Being an "Authorized Account Holder" on Parents Credit Card is Affecting my Credit Score!?

Question

When I was in college my mom opened a credit card and put me on the account as an 'Authorized Account holder', along with my two sisters. She never asked me if this is something that I wanted to do, but I know she meant well. I've been out of college for almost 5 years now, and I'm still on this credit card...and let's just say my mom doesn't really pay her bill on time and she's carrying a balance that doesn't look like she's going to pay off anytime soon. This is affecting my credit score and coming up as my only "Adverse Account". I'm 25 years old and starting to think more about my credit score and my future. My questions are:
1.) Can I remove my name or will my mom have to?
2.) Will removing my name from this affect my credit score (similiar to closing a line of credit does)?
3.) Can I be removed from this account when there is a balance (not MY balance but her balance).

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

An authorized user is an authorized user regardless if a SSN was given.

Either she can remove you by contacting the creditor - which would be the easiest, or you can dispute the account with the CRA's.

Being removed may hurt your scores especially if it is your oldest or one of your oldest accounts. You would lose history plus you would be raising your overall utilization on the rest of your accounts - but - since she is not taking care of the account and since it is actually hurting you right now, you may not see much of a drop when you are removed. (late payments are a major score killer) In fact, if she is constantly late and/or maxing it out, you might get lucky and see your score stay the same or actually rise when it is removed - it's very hard to say exactly what will happen.

You can be removed when there is a balance on the account. You are only an AU and "you" are not liable for the balance.

Answer 2

It largely depends on the account that was set up. If you were under the age of 18 then they must remove you from the account and hold you harmless. If you were over the age of 18 you may have been duped to cosign. If you are indeed a cosigner than the account will probably have to acheive a 0 balance and then you can be remove (the bank may close that account and reopen one in just her name) If you are just an authorized signer on her account then a mistake has been made, and you need to contact the bank. They can relieve the debt and have it deleted from the credit bureau.

Answer 3

I do not use credit cards, however my mother does and has my name on 3 of her accounts. Thankfully they've all been paid on time and are now at or near zero balances.

Over the years, I have tried to have my name removed from these accounts through the creditors and the bureaus. All have told me that she is the ONLY way to take my name off the accounts.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Depending on the card issuer and how you are listed on the account, you may or may not be liable for any existing balance if you mother defaults.
As long as the account is current, you should be able to get your name removed.
Worst case, you can write the card issuer and state that you will not accept liability for any ADDITIONAL charges. Send that letter certified mail, return receipt requested and keep a copy. If they won't remove your name completely, you have limited you liability to the current balance.

Answer 5

Your mom will have to and further the Credit Card company will have to agree to release you. I have some bad news... you're more than an "authorized user" she gave them your ssn and made you a co-maker on the card. Think of a business that has employee cards. Those cards do not report on the employee's credit report. Why? Because they're not in the employee's name. In your case, however, mom definitely added you to the account.

Answer 6

All you need is 2 major credit cards, one for every day use and one for emergency. Cancel the other 8.Get a confirmation that they did close the account.

Answer 7

Actually it depends on the card. Some cards you can be an authorized user and they only have your name, no social, others ask for your social. If they do not have your social, your mom might be able to call them and take you off the card. Then it will just be removed from your credit.