authorized user removal
Being removed from another person's credit card account as an authorized user — removes that account's history from your report.
Example
“When her relationship ended the authorized user removal cost her 25 points from lost credit age.”
Memory Tip
REMOVAL — losing an authorized user account removes its history. Plan accordingly.
Why It Matters
Authorized user removal can significantly impact your credit score and credit report history. Since the account activity will be removed from your credit report, losing a long account history or positive payment record can lower your credit score, especially if you have limited other credit accounts.
Common Misconception
Many people believe that being removed as an authorized user means the primary account holder is also removed or that the account is closed. In reality, removal only affects your credit report and does not impact the primary account holder or the status of their account in any way.
In Practice
Suppose you were added as an authorized user to your parent's credit card account 10 years ago with a perfect payment history. When they remove you as an authorized user, that 10-year account history disappears from your credit report. Your credit score could drop 20-50 points if this was your oldest account, since average age of accounts is an important credit scoring factor.
Etymology
Modern credit management concept — the impact of being removed from an account.
Common Misspellings
Check your credit score free — no impact
Related Terms
More in credit
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