Million Mile Secrets reader, Diane, commented:
If I add an authorized user to my Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express, will this impact their ability to get the card and earn the sign-up bonus in the future?
Great question, Diane!
Adding an authorized user is a great way to earn points faster. Because they can help you meet a card’s minimum spending requirement.
And authorized users can earn a sign-up bonus on the same card if they decide to apply in the future.
For example, if you’ve ever had the AMEX Starwood card as an authorized user, you’re still eligible to sign-up and get a bonus after meeting the spending requirements.
I’ll explain what to consider when adding an authorized user. And share the benefits!
Why Add an Authorized User?
Link: Authorized Users Can Be Good & Bad
Link: Can an Authorized User Help You Meet a Card’s Minimum Spending Requirement?
I know many folks who add their partner an authorized user for every card they get.
Because purchases made by an authorized user will earn points in the primary cardholder’s account. This makes it easier to meet minimum spending requirements to earn a new card sign-up bonus!
And I’ve written about other ways folks can benefit from adding users to their credit card accounts. This includes a potential boost to the authorized user’s credit score.
Don’t forget, charges on authorized user accounts are ultimately your responsibility. So before you add someone, make sure it’s someone you trust!
Authorized users on some cards can get certain perks without having to sign-up for a new card. For example, additional cardholders on the AMEX Starwood card can save money with access to AMEX Offers.
And authorized users on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card get a Priority Pass Select membership.
But to earn a new card sign-up bonus, an authorized user will have to apply for the card themselves.
Consider the Impact for Chase Application Rules
Link: Rules for Chase Credit Card Approvals
Link: Which Cards Should You Consider With the Stricter Chase Application Rules?
An authorized user account may appear on his or her credit report and could count towards Chase’s tougher application rules.
This means if the authorized user has opened ~5 or more credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months (excluding certain business cards), they’re unlikely to get approved for most Chase cards.
So if the person you’re looking to add as an authorized user wants to earn the sign-up bonus on a Chase card in the future, you might want to hold off. Although there are mixed reports of folks having success asking Chase to reconsider applications if their recent new accounts are only authorized user cards.
Bottom Line
An authorized user can apply for the same card in his or her own name and earn a new card sign-up bonus.
So you can take advantage of the benefits of adding an authorized user, like helping to meet spending requirements. And this will NOT prevent them from earning the sign-up bonus on the card in the future.
But keep in mind an authorized user account may appear on his or her credit report, and could count towards Chase’s tougher application rules.