getting removed as an authorized user from credit

May 25, 2018 3:19 PM

I'm listed as an authorized user on a parent's credit card and have been since I was a teenager. Our relationship has never been great, but lately it is getting worse and I'm trying to cut remaining ties.

I had asked before to be removed but it never happened. I called the card company today and they said the primary has to be the one to make any changes on the account. Since that isn't going to happen do I have any options? It's on my credit report and I'd really like it gone since it is affecting my utilization (and also makes me upset when I remember it). They have good credit and are paying regularly but they do carry a balance. While this may affect my credit a bit I think I have enough history to balance it out. I don't have a card for it anymore and wouldn't use it if I did. Is there anything else I can do to get off this account? I didn't push hard with the person I spoke to on the phone but I can insist on talking to someone higher up if that might help.

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (6 answers total)

However, if the primary account holder can't call for you, e.g. you are no longer speaking, and the credit card company won’t remove you without the primary account holder’s permission, you can use the credit report dispute process to have the account removed from your credit report.
posted by Iris Gambol at 3:39 PM on May 25, 2018 [5 favorites]

I would also simply try calling again a couple of times. CSRs aren't necessarily all good at their jobs.
posted by praemunire at 4:55 PM on May 25, 2018 [3 favorites]

My soon to be ex wife managed to remove her authorized user status from a chase visa on which I am primary, without my involvement.
posted by Doc_Sock at 4:55 PM on May 25, 2018

Sorry, you should in addition check your credit report to make sure it's even affecting you. Some companies don't report authorized users to the CRAs.
posted by praemunire at 4:56 PM on May 25, 2018

Maybe go at it from the 'teenager' angle. That would invalidate the CC company's claim to be able to maintain their contract with you and/or use your personal information in any way whatsoever. You might have to send them ID to confirm your age, but I would call back and insist on speaking with a manager if they don't remove you immediately.
posted by sexyrobot at 7:13 AM on May 26, 2018

I would also try calling them again. I was able to actually change my name on a credit card for which I'm not the primary account holder (Chase) but it took two different CSRs to get it done.
posted by sm1tten at 10:50 AM on May 26, 2018 [1 favorite]