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The Daily Insight Hub

Does authorized user affect FICO?

Author

William Jenkins

Updated on January 28, 2026

Changes. One major difference between FICO 08 and the previous model is that authorized user accounts will no longer be used in calculating credit scores. (Authorized users are able to use the accounts but are not legally responsible for making payments.

What happens if you remove an authorized user?

“When you remove an authorized user from your account, typically that account will be removed from the authorized user’s credit reports,” said Gerri Detweiler, who heads up consumer education for Credit.com.

Can you improve your credit score by being an authorized user?

Becoming an authorized user can help you build your credit history and boost your credit score, but it shouldn’t be the only tool in your credit-building tool box. You should also take out credit cards in your own name and practice using those cards responsibly in order to see your score improve over time.

Will being removed as an authorized user hurt my credit?

You’re generally able to remove yourself as an authorized user by calling the credit card issuer and requesting the change. The account will no longer appear on your credit report, and its activity will not be factored into your credit scores.

Does removing an authorized user affect credit score?

How does removing an authorized user affect your credit score?

Removing an authorized user will not directly impact your credit score. That is because the number of people that you have authorized to use your credit accounts does not appear anywhere on your credit report. The only impacts on your score will be indirect.

What are the benefits of being an authorized user of a credit card?

An authorized user gets all of the benefits and privileges of being a credit card holder without the legal liability to pay off the debt. Being named an authorized user of a credit account with a good payment history can be a great benefit, particularly for someone with a limited or spotty credit history.

Is the authorized user account the same as the joint account?

Although an authorized user account typically appears on a credit report and adds to the user’s credit history, some scoring models do not weight authorized user accounts the same as joint credit accounts, according to Experian.

What happens if I cancel an account with an authorized user?

“You are still responsible for any charges that are made on the account by them as long as they remain authorized users, and sometimes it’s best to play it safe,” she said. If you ever decide to cancel a card, learn about how it could impact your credit score before you make a move.