When it comes to credit piggybacking—also known as becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account—there are many misconceptions floating around. Some people think it’s illegal, others believe it’s risky, and some assume it’s a scam. But the reality is, authorized user tradelines are a legitimate and powerful tool for boosting credit scores when done correctly.
In this article, we’ll debunk common myths about credit piggybacking and explain how it actually works.
Myth #1: The Authorized User Gets Access to the Credit Card
Truth: The authorized user never receives the physical credit card, account number, or access to the primary cardholder’s financial information.
Many people worry that adding someone as an authorized user means giving them spending power, but that’s not the case. Here’s how it actually works:
- The primary cardholder adds the authorized user to their credit account.
- The credit card company reports the account’s payment history and credit utilization to the authorized user’s credit file.
- The authorized user benefits from the positive history but never gets the actual card or access to the account.
This means there’s zero financial risk to the primary cardholder, making it a win-win situation.
Myth #2: If the Primary Cardholder Misses a Payment, the Authorized User is Stuck With It
Truth: If the account ever has late payments or negative activity, the authorized user can have the account removed from their credit report.
A common fear is that if something goes wrong—such as a missed payment or increased credit utilization—it will permanently damage the authorized user’s credit. However, this is not the case.
- Credit bureaus allow authorized users to request account removal from their credit report if any negative activity occurs.
- This means if the primary cardholder suddenly stops making payments or racks up debt, the authorized user can dispute and remove the account, protecting their credit score.
- As a result, there is minimal long-term risk to the authorized user when using reputable credit piggybacking services.
Myth #3: Credit Piggybacking is a Scam or Illegal
Truth: Credit piggybacking is a legal and widely used credit-building strategy.
Some people mistakenly believe that adding an authorized user to boost their credit is unethical or fraudulent. However, credit piggybacking is:
- 100% legal – It has been used for decades, and even major banks encourage parents to add their children as authorized users to build credit.
- Recognized by FICO – FICO’s scoring model considers authorized user accounts, meaning credit piggybacking legitimately improves credit scores.
- Used by financial professionals – Mortgage lenders and credit advisors often recommend tradelines as a smart credit-building strategy.
The key is to work with reputable companies that follow industry best practices and ensure that both parties benefit ethically.
Myth #4: You Need Bad Credit to Use Credit Piggybacking
Truth: Credit piggybacking works for anyone looking to build or improve their credit profile.
Some assume that only people with bad credit use tradelines, but that’s far from the truth. Authorized user tradelines are beneficial for:
- Young adults with thin credit files who want to establish credit.
- People looking to increase their credit score quickly before applying for a mortgage, car loan, or business financing.
- Individuals who want to strengthen their credit mix by adding a well-aged, high-limit tradeline.
Even people with decent credit can benefit from a higher credit limit and longer credit history, which can improve their overall score.
Myth #5: Credit Piggybacking Has Long-Term Commitment
Truth: Tradelines typically stay on an authorized user’s credit report for a 7 years, however the authorized user is on the account 2-3 months, with no long-term obligations.
One of the best aspects of credit piggybacking is flexibility. Unlike opening a new credit account, which can stay on your report for years, authorized user tradelines:
- Typically report for 60-90 days, giving an immediate credit boost and time to open your own accounts.
- Can be removed at any time without affecting the authorized user’s existing credit.
- Do not involve credit checks or hard inquiries, meaning they won’t negatively impact your credit profile.
This makes tradelines an excellent short-term solution for improving credit before major financial decisions.
The Bottom Line: Credit Piggybacking is a Safe & Effective Strategy
Despite the myths and misconceptions, credit piggybacking remains a legitimate, legal, and effective way to boost credit scores. As long as it’s done through a reputable service and both parties understand the process, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Authorized users never receive the credit card or account details—just the positive payment history.
✔️ If anything goes wrong, authorized users can have the account removed from their credit report.
✔️ Credit piggybacking is legal and recognized by FICO as a valid credit-building method.
✔️ It’s beneficial for anyone looking to improve their credit, not just those with bad credit.
✔️ Tradelines offer a long-term credit boost with no long-term obligations.
If you’re looking for a fast, reliable way to improve your credit, credit piggybacking might be the right solution for you!
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