How to Add a Signer to a Credit Card

It's common for a spouse or parent to add one or more family members to a credit card account so someone else can purchase items for the household. While it is not wise to grant access to your credit account to just anyone, a responsible signer can make buying household items easier. Adding a signer to a credit account is easy, but you'll need to establish the person's identity and authorize the change.

• 1

  Educate the signer on the responsibilities of being an authorized user. Explain to the signer that as an authorized user on the account, she can make purchases using a second credit card, which will contain her full legal name. If you also name the signer as a joint card holder, explain that she is jointly responsibility for any balances owed on the card.

• 2

  Contact your credit card issuer. Identify yourself with your full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth and current address.

• 3

  Identify the authorized user by his full legal name and Social Security number. Provide an address where a credit card can be sent.

• 4

  Offer verbal confirmation of your request to add an authorized user. Grant the company representative permission to update your account accordingly.

• 5

  Verify that the second signer receives his credit card in the mail. Instruct him to activate the card as directed.