There are many misunderstandings concerning authorized user tradelines, most of which have been floating around for ages. Today, we've decided to take the time to revisit a few of the most common and explain them in short detail that are both direct and comprehensive for the average person.

It's easy to be swayed by people who are willing and eager to share what they believe are "facts". However, as experts in the field (yes, we actually have hundreds of credit card tradelines for sale and have been in business for nearly 10 years now) we're putting our focus on the 3 biggest myths about tradelines so you can understand them with complete clarity.

This article could go on and on, digging into every fine detail and providing extremely meticulous information but we've already published an immense amount of writings on this subject. At this moment in time, these 3 major myths are the key points we'd like to cover. 

The information being provided below is mainly for those of you who haven't read our previous articles, or are seeking a quick introduction. It seems that the vast majority of false information, lies, and general negativity surrounding the idea of buying tradelines originates with these 3 ideas. Hence, it's only logical that we begin here. Plus, it automatically rules out almost everything bad you may have heard about using these tools to increase your credit score.

Myth #1: Tradelines Don't Work Anymore

Says who? In a way, this is one of the most absurb claims of all. If tradelines didn't work, there would be no industry based on the purchase and sales of them. This is not a "it depends" type of situation. If you meet the basic requirements, tradelines can definitely help strenthen your credit profile and sometimes raise your credit score by very significant numbers. We can't guarantee by how many points, but we can say very confidently that if tradelines didn't work anymore, this wouldn't be and this article wouldn't exist.

Since as early as 2012 people have been increasingly claiming that purchasing authorized user tradelines no longer works. We've heard every story imaginable, from how the credit bureaus are changing their algorithms to remove tradelines as part of the equation, to the issuing banks requiring marriage or birth certificates from potential users to prove their relation to the primary card holder. None of it is true.

Several times a year youtube videos or major articles are released slamming, criticizing, and defaming those who buy or sell these financial products. They warn you to stay away, they warn about how bad and shady it is, yet literally nothing they say is backed up by verifiable knowledge or even the most basic understanding of the process itself. Yes, it's 2022 and they still work. When you're looking to buy tradelines in 2023, we can almost assure you the situation will be the same.

(UPDATE:  In regards to the previous paragraph -  it's now September 1st, 2023 and tradelines still work. Do we sound surprised? We're not. We never expected that they would suddenly stop working, and there are many good reasons for that.)

(UPDATE 2:  It's currently February 2025, and tradelines are still going strong. If this ever changes, we'll be the first to tell you.)

Take a minute to really think: Every banking or lending institution that issues credit cards could simply stop reporting authorized users to credit bureaus and put a complete end to the practice tomorrow if they genuinely wanted to do so. Until then, tradelines will continue to function as they always have, no matter if you acquire them from a family member or buy them online through a tradeline company.

Myth #2: Buying Tradelines Is A Crime

This one really tends to get a lot of people worked up, and fear is a powerful deterrent. However, the true legality about tradelines is not difficult to understand at all.

First, the right of any financial institution to discriminate against people based on their race, religion, sex, or marital status was outlawed by the Equal Opportunity Lending Act. In short, this means it's not illegal to be an authorized user of someone else's credit card, even if they are not your spouse or family member. Furthermore, there is no specific law nor group of laws dictating how a credit card holder must spend (or share) their credit line.

Many people would like to paint pictures in our minds of dangerous characters lurking in the shadows while rubbing their greedy hands together just waiting to take your money and ruin your credit. Ironically that description is quite fitting of the very institutions who create misleading information or half-truths about tradelines. If they were illegal, and if lending institutions didn't want people using them, they'd have put and end to the process long ago - as we already said. Many, many people fail to understand that.

In addition, consider about one third of the US population is estimated to benefit from the use of authorized user tradelines, and surely a good portion of those were purchased rather than gifted. Are there tens of millions of people in jail or with criminal charges for buying tradelines? Of course not, because it's not a crime.

As long as you're not using a fake identity or knowingly purchasing stolen/fraudulent credit cards, you're absolutely NOT committing a crime. With that said, there are shady characters in every business imaginable and it's extremely important to understand that your personal information is at risk if you don't deal with professionals.

We do feel that it's our responsibility to clarify the following: Always treat any financial transaction or service with care and caution. Don't provide your personal information to any unlicensed business, and don't do something stupid like try to buy discounted tradelines through ebay or craigslist - it's not worth it and you're most likely being setup for a scam. Just because something is legal, doesn't mean it's safe - that goes for all kinds of financial and other types of business transactions.

Myth #3: Tradelines Don't Help You Build Credit

Anyone who claims that tradelines can't help you build your credit is most definitely misinformed on the subject. If you can acquire better credit cards or be approved for a long-term loan via a better credit profile, then you can then definitely build credit. Repaying that credit responsibly or using it in a healthy fashion will absolutely appear as a positive trait on your credit profile or score.

If it weren't for the ability to purchase tradelines, many people wouldn't have the homes they live in, the credit history they currently have, or the cars they drive. Tradelines help responsible and hard working individuals achieve what they want and need when they lack time, resources, or the credit history to do so.

When you buy tradelines you're paying to become a temporary authorized user of a card that has a high credit limit, an old account age and a perfect payment history. When this information appears on your personal credit report and your score rises, you open a world of opportunities. It doesn't take a genius to understand how and why tradelines could aid immensely in building your credit. This is especially true for the long-term, even though the tradeline itself is only needed for a rather short period of time.

How To Learn More About Tradelines

If you're interested in learning more, you can read our blogs, visit our website, or even take a look at the Ultimate Guide to Authorized User Tradelines. You'll be surprised at the information you can find and what you'll learn - plus there are resources to back it all up.

We hope this short article has been able to shed a little light on the 3 biggest myths about tradelines and why it's always best to do your research before assuming (or inaccurately determining) whether something is true or false.

If you've found this article (or any of our articles) to be particularly helpful, please share and help us get the word out.

GFS Group operates with our customers in mond and the absolute highest level of customer service available in our industry. Since day one, we've remained true to being, becoming, and remaining the best. We're here to give not only the best service available, but to keep you - and the rest of the world - informed about the subject of buying and selling tradelines. Clarity, transparency, and honesty have been the biggest keys to our success. Thanks for reading!