Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card can be an easy way to boost your credit score, but it comes with both advantages and risks. Here's a quick look at the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Pros:

1. Credit Boost – You benefit from the primary cardholder’s positive credit history without the responsibility for debt.

2. Credit Building – It’s a great option for those new to credit or rebuilding their score.

3. No Hard Inquiry – You’re added without impacting your credit through a hard pull.

4. Lower Credit Utilization – If the card has a high limit and low balance, your overall credit utilization ratio improves.

5. Access to Credit – You can use the card for purchases, giving you financial flexibility.

Cons:

1. Potential for Negative Impact – If the primary cardholder misses payments or carries high balances, your credit score can suffer.

2. Limited Control – You rely on the primary cardholder’s financial habits, without any say in how they manage the account.

3. May Not Fully Build Credit – Some lenders and scoring models may weigh authorized user accounts less heavily.

4. Relationship Strain – Financial disagreements between you and the primary cardholder can cause tension.

5. Doesn’t Show Independent Creditworthiness – This strategy doesn’t demonstrate your ability to manage credit on your own.

Is It Worth It?

An authorized user account can be a useful credit-building tool, but it requires trust in the primary account holder’s habits. If you’re looking to boost your score quickly, this could be a good option, but consider the potential risks and focus on building independent credit in the long term.