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Credit cards that offer free authorized users

Share your credit card account with a partner or family member and enjoy the benefits.

Most credit cards give you the option to add an additional cardholder so you can both enjoy the convenience and benefits of your account. If you have a rewards credit card, you can even earn more points if both you and the authorized user charge purchases to the account. But adding someone to your credit card account can also lead to an additional annual fee so it’s important to compare options until you find the right card for you.

What is an authorized user on a credit card?

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An authorized user is a person who can use your credit card account to pay for purchases. Authorized users get their own card that’s linked to your account. This means you are still fully responsible for managing the account and paying off the balance — even if it’s from purchases they’ve made.

What can authorized users do?

The access and features available to additional cardholders can vary between cards and what the main cardholder approves. Usually, authorized users can do the following:

  • Make purchases
  • Earn reward points
  • Check balances and transaction histories
  • Set up and change their own PIN number
  • Make payments towards the account balance
  • Report suspicious transactions and lost or stolen cards
  • Order a replacement card
  • Cancel their cards

Authorized users may also be able to enjoy benefits such as travel insurance or free checked bags. However, often the main cardholder has to be present. Check your credit card’s terms and conditions or ask your bank for specific details of what features an authorized user would get through your account.

What’s the difference between authorized users and joint credit cards?

Authorized users get access to your credit card account and every purchase they make becomes your liability. In comparison, a joint credit card account offers shared responsibility, both card members can make changes to the account and are both liable for any unpaid balance.

Compare credit cards that offer free additional cardholders

1 - 10 of 17
Name Product CACCF Welcome Offer Rewards Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee Min. Credit Score Description
RBC Cash Back Mastercard
N/A
Up to 2% cash back
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 650
Get up to 2% unlimited cash back on grocery store purchases, and up to 1% cash back on all other qualifying purchases and pre-authorized payments.
RBC ION Visa
6,000 points
1.5 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 6,000 Avion points when you get approved for the card.
Tangerine World Mastercard
10% cash back
Up to 2% cash back
19.95%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 600
Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until October 31, 2024. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
American Express Cobalt Card
15,000 points
Up to 5x points per $1 spent
21.99%
$155.88
Min. recommended credit score: 700
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
RBC ION+ Visa
12,000 points
3 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$48
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 12,000 Avion points when you get approved for the card.
Neo Secured Credit Card
Get $25.00
5% cash back
19.99%-29.99%
$60
No credit check
Earn up to 5% cashback at partner restaurants & bars, up to 4% on partner apps & streaming services, up to 3% on partner gas & grocery purchases and 0.5% back on everything else. No credit check required.
SimplyCash Card from American Express
Up to $100 in bonus cash back
Up to 2% cash back
21.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 700
In your first 3 months earn a bonus 5% cash back on all purchases, on top of your everyday cash back earn rates (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s up to $100 in bonus cash back.

Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card
5,000 points
Up to 2 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Earn up to 5,000 Scene+ points in the first 3 months. Apply by October 31, 2024.
Scotiabank Value Visa Card
0% on balance transfers for 10 months
N/A
13.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)
Min. recommended credit score: 670
Get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 10 months. Plus, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by October 31, 2024.
SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express
Up to $250 in bonus value
Up to 4% cash back
21.99%
$119.88
Min. recommended credit score: 700
Earn a bonus 10% cash back on all purchases for your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). Plus, earn a $50 statement credit when you make a purchase in month 13. This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months.
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What are the pros and cons to getting an authorized user?

  • Shared access to credit. If your partner or family member doesn’t have a credit card or may not be eligible to get one, adding them to your account could be a convenient alternative.
  • Help build credit history. If you pay your balance on time, the authorized user can also get the benefit of building credit. Keep in mind, not all card issuers report authorized users to the credit bureaus.
  • Earn more points. With two people spending on one account, you could earn more points quicker if you are using a rewards credit card. This can lead to faster reward redemption for things like travel, shopping, and entertainment.
  • Earn more cash back. If you are using a cash back card, having more than one user on the account can increase the amount of cash back you receive based on spending.
  • Simple process. It’s relatively easy to apply for an authorized user, or to remove one from your account.
  • You’re responsible for the account. As the primary cardholder, you will be legally accountable for all transactions and repayments.
  • Credit history. Details of the credit card will be listed on your credit history, so any issues such as late payments could impact on your credit score.
  • Additional fees. Some credit cards charge an additional cardholder annual fee on top of the regular annual fee you’ll pay for the account. Make sure you check this cost before you request a secondary cardholder to help stay on top of fees.

How can I add an authorized user to my credit card?

If you want to get a secondary card for your partner or family member, you’ll need to fill out an application. This could be available through your credit card provider’s website or online banking service. It may also be included when you apply for a new credit card.

To complete the application for an additional cardholder, you’ll need to make sure they meet the eligibility requirements and provide a range of other personal details. These vary between cards but usually include the following:

  • Minimum age. This is usually the age of majority in your province.
  • Identification. This includes the full name, date of birth, residential address and contact details for the person you want to add as an additional cardholder.

Once you’ve submitted the application and supporting documentation, your credit card provider will review these details. If your request is approved, your additional cardholder should receive their card in around 10 business days.

Bottom line

Getting an additional cardholder for your account can be a convenient way to share your credit card benefits. But it’s important to carefully consider the risks and discuss financial management of the account with your authorized user so that you can make this option work for you. If you haven’t found the right credit card for you to share, make sure you compare your credit cards options until you find the right fit for your wallets.

Frequently asked questions

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Writer

Adam Mathew is a writer for Finder, specialising in video games and TV. He's been the editor of magazines such as Ultimate Nintendo and Official PlayStation AU. His words may also be found in IGN, Gamespot, Kotaku, Red Bull, Game Informer and AusGamers. See full bio

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Associate Publisher, Investments

Jaclyn Hurst was an associate publisher at Finder. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Redeemer University and a University Certificate in Management Foundations from Athabasca University. She’s as passionate about business and finance as she is about the great Canadian outdoors, organic Sumatra coffee and music. See full bio

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