How is this even possible?

[ezdoesit]

I agree definitely an AU.  I only know of Amex that has AU accounts with different numbers on the card than the primary.  It makes a lot of sense business wise for Amex or any other CCC for that matter.  Card is lost or stolen by the primary the AU doesn't have to wait and get another card they can keep charging away so the Amex can keeping making money instead of you using another card til the new one comes arrives.

As soon as my kids are old enough I will make them AU's on my Amex cards to set their MSD.  Which will teach them responsibility and also help their credit later on in life.

[CenturyChild]

FWIW,  Barclay issues a seperate card number for each AU's card as well.

Not to get to far off topic, but I've been curious about this as well.

I have my niece on 2 cards as AU. A QuickSilver and a JC Penny.

Trying to teach her about credit and how to be responsible along the way.

But I'm wondering how much this will actually help her when she turns 18 and can get a card of her own.

[SunriseEarth]

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@CenturyChild wrote:

Def an AU.

My niece is AU on one of my CapOne cards (she lives with me) since its easier for her to get gas and things she needs. As well as in case of emerciencies.

She has her own card with her name on it and everything.  Just turned 16.

Just have to make sure you trust the person you add cause they can charge anything and not respopnsible for it. 

She uses hers to get what she need and any little extras she wants.  I just give her an allowance or "limit" every month she can use without asking me first. I'll just say you can spend "X" amount this month and she doesnt have to ask to use it so long as she stays within her boundries.  Been very good about it too.

Otherwise she needs permission.

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I think that's a good way to do it.   Hopefully, she'll also learn about credit in the process.   It sounds like she's responsible with her use, and that's a very good sign.  

As for the OP, yes, the guy is an AU.   They get their own cards with their names and it typically reports on their CRs as an AU account.   Since the contract is with the main account holder, there isn't an issue with someone being too young to legally enter into a contract.   AU policies vary greatly with lender.

[tcbofade]

I have gotten several AU cards for two of my children soley for the purpose of building credit scores....one is now 19 and is trashing his credit on his own...the other is 16 and has a higher credit score than I do!  

(Kiddo #3 just hit 15, so we'll wait another year before we get her started....)

[taxi818]

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@CoreyGSHS wrote:

Hi all! So tonight I was dining with my best friend (who is 17) and when the bill came separate for each of us, he whipped out a Chase Sapphire Preferred card! It was his card because his name was printed on the front. I didn't really spark a conversation about it with him, however. He told me he has had the card for a year! How is that even possible with his young age and (assuming) extremely thin credit profile?? Both his 22 year old sister and mother have Sapphire Preferred cards. 

Do you think the parents co-signed the card? Does Chase even let you do that with the Sapphires? How did this happen? he is an authorized user at that age. it is against the law for minor to get own card. as they are not financially responsible. until the age of 18. the fact he had it a year. at 16 years old says it all. so mommy gave all the kids their own credit cards. that simple.

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[taxi818]

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@TiggerDat wrote:

Yeah, it is his card, it was given to him by his mother or father, so it is his card, not his parents.  As an AU he can use his card however he wants.  It is possible for people under 18 to get cards, but often it does not happen as they can legally say no to paying it if they are under 18, since they can't enter into such a contract. 

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t. he cannot get at all. unless parents or even friend gave it to him. in other versions of fico it would help build his score. but under fico 08 it may or may not. depends no one knows. but some companies give own card. others use the same credit card number. in any case however. its the applicant who sets the limit on that card. and what can be spent. so its really no big deal.

[kroberts67]

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@ezdoesit wrote:

I agree definitely an AU.  I only know of Amex that has AU accounts with different numbers on the card than the primary.  It makes a lot of sense business wise for Amex or any other CCC for that matter.  Card is lost or stolen by the primary the AU doesn't have to wait and get another card they can keep charging away so the Amex can keeping making money instead of you using another card til the new one comes arrives.

As soon as my kids are old enough I will make them AU's on my Amex cards to set their MSD.  Which will teach them responsibility and also help their credit later on in life.

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All right, I have to ask...  what's MSD?

[EddieK]

His parents got him the card as an AU.  In high school my dad gave me a GM card in my name that was linked to his account

[tcbofade]

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@kroberts67 wrote:

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@ezdoesit wrote:

I agree definitely an AU.  I only know of Amex that has AU accounts with different numbers on the card than the primary.  It makes a lot of sense business wise for Amex or any other CCC for that matter.  Card is lost or stolen by the primary the AU doesn't have to wait and get another card they can keep charging away so the Amex can keeping making money instead of you using another card til the new one comes arrives.

As soon as my kids are old enough I will make them AU's on my Amex cards to set their MSD.  Which will teach them responsibility and also help their credit later on in life.

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All right, I have to ask...  what's MSD?

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Member Since Date:

It's a big deal to the Amex crowd, and can really help your AAoA down the road if you need it.

[taxi818]

Exactly. No need to loan my card out. They can even set up when you can see details of what au spent. Msd. Member since date.