Facts And Falsities About Fixing Your Credit

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Getting a little help from friends

We asked Humphrey what some possible moves are for someone who is really struggling to qualify for cards on their own. She talked about having someone you know and trust – like a family member or spouse – add you as an authorized user to their account. But, as a word to the wise for those who have the account, she says “If you’re going to add an authorized user, make sure the authorized user has positive money behaviors. If not, you’re ultimately responsible for what that person spends on the card.  If it’s not your spouse or someone close to you that you want to help, you don’t have to give them the card. You can help them build a positive profile, without giving them the credit card.” Meaning, you can add them as a user, but not issue them a physical card, so their credit profile will benefit from your positive spending habits, and they won’t actually be able to use the card.