Chase authorized user guide 2021

If you’re too young to get your own credit card, becoming a Chase authorized user on someone else’s credit card can help you boost your credit score. But in order for this to work, the credit card provider needs to report authorized users to the credit bureaus. Thankfully, most of Chase’s credit cards allow the addition of authorized users, letting you safely build your credit, and often, reaping a few extra perks along the way. Here’s how Chase authorized users works.

Does Chase report authorized users to credit bureaus?

Yes. Chase reports authorized users to the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Just make sure to provide all the necessary information for the authorized user, such as their address, date of birth and Social Security number.

What is Chase’s reporting policy?

Chase will report both positive and negative information to the authorized user’s credit report. This can help authorized users build credit. But the opposite is also true — late payments and piling debt on the main cardholder’s account could negatively affect an authorized user’s credit.

Chase credit cards with authorized users

All Chase cards allow for authorized users, so you can use any to build up an authorized user’s credit. Here are some of the more popular options thanks to their additional reward opportunities or perks.

Which Chase card is best for adding authorized users?

The best Chase card for adding authorized user imparts the most value for the least cost. In this case, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers the best long-lasting value for the rice as you’ll enjoy the additional Priority Pass Select membership year after year. Priority Pass memberships typically cost $249 a year, which far outweighs the $75 authorized user fee.

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card doesn’t charge a fee for an additional cardholder, the DoorDash perk only lasts for 12-months. This ultimately puts it in the same bucket as the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ — useful for their ability to earn rewards on authorized user purchases, but not necessarily a value gain.

How to add an authorized user to any Chase card

The steps you’ll take to add an authorized user are the same regardless of the card you have:

1. Sign in to your Chase account.
2. Go to your accounts tab.
3. Find your desired card and click on “More.”
4. Click on “Account Services” from the drop down menu and then select “Add authorized user.”
5. Fill out the requested information and click “Add authorized user.”

How to remove an authorized user from any Chase card

You have two options if you want to remove an authorized user from one of your Chase cards:

Call Chase directly. You can call Chase by dialing the number on the back of your Chase credit card. You can also call: 1-800-432-3117.
Send a secured message. Login to your Chase account and select “Secure messages” from the side bar (you may have to click the “hamburger” icon on the left side of the page for this bar to show). You can use this form to request an authorized user removal.

Chase authorized user pros and cons

Aside from being the only credit card option for anyone under 18, getting a credit card as an authorized user also comes with the following benefits:

Popular Chase credit cards for authorized users

Below are some popular Chase credit cards to add authorized users. Adding an authorized user to these cards can allow you to earn rewards on the authorized user’s spending, build the authorized user’s credit score or get card benefits for the authorized user.

Great for earning rewards with an authorized user

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.7/5

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Best for pairing with Chase cards

Chase Freedom Flex℠

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.7/5

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Best for perks for authorized users

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.6/5

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Perks for authorized users with no extra user fee

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.3/5

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Alternatives

If you’re looking to piggyback your way to a good credit score or higher, becoming an authorized user on a Chase credit card is a great option if you have the opportunity. As an alternative, a secured credit card or a student credit card are also strong choices for building your credit on your own if you meet the age requirements.