Another 'Adding an authorized user' Question

[Anonymous]

So

I'm sure if could probably just dig into this more and do my OWN research,  but then again,  hey - that's what the forum is for, right!?

Background

I'm trying to help build the girlfriends dads' credit score...  which is 301 (or non-existent) ... never had a credit card his whole life.   He's been denied for all the cards we applied for,  so I've added him to my Cap One card. 

Questions

• Do you have to issue a card for him to actually be considered a 'user' and obtain credit (I assume no,  but who knows... sometimes there's fine print)
• Should I add him to more than one card?  (I also assume no on this,  but would more cards be considered good?)
• I'm working on rebuilding my credit also,  so I hope this will reflect positively on his score.  Is there anything I'm not considering doing this?
• Any other tips or tricks,  or bonuses,  or ANYTHING I should be looking out for?

THANKS for any responses.  As usual it's greatly apprecaited!!!!

[newhis]

There is a huge difference between a 301 score and a no-score. If there is nothing on his reports is much better than having bad things and no recent activity to generate a score.

In general I think it's best if:

- the AU is from family member and the same address

- add to 2-3 old cards with perfect payment history, without lates or any other bad thing

- don't add to Amex cards (they will report as new accounts and 0 month history)

- there are some cards that will give you bonus, but only if they are new account and add an AU (like Chase)

- after 2-3 months request all 3 credit reports, some cards reports AU to all bureaus, others only some and a few will not report at all.

About the 'issue a card', you can ask for a card but make sure they will deliver it to you, you can destroy the card if you want.

I hope the cards report and he can get a good score. Good luck.