Authorized user on maxed out card

[Anonymous]

When I was 17 my parents added me as a authorized user to one of their credit cards to help me build credit. This credit card has been reporting on my credit for 11 years now. They have never missed a payment so that is 11 years of perfect payment history on my credit. Problem is the card is always 100% (or more) maxed out at about $1,500. Should I remove myself as an authorized user, or let them keep reporting?

[thummel]

You could ask your parents to maybe pay down the balance but if that doesn't happen it's going to do more damage having a maxed out card on your reports all the time then losing the history in my opinion.

[grillandwinemaster]

For scoring purposes, I don't believe that Fico counts utilization on AU cards.  

However, assuming you have built positive history on your own in the last 11 years, the need for AU cards At this point is negligible.  

[Creditplz]

Grill, it does I can say that from experience. Personally I'd call the bank and ask to be removed, they might leave the account on your file and mark it under "account terminated at consumers request" I did the same with my mom when she did not pay down her old Pier1 card. The balance and limit were "N/A" and the age still stayed on my files.

[Anonymous]

Grill - It definitely does, and if the account were to C/O the OP would have a derogatory mark, same for a late payment. It's the same as if the account were the OP's except it's weighted slightly less and they are not legally responsible should the account become delinquent.

I would say for an account that's been open 11 years maybe hint/recommend to your parents to request a Credit Limt Increase since the $1,500 limit is getting used up frequently, the bank will see that along with sterling payment history and more than likely grant a CLI request possibly for more than triple the current limit!

[Anonymous]

I would go on my own.  Coming off that card won't hurt your AAOA, I assume you have cards of your own, if not you should.  Their utilization of that card does count against your utliization, my wife and I are AU on eachothers cards so when I pay mine down her scores increase and vice versa so this is hurting you more than helping.  Just tell your parents you really appreciate their help but your in your late 20's so you want to go on your own.  I have done the same for my kids to get them started but only on a card I rarely use more than 5% of the CL and once they build their own credit they are out.  

[Chris679]

Remove yourself

[AverageJoesCredit]

Yes, i believe its time to move on. 11 years history is great but in reality, its not yours and you need to be able to stand on your own 2 credit feet. If the card is always maxed id assume that affects you negatively because its showing on your personsl report. Good luck

[Anonymous]

My scores are stuck in the gutter right now because my only reporting card is an authorized user account with a limit of 22,000 and a balance of 19,000. My utilization is in the dark red. It certainly wouldn't hurt to remove yourself and start your own, solo journey. That way you can say you did it by yourself without the help of anyone's account.

[Anonymous]

Jlh- I would completely disagree. Everyone needs help, in the famous words of the Beatles, "I get by with a little help from my friends".

There's no shame at all with being an AU.