What an authorized user is and why you might add one

An authorized user is someone you give permission to access your account — usually to help manage it, make purchases, or step in during an emergency. The person you add gets their own login credentials (username and password, or sometimes just access through a shared device) and can perform tasks you allow them to do.

You might add an authorized user for practical reasons: a spouse who pays household bills, an adult child who helps manage a parent's account, or a trusted family member who needs to access information if you become unavailable. The key difference from straightforward sharing your password is that you control exactly what they can see and do, and you can remove their access anytime without changing your own password.

Key Takeaways

  • Most accounts let you add authorized users through settings or account management, usually under a section labeled "Users," "Permissions," or "Sharing."
  • You will need the person's email address or phone number, and sometimes their full name and date of birth, depending on the account type.
  • Different accounts offer different permission levels — some let you restrict what an authorized user can see or do, while others grant full access.
  • You should tell the person you are adding them and explain what they can access, so there are no surprises when they receive an invitation.
  • Removing an authorized user is usually as straightforward as finding their name in your settings and clicking a delete or remove button.

Finding the authorized user settings in your account

The location of this setting varies by service, but it usually lives in account settings or a section labeled "Users," "Permissions," "Sharing," or "Family." Start by logging into your account and looking for a settings icon (often a gear) or a menu labeled "Account," "Settings," or "Manage Account."

Once you are in settings, scan for anything that mentions multiple users, sharing, or permissions. Some services bury this under "Security," others under "Preferences." If you cannot find it in the main menu, try searching the settings page itself — most accounts have a search box that lets you type "authorized user" or "add user" and jump straight there.

If you still cannot locate it, the account's help section or FAQ usually has a direct link. Search "[service name] add authorized user" and you will find the official instructions, which will tell you the exact path for that specific account.

Gathering the information you need before you start

Before you begin the process, have the following details ready for the person you are adding: their email address (this is almost always required), their full name as they want it to appear, and sometimes their date of birth. A few services also ask for a phone number or a relationship to you (spouse, child, parent, other).

Check the account's instructions first so you know exactly what you need. Having this information in front of you before you open the settings page means you will not have to stop halfway through and hunt for details. If the person is not sure of the exact spelling of their email address, ask them to send it to you or read it aloud — a typo here will cause the invitation to fail.

The steps to add an authorized user

Once you are in the authorized user section of your account settings, look for a button labeled "Add User," "Add Authorized User," "Invite User," or "Add Member." Click it.

A form will appear asking for the person's information. Enter their email address in the field provided, then fill in any other required fields (name, date of birth, phone number, or relationship). Some accounts let you choose permission levels at this stage — for example, whether the person can view only, view and edit, or have full control. If you see these options, choose the level that matches what you want them to be able to do.

Review the information you entered to make sure it is correct, then click "Send Invitation," "Add User," "Confirm," or whatever button the account provides. The system will send an invitation to the email address you entered. The person you added will receive an email asking them to confirm they want access to your account. They will click the link in that email, create a password (or log in with their existing account), and then they will have access.

What happens after you send the invitation

The person you added will receive an email from the service within a few minutes. The email will explain that you have invited them to access your account and will include a link they need to click. They should click that link and follow the prompts to set up their access.

If they do not receive the email within 10 minutes, ask them to check their spam or junk folder — invitations sometimes land there by mistake. If it is still not there, go back to your authorized user settings and look for an option to resend the invitation. You can usually resend it once or twice before the system requires you to delete the pending invitation and start over.

Once they have confirmed the invitation, they will be able to log in and access the account according to the permissions you set. You will see their name listed in your authorized user settings, and you can change their permissions or remove them at any time from that same page.

Controlling what an authorized user can see and do

Not all accounts offer the same level of control. Some services let you set specific permissions — for example, allowing someone to view account history but not make changes, or to manage certain features but not others. Others give authorized users full access to everything you can access.

If your account offers permission levels, you can usually set them when you add the user, or you can change them later by clicking on the user's name in your settings. Common permission options include "View Only" (they can see information but cannot make changes), "Edit" (they can view and change most things), and "Full Access" (they have the same control you do). Choose the level that matches what you actually need them to do.

If your account does not offer permission levels and you want to restrict what someone can access, you may need to create a separate account for them instead, or use a different service that offers more granular controls. Check the account's help section to see what options are available.

Removing an authorized user

If you no longer want someone to have access, go back to your authorized user settings and find their name in the list. Next to their name, you will usually see a "Remove," "Delete," or "Revoke Access" button. Click it and confirm when the system asks you to verify.

Once you remove them, they will no longer be able to log in or access your account. They will not receive a notification that you removed them — they will only find out when they try to log in and cannot. If you want to let them know, you will need to tell them separately. Removing an authorized user does not change your password or affect your own access in any way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an authorized user change my password?

It depends on the account and the permission level you set. Some services let authorized users with full access change the account password, which would lock you out. If this concerns you, check whether your account offers a "View Only" or restricted permission level, or contact the service's support team to ask what authorized users can and cannot do.

Will the authorized user see my personal information like my address or payment methods?

Usually yes, unless the account offers restricted permissions. Most authorized users can see everything you can see, including billing information, addresses, and transaction history. If you want to hide certain information, check whether your account lets you set limited permissions before you add them.

What if I add someone by mistake or change my mind?

You can remove them when ready from your authorized user settings. Find their name, click remove, and confirm. They will lose access right away. If you added them with the wrong email address, remove that invitation and add them again with the correct address.

Do I need to tell the person I am adding them as an authorized user?

You should, so they know to expect an invitation email and understand what access you are giving them. A surprise invitation can be confusing, and they might accidentally delete it or mark it as spam. A quick message explaining what you are doing prevents misunderstandings.

Can I add multiple authorized users to the same account?

Yes. Most accounts let you add as many authorized users as you need. Each one will have their own login and can be set to different permission levels. You manage them all from the same authorized user settings page.