Primary Tradelines Vs Authorized User Tradelines Vs Seasoned Tradelines - What's The Difference?

With the increase in popularity of tradelines, there are a lot of myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings attached to it. Some say that tradelines are the ultimate way to boost your credit score, while some hold the opinion that it adversely affects your credit history. 

Like with most good things, people have found a way to exploit them to their advantage and the same has happened with tradelines. Let’s see what tradelines actually are and the legal and authentic way to use them to increase your credit score. 

What Is A Primary Tradeline? 

A primary tradeline is any account, linked on a credit report that is meant only for the primary account holder. This includes information such as mortgages, credit cards, car loans, or anything else that is borrowed using the primary account. Anyone with a primary tradeline on his account will be personally responsible for balancing their accounts and managing their debts, and the efficiency to do so will be reflected in the form of credit score on their credit report.    

Primary tradelines are opened as soon as you apply for a credit card through banks and from there on a payment history is established on the user's account. 

What Is An Authorized User Tradeline?

Authorized User (AU) Tradelines, also referred to as Piggybacking are additional accounts which are added to the primary tradelines. An authorized user is added to a primary tradeline which boosts their credit score, and they become qualified for loans and mortgages as the payment history of the primary account is shared with the authorized user. 

The authorized user will not be liable to any balance on these credit lines as they won’t have any access to the primary tradelines. They will only be responsible and associated with the credit history of the primary account and can reap its benefits.  With an authorized user tradeline from a reputable company like Personal Tradelines, you will be able to get several years’ worth of good credit score in a matter of weeks. 

What Are Seasoned Tradelines?

The term “seasoned” simply means that the tradeline has been looked after for years and has a positive credit history attached to it. Factors such as age and history come into play, and the higher the age, the more beneficial the tradeline will prove to be on your credit report. 

A seasoned tradeline is at least two years old and can have up to 7-8 years of good payment history. The price of a tradeline is determined by its age. So, as an authorized user, you will benefit more from aged or seasoned tradeline than brand new tradelines. 

Which is better – Primary or Authorized Seasoned Tradeline?

A primary tradeline is always better if you have no existing payment history on your account as you can establish a history of payments in your credit report and maintain it. However, if you have already established a payment history and need a boost in your credit score; an authorized seasoned tradeline can do wonders for you.