Thinking About Doing the Authorized User Hack

[Anonymous]

I recently applied for a Chase Sapphrise Reserve. And even though I have a 790 credit score and an income north of $200k I was denied. The reason being "average age of accounts too low" and "average credit limit too low" which was kind of a bummer. 

To fix this I'm considering being added as an authorized user to one of my friends cards. He's a credit card points hustler and has multiple credit cards with high limits, perfect payments and old accounts.

There are two cards I'm considering adding myself as an authorized user towards.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred - 5 years old, limit $16k

2. Delta Amex Reserve - 5 years old, limit $25k  

My concern is these are two cards I'm interested in myself. (Well mainly the CSR) I'm concerned that if I'm added as an authorized user on these cards I'll be ineligible to get these in my own name, or at least be ineligible for the sign up bonus. Am I correct about this?

Also does it make sense for him to add me as an authorized user to multiple cards or just the one?

My concern is if I was on the Delta Amex and CSP my total credit line would be like $40k almost (plus my own cards). Also I think these cards have fees for adding authorized users.

My current cards are:

1 Brand new Amex Platinum

2 Capital One Platinums (total limit is like $2100)

1 Credit One Card (don't know why I signed up for this, I want to close this, its relatively new)

I'd love to hear some people's thoughts on this. Does this sound like a good idea? Am I missing anything?  

[Anonymous]

First of all, i would not add myself to a friends card...do you REALLY trust him? Anything can happen, and any negative information will be on your credit report as well.  Why not ask your parents or a close relative instead.

2. If you get added to those cards, you are still eligible to get your own cards in the future.

3. I would get rid of that Credit One card ASAP.  Too many issues with it. Even if you close it, it will be on your credit for 10 years counting towards your AAOA.

If you're doing this just to get ahead of the game, do it with the card with the less AF, unless you don't mind paying for it.  Also remember the 5/24 rule with Chase, so careful when you apply again.

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[ls2016]

Will your friend's Chase card show up on your credit reports, if you're added? A friend added me as an AU a year ago; I have the card. To this day, it's still not on my report (not that it matters now). Different last names. Different addresses. Just a thought to consider.

[Anonymous]

If your 4 cards were opened in the last 24 months being added to your friends cards would immidiately put you at 5/24 and you will get denied for it. Some people have gone around that but YMMV.

[K-in-Boston]

The Amex card will report as being opened on the date you were added as an authorized user. The Chase card may or may not appear on your reports; YMMV when addresses and surnames don’t match as stated by a previous poster.