Are Authorized Users Eligible For Credit Card Bonuses?

Here’s a topic that seems to cause confusion among some people. If you’re an authorized user on someone else’s credit card, are you eligible for the bonus on that card if you apply outright? The answer is actually pretty straightforward, so let me explain… Authorized users are eligible for credit card bonusesShould you be an authorized user or apply outright?Bottom line Credit cards frequently offer huge upfront welcome offers, whereby you can earn a lot of bonus points for spending a certain amount within a limited timeframe. While there are different credit card application rules for each bank, there are generally restrictions whereby an existing cardmember can’t apply for a card they already have, while also receiving the bonus. How does that work in the context of authorized users? If you’re the authorized user on someone else’s credit card, can you apply for the card as the primary cardmember and earn the bonus? The answer is universally yes — being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card doesn’t preclude you from applying for that card yourself, and earning the bonus. When welcome bonus rules talk about existing cardmembers, they’re specifically talking about primary cardmembers, and not authorized users. You don’t even need to cancel your authorized user card to be able to do this. For example, say you’re an authorized user on your spouse’s Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (learn more), or Citi Strata Premier® Card (learn more), or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (learn more). You could remain an authorized user, and still apply outright and earn the welcome bonus on the card. Many cards offer amazing welcome bonuses Should you be an authorized user or apply outright? For those in relationships, it can sometimes be difficult to decide under which circumstances it makes sense to apply for a card outright, rather than being an authorized user on a spouse’s card (and vice versa). There are pros and cons to each. The advantage of adding someone as an authorized user is that it minimizes annual fees, since many cards have lower (or no) annual fees for authorized users, compared to the primary cardmembers. Meanwhile the advantages of having both people in a relationship apply for a card outright is that many cards have big welcome bonuses, and on top of that some cards pay for themselves on an ongoing basis. Just to give a couple of examples: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® (learn more) is a card where I’d consider adding a spouse as an authorized user, as the card offers an Admirals Club membership for the primary cardmember, and you can add up to three authorized users for a total of $175, and they receive Admirals Club access as well (after that it’s $175 per authorized user) The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (learn more) is a card where I think it makes sense for a spouse to apply separately, given the strong perks; the card has a $150 annual fee, and offers an anniversary free night certificate, IHG One Rewards Gold status (Platinum with $15,000 in spend), a fourth night free on award redemptions, up to $50 in United credits annually, and more For more on this topic, see my post on the best credit card strategy for families. Some cards have amazing perks for authorized users Bottom line Many credit cards have amazing welcome bonuses, though you’re generally only eligible for them if you don’t already have that card. The good news is that across the board, being an authorized user on someone else’s card still makes you eligible to apply for that card outright and receive the bonus (assuming you’re otherwise eligible for the card). Therefore this really comes down to deciding for each card whether the economics of applying outright make sense. Have you ever applied for a credit card on which you’re already an authorized user? Save posts to read later Saving posts is a member feature. Become an OMAAT member to build a reading list you can come back to from any device. Become a member Already a member? Log in Meet Ben Schlappig, OMAAT Founder