Thread: Can I be an authorized user after defaulting on another card?

Can I be added to my girlfriends personal Amex platinum card as an authorized user if I owe Amex $30k on an Amex platinum business card from 5 years ago? Amex stopped trying to collect over 3 years ago. Haven't heard from them since and it never went on my credit (when the account was in good standing OR after it went into collections). My states SOL has past too. So can I be an authorized user? Will adding me open me up to collection efforts again?

Technically speaking, as an additional cardholder (AMEX speak for auth user) you are not obligated to repay any charges on her card. So, it *should* not be a big deal. But this is AMEX we are talking about and sticking them with a $30K balance is impressive. AMEX requires the additonal cardholder's SSN in order to be added and they will likely find your old *huge* charge off at that point. The worst they can do is deny you as an additional cardholder on your woman's account. Since your account isn't being touched, it will not restart collections. But why take the chance? She must have other cards that you can be added to if your goal is to re-establish credit.

Also, not to sound like judgemental, but it is kind of ballsy to even try to get back in with AMEX after taking them for such a large amount relatively recently.

PS this question sounds very similar to one asked by another person a few months ago also with a $30K charged off Biz Platinum. Have you asked this here before?

Hi...Thanks for the info. Well Amex has my phone number and address which haven't changed in years, so if they were going to try and collect that 30k, they would have by now. So me applying as an Authorized User most likely wouldn't simply 'remind' them to come after me I guess (like you said).

Also, I posted a similar question (not the same one) on another blog 2 days ago...not a month. Ok well I'll let everyone know what happens...I'm going to request to be added in her card in the next week or so.

Originally Posted by Jeremy1982

Hi...Thanks for the info. Well Amex has my phone number and address which haven't changed in years, so if they were going to try and collect that 30k, they would have by now. So me applying as an Authorized User most likely wouldn't simply 'remind' them to come after me I guess (like you said).

Also, I posted a similar question (not the same one) on another blog 2 days ago...not a month. Ok well I'll let everyone know what happens...I'm going to request to be added in her card in the next week or so.

That's crazy, they don't usually mess around with trying to collect, maybe because it was a business card they don't actively go after the debt as much.

No worries, I just wanted to make sure I gave the same advice. Anybody can always ask anything at anytime here.

Sounds good. Let us know. Also, what is her card? A charge card or a Blue/revolver? That will hopefully add some years to your average age of account.

Originally Posted by CC Deville

That's crazy, they don't usually mess around with trying to collect, maybe because it was a business card they don't actively go after the debt as much.

No worries, I just wanted to make sure I gave the same advice. Anybody can always ask anything at anytime here.

Sounds good. Let us know. Also, what is her card? A charge card or a Blue/revolver? That will hopefully add some years to your average age of account.

Thanks so much! She has a personal amex platinum card. Ok here's an update...Went on my girlfriends AMEX website page (logged in with her) and the "Add an Auth User" page has a disclaimer right on the front that says: "You must be at least 15 years old and have never defaulted on an AMEX in the past ever"...So my girlfriend called and gave my info but said she didn't have my SS#. They said they could begin processing my card but would need her to call back with my Ss#. I've read some of these posts that said AMEX may just mail me the card and forget about the SS#. Is that possible??

Originally Posted by irvine801

Your 2 cents is worth a mill. (: I believe when adding an auth user for amex is says that the user cannot have defaulted with any American express accounts.

For your information, I owned a business with 5 employees and made 400k/ year. It closed literally overnight when the mortgage industry crashed 4 years ago leaving me with 0 income. That's why I couldnt pay the bill. Always has a 720+ credit before that. Don't judge people so fast...sometimes life happens. I didn't get the Amex with the intent to not pay

See if Amex follows up with the SS# inquiry, it may not be an issue.

Originally Posted by Jeremy1982

Thanks so much! She has a personal amex platinum card. Ok here's an update...Went on my girlfriends AMEX website page (logged in with her) and the "Add an Auth User" page has a disclaimer right on the front that says: "You must be at least 15 years old and have never defaulted on an AMEX in the past ever"...So my girlfriend called and gave my info but said she didn't have my SS#. They said they could begin processing my card but would need her to call back with my Ss#. I've read some of these posts that said AMEX may just mail me the card and forget about the SS#. Is that possible??

Oh I knew about having to be at least aged 15 but I didn't know that about the previous default.

I am not sure if they will simply send out a card without your SSN, unless they find it on their own and don't notice the charged off Biz card. I guess the best thing now is to give it a week to see if one arrives. At worst, if she calls in your SSN and they advise her that they cannot add you, then you will know for sure. If you really want an Amex branded card you may have to go through BofA, Citibank, GE or USAA.