When you think of the miles-and-points world, your mind probably goes straight to welcome offers, airport lounges, and various upgrades. But, there’s a fun little strategy that can help you “double dip” on benefits without opening a new card.
Drumroll please… I’m talking about adding an ✨authorized user.✨
It might not sound as exciting as a 100,000-point welcome offer, but authorized users can still come with some great perks, from extra lounge access and boosted points earnings to helping someone else build their credit.
That said, it’s not something to just do. Like other things in the travel game, there’s a right time to add someone and a wrong time that will just cost you money. So, let’s break it all down really quickly.
An authorized user is someone you add to your credit card account who gets their own card but doesn’t have to go through the usual credit check or application process.
They can spend on the account, and those purchases roll up to the primary cardholder’s statement. The primary cardholder is ultimately responsible for paying the bill, but the authorized user can enjoy some (or all) of the card’s perks.
That could mean lounge access, Global Entry credits, or just earning rewards when they make purchases. It can also help the authorized user build credit, since the account’s payment history typically shows up on their credit report. That’s why parents will often add their kids to their cards, or partners add each other when they share expenses.
When It Makes Sense to Add an Authorized User
There are a few common scenarios where adding an authorized user can be a solid move:
Pooling perks: If your partner or family members travel with you often, giving them their own card can mean shared lounge access, extra statement credits, or easier spending on trips.
Helping someone build credit: Adding someone to a well-managed account can give them some aid in the credit department, which can be super helpful when they go to open their own card down the road.
Hitting minimum spend faster: I’ve been known to use this perk once or twice! If you’re working toward a welcome offer or bonus category, authorized user spending counts toward your total.
Consolidating your spending: One account, multiple cards. Honestly, this can just sometimes make life (and tracking points) a whole lot easier.
When You Should Skip Adding an Authorized User
Adding an authorized user isn’t always the smartest move, so here’s when you should pass on it:
When the fee isn’t worth it: Some cards charge hundreds of dollars per authorized user, and if they’re not going to use the perks, that’s just wasted money.
When you don’t fully trust the person: This one might sound a little silly, but at the end of the day, you’re financially responsible for this persons’s spending.
When they won’t use the benefits: If they never travel or won’t take advantage of the perks, there’s no reason to pay for extras.
When you’re worried about credit utilization: Heads up… their spending counts against your credit limit.
Some credit cards are especially valuable for authorized users, either because they offer big perks at no extra cost or because the fee is actually worth it for the benefits you’ll get.
American Express Platinum Card® — Authorized users (technically “Additional Platinum Cards”) cost a fee, but they get access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass (with enrollment), hotel/rental car benefits, hotel elite status (with enrollment), and more.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — Same deal here, plus some business-specific perks.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® — Authorized users get their own Priority Pass membership, a DashPass membership credit (up to $25 in monthly promos, for 12 months if activated by 12/31/2027), and travel protections.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — One of the best deals in the game (for now) since you can add authorized users for no fee, and they get their own lounge access and travel protections.
Capital One Venture X Business — Same deal here.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® — Authorized users come with a fee, but get limited access to the Admirals Club Lounge, and all spending helps the primary cardholder earn extra loyalty points.
⚠️ Heads Up: Starting Feb. 1, 2026, Venture X authorized users will no longer get free lounge access. You’ll need to spend $75,000 a year to unlock guest perks again, and even then, they’re limited. Authorized users will also lose free lounge access and will need to pay $125 annually if they want their own access. Changes will affect Venture X Business cardholders as well.
Mid-Tier and Everyday Cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — No lounge perks here, but authorized users can help rack up valuable Ultimate Rewards points (with the option to combine households later on).
American Express® Gold Card — Additional cards are free (up to five cards), and they can earn points on your account, which is great for households that spend a lot on dining and groceries.
This is where things get a little strategic (this is Daily Drop, after all 😌). If adding an authorized user is an added expense but gives them full lounge access, TSA PreCheck, and travel protections (and they actually use those perks), that can easily outweigh the fee.
On the flip side, if they just want to earn extra points for a few dinners out, adding a no-fee card (or skipping it altogether) makes more sense.
❤️ Remember: Choose someone who’ll actually use the perks, set spending alerts if needed, and don’t forget to factor in the fee vs. benefit math before you hit “add.”
Bottom Line
Adding an authorized user can be a super powerful (and fun) way to share perks, build credit history, and make your card work harder for you. Whether it’s extra lounge access, statement credits, or bonus points, the right person on the right card can turn an already valuable card into an even sweeter one.
But if the math isn’t mathing, then maybe skip it and save the fee for your next flight or hotel night!
