Will adding an Authorized User affect my credit score?

[SedimentaryRock]

Hi. I hope this is the correct place for the question. If not, sorry!

I'm rebuilding my credit but as I learn I'm pulling my twin along. I got her a secured Disco which she is doing well with so far. I have a Navy Federal cc and notice I can easily add her as an AU, keep her card in my safe and just never mention it until she has a bit more experience managing things. That way she gets the benefit of my good management of that account along the way. Can this hurt me? Disregarding abuse, late payments, etc? This card will probably never be used. Thank you!!!

[LakeLife]

"Disregarding abuse, late payments, etc", adding an AU won't hurt your scores.

[SedimentaryRock]

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@LakeLife wrote:

"Disregarding abuse, late payments, etc", adding an AU won't hurt your scores.

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Thanks, Robert. This will help her a lot.

[Anonymous]

My two cents- why do it if you can't trust the person enough to tell them? First, its unethical to provide add an AU without their consent (NFCU will want their ss#, dob, etc); Secondly, if your concern is lack of responsibility- why provide her with a better to just be able to go out and obtain additional credit on her own? 

[SedimentaryRock]

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@Anonymous wrote:

My two cents- why do it if you can't trust the person enough to tell them? First, its unethical to provide add an AU without their consent (NFCU will want their ss#, dob, etc); Secondly, if your concern is lack of responsibility- why provide her with a better to just be able to go out and obtain additional credit on her own? 

Hi. I want to do it because, firstly, I see no reason not to help someone if I can. We've never had a lot of outside help or

support even from our parents, so what can I say? I'll always help her. She's my twin. Her trustworthiness is above reproach when it comes to the moral side—not stealing, not spending a lot of money she has no intention of paying back, etc. It's not like that. She doesn’t understand finance in general, or credit for sure so she's learning. Her problem is never having started a credit file, not being delinquent.
Whether you find it unethical to do this on my twin’s behalf isn’t relevant, but I would only not mention it to cut through having to explain it all to her in pieces rather than when I see her face to face next. As for DOB, SSN etc...we’re twins. I have known this information my entire life as if it were my own. I wouldn't do anything unethical with my twin's information, any more than someone would do something unethical with their child's DOB and SSN. And I know some people do, but I do not. From time to time if it's easier for me to handle something I know the ins and 

outs of and she doesn't, I handle it for her. It's really not that big a deal. To answer the why not do something to help her get credit on her own--good advice and I have. I told her about secured cards and gave her the $500 to start hers. Making her an AU is another step.

toward her getting her own credit.

[Anonymous]

Hi @SedimentaryRock , I understand hard times and it seems like you are only trying to help out a loved one -so I wish you both the best. The fact still remains that it is unethical

to use your sister's personal information without her knowledge AND consent- even if you feel it is for her benefit. Take care and all the best! 
(Edited)

[Anonymous]

Is it illegal to add someone as an authorized user without their consent? from where does that derive out of curiosity? I mean if there’s no intent to defraud and no malicious intent, I can’t quite wrap my head around a violation and I’m curious, not saying there’s not, but I’m curious exactly what the charge would be.

Now if you were seeking credit, that's a whole different story. 

[Slabenstein]

To my knowledge it wouldn't be illegal, tho ofc I'm not a lawyer.  I would still advise the OP against this course of action, both because it is deceptive and because it could trigger AA from the issuer if they become aware of it.  Iirc, when I added my SO to my Disco, the form stated that my account could be closed if I were adding them for any reason other than to use the card.

[SedimentaryRock]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hi @SedimentaryRock , I understand hard times and it seems like you are only trying to help out a loved one -so I wish you both the best. The fact still remains that it is unethical and let me be blunter,  it is illegal to use your sister's personal information without her knowledge AND consent- even if you feel it is for her benefit. Take care and all the best! 

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Thanks. You're obviously correct about the legality. Saying I wouldn't involve her was more to avoid a conversation thread of well-meaning people reminding me I'm responsible for her purchases etc. It's not important that she explicitly not know. I can get her permission.

[SedimentaryRock]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Is it illegal to add someone as an authorized user without their consent? from where does that derive out of curiosity? I mean if there’s no intent to defraud and no malicious intent, I can’t quite wrap my head around a violation and I’m curious, not saying there’s not, but I’m curious exactly what the charge would be.

Now if you were seeking credit, that's a whole different story. 

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I don't think so, but I'm not an attorney. But I agree the distinction is that it's my own account and I retain responsibility for whatever harm comes of it. It's also not illegal to be in possession of someone's DOB and SSN unless you stole it, and I believe it's entering into a contract which would be illegal. I'm not entering her into any contract or even signing anything on her behalf. So I don't think it's illegal. Even if it was, nobody but responders here would care or know I added my twin to a NFCU credit card and told her a few weeks later at Thanksgiving.