American Express authorized user guide

If you’re too young to apply for a credit card, or if your credit score is preventing you from getting a card on your own, consider becoming an authorized user on someone else’s American Express card. American Express authorized users can build credit and get a solid credit card without actually applying for a card on their own.

Does American Express report authorized users to credit bureaus?

Yes. American Express reports authorized users to the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. But the authorized user has to be at least 18 years old. Also, they must provide their Social Security number and date of birth. Otherwise, American Express could cancel their credit card.

Note, American Express refers to its authorized users as additional card members.

What is American Express reporting policy?

American Express will report only the positive information to the authorized user’s credit report. Positive information means timely payments and low utilization rates that help the authorized user build credit.

If the main cardholder becomes delinquent, American Express will stop reporting the authorized user to preserve their credit score.

American Express credit cards with authorized users

Card name	Authorized user fee	Authorized user benefits
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express	$0 (Terms apply, see rates & fees)	Purchases count toward earning the welcome offer Earn the same rewards on purchases Amex Offers, needs enrollment Pay It feature Purchase and fraud protection
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express	$0 (Terms apply, see rates & fees)	Purchases count toward earning the welcome offer Earn the same rewards on purchases Amex Offers, needs enrollment Pay It feature Purchase and fraud protection
Blue from American Express® Card	$0	Purchases count toward earning the welcome offer Earn the same rewards on purchases Amex Offers, needs enrollment Pay It feature Purchase and fraud protection
American Express Cash Magnet® Card	$0 (Terms apply, see rates & fees)	Purchases count toward earning the welcome offer Earn the same rewards on purchases Amex Offers, needs enrollment Pay It feature Purchase and fraud protection
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card	$0	Purchases count toward earning the welcome offer Earn the same rewards on purchases Amex Offers, needs enrollment Pay It feature Purchase and fraud protection
American Express® Green Card	$0	Purchases count toward earning the welcome offer Earn the same rewards on purchases Amex Offers, needs enrollment Pay It feature Purchase and fraud protection
American Express® Gold Card	$0 for up to five authorized users, then $35 for each authorized user thereafter (Terms apply, see rates & fees)	Purchases count toward earning the welcome offer Earn the same rewards on purchases Amex Offers, needs enrollment Pay It feature Purchase and fraud protection Global assist hotline
The Platinum Card® from American Express	$175for up to three authorized users, then$175for each authorized user thereafter (Terms apply, see rates & fees) $0 for authorized users with Amex Gold cards	Purchases count toward earning the welcome offer Earn the same rewards on purchases Amex Offers, needs enrollment Pay It feature Purchase and fraud protection Global assist hotline Can use the $200 airline fee credit after selecting an eligible airline Eligible for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Which American Express card is the best for adding an authorized user?

The Amex Platinum Card is undoubtedly the best card for adding authorized users because authorized users get to use the card’s perks.

One would think the Amex Gold card is also one of the best cards for authorized users, but unfortunately, they won’t get to use any additional perks.

How to add an authorized user to any American Express card

You can easily add authorized users online. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Scroll down your account’s home page until you find Useful links on the right.
3. Click on Add someone to your account.

Note: You can also add authorized users by calling the number on the back of your card.

How to remove an authorized user from any American Express card

In most cases, you’ll have to speak with customer service to remove authorized users from your Amex credit card.

1. Call the number on the back of your card.
2. Request to remove an authorized user from your card.
3. Provide the necessary information.

Note: Authorized users can also request to be removed from the main cardholder by calling Amex customer service.

American Express authorized user pros and cons

Full list of credit card issuers that allow authorized users

Compare Amex cards for authorized users

If you’re older than 18 and you want to build your credit score, consider secured or student credit cards. But if you already have a good credit score or higher, you can apply for most credit cards and even earn rewards on your purchases.

Alternatives to American Express authorized user cards

If you can apply for a credit card on your own, consider a secured credit card or a student credit card to build your credit.

• See rates and fees for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• See rates and fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• See rates and fees for American Express Cash Magnet® Card
• See rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express
• See rates and fees for American Express® Gold Card