Authorized user question

[Anonymous]

My wife has had a credit card for 10 years or so always in good standing with low utilization. I've basically had no credit for a long time.

If she adds me as an au on her card how does that affect my profile?

I understand it will report on my profile but what I don't know is will I get the full history of the card or will it only give me the history when I'm added if that makes sense.

Will I get the full 10 years of payments and credit line on my report or will it act as a new account and only report from when I'm added. Also is there any negatives on her side for adding me.

Card is a cap1 if that matters

[Adkins]

She won't see any change on her side of her credit report. If you run up the balance or the bill doesn't get paid, then that will impact her. I'm an AU on some of my DHs cards. Some of the payment history shows on some accounts, but doesn't show on others -HOWEVER the AGE of the accounts is still there on all my credit reports. They all showed up as "new accounts" (and lowered the age of my accounts) and list me as an authorized user on my credit reports. I've been added to a Citi, Chase, Lowe's & Kohl's accounts. There are no negatives for her adding you.

[HeavenOhio]

Most cards will give AUs the full history. AMEX doesn't.

Lenders may or may not consider AUs as part of your history, i.e. they may decide it "doesn't count." FICO likes AUs as long as the account shows some age and decent utilization. Also, if one has no history at all, it's a good way to generate a score.