The Key Difference
Authorized user tradelines can improve your credit score by adding account age, limits, and positive payment history to your file. However, they do not prove that you personally managed the account. Primary tradelines show lenders that you opened the account, managed usage, and made payments on your own—which is what underwriting actually evaluates for approval decisions.
When Authorized User Accounts Help
AU accounts can boost utilization ratios by adding available credit, increase average account age, and improve score signals. They are a legitimate tool in credit strategy, particularly when building initial credit history or supplementing an existing profile. However, they should not be the only depth on your file if funding is the goal.
Why Primary Tradelines Win for Funding
For funding approvals, lenders look for evidence of personal credit management. Primary tradelines provide this evidence directly. A profile with strong primary revolving depth consistently outperforms a profile built primarily on AU accounts in real underwriting scenarios. The most effective approach combines both strategically.
Next Step
Start with prequalification to understand what your current profile needs. If primary depth is a gap, the system will identify it and route you to the right path.
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