 TITLE: What Is a Credit Card Cosigner and Should You Use One? CONTENT: Alternatives to Cosigning a Credit Card\n---------------------------------------\nBecause so few credit card issuers are currently accepting cosigners, you may have to explore other ways of obtaining and building credit. Here are some alternatives to consider:\n*   **Get a secured card.** Secured credit cards work like regular credit cards, but they're backed by a deposit you make upfront, which typically acts as your credit line. After proving you can keep up with payments, you may get your deposit back or be transitioned to an unsecured card.\n*   **Become an authorized user.** Another way to potentially build credit is by becoming an authorized user on a family member's or friend's account with excellent payment history. If the credit card issuer reports card payments to the credit bureaus for authorized users, it could positively help your score. With improved credit, you could then apply for your own card. END