What to Know About Authorized Users on Premium Travel Cards
This guide is for travelers evaluating whether to add authorized users (AUs) to premium travel credit cards. It covers the practical upsides, the hidden fees, how AUs impact travel perks such as Global Entry credits, and real reasons to think twice.
Popular Cards
Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve
Typical AU Fee
$0–$195/yr
Lounges for AUs?
Varies by card
Global Entry Credit?
Usually primary only
Maximize Card Value, Avoid Surprises
Adding Authorized Users: Powerful, but Not Always the Perk You Think
Adding an authorized user to your premium travel card isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Not all perks—especially high-value ones like Global Entry fee credits or lounge access—automatically include AUs. Factor in fees, restrictions, and how your benefits or liability could change before deciding.
Authorized User vs. Separate Premium Card: Which Makes Sense?
| Feature | Authorized User | Standalone Premium Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Usually $0–$195 for AU | $395–$695 for own card |
| Global Entry Credit | Rare for AUs; mostly primary card benefit | Included for primary |
| Lounge Access | Some access, sometimes limited guests | Full access, all benefits |
| Credit Building | AUs may get small credit boost, but full responsibility stays with primary | Builds individual credit and full account responsibility |
| Perk Redundancy | Shares the main card’s perks | Own set of credits and perks |
How to Decide Whether to Add an Authorized User
Assess the costs and whether the extra card will actually make travel smoother for you and your AU.
Check the AU Fee
Find out how much it actually costs to add an AU to your premium card.
Some issuers add $0 AUs, but others charge $75–$195 or more per year for each. Make sure the benefits justify this extra annual fee.
Review Which Benefits Carry Over
Not every benefit applies to AUs.
Airport lounge access, travel insurance, and statement credits (like Global Entry) are often limited to the primary cardholder, but some cards extend certain perks to AUs.
Understand Responsibility
You’re on the hook for all charges your AU makes.
If an AU racks up a balance or misses payments, your credit and liability are at risk. Consider who you’re adding.
What AUs Get vs. What They Miss
Perks AUs Usually Get
- Airport lounge access (often limited)
- Separate card for their wallet
- Some purchase protection
- Ability to earn points on your account
Perks AUs Usually Don’t Get
- Global Entry or PreCheck credit
- Trip cancellation/delay insurance
- Travel statement credits
- Priority baggage or hotel elite status benefits
Major Cards: How They Treat Authorized Users
See some signature differences for travelers considering popular premium cards.
Platinum Card® from American Express
AU fee: $195/year. AUs get Priority Pass and Centurion Lounge. Only primary gets Global Entry credit.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
AU fee: $75/year. AUs get Priority Pass but not other credits. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit works once per account.
Capital One Venture X Rewards
No fee for up to 4 AUs. AUs receive Priority Pass and full lounge suite. Travel credit: primary only.
FAQ
Authorized User Quick FAQ
Does adding an AU get them Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits?
Rarely. Most cards only allow the fee credit for the primary cardholder’s application.
Will my AU get airport lounge access?
Some cards allow AU lounge entry, but there are usually guest or location restrictions.
Can an AU hurt my credit?
Yes, if they miss payments or overspend, you’re responsible.
Do AUs get their own travel insurance?
Usually, only the primary is eligible for trip insurance benefits.
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