Add Close Friend as Authorized User: Benefits? Possible Problems?

[DaveSignal]

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@CharlesSu wrote:

Thanks! So if she doesn't pay her bill on time, I will have a bad record on my credit file, right? Will adding her as my AU help her build the credit? 

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An AU doesn't get a bill. It is your responsibility. If the account has a good history and low utilization, It will improve her credit score. Lenders may want to see some accounts in her name also though. My wife is a foreign national and has a fantastic FICO score, solely due to the accounts I have made her AU. I did also open one joint account with her also. Many lenders don't need a SSN, but the AU in question will need a SSN to use the credit that you are trying to build. She will also need it for the majority of jobs she might apply to, so getting a SS card should be a high priority.

[fltn]

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@CharlesSu wrote:

Hey guys,

I have a close friend who just arrived at the states. She is an international student and doesn't have SSN yet. Can I add her as the AU? Will she have a seperate credit card account or does she share my account? Thanks!

Edit:

Can I add some as AU if she doesn't have SSN? 

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Without a SSN I am not sure she will have  a credit report. I could be wrong though.

[parkman]

My wife added me as an AU on her Target and BOA to help my AAOA, and neither one asked for my SS#, however, both reported to my report within a month. Being that she doesn't have a SS#, I'm not sure how that would work, but I'm pretty sure she would still have a credit file, if not now, then once the card reports. But YEMV.

[DaveSignal]

The AU data will eventually make it to a report for her, but this data will not be accessible without acquiring a SSN.

[Anonymous]

While this is generally true; there are some cards that charge per card, including AU users. One that comes to mind the is AMEX platinum? card that charges $495 for the primary user and $295 per each extra AU card per year. 

Read your terms just to make sure but 95% of the time you won't get charged.