Adding Your Child as an Authorized User on Your Oldest Credit Card

“WHY?”

Because then YOUR credit history will be applied to establish THEIR FICO score! Seriously! I did this with my son when he was 17 and recently with my daughter as well. When my son turned 18, he finally had an official credit score - mid 700’s. He is now almost 21 and has a credit score of 780!

Last year he was approved for a CSP card (one of my very favorites) in his own name and even started travel hacking last year. Note: He does have a job/income, so that of course qualified him for the card as well.

Remember that you don’t actually have to give the card to your child when you add them! I didn’t. You can just use it occasionally yourself. Make sure you pick a card that doesn’t charge you for adding authorized users! The older the card, the better!