How I Boosted My Credit Score 100 Points by Becoming an Authorized User

The Story

“At 24, my credit score was 620. I didn’t have any major debts, but I also didn’t have much history. My parents offered to add me as an authorized user on their long-standing credit card. Within a few months, my score jumped to 690. A year later, after continuing to pay my own small card on time, I hit 720. All because I piggybacked on their good credit history."

Advisor Breakdown

Situation:

• Starting credit score: 620.

• Limited credit history.

👉 This is common — young adults often don’t have enough data on their reports to earn a high score.

Task:

• Improve credit quickly to qualify for a better auto loan.

Action:

• Became an authorized user on a parent’s card.

• Benefited from their long payment history + low utilization.

• Continued using own card responsibly.

👉 I like this because it’s one of the fastest ways to boost credit — but only works if the primary cardholder is financially responsible.

Result:

• Score jumped +100 points in 12 months.

• Qualified for auto loan with much better interest rate.

• Built foundation for future credit success.

Key Takeaways

• Becoming an authorized user = fast credit boost.

• Works best when the primary cardholder has long, clean history.

• Still need your own good habits (on-time payments, low utilization).

• A temporary shortcut that can have permanent benefits.