Authorized User on Credit Card

[Anonymous]

My mom put me on as an authorized user for one of her credit cards. (I don't know why) I did not expect this to show up on my credit report but there it was! I'm trying to improve my FICO which is at 684.  I had a few missed payments on a couple cards over 6 years ago and my only debt now is a car payment which is almost payed off. Would having my mom remove me as an authorized user improve or hurt my score? Does anybody know?

Thank,

Amy

[Lel]

Hi, and welcome to the FICO Forums.

Being added as an AU to an old card in good standing tends to have a positive effect on one's FICO score.  So, if it's a 20 year old card that has always been paid on time, then you'll inherit the account age and the good payment history.  If, however, it is either a newly opened account or has a spotty payment history, then it could have a negative effect on your score.

Also, if the card is maxed out, that could hurt your utilization and drop your score.

More information about the nuances of FICO scoring can be found here: The Son Of Credit Scoring 101

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the forums!

Just over a year ago, I had no credit file.  Jumping into college I decided it necessary to become the steward (I mean that in quite a strict sense) of a credit card.  My first move was jumping on my mom's credit card (dad had just been through a bankruptcy, but for an unknown reason my mom's credit history was unnafected) which was a 676.  Knowing the credit card bill for new credit card holders was coming quickly, I did everything I could to acquire a credit card, and in the end joined a credit union. This allowed me to recieve a regular (as opposed to secured credit card) credit card with a measly CL of $300.  After a year of payments, never making a late payment, my credit score is slightly over 700.  I recieve more offers than I can keep up with.  I'm largely convinced that being an AU was the key in building such a good credit score in so short of time.  Like the moderator said, as long as the card you are an AU on has maintained integrity, STAY ON IT!