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It may be appropriate to write an authorization letter to give someone authority to use your credit card. To allow another party to use this card, they will need something in writing from the card holder.
While it may be tempting to jot down this letter on paper, make sure it is typewritten as it looks more professional. Use an appropriate business tone and keep the letter formal. This doesn’t have to be a long letter, just keep it short and sweet.
Standard Business Format
A standard business format should be observed. Traditionally, these letters are going to an organization, bank or other larger corporation. However, if the letter is written to someone that is known personally, then it can be written a bit more casually.
In business format, the name and address goes at the top of the left hand page, all single spaced. Skip a couple lines and then put the date.
Then skip a few more lines and add the company or recipient of the letter. If there is a specific person who needs to see this letter, make an attention line.
Salutation
The salutation is one area that people often question. It can be difficult to know whether to use a term that is generic like, “To Whom It May Concern” or to use a more acceptable “Miss,” “Mrs.” or “Mr.” Always use the first name if you know the person. If the contact is not known, then use a more generic salutation.
The body of the letter should be single spacing and this may need to be notarized, depending on who the letter is going to.
Be sure to put the credit card number and the full name of the person that is authorized to use it. The store or association will want to verify all the information to be corrected before they allow a transaction to go through.
One Thing To Keep In Mind
One thing to keep in mind is that if the authorization is for a specific transaction or a period of time, this needs to be noted. Be sure to put a beginning and ending date if necessary. Be sure to give the reasons why the authorization is occurring.
Why is this party allowed to use the card? For instance, if they are buying a plane ticket, make sure they only buy a plane ticket. Be specific in the letter so the other party can protect your best interests.
Give a copy of this letter to the person who is authorized, as well as the location or store that is should allow this transaction. Because it has sensitive information on it, be sure the person is trustworthy and that there will be no future problems.
Sample 1 – Credit Card Authorization Letter
Carol Wheeler
71 Haft Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43068
March 28, 2022
Meijer Supermarket
90 Brice Rd.
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
Re: Master Card 5490-8745-0934-1289
Dear Store Manager,
My dear friend, Joseph Bernardino, is going to be handling my grocery shopping needs for me while I am laid up from surgery. I have to have a surgical procedure that will require me to have complete bed rest for a month.
During this time, he will be handling my grocery shopping, as well as my other bill payments during this period. The card he is using is authorized to use is a Master Card issued through Global Bank and it has a $500 limit. I have given him this card and the card number is 5490-8745-0934-1289.
Please authorize Joseph to use this card to purchase items from your store from March 28, 2022 until December 31, 2022. Any purchases after this time period will not be approved by me and will be disputed to the credit card company.
I also ask that you always check for identification and a copy of this letter when making any transactions with Mr. Bernardino. He has always been a trustworthy and faithful friend, but I want to make sure that the proper precautions are in place to protect my credit card.
If you should have any questions about this credit card authorization, or you need me to complete another form, I will be more than happy to do so. I can be reached anytime at 740-710-4589. The card he is using is authorized through Global Bank and only has a $500 limit.
Sincerely,
Carol Wheeler
Sample 2 – Credit Card Authorization Letter
First Party’s Name
First Party’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Second Party’s Name
Name of Bank
Second Party’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
Re: Visa Card 4888-8745-0000-1289
Dear [Second Party’s Name]:
This letter is a formal authorization for [Name of Third Party] to access my visa card at [Name of Bank] to make my bill payments while I am on vacation between [DATE] and [DATE].
If you have any questions, I can be reached at [Phone Number] or at [Email Address] at any time, even while I am on vacation.
I appreciate your help in this matter.
Sincerely,
First Party’s Signature
First Party’s Printed Name
Sample 3 – Credit Card Authorization Letter
First Party’s Name
First Party’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Second Party’s Name
Name of Bank
Second Party’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
Re: Amex Card 4888-8745-0000-1289
Dear [Second Party’s Name]:
This letter is an authorization for my credit card to be used by [Third Party’s Name] for any transaction he deems appropriate.
If you should have any questions about this credit card authorization, or you need me to complete another form, I will be more than happy to do so. I can be reached anytime at 555-710-4589.
Sincerely,
First Party’s Signature
First Party’s Printed Name