Does my amex affect my credit rating

sk00bie1

Hey all,

A thought just crossed my mind that has never occured to me before...

I have an amex card that my Dad gave me for emergencies while I was unemployed. I have never filled out any forms etc for this so I am assuming I am an additional cardholder on his account. I never see bills etc for it and he pays it off in full every month, or did when I was using it.

This is probably a daft question but does this count as credit in my name? i.e. when companies search my credit reports do they see 3 cards in my name, not two (I have barclaycard and capital one cards also - that i'm working my hardest to pay off!)

Thanks

sk00bie1

angelizz

As far as I'm aware it won't affect your credit rating in any way, although it would affect your dad's if you didn't pay it!!!

sk00bie1

Hehe I am lucky that he pays it, although I don't use it now.

He told me to keep it for protection on big purchases, if I ever need to make any that is!

Paul_Herring

Amex are unusual in that 2nd+ card holders get completely different cards linked to the same account*, however (and this applies to all cards) it is still the primary card holder that is responsible for the account and anything spent on any cards linked to the account. 2nd+ card holders do not get this account reported on their CRA reports.

* As opposed to most CC companies who issue 'duplicate' cards where the only difference is the name on the front and the PIN.

Alex_LS

You may have a registered financial association which means any adverse information on your file could affect your dad and vice-versa. The best way to check is to get a copy of your file.

Paul_Herring

Alex_LS wrote:

You may have a registered financial association which means any adverse information on your file could affect your dad and vice-versa.

However, being an additional cardholder would not cause a financial association.

sk00bie1

Thank you all for your posts, guess I need to find out if I am an additional cardholder or not!