Amex Authorized User?

[Swordfish20]

I burned Amex 12 years ago and am still blacklisted. My best friend offered to add me as an authorized user on his Platinum so I can utilize airport lounge benefits and possibly build some credibility with Amex. Assuming I can get approved, how would that affect my score? I've worked my way back to 850 over the last 12 years and don't want to screw it up. Thanks.  

[BallBounces]

Congratulations on your hard work.

I can not answer your AU question, and I suspect nobody can with confidence.

I will say, I settled for less with Amex long ago and was able to get my relationship back with them after just a few years.  12 years is an awful long time ...  it makes me wonder what is really at play.

Good luck, and Amex isn't the end-all, be-all. 

EDIT TO ADD:  Personally, I would not do the AU plan with a friend, but as always YMMV.

[pizzadude]

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@Swordfish20 wrote:

I burned Amex 12 years ago and am still blacklisted. My best friend offered to add me as an authorized user on his Platinum so I can utilize airport lounge benefits and possibly build some credibility with Amex. Assuming I can get approved, how would that affect my score? I've worked my way back to 850 over the last 12 years and don't want to screw it up. Thanks.  

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Assuming AMEX will let your friend add you as an AU, I don't think there's any downside or risk to your FICO scores IF your friend is paying his bills on time / every time.  

[dfwxjer]

If they let you be added as an AU it won't help your credibility with Amex. 

Is the $195 worth it to you for lounge access? It's a pretty nice perk but if you're flying a lot there are multiple cards that offer priority pass and/or airline lounge access. I personally wouldn't convolute a friendship by commingling finances in any way, but everyone's situation is different. 

[Swordfish20]

Thank you 

[Swordfish20]

Thank you. 

[Swordfish20]

I have Priority Pass access but the Amex lounges are really nice. You make a good point though. Thanks. 

[dfwxjer]

Personally I prefer the airline lounges more than the centurion lounges and I spend way more time in priority pass lounges since the centurion lounges are frequently at capacity. 

I get more value out of the hotel statuses, and their coupon book of benefits than I do out of the CL access but ymmv. 

[Swordfish20]

Understood but I mostly fly Delta and they've gone up to $800 a year for their lounges. My company paid when it was 500 but they went up and the company won't approve it. And guess which card Delta partners with for their lounge access?  Yup. 

[dfwxjer]

fwiw the Platinum card only allows 10 Sky Lounge visits per year after the recent changes. 

not to sway you one way or the other, just throwing out additional data points