Are Tradelines Legal? What You Need to Know

Yes, adding authorized users to a credit card is legal. Cardholders have been adding spouses, children and family members as authorized users for decades, and the credit bureaus report those accounts. Paying to be added to someone else’s card is also legal. But there are scams in this space you should know how to spot.

What’s legal

• Being added as an authorized user to a real, well-managed credit card.
• Having that account’s history appear on your credit report.
• Paying a company to arrange it, with clear terms.

What’s not legal

• CPNs (“credit privacy numbers”): using a number other than your own Social Security number to apply for credit is illegal. Anyone selling a CPN or “new credit identity” is setting you up for fraud charges.
• Lying on credit applications about your income, identity or the accounts that are yours.
• Fake tradelines: accounts that don’t really exist.

Red flags

• Promises of a specific score increase.
• Offers bundled with CPNs or “fresh starts.”
• No clear posting terms or refund policy.
• Being asked to receive the physical card or the cardholder’s personal information.

How we do it

At Tradeline Tribe, you’re added as an authorized user to a real, seasoned card with perfect payment history and 10% or lower utilization. You don’t receive the card, plans are month to month, and posting is guaranteed. Browse available tradelines.