to share the benefits of your American Express card with someone you trust? Adding an authorized user can be a fantastic way to do just that, offering convenience for shared expenses, helping a loved one build credit, and potentially even boosting your own rewards earnings! But how exactly do you go about it? Don't worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step.
Adding an Authorized User to Your American Express Credit Card: A Step-by-Step Guide
Adding an authorized user to your American Express credit card is a relatively straightforward process, but it's crucial to understand the implications and ensure you're making an informed decision. Let's dive in!
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| How To Add Authorized User To American Express Credit Card |
Step 1: Consider Why You Want to Add an Authorized User (And Who!)
Before you even log in, take a moment to consider why you're adding an authorized user and who that person will be. This isn't just a technicality; it's a financial decision with real consequences.
Why add an authorized user?
Shared Spending: Perhaps you share household expenses with a partner or child, and you want them to have access to the card for convenience.
Building Credit: For a young adult or someone new to credit, being an authorized user on a well-managed account can be an excellent way to establish or improve their credit history. Amex reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus, which can positively impact their score if payments are made on time.
Earning More Rewards: All spending by authorized users contributes to the primary cardholder's rewards points, helping you accumulate points faster for travel, cashback, or other redemptions.
Accessing Benefits: Depending on your specific Amex card (e.g., Platinum Card), authorized users may gain access to valuable perks like lounge access, hotel elite status, or Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits. Be aware that not all benefits extend to authorized users, and some may require an additional fee.
Who should you add?
Trust is Paramount: Remember, you, as the primary cardholder, are ultimately responsible for all charges made by authorized users. Choose someone you trust implicitly to manage their spending responsibly.
Age Requirements: American Express typically requires authorized users to be at least 13 years old. For credit reporting purposes, the authorized user's credit history generally begins building when they turn 18.
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Information
Once you've decided who you'll be adding, make sure you have their essential details ready. This will make the process much smoother.
Required Information for the Authorized User:
Full Name: As it appears on their official identification.
Date of Birth: To verify age and for identity purposes.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Equivalent: While sometimes optional initially, it's often required to ensure the account activity is reported to credit bureaus and to verify their identity fully. You may be able to add it later, but typically within 60 days.
Address: Their current residential address.
Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Method: Online or Phone
American Express offers a couple of convenient ways to add an authorized user. You can pick the one that suits you best.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
Sub-heading: Option A: Adding an Authorized User Online (Recommended for Speed and Convenience)
This is often the quickest and most straightforward method.
Log In to Your American Express Online Account:
Go to the official American Express website (americanexpress.com) and log in using your User ID and Password.
Ensure you are logging into the primary cardholder's account.
Navigate to the "Account Services" or "Manage My Card" Section:
Once logged in, look for a section related to "Account Services," "Manage Your Card," "Card Management," or similar. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your specific card and the website's current layout.
Often, you'll find a link like "Add Someone to Your Account" or "Add an Additional Card Member."
Initiate the Authorized User Addition Process:
Click on the relevant link to begin. You'll likely be prompted to confirm your identity, possibly by entering a PIN or answering security questions.
Enter Authorized User Details:
Carefully input all the required information for the authorized user (full name, date of birth, SSN/equivalent, address). Double-check for any typos! Incorrect information can delay the process.
You may also be asked to select the type of card you want for the authorized user (e.g., a standard card or a specific benefit-rich card if available for your product, like an Amex Platinum additional card).
Review and Confirm:
Before submitting, review all the details you've entered. American Express will also display any potential fees associated with adding an authorized user for your specific card product. For some premium cards, there might be an annual fee for additional cardmembers, while for others, it might be free for the first few users.
Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
Submit Your Request:
Click "Submit" or "Confirm" to finalize your request. You should receive a confirmation message on screen and possibly an email.
Sub-heading: Option B: Adding an Authorized User by Phone
If you prefer speaking to a representative or encounter any issues online, calling American Express customer service is a reliable alternative.
Locate Your Customer Service Number:
The quickest way is to look on the back of your American Express credit card.
Alternatively, you can find it on the American Express website under the "Contact Us" section.
Call American Express Customer Service:
Dial the appropriate customer service number. Be prepared to go through security verification to confirm you are the primary cardholder.
Request to Add an Authorized User:
Inform the customer service representative that you wish to add an authorized user to your account.
Provide Authorized User Details:
The representative will guide you through the process, asking for the same information as required for the online method (full name, date of birth, SSN/equivalent, address).
They will also inform you of any applicable fees for adding an authorized user.
Confirm the Details:
Listen carefully as the representative confirms the details. This is your chance to correct any misunderstandings.
Complete the Process:
The representative will confirm once the authorized user has been added.
Step 4: What Happens Next? Receiving the Card
After your request is submitted and processed, there's a short waiting period.
Card Issuance: American Express will typically mail a new card in the authorized user's name to your billing address within 3-5 business days.
Activation: Once the authorized user receives their card, they will need to activate it before they can start using it. This can usually be done online or by phone, following the instructions included with the card.
Step 5: Set Expectations and Manage the Account Responsibly
This is a crucial step often overlooked. Clear communication is key to a positive authorized user experience for everyone involved.
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
Discuss Spending Limits (Optional but Recommended): While Amex allows you to set spending limits for authorized users on some cards, it's always a good idea to discuss expectations. You might want to establish a verbal agreement on how much they can spend or for what types of purchases.
Review Statements Regularly: As the primary cardholder, you will see all transactions made by both you and your authorized users on your monthly statement. Reviewing these regularly helps you monitor spending and catch any discrepancies early.
Educate the Authorized User (Especially for Credit Building): If the goal is to help them build credit, explain how their spending and your on-time payments will impact their credit score. Emphasize the importance of responsible credit use.
Payment Responsibility: Reiterate that you, the primary cardholder, are solely responsible for paying the bill. Any agreement you have with the authorized user regarding their contribution to payments is separate from your obligation to American Express.
Step 6: Monitor and Maintain
Periodically check in and ensure everything is running smoothly.
Monitor Their Spending: Utilize American Express's online tools or mobile app to keep an eye on your authorized user's spending habits.
Credit Report Impact: If you added an authorized user to help them build credit, encourage them to regularly check their own credit report (e.g., via AnnualCreditReport.com) to see the Amex account reflected. It usually takes a month or two for the account to appear.
Address Issues Promptly: If you notice unauthorized spending or issues, address them immediately with the authorized user and, if necessary, with American Express.
By following these steps, you can successfully add an authorized user to your American Express credit card and enjoy the benefits of shared spending and responsible credit building.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Check if an Authorized User Has Been Added Successfully?
You can verify by logging into your American Express online account. Navigate to the "Account Services" or "Manage Cards" section, and you should see the authorized user listed along with their card details. You will also receive an email confirmation once the card is issued.
How to Remove an Authorized User from an American Express Credit Card?
You can remove an authorized user by calling American Express customer service (the number on the back of your card) or sometimes through your online account management portal. Look for an option like "Manage Additional Card Members" or "Remove Authorized User."
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
How to Know if Adding an Authorized User Will Impact My Credit Score?
Adding an authorized user typically does not directly impact the primary cardholder's credit score in a negative way, unless the authorized user's spending leads to high credit utilization or missed payments, for which you are responsible. Conversely, if you maintain a low utilization and make on-time payments, it can reflect positively on the authorized user's credit report.
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. However, credit history will typically only begin to build on their credit report once they turn 18.
How to Set Spending Limits for an American Express Authorized User?
American Express allows primary cardholders to set spending limits for authorized users. This option is usually available within your online account management settings under the "Manage Additional Card Members" or similar section. You can often adjust these limits as needed.
How to Access Benefits as an American Express Authorized User?
Benefits for authorized users vary by card product. For premium cards like the Amex Platinum, authorized users often receive key benefits like lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits, and hotel elite status. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions of your primary card to understand which benefits extend to authorized users.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to Differentiate Between an Authorized User and a Joint Account Holder?
An authorized user is simply given permission to use the primary cardholder's credit line, but they are not financially responsible for the debt. A joint account holder, on the other hand, shares equal financial responsibility for the account and its debt, and their credit history is equally impacted. Most Amex personal credit cards do not offer joint accounts.
How to Help Someone Build Credit by Adding Them as an Authorized User?
Ensure the primary account has a positive payment history and low credit utilization. American Express reports this activity to credit bureaus, which can significantly benefit the authorized user's credit score over time, especially if they have limited credit history.
How to Get a Physical Card for the Authorized User?
Once you add an authorized user, American Express will automatically mail a physical card in their name to your primary billing address. They will need to activate this card before use.
How to Tell if an Authorized User Card Has an Annual Fee?
The presence and amount of an annual fee for an authorized user card depend entirely on your specific American Express product. Some cards offer free authorized users, while others, especially premium cards, may charge a substantial annual fee for each additional cardmember. This will be clearly stated during the addition process online or by a customer service representative.
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