What’s the difference between a co-signer and an authorized user?
What’s the difference between an authorized user and a credit card co-signer?
Daniella Ramirez is a former Credit Cards Editor at Bankrate with four years of editorial experience, specializing in demystifying credit for young adults and first-time cardholders. She began her financial media journey at Red Ventures brands like The Points Guy, where she developed her expertise in credit products and editorial storytelling.
Committed to financial literacy, Daniella holds a Poynter ACES certificate in editing and is pursuing the NFEC’s Certified Financial Education Instructor course to further empower readers. Her work reflects a passion for breaking down complex topics — from choosing your first credit card or how to improve your credit score — into relatable, jargon-free guidance. When not analyzing APRs, she’s likely lifting weights at CrossFit, channeling the same discipline she advocates for managing credit.
Daniella obtained her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina, Columbia.
Age is just a number when it comes to financial wisdom. The smartest credit card users start young – by spending mindfully, paying on time, and understanding how their cards work.
— Daniella Ramirez
What’s the difference between an authorized user and a credit card co-signer?
Returned card payments can bring on a variety of fees and may harm your credit.
The authorized user relationship isn’t designed to last forever.
Responsible credit usage or change in income may result in a credit increase.
If you have bad credit, will opening more than one card help your score improve?
Your rewards points and miles will go further if used strategically.
Unemployed students can still get a student credit card if they have other income.
You can earn more credit card rewards from these simple strategies.