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Credit Advice
Topics addressed on August 17, 2011:
Removing authorized user accounts after a breakup
Dear Experian,
I broke off a relationship in October 2009 where I was an authorized user on several credit cards. My ex-girlfriend told me she removed me as authorized user. Can I get those accounts deleted off my credit report since I am not legally responsible for those debts? If so, how do I go about doing it?
- IMM
Dear IMM,
Because authorized users are not responsible for the debt, lenders typically will remove your name from the accounts upon request. If your former girlfriend has not already contacted them, you may make the request yourself. As soon as they remove your name and report that to the credit reporting companies, the accounts will be deleted from your credit history.
Until you can get the situation resolved, you don’t have to worry that your girlfriend can ruin your credit if she misses payments. To protect authorized users from debt over which they have no control, Experian automatically removes any authorized user account that contains negative payment history.
Give your lenders a couple of months to report the changes and then check to make sure by requesting a copy of your personal credit report. Simply follow the instructions for disputes to request that the accounts be removed and Experian will assist you.
Needless to say, it is not so simple to remove your name if you are a joint owner of the account and there is an outstanding balance.
Thanks for asking.
- The "Ask Experian" team