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Capital One authorized user guide 2021

No matter the Capital One card, you can become an authorized user.

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Kliment Dukovski
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If you’re not yet old enough to get your own Capital One credit card, consider becoming a Capital One authorized user. This allows you to build credit by using someone else’s credit card. Here’s how it works and how you can sign on board.

Does Capital One report authorized users to credit bureaus?

Yes. Like most major card providers, Capital one reports authorized users to the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

What is Capital One’s reporting policy?

Capital One reports positive and negative information to the authorized user’s credit report. Activity on an account featuring an authorized user will affect the credit of both parties involved: the main cardholder and the authorized user.

Capital One credit cards with authorized users

Capital One allows you to add an authorized user to any of its credit cards. Here are a few strong choices if you’re looking to expand your reward opportunities as well.

Card nameAuthorized user feeAuthorized user benefits
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit CardNoneSpending on authorized user card earns rewards and counts toward signup bonus
Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit CardNoneSpending on authorized user card earns rewards and counts toward signup bonus
Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit CardNoneSpending on authorized user card earns rewards and counts toward signup bonus
Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit CardNoneSpending on authorized user card earns rewards and counts toward signup bonus

Which Capital One card is best for adding authorized users?

Unlike some providers, Capital One cards don’t have any big value plays when it comes to adding an authorized user. As of February 2021, all authorized user cards share the same ability to also earn rewards toward the main cardholder’s account. Generally, luxury cards tend to offer additional perks to authorized users.

What’s the age limit for a Capital One authorized user?

None. There are no age restrictions on who can become an authorized user on a Capital One credit card.

How to add a Capital One authorized user

You can add an authorized user to your existing card account in one of two ways:

  • Call Capital One. You can request Capital One to add an authorized user to your account by contacting them at 800-227-4825.
  • Add an authorized user online. You can log in to your Capital One account and click Authorized users under card services.

How to remove a Capital One authorized user

You can remove an authorized user from your account using the same methods as you used to add them: by calling Capital One directly or removing them through your online account management page.

Capital One authorized user pros and cons

Pros

  • Build credit for authorized user. Credit activity on the main cardholder’s account will also affect the credit score of the authorized user.
  • Build more rewards. If you have an authorized user on a Capital One rewards card, they can also earn rewards on their purchases.
  • No card limitations. You can add an authorized user to any Capital One credit card.

Cons

  • Requires trust. A main cardholder’s ability to repay their card directly affects the authorized user’s credit score. Likewise, an authorized user can easily rack up charges on the main account if left unsupervised.

Full list of credit card issuers that allow authorized users

Alternatives

If you can’t apply for a credit-building card on your own, becoming an authorized user to a Capital One credit card could be useful.
But if you can apply for your own credit card, you can build your credit faster. Consider a secured credit card or a student credit card.

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