Authorized User
A person added to someone else's credit card account who can use the card but is not legally responsible for the debt. The primary cardholder's account history appears on the authorized user's credit report, which can improve the authorized user's score without them taking on legal liability.
Related guides
- Full credit & FICO® glossary
Browse all defined terms by category.
- Tradeline
Any credit account listed on your credit report, including credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Each tradeline includes account details such as the creditor's name, account number, credit limit or loan amount, balance, and payment history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Authorized User
What does Authorized User mean?
A person added to someone else's credit card account who can use the card but is not legally responsible for the debt. The primary cardholder's account history appears on the authorized user's credit report, which can improve the authorized user's score without them taking on legal liability.
Is Authorized User important for my FICO® score?
Understanding Authorized User helps you manage your credit profile more effectively, which in turn supports a stronger FICO® score.