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

You can add friends or family members to your Bank of America credit card’s account as authorised users. They’ll get their credit card and be able to spend money on the account up to your credit limit.

Adding someone as an authorised user to your credit card has a lot of perks. If you split money with a partner, you can simply see all of your spending in one spot. You can even help a friend or family member with bad credit increase their score. Additionally, if your card offers rewards, transactions made by the authorised user will also earn you cash back or points.

Adding someone as an authorised user can have certain drawbacks, though. You are liable for how much they spend once you add them to the account and let them use the credit card. We can help you if you want to add someone as an authorised user on your Bank of America card. Read on to find out how to add an authorised user, how much it can cost to do so, and whether or not it’s a good idea to add one.

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

Adding an authorised user to your BankofAmerica credit card account is simple. You can add someone over the phone by phoning customer care, but it’s even easier to do it online. All you need is the authorised user’s name, birth date, Social Security number, and phone number.

Here’s how to add an authorised 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”

After you add your authorised user, the issuer will send a credit card with the authorised user’s name on it to your address. Just turn on the card and give it to the person who is allowed to use it. They will then be able to spend money on it.

Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to provide the authorised user their card because it will be sent to the primary cardholder’s address.

A lot of the time, people add an authorised user to help folks with bad credit improve their score or help kids who don’t have any credit history build up their credit.

But if they use the account to buy things, you have to pay for those things. You could also add them to the account so that your monthly payments show up on their credit record, but you won’t allow them use the card.

Is there a fee for adding an authorised user to your Bank of America credit card account?

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

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.

Pros

If you share finances with your spouse, you might want to enrol them as an authorised user on your card. This will make it easier to keep track of how much you both spend. For the same reason, a parent might want to add their adolescent or adult children to the card so they can use it for routine purchases or in case of an emergency. Most people, on the other hand, choose to add an authorised user to their account to help that person’s credit score.

When you add someone as an authorised user to your credit card, they will get credit for all of your payments, even the ones you made before they were on the account. The account’s credit utilisation, or the percentage of available credit that is being used, will also affect their credit.

The authorised user’s credit score will be greater if they have a longer and better payment history and utilise less credit. Because of this, people often choose to add a loved one who may be having trouble with their credit.

There is one good thing for the main cardholder. If the card you want to add a user to is a rewards card, all purchases made with that card will also receive points. Adding an authorised user could only help you as the main cardholder if you’re waiting to earn additional points to book a vacation in the future.

What Is an Authorized User?

An authorized user is someone you allow to use your credit card account without being legally responsible for paying the bill.

Key characteristics:

• They receive a card linked to your account

• They can make purchases

• The primary cardholder remains responsible for payments

• Account activity may appear on the authorized user’s credit report

This arrangement is often used by parents helping children build credit, spouses managing shared expenses, or trusted family members needing temporary access to credit.

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Benefits of Adding an Authorized User

When done responsibly, this strategy can benefit both parties.

For the Authorized User

• Opportunity to build or improve credit history

• Access to an established credit line

• Positive payment history added to credit reports (in many cases)

For the Primary Cardholder

• Easier expense management for households

• Ability to track shared spending

• Potential rewards accumulation from combined purchases

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Requirements Before Adding an Authorized User

Bank of America keeps eligibility simple, but a few conditions apply.

Basic Requirements

• You must be the primary cardholder in good standing

• The account must be active

• You must provide personal details of the authorized user

Typically required information includes:

• Full legal name

• Date of birth

• Social Security Number (recommended but sometimes optional)

• Address

Providing a Social Security Number helps ensure credit reporting accuracy.

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Step-by-Step: How to Add an Authorized User to a Bank of America Credit Card

Method 1: Add an Authorized User Online (Fastest Option)

1. Log in to your Bank of America online banking account.

2. Select your credit card account.

3. Navigate to Account Services or Manage Card Settings.

4. Choose Add Authorized User.

5. Enter the user’s personal information.

6. Review terms and submit the request.

Once approved, the authorized user’s card is usually mailed within 7–10 business days.

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Method 2: Add Through the Mobile App

1. Open the Bank of America mobile app.

2. Select your credit card.

3. Tap account management options.

4. Choose Add a Cardholder.

5. Enter required details and confirm.

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Method 3: Add by Phone

You can also call the number on the back of your credit card and request that a representative add the authorized user for you.

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How Adding an Authorized User Affects Credit Scores

This is one of the most important considerations.

Impact on the Authorized User

If Bank of America reports the account to credit bureaus:

• Positive payment history can boost their credit score.

• Low credit utilization improves their profile.

• Long account history may strengthen credit age.

Impact on the Primary Cardholder

Your credit score itself does not change directly from adding a user — but their spending behavior can indirectly affect you.

Because:

• All balances appear on your account

• You remain legally responsible for repayment

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Expert Tips Before Adding Someone

Financial professionals recommend treating authorized-user access like shared financial responsibility.

1. Set Spending Expectations Clearly

Agree on:

• Spending limits

• Approved purchase categories

• Payment timing

2. Start With a Trusted Person Only

Authorized users should be individuals you fully trust financially.

3. Monitor Transactions Regularly

Bank of America allows real-time monitoring through alerts and online statements.

4. Keep Utilization Low

Try to keep total balances below 30% of your credit limit to protect both credit profiles.

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Featured Snippet: Quick Steps to Add an Authorized User

To add an authorized user to a Bank of America credit card:

1. Log into online banking or the mobile app

2. Select your credit card account

3. Choose “Add Authorized User”

4. Enter personal information

5. Submit and wait for the card delivery

Can You Remove an Authorized User Later?

Yes — and the process is simple.

You can remove an authorized user anytime through:

• Online banking

• Mobile app

• Customer service

Once removed:

• Their card stops working immediately

• Future activity no longer affects your account

• The account history may remain on their credit report depending on bureau policies

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Best Practices After Adding an Authorized User

To maintain strong credit health:

• Enable purchase alerts

• Review statements monthly together

• Pay balances before the statement closing date

• Keep communication open about spending

Many experienced cardholders treat authorized-user accounts as a credit-building mentorship rather than shared borrowing.

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Internal Linking Opportunities (SEO Strategy)

These sentences work well for linking to related articles:

• “Understanding how credit utilization impacts your score helps both users benefit from shared accounts.”

• “Learning how authorized users build credit faster explains why this strategy is widely recommended.”

• “Knowing how payment history affects credit scores helps prevent long-term damage.”

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Key Takeaways

• Adding an authorized user to a Bank of America credit card is quick and usually free.

• The primary cardholder remains fully responsible for all charges.

• Responsible use can help the authorized user build credit.

• Clear spending rules prevent financial conflicts.

• Monitoring utilization protects both credit scores.

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Conclusion

Adding an authorized user to your Bank of America credit card can be a powerful financial tool when handled responsibly. It allows trusted individuals to benefit from established credit while helping households simplify spending management.

However, success depends on communication, trust, and disciplined credit habits. By setting expectations early and monitoring activity consistently, you can use this feature to strengthen credit profiles instead of creating financial stress.

Used wisely, authorized-user access becomes more than convenience — it becomes a strategic step toward long-term credit growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions (SEO FAQs)

1. Does Bank of America charge a fee to add an authorized user?

Most Bank of America credit cards allow authorized users at no additional cost, though premium cards may have exceptions.

2. Does an authorized user need good credit?

No. Authorized users can have limited or poor credit since approval is based on the primary cardholder’s account.

3. Can an authorized user make payments?

Yes, they can submit payments, but the primary cardholder remains legally responsible for the balance.

4. How long does it take for an authorized user to build credit?

Credit reporting may begin within one or two billing cycles after the account appears on their credit report.

5. Can I set a spending limit for an authorized user?

Some Bank of America cards allow purchase monitoring and alerts, though individual limits may depend on card features.