Adding an authorized user to debit card?

Question

How do you add an authorized user to your debit card? Or do you have to add the person to your checking account? I don't want the person to write checks/be on my account, but I do want the person to have a debit card. Is this possible?

Answer 1

It all depends on the system that your bank is using

Our bank (my employer) is set up to allow authorized users for debit cards only if they are on the account but that doesn't mean that it's not possible....again it depends on how things are set up at your bank

so stop by and ask the account rep

Answer 2

Most likely you can get the person issued a debit card without being on the account, but for God's sake, WHY?

Debit cards are a bad idea to start with--every time an unknown quantity is charged up first, such as a trip to the gas station pump, a HOLD on your account is placed for MORE than what you are going to spend and it's on there for days. You can EASILY end up with OVERDRAFT charges WITHOUT spending more than you have.

You also have NO recourse for the support you'd get from a CREDIT CARD transaction for defective goods or other disputes with merchants. The liability limit also doesn't apply unless it's a special gift from the company.

The more important question if you make someone an "authorized user" is how you UNDO that. Again, you MUST ask your institution.

You are putting your money and credit rating at risk when you have an authorized user or cosign for anyone. IF the person can't get credit on his own, THAT should be a sign of why YOU should NOT extend him YOUR credit.

There is probably a far better way to "help" this person than giving away your credit score power to him as well as the ability to clean out your account AND THEN SOME. If your bank allows you an "overdraft" via the debit card, what's in your account is NOT all that is on the line.

Answer 3

Call your bank, but I don't think there is any way to get an "authorized user" debit card. The person is either on the account or they aren't.

I can't imagine why this would ever be a good idea. If this is for your child, open their own account with you as custodian. Why would you allow anyone else full access to your checking account? Watch a few episodes of Judge Judy or Judge Joe Brown, that should put you off the idea forever.

Answer 4

I would double check with your bank but I believe the person has to be authorized to full access of the account in order to receive a debit card.

Answer 5

well usually when you apply for a debit/credit card, they ask you then if you wanted to add an authorized user. my mom added me for her credit card way after she got it though. you should call the bank/credit card company and you can probably get the best information from them.

Answer 6

It might be better to just get a separate account for that person to use. If its a minor, an adult would have to be custodian.