How to add an authorized user to a Bank of America credit card

If you have a Bank of America credit card, you can add friends or family to your account as an authorised user. They’ll receive a credit card of their own and can use it to spend on the account, with access to your credit limit. How to add an authorized user

There are several benefits to adding someone to your credit card as an authorised user. You can help a friend or family member with low credit boost their credit score, and if you share finances with a partner, you can easily get all of your spending in one place. Plus, if your card earns rewards, the authorised user’s purchases will also bring in cash back or points. How to add an authorized user

However, there are also some downsides that come with adding someone as an authorised user. You are ultimately in charge of their spending once you add them to the account and grant them access to the credit card. If you’re considering adding someone as an authorised user on your Bank of America card, we can help. Keep reading to learn how to add an authorised user, the potential costs of adding someone to your account and whether it’s a beneficial idea to add an authorised user. How to add an authorized user

How to add an authorized user to your Bank of America account

Bank of America makes it easy to add an authorised user to your credit card account. You can add someone over the phone by calling customer service, but it’s even easier to do online. You just need the authorized user’s name, birth date, Social Security number and phone number. How to add an authorized user

Here’s how to add an authorized user to your Bank of America account online:

1. Log in to your Bank of America online account
2. On the page that displays your accounts, choose the credit card you want to add an authorized user to
3. Click on the “Information & Services” option
4. Find the menu titled “Services” and click on the “Add an authorized user” option
5. Enter your authorized user’s personal information
6. Click “Submit”

Once you’ve added your authorised user, the issuer will mail a credit card, with the authorised user’s name on it, to your address. Simply activate the card and give it to your authorised user — then, they’ll have the ability to spend on it. How to add an authorized user

It’s also worth noting that because the authorised user’s card will be mailed to the address of the primary cardholder, you could choose not to give it to them. How to add an authorized user

Often, people add an authorised user as a way of helping people with poor credit improve their score or help children with no credit history to build up their credit. How to add an authorized user

However, if they spend on the account, you’re the one responsible for paying back those purchases. Instead, you might choose to add them to the account so that your regular payments are reported on their credit report, but without letting them spend on the card. How to add an authorized user

Is there a fee for adding an authorised user to your BankofAmerica credit card account?

It’s free to add an authorised user to your Bank of America credit card account, so you won’t be charged any sort of fee. The good news is that if you have a credit card with an annual fee, it only applies to the account.

Should you add an authorised user to your Bank of America card?

Bank of America makes it easy to add an authorised user to your credit card, but it’s worth asking yourself whether it’s a good idea. There are some pros and cons to having an authorised user, and it could have major implications for your financial health as well. Let’s examine them so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. How to add an authorized user

Pros

You may choose to add your partner as an authorised user to your card to make it easier to track your collective spending together, especially if you share finances. Similarly, a parent might choose to add their teenage or adult children on the card to use for regular spending or for emergencies. However, most people choose to add an authorised user to their account to improve the other person’s credit score. How to add an authorized user

When you add someone as an authorised user on your credit card, they’ll get credit for your entire payment history—including the time before they were on the account. Their credit will also be impacted by the account’s credit utilization, meaning the percentage of available credit being used. How to add an authorized user

The better (and longer) the payment history and the lower the credit utilization, the better the effect on the authorised user’s credit score. For this reason, people often choose to add a loved one who may be struggling with poor credit.

There is one benefit for the primary cardholder. If the card you intend to add a user to is a rewards card, all purchases made on the authorised user’s card are eligible to earn rewards as well. So as the primary cardholder, if you’re waiting to earn more points to book a future trip, adding an authorised user could only benefit you. How to add an authorized user

Cons

Unfortunately, the credit score benefits of having an authorised user only help the authorised user. They don’t help you as the account holder, especially if your credit is already healthy.

As previously discussed, even though an authorised user can use their card to spend money on your account, you, as the main account owner, are completely financially responsible for your and their balances. If an authorised user racks up a large balance you can’t pay off, you could have your credit score and financial health ruined. The same can be said for cash advances and cheques, which the authorised user can request, but which you are responsible for all the same. How to add an authorized user

If the authorised user continually overspends on your card and doesn’t pay you back, you may have to remove them from it. Although the process is relatively simple, you must consider the potential impact on your relationship. How to add an authorized user

Ultimately, you should only add someone you know well and trust as an authorised user. Establish how they will use the card and when they’ll pay you back (if that’s what you want) before you hand it over. How to add an authorized user

Bottom line

Adding an authorised user comes with plenty of benefits, including making your household budget easier and helping a loved one boost their credit score. However, there are also some downsides and potential dangers you should look out for.

The good news is that if you’re a Bank of America credit card customer, this issuer makes it easy — and free — to add authorised users to your account. How to add an authorized user