Adding authorized users is one of the easiest ways to keep earning plenty of points faster. You can add your spouse, partner, or even a teen. You’ll earn points together and save money by sharing card benefits without opening a new card.
You’ll also find American Express® promotions that give bonus points when you add authorized users and meet minimum spend. Some offers, like the Platinum, can be as high as 30,000 points, making it an excellent way to earn more for travel.
Here’s how it works and what you need to know.
What Is an Authorized User
You can add an authorized user to your account so they get their own card linked to yours. They can make purchases while you stay responsible for payments.
You’ll find it simple to add a spouse, partner, or teen with American Express®, TD, or CIBC. Their spending earns points in your account, helping you reach travel goals faster.
Your authorized users also enjoy benefits like lounge access on premium cards such as American Express® Platinum or Aeroplan® Reserve Cards.
You’ll be in control of the account, earning points faster while sharing valuable travel perks like lounge access.
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Fuel your adventures with points
Sign up to get your free guide. Get our newsletter with credit cards and points tips. See how easy it is to travel for nearly free.
Best Cards for Lounge Access
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Best Premium Aeroplan® Business Card
Annual Value: $1,505
Annual Fee: $599
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Primeum Aeroplan® Card
Annual Value: $1,505
Annual Fee: $599
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Best Primeum Aeroplan® Card
Annual Value: $1,805
Annual Fee: $599
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Best Primeum Aeroplan® Card
Annual Value: $1,805
Annual Fee: $599
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Best Luxury Business Travel Card
Annual Value: $2,385
Annual Fee: $799
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Best for occasional lounge access
Annual Value: $832
Annual Fee: $250
Benefits of Adding an Authorized User
You’ll earn plenty of points faster and save money on travel when you add authorized users. Pooling spending makes it easier to redeem for flights and hotels, while supplementary cards come with lower fees or even no fees at all. You’ll also share premium perks with someone you trust.
Transfer Membership Rewards® to Authorized Users
You can transfer your Membership Rewards® points to the loyalty accounts of any authorized user or employee on your account, as long as they’ve been added for at least 90 days.
It’s a great benefit if you want to transfer points to a family member or employee for their own travel.
I couldn’t inclde my son in our Flying Blue family account since they only allow up to two people over 18.
So I added my teen son as an authorized user on my American Express® Platinum Card. After 90 days, I transferred Membership Rewards® points from my account to his Flying Blue account.
Combined with the points he already had, he booked a flight with Etihad Airways® from Abu Dhabi to Toronto and flew in true comfort.
American Express® Cobalt
You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on groceries and dining with the American Express® Cobalt across your card and authorized users’ cards. Up to two authorized users have no fees, making it perfect for families.
This makes it easy to accumulate plenty of points on what your family already spends, while sharing practical benefits like purchase protection and travel insurance for free.
American Express® Cobalt
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Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
American Express® Platinum & Platinum Business
You’ll share premium travel benefits with your authorized users when you add them to the American Express® Platinum or Business Platinum cards.
Your authorized users enjoy lounge access for themselves plus a guest, Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite, Hilton Honors® Gold, and premium travel insurance. There is a $250 annual fee for an authorized user compared to the $799 annual fee for a main card. Plus, during promotions you can earn up to 30,000 points.
You’ll maximize value, especially with family or frequent travel companions, when adding authorized users to the American Express® Platinum or Platinum Business.
American Express® Platinum Cards
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Welcome Points: 120,000
Welcome Value: $5,100
Annual Fee: $799
Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite (TD & CIBC)
Your authorized users enjoy a free first checked bag and priority boarding with Air Canada when you add them to the TD Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite or CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite. The supplementary fee is $50–$75 compared to the $139 annual fee for a main card.
Plus, all points go into your account, helping you reach thresholds faster. Both cards are a great choice for places that don’t accept American Express®, giving you more payment options.
Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Card Offers
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Welcome Points: 50,000
Welcome Value: $1,919
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
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Welcome Points: 45,000
Welcome Value: $1,819
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
Premium Aeroplan® Cards
Your authorized users enjoy premium Aeroplan® benefits for a lower fee than the primary card. With fees from $149 to $199 compared to $599 for the primary card. They’ll enjoy Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America for themselves plus one guest, which is especially valuable for families traveling together.
Plus, all points go into your account, which can be super helpful toward reaching the $25,000 annual spending threshold for the Annual Worldwide Companion Pass and qualifying for Aeroplan® Elite Status.
You’ll also earn bonus points during promotions when you add authorized users to the American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve and Business Aeroplan® Reserve cards.
There’re plenty of Premium Aeroplan® Cards in Canada to choose from:
Best Premium Aeroplan® Cards
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Welcome Points: 90,000
Welcome Value: $3,380
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,280
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
I added my spouse as an authorized user on my TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege for an annual fee of $199.
Pooling our expenses helped me hit the $25,000 threshold for the Companion Pass. Now he has his own Maple Leaf lounge access when he isn’t travelling with me.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for November 2025.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for November 2025.
How to Add an Authorized User
You’ll find it simple to add authorized users, but the process depends on the card issuer.
CIBC & TD Aeroplan Cards
You’ll usually need to call the number on the back of your card to add an authorized user. It’s the fastest way and lets you confirm the supplementary fee right away.
American Express® Cards
You can add an authorized user online in just a few steps:
During special promotions, you can receive a bonus for adding users, so check your account often.
AWP TIP
For Aeroplan® supplementary cards, make sure your authorized user links their Aeroplan® number here.
They’ll enjoy your card benefits such as free checked bags, lounge access, and priority boarding.
Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it’s for Canadians to earn and redeem points with the best reward credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel in no time.
Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it’s for Canadians to earn and redeem points with the best reward credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel in no time.
Who Should You Add as an Authorized User
Choosing who to add as an authorized user depends on your goals. Here are some common options to consider:
Remember, as the primary cardholder, you’re responsible for all charges made by authorized users. There is no impact on the supplamanatry cardholder’s credit history. So choose people you trust and set clear expectations for how the card should be used to avoid surprises.
AWP TIP
A common myth is that being an authorized user prevents you from applying for the same card later or earning a welcome bonus. This isn’t true.
Being an authorized user does not affect your ability to get approved for your own card or to earn the full welcome bonus in the future.
Bottom Line
You’ll earn more points without opening a new credit card. Adding authorized users lets you earn points from their spending.
Plus, they’ll enjoy valuable benefits like lounge access and travel insurance, depending on your card.
It’s an easy way to earn points faster and enjoy the benefits together.
