Authorized users: how to share bonuses with a spouse
strategy · 4 min read
What an AU is
You add your spouse (or anyone) to one of your cards as an authorized user. They get a card with their name on it. The account posts to their credit report, adding credit history and limit without requiring them to apply.
The spousal points pool
If your spouse is also an authorized user and you both pool points into one transfer partner program, you've effectively doubled your earning. This works especially well for Chase UR, Amex MR, and Citi ThankYou — all of which allow household point pooling.
The age piggyback
Adding a child as an AU on a long-aged card can boost their credit history score dramatically when they turn 18 and need their own cards.
The 5/24 side effect
An AU card shows up on the AU's credit report and counts against their 5/24 with Chase. Get removed before you apply for something big.