Tip of the Month | May 2026

Joint Owner vs. Authorized User for Credit Cards

Written By: Andrea Bulen, CFP®

When it comes to estate planning, it’s important to understand the difference between being an authorized user and a joint owner on an account.

An authorized individual may be able to use a debit or credit card while the owner is alive, but they do not actually own the account or have legal authority over it. If the account owner passes away, the authorized user immediately loses access. A joint owner, however, retains full ownership rights and continued access to the account if something happens to the other owner. Reviewing how your accounts are titled can help avoid unnecessary complications during an already difficult time.