Which credit card companies report authorized users?

Being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card is one way to build credit. But only if the card provider reports authorized users to credit bureaus. If not, being an authorized user won’t make much difference to your credit score.

Does an authorized user build credit?

Yes. But only if the primary cardholder keeps the credit utilization rate low and always pays off the full balance before the due date. This is a common credit-building strategy, especially if you’re just starting out.

However, if the primary cardholder misses payments or only pays the minimum balance, you won’t see your credit improve — it could hurt your credit.

Which credit card companies report authorized users?

Why an authorized user’s activity may not be reported

There are cases when the primary cardholder’s activity isn’t reported to the authorized user’s credit report. This can be because:

• Card issuer doesn’t report authorized users. Some card issuers won’t report your credit activity to credit bureaus, so make sure you avoid them if you’re looking to build your credit.
• Age restriction. If the authorized user is younger than the minimum requirement, card activity isn’t reported.
• Not the same address. Some authorized users report that their activity wasn’t reported because they had a different address than the primary cardholder. This isn’t the case with every credit card issuer, so ask about its policies.
• Social Security number missing. The authorized user needs to provide their SSN. Otherwise, your card activity may not reach the credit bureaus.
• Credit bureaus. Not all credit card issuers report your card activity to all credit bureaus — sometimes only one or two.

Compare cards to build your credit

It’s possible to build your credit as an authorized user, but it can take time. If you’re looking to quickly build your credit, consider applying for a secured credit card.

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Name	Product	Filter values	Minimum deposit required	Purchase APR	Annual fee	Recommended minimum credit score
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card			Starting at $200	17.39% variable	$35	300	Apply for this card with no credit check if you're new to credit or have bad credit.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card			Starting at $200	9.99% fixed	$48	300	No credit check is required for this secured card. Make a deposit of at least $200 to open this card and get a low 9.99% fixed APR on purchases.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Assent Platinum 0% Intro Rate Mastercard® Secured Credit Card			Starting at $200	0% intro for the first 6 months (then 12.99% variable)	$49	300	A rare secured card with a 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, followed by 12.99% variable.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Self Visa® Credit Card			Starting at $100	21.74% variable	$25	300	Build your credit with a low minimum security deposit of $100 and no credit score required.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
First Progress Platinum Select MasterCard® Secured Credit Card			Starting at $200	13.99% variable	$39	300	No minimum credit score and no credit history required.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card			Starting at $200	9.99% variable	$49	300	Build or rebuild your credit with this secured card.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card			Starting at $200	19.99% variable	$29	300	Build your credit with all three major credit bureaus.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
PCB Secured Visa®			Starting at $200	18.9% fixed	$39	300	Choose your initial deposit amount and credit limit from $200 to $1000	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Bottom line

You’ll find most major credit card issuers report authorized users to credit bureaus. But to be on the safe side, reach out to customer service and ask about how it reports and the info it needs from you.

If you want to build credit quickly, consider applying for a secured credit card or a student credit card and start building credit by yourself.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I still build credit if I don’t use my authorized user credit card?

  Some users have reported that they rarely used their authorized user credit card and still managed to improve their credit score. But it depends if the primary cardholder uses their card responsibly.

• I have a credit card from the card issuers listed above but it hasn't reported me as an authorized user. Why?

  It could be an error. Reach out to the card issuer’s customer service.