Authorized Users Can Build Credit With BECU
Adding trusted loved ones as authorized users on your BECU credit card could help them build credit history and improve their credit score. This is because BECU includes authorized users when reporting a primary cardholder’s account activity to credit bureaus.
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If the primary credit cardholder keeps their account in good standing with no late or overdue payments, the activity we report can improve the credit scores of any authorized users on that account. Conversely, any interruptions in the primary cardholder's payment history could negatively impact an authorized user's credit score.
About Authorized Users
An authorized user has a credit card in their name and can make purchases and receive cash advances, but they have no obligation to make payments on the account — that remains the legal responsibility of the primary or joint account-holder.
Anyone age 13 or older can be an authorized user, and authorized users don't have to be BECU members. Being an authorized user can help teens and young adults learn about money management in a low-risk way, and provide access to people who can't qualify for their own account.
Impact of Authorized Users on Your Credit Card Account
- For the primary and joint accountholders, having an authorized user on your account will not impact your credit score, unless the authorized user does something to jeopardize your account standing (e.g., charging more on your account than you're able to pay).
- You may have up to four authorized users on your account.
- Authorized users don't have all of the same access as primary and joint accountholders. For example, authorized users can report a card lost or stolen, but they cannot close an account or add other authorized users.
How To Add or Remove an Authorized User
In order to add an authorized user to your account, you'll need to provide the authorized user's name, date of birth, Social Security number and their mother's maiden name. To add or remove an authorized user on your account, call us at 800-233-2328, send a secure message in Online Banking or the mobile app, or visit a BECU location
Authorized users can also contact us directly if they would like to be removed from an account and no longer associated with it.