SELLING TRADELINES FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Selling authorized user tradelines involves adding a stranger to your credit card account so they can benefit from your positive credit history. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about the process: 

General Questions

• Is selling tradelines legal?

  • The practice itself is not explicitly illegal, and adding authorized users is supported by the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974. However, it may violate your credit card issuer's terms of service and is generally frowned upon by lenders and credit bureaus, who may consider it a misrepresentation of creditworthiness or even bank fraud.

• What is a "seasoned" tradeline?

  • A seasoned tradeline refers to an older credit account with a long, positive payment history. These accounts are highly valued by buyers because the age of the account contributes significantly to their credit score.

• How much money can I make?

  • Sellers typically earn between $150 and $300 per authorized user slot for one or two reporting cycles. Depending on how many eligible cards and slots you have, experienced sellers can earn between $100 and over $1,500 monthly.

• How long does it take for a tradeline to "post" to the buyer's credit report?

  • Most tradelines post within 15 to 45 days, depending on the type of account and the credit reporting agencies involved. 

Seller Requirements & Risks

• What are the requirements for my credit card account?

  • To be eligible, the specific account you wish to sell must have a perfect payment history (no late payments ever), a low credit utilization rate (typically under 10%), and a minimum credit limit (often $2,500+).

• Does selling a tradeline affect my credit score?

  • The act of selling a tradeline has no direct impact on your score. However, the risks associated, such as a bank closing your account due to excessive authorized users, can negatively impact your credit by decreasing your total available credit and average account age.

• What are the risks of selling?

  • Account Closure: Banks monitor for unusual activity and may close your account if they detect authorized user abuse.

  • Fraud Risk: You must provide sensitive personal data (like your SSN) to the brokerage, which carries an inherent risk of identity theft. There is also a risk of unknowingly assisting someone in synthetic identity fraud.

  • Terms of Service Violation: Selling a tradeline to a stranger for profit likely violates your credit card issuer's terms of service, which can lead to account closure. 

Managing the Process

• Can I still use my credit card for purchases?

  • Yes, as the primary account holder, you maintain full control of your account and card for purchases.

• How do I get paid?

  • You work with a reputable tradeline brokerage (e.g., GFS Group) that connects you with buyers, handles the process of adding the AU, and issues your commission (typically 40-50% of the sale price).

• How many authorized users can I add?

  • This varies by bank. Some issuers allow for many authorized users, while others cap it at 2-5. You must check your specific cardholder agreement.