When linking a credit card for a family member with your account, does your family member build credit?

I'm thinking about linking a credit card for my little brother. Hes 17 and wanted to see if he would able start his credit by me linking a credit card for him? Basically trying to build up credit at a young age.|||If you make your brother an authorized user on your account it will affect his credit rating. And it goes both ways. If you place him as an AU on a card in good standing, then it can generate a good credit score for him. But if the credit is bad, your brother's credit will be affected in a negative light. A nice thing to do and little downside if you have good credit and don't give him a card to actually use (thereby saving you piece of mind...)|||This is called Piggybacking.





It is a great idea.





You want to be sure the card falls into the following criteria in order for it to help your brother build credit.





1. Must be open a long time, preferably 3 + years.


2. Must have significant spending limit, preferably over 3,000


3. Must have low balance ie: Cant be maxed out, preferably less then 30% spent.





These are the facts....





Do what you will with them....





Dont give him a card, just make sure you give the creditor his social.








Only add him as an authorized user and all of your positive credit for that account will be added to his reports...|||Call your credit card company and ask. They are all different.


Also, open a joint checking or savings account in his name. Then get a credit card through the bank in your names.|||Good idea in theory but I don't think this will work. All transactions will still be in your name as far as credit is concerned.|||Linking a credit card from your brother to your account will not give him any credit. It will only give YOU credit. The account needs to be in his name, or you need to have what we call a "sub" account which involves a contract that he has to sign. Remember it can be dangerous if u give him a card and it is on your account and in your name. If he fails to pay the debt when it is due u can be the one held responsible for it!|||as long as his name is on the card too|||If you get him added as an authorized user, it may help, if the account is in perfect standing. Ideally, it's a card that you've had for many years.





Not every bank will report an authorized user to the credit bureaus. Only way to know is to call a couple of them.





Find your card that is the oldest account you have, with the highest limit available and the lowest balance. Try that one first.