Who can I make AU?

[Anonymous]

I have a close friend who could use some help with their credit score. I'm considering offering to add them as an AU. I would never give them the card or even the account number. I have two questions:

1) Am I putting myself at risk in this situation? If they don't have the card number will they be able to somehow access my account?

2) Do banks have any restrictions on who can be added as an AU? We're close, but not give-me-your-SSN close, so I know Discover, for example, isn't an option.

Thanks!

[K-in-Boston]

The answer to #1 is going to vary by lender.  There's usually no limit as to who you can add, but if there is no easily established relationship (like the same address on your credit reports) then without the SSN the AU card may not be reported.

[bondsandloan]

You can add them to the account & have them send their SSN (via fax) to the creditor to add to their CR. You will need to give them your account #.
Or they can give you their SSN & you can add to their account when you set it up.

Both options require one to give some personal info to the other. Otherwise don't think it would work (unless you both have the same address on your CRs as K-in-Boston said).