Authorized User: A Fast Way to Get Credit History

An authorized user is one of the fastest ways to get credit history in the US. You literally "inherit" part of someone else's history.

How It Works

1. Someone with good credit adds you to their card as an authorized user
2. The bank issues you a card on their account
3. The entire history of that card appears on your credit report
4. You don't even have to use the card

What You Get

• The cardholder's credit history (for that specific card)
• A potential score increase of 50-100+ points
• This usually happens within 1-2 months

What You Need

• A friend or relative in the US with good credit
• They must be willing to add you (it doesn't affect their score)
• The card should have a long positive history

Risks and Nuances

• If the cardholder misses a payment — it hits your score too
• You can spend money on their card (trust is essential)
• Some banks don't report authorized users
• The effect may be temporary

Which Banks Report?

Most major banks: Chase, American Express, Bank of America, Citi, Capital One, Discover.

Best Strategy

Use authorized user status as a springboard, but also get your own secured card at the same time. This way you build your own history too.