To add an authorized user to your Bank of America credit card, you’ll need to log in to Online Banking on a desktop or mobile browser, navigate to your credit card account, and use the “Add an authorized user” option under the Information & Services tab. The process takes just a few minutes, but you cannot do it through the Bank of America mobile app.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Bank of America requires four pieces of information about the person you’re adding: their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and phone number. Have all of this ready before you begin, since you’ll need to enter it during the process.
There is no minimum age requirement to be an authorized user on a Bank of America credit card. That makes it a practical option if you want to add a child or teenager to start building their credit history early. The authorized user does not need to be present, agree to any terms online, or have their own Bank of America account.
Step-by-Step Process in Online Banking
Log in to your Bank of America account through a web browser at bankofamerica.com. From the accounts overview page, select the credit card you want to add the authorized user to. This only works for personal credit cards, not business accounts.
Once you’re viewing that card’s details, click on the “Information & Services” tab. Under the “Services” menu, you’ll see an option labeled “Add an authorized user” or “Add an additional cardholder as an Authorized User.” Click that link.
Enter the authorized user’s name, date of birth, Social Security number, and phone number in the form that appears. Double-check the details, then click “Submit.” Bank of America will process the request and mail a new card with the authorized user’s name on it to the address on file for the primary account. The new card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Why You Can’t Use the Mobile App
Bank of America does not currently support adding authorized users through its Mobile Banking app. If you try to find the option there, you won’t see it. You need to use Online Banking through a web browser, either on a computer or your phone’s browser. The rest of your card management features work in the app as usual, but this particular action requires the full online banking site.
How This Affects the Authorized User’s Credit
Bank of America reports authorized user activity to all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. That means the account’s payment history, credit limit, and balance will appear on the authorized user’s credit report. If the account has a long history of on-time payments and a low utilization rate, this can give the authorized user a meaningful credit score boost.
The flip side is also true. If the primary cardholder carries a high balance relative to the credit limit or misses payments, that negative information shows up on the authorized user’s report too. Before adding someone, it’s worth making sure the account is in good standing and that you plan to keep it that way.
What Authorized Users Can and Can’t Do
An authorized user receives their own physical card and can make purchases anywhere the card is accepted. They can also make payments on the account. However, they cannot change account settings, request credit limit increases, add other authorized users, or close the account. Only the primary cardholder has that level of control.
One important detail: Bank of America does not let primary cardholders set individual spending limits for authorized users. The authorized user has access to the full available credit on the account. If you’re adding someone and want to manage their spending, you’ll need to handle that through conversation rather than through any built-in account feature. You can monitor transactions through Online Banking or the mobile app to keep tabs on charges.
How to Remove an Authorized User
If you need to remove an authorized user later, call the number on the back of your credit card. You can also send a secure message through Online Banking requesting the removal. Once processed, the authorized user’s card will be deactivated and they’ll no longer be able to make purchases. The account will eventually stop appearing on their credit report, though the timeline for that varies by credit bureau.
As the primary cardholder, you’re responsible for all charges made by the authorized user, even after removal. Any balance they ran up before being removed stays on your account. If there’s a dispute about charges, it’s between you and the authorized user, not between Bank of America and the authorized user.
Fees for Adding an Authorized User
Most Bank of America credit cards do not charge a fee to add an authorized user. Some premium travel cards may have an annual fee for additional cardholders, so check your card’s terms before adding someone. You can find this in your cardmember agreement or by calling customer service. For the majority of Bank of America’s lineup, including its popular cash back cards, adding an authorized user is free.