If my father adds me to one of his credit cards as an authorized user is there any risk for his credit?
If your father is kind enough to add you to one of his credit cards to assist your credit repair effort it is a wonderful thing. And he should be happy to hear that there is no credit risk to him as a donor unless he gives you a copy of the card for your own use, in which case he is liable for any debt that you incur on the account.
No Card Usage Needed
Many donors assisting in the credit repair of a family member or friend opt to not provide a copy of the card, as the real purpose is to help boost the recipient’s credit score. This goal is achieved simply by the creation of the authorized user status. There is no need for you to use the card. Once your father adds you to his card it will take approximately two months for the credit card to appear on your credit. Simultaneously with the appearance of the card on your report your FICO score will incorporate all of the benefits of the accounts positive characteristics.
No Cross-Currents
To return to your question, there is no risk to his credit. The credit repair benefit exists because of the presence of his account on your credit report. Nothing of yours will appear on his credit, nor is there any cross-current that can cause a problem. Likewise, there can be no problem to you if your donor has issues with other accounts that you are not an authorized user on.
Building Credit Repair Success
Good luck with your credit repair, and remember that authorized user accounts are only a way to give you a helpful boost. For long term credit repair success you need to have your own credit, and there is no time like the present to start building!