If you’ve been researching ways to strengthen your credit profile, you’ve probably come across the term “authorized user tradelines.” It’s one of the most talked-about strategies in personal credit management, and for good reason.
But what exactly are they? How do they work? And what should you know before using them?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about authorized user tradelines, how they relate to the factors that influence your credit score, and how EZE Credit Services can help you explore this option.
Important Disclosure: No specific credit score improvement is guaranteed. Individual results vary based on a wide range of factors. Authorized user tradelines are one option to consider as part of a broader credit-building strategy.
What Is an Authorized User Tradeline?
A tradeline is any credit account that appears on your credit report. Every credit card, auto loan, mortgage, and personal loan you hold is a tradeline. Credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion track each one and use that data when calculating your credit score.
An authorized user tradeline is a specific type of tradeline where you are added to someone else’s credit card account as an authorized user. You don’t need to use the card. You don’t make payments on it. But the account’s history, including its credit limit, payment record, and age, gets reported to your credit report.
This process is sometimes called “credit piggybacking” because it allows one person to benefit from the account history of another. It is a legal practice, supported by the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 and the Federal Reserve’s Regulation B.
How Do Authorized User Tradelines Work?
The process is straightforward:
- A primary account holder adds you as an authorized user on their credit card.
- The credit card issuer reports the account to the credit bureaus under your name.
- The account’s history (age, payment record, credit limit) appears on your credit report.
- Credit scoring models then factor this additional data into their calculations.
Credit scoring models like FICO and VantageScore do consider authorized user accounts. According to publicly available FICO scoring guidelines, the key factors that influence credit scores include payment history (roughly 35%), credit utilization (about 30%), and length of credit history (approximately 15%).
Authorized user tradelines add data points that credit scoring models may consider when evaluating a credit profile. However, the effect on any individual’s score, if any, varies significantly from person to person depending on their existing credit history, the number and type of other accounts on their report, and the specific scoring model being used. No specific outcome is guaranteed.
The most sought-after authorized user tradelines tend to share three characteristics: a long account history, a clean payment record, and a low utilization ratio (the balance relative to the credit limit).
Who Typically Considers Authorized User Tradelines?
Authorized user tradelines are not a one-size-fits-all solution. That said, they tend to be explored by people who fall into certain categories.
People with thin credit files. If you’re young, new to the country, or simply haven’t opened many accounts, your credit file may be considered “thin.” Lenders may view this as higher risk because there isn’t enough data to evaluate you. Adding a seasoned tradeline to your report may help provide additional data points for scoring models to consider.
People working to move past previous credit challenges. If you’ve dealt with late payments, collections, or charge-offs in the past but have since addressed those issues, adding positive account history could help provide a more balanced picture to lenders. Industry guidance generally suggests that having a mix of positive tradelines on your report is an important component of a healthy credit profile.
People preparing for a major financial milestone. Whether you’re planning to apply for a mortgage, an auto loan, or a business line of credit, how your credit profile looks at the time of application matters. Authorized user tradelines are one tool people consider when working to position their credit profile ahead of a major application.
People looking for alternatives to slower methods. Building credit from scratch through traditional methods like secured credit cards and credit builder loans can take months or even years. Authorized user tradelines represent an alternative approach that some consumers choose to explore alongside these methods.
Are Authorized User Tradelines Legal?
Yes. The practice of adding authorized users to credit card accounts is legal.
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 established the legal framework. Under the Federal Reserve’s Regulation B, any bank that allows a cardholder to add a spouse as an authorized user must also allow them to add non-spouses. This means there is nothing unlawful about being added to someone’s account, regardless of your personal relationship with the primary cardholder.
Credit bureaus report authorized user accounts in the same manner as other tradelines. Both FICO and VantageScore have publicly acknowledged that authorized user accounts are factored into credit score calculations.
It is worth noting the difference between authorized user tradelines and primary tradelines. Primary tradelines are accounts opened in your own name with your own credit application. Purchasing primary tradelines from third parties is a practice that raises serious legal and ethical concerns. EZE Credit Services only offers authorized user tradelines, which are the legally recognized option.
What to Look for in a Quality Tradeline
Not all tradelines are the same. The potential influence on your credit profile depends on several factors.
Account age. Older tradelines may carry more weight in scoring models because they contribute to your average age of accounts and overall length of credit history. An account that’s been open for 10 or 15 years adds more history than one that’s only a year old.
Payment history. The tradeline should have a clean payment record with zero late payments. Because payment history is the single largest factor in most credit scoring models, this is an important consideration.
Credit limit and utilization. A high credit limit with a very low balance (ideally under 10% utilization) may positively influence your overall credit utilization ratio, which is the second most heavily weighted factor in FICO scoring.
Reporting to all three bureaus. The tradeline should report to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If it only reports to one or two bureaus, fewer scoring models will have access to the data.
While these are attributes that credit scoring models generally consider, the presence of these characteristics on a tradeline does not predict or guarantee any specific credit outcome for any individual consumer.
At EZE Credit Services, every tradeline in the inventory features a clean payment history, low utilization, and verified account age. This allows you to focus on selecting the tradeline that best aligns with your credit goals.
How to Get Started with Authorized User Tradelines
If you’re interested in exploring this option, here’s what the process typically looks like when working with a tradeline provider like EZE Credit Services:
Step 1: Review your credit report. Before purchasing a tradeline, pull your credit report to understand where you currently stand. Identify any negative items, check your average account age, and note your current credit utilization. If you have errors on your report, consider disputing those first. (Note: EZE Credit Services is not a credit repair organization, but their team can help point you in the right direction.)
Step 2: Select a tradeline. Based on your credit profile and your goals, choose a tradeline that addresses the areas where your profile may benefit from additional data. If your credit history is short, you may want to consider account age as a factor. If your utilization is high, a tradeline with a larger credit limit may be worth evaluating. Keep in mind that selecting a tradeline with specific attributes does not guarantee any particular result. Browse the full tradeline inventory or explore tradeline packages for bundled options.
Step 3: Complete your purchase. Purchases should be made at least 5 days before the tradeline’s reporting date (10 days for American Express cards). If the reporting date has passed, the first report will go out the following month.
Step 4: Wait for reporting. Once you’re added as an authorized user, the tradeline typically appears on your credit report within one to two billing cycles. Monitor your credit report to confirm it has posted.
Step 5: Plan your next steps. You’ll be listed as an active authorized user for two reporting cycles (approximately two months). During this time, the tradeline is reported as an open account. Many consumers use this window to pursue credit applications they’ve been preparing for. If you need additional time, EZE Credit Services offers extensions in one-cycle increments at half the original purchase price.
Common Questions About Authorized User Tradelines
What kind of results can I expect? There is no way to guarantee a specific outcome. The effect of an authorized user tradeline on your credit profile depends on many individual factors, including your existing credit history, the number of accounts on your report, any derogatory marks, and the scoring model used by the lender you’re applying with. Some consumers see meaningful changes; others see more modest shifts. EZE Credit Services works with each client to help select tradelines that align with their individual situation, but no specific result can be promised or guaranteed.
How long do tradelines stay on my report? After the active period ends, the tradeline may appear as a closed account. Many banks continue to report closed authorized user accounts for several years, though the account’s influence on scoring models may differ once it’s no longer actively reporting.
Do I need more than one tradeline? It depends on your situation. If your report contains multiple negative items, additional positive tradelines may help provide a more balanced profile. If your budget is limited, it’s generally advisable to focus on one well-aged tradeline with strong attributes rather than splitting the budget across two weaker ones.
What if I have collections on my report? If your report has recent collections, charge-offs, or other serious derogatory marks, tradelines alone may not address the underlying issues. It’s generally recommended to work on resolving negative items first and then explore adding tradelines as part of a broader credit-building strategy.
Why Choose EZE Credit Services?
The tradeline industry has its share of unreliable providers. Working with the wrong company can mean wasted money or a frustrating experience. EZE Credit Services has operated in this space since 2016, providing clients with authorized user tradelines backed by transparency and personalized support.
Here’s what sets them apart:
Every tradeline features a clean payment history, low utilization, and verified account age. There are no bait-and-switch tactics or hidden fees. Their team works with you to evaluate your credit profile and identify tradelines that align with your specific goals. And if you need to keep a tradeline active longer, their extension program offers flexibility at a fair price.
EZE Credit Services is committed to honest, straightforward service in an industry where that is not always the standard.
Explore Your Options
Your credit profile plays a role in many of life’s most important financial decisions. Whether you’re building credit for the first time, working past previous setbacks, or positioning yourself ahead of a major purchase, authorized user tradelines are one option worth exploring.
Browse tradelines at EZE Credit Services and speak with their team about what may work for your situation. Have questions? Reach out at 919-200-0484 or Info@EzeCreditServices.com, Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm EST.
Disclaimer: EZE Credit Services is not a credit repair organization as defined under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA). The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or credit advice. Authorized user tradelines are a credit-building tool, and individual results vary based on a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, existing credit history, derogatory marks, credit utilization, the number and type of existing accounts, and the specific credit scoring model used by lenders. No specific credit score improvement, credit approval, or financial outcome is guaranteed or implied. Consumers should consult with a qualified financial professional before making decisions that affect their credit.