Barclays Wants You to Add an Authorized User — But Is It Worth It?

If you got an email from Barclays recently about adding an authorized user, you might be wondering if it's worth jumping on. Let's break down what they're offering and whether you should actually bother.

What's the Deal?

Barclays is sending out targeted emails to some cardholders with a pretty specific authorized user bonus. If you add someone to your account by July 31, 2026, you'll earn 10 bonus points for every dollar they spend on their card through September 30, 2026. The extra points cap out at 2,500.

The Fine Print You Should Know

This offer is by invitation only — there's no public link to grab it. If you didn't get the email, you're out of luck. And even if you did, you'll want to think about whether it's really worth adding someone to your account.

The bonus is decent but not jaw-dropping. To max out the 2,500 points, your authorized user would need to spend $250 on their card. That's not hard, but compare it to past offers: Barclays has run promos where you get a flat 10,000 points just for spending $200 or more. This one feels a bit weak in comparison.

Should You Bite?

If you already planned to add an authorized user anyway, this is a nice little bonus. But I wouldn't go out of my way to add someone just for this offer. The points are modest, and you're taking on the risk of letting someone else spend on your account.

Also keep in mind: authorized users can sometimes get their own targeted offers later, so if you add a family member, they might start getting their own credit card mailers. That's not necessarily bad, but something to be aware of.

• Only worth it if you were already adding an authorized user.
• 2,500 points is a small bonus compared to past offers.
• Make sure you trust the person you're adding — you're liable for their spending.

Bottom Line

• Check your email — this offer is targeted and not publicly available.
• You need to add the user by July 31, 2026 to qualify.
• Max bonus is 2,500 points, requiring $250 in authorized user spend.
• Past Barclays offers have been more generous, so don't feel pressured.

Common Questions