Managing Money In A Crisis
Weekly tips sent straight to your inbox
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn how we make money.
Does Chase report authorized users to credit bureaus?
Kickstart your credit by being an authorized user on a Chase credit card.
Credit Card Guides
If you’re too young to get your own credit card, becoming an 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.
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.
Authorized user benefits
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:
- Start building credit. Authorized users piggyback on the credit card activity of primary users. With timely payments, primary cardholders can help authorized users build credit.
- Save money with no annual fee card. Most credit cards have no annual fee for authorized users even for the cards that have an annual fee. However, be sure to read the card’s terms and conditions to avoid surprises.
- Earn rewards. If you have a rewards card, authorized users will also earn rewards on their purchases. This can help them clear the signup bonus faster and earn more rewards on their purchases. In most cases, though, rewards accumulate to the primary cardholder’s account and they are the only ones who can redeem rewards.
Can I apply for a secured credit card or a student credit card if I’m under 18?
Unfortunately, no. If you’re under 18, your only option is to become an authorized user to someone else’s card.
Compare Chase credit cards
If you managed to build a good credit score or higher and you’re older than 18, you can apply for a Chase credit card of your choice and enjoy the benefits of being the primary cardholder. But if you’re trying to improve your credit score, compare secured cards instead. See some popular Chase offers below.
{"niche":"USCCF"}
Bottom line
If you’re looking to piggyback your way to a good credit score or higher, becoming an authorized user on a Chase credit card could be an option. As an alternative, consider a secured credit card or a student credit card to build your credit on your own if you meet the age requirements.
Ask an Expert