4 Min Read | Updated: February 16, 2024
Originally Published: January 12, 2023
To be eligible for a credit card, most issuers require applicants to be at least 18 years old, as long as they can demonstrate sufficient independent income or provide a co-signer.
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
At-A-Glance
You must be at least 18 years of age to get a credit card in your own name.
It’s usually a good idea to get a credit card sooner than later, but those under 21 face additional eligibility requirements.
If you’re under 18, one option is to be added as an “authorized user” to a parent or guardian’s credit card.
Establishing credit history and building your credit are important tools for financial stability and success. Naturally, the earlier you get a credit card, the sooner you can begin to establish a credit history. But at what age can you get a credit card? In short, it depends on your financial situation. Regardless, young adults should learn what it takes to open up a credit card – and how to use it responsibly – in order to reap the potential long-term benefits.
What Age Can You Get a Credit Card?
Most credit card issuers stipulate that you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card.1 That said, the CARD Act of 2009 established that those under the age of 21 face more scrutiny during the application process.2 Specifically, individuals under 21 must either prove sufficient independent means of repaying any debt that arises from the card account, or use an appropriate cosigner.2
Individuals who are 21 and over generally have a higher chance of successfully attaining a credit card, since they might not need to confirm proof of income during the application process.2 But card issuers will still check credit history to officially determine eligibility.3
Tips for 18-20 Year Olds Looking to Get a Credit Card
To get a credit card, you’ll first have to apply through the card issuer, usually online. Be prepared to provide personal information, such as your name, date of birth, Social Security number, gross annual income, and housing situation (like your address and monthly rent or mortgage payments).6 Here are some things that can help you get approved for your first credit card.
Provide proof of income
If you’re under 21, applying for a credit card involves proving sufficient independent income – not simply sharing your income when asked.5 Plan to include proof of direct income and any third-party income that you might have. This can mean paystubs, W2s, or copies of your bank statements. Gather them before applying to help keep yourself organized.
Consider a cosigner
If you’re uncertain whether or not you meet income eligibility requirements, you can also try to apply with acosigner – which is someone who agrees to become liable for the debt on the account. If the card issuer permits you to apply with a cosigner, they must be 21 years or older and have the means to repay debts incurred in connection with the account.5 Importantly, your cosigner should also be someone who you know you can trust, like a family member or guardian.5
Apply for a secured credit card
You can also try applying for a secured credit card which requires a cash security deposit that acts as the spending limit on your account.7 Secured credit cards can be a credit-building tool for individuals with poor, little, or no credit history.7
Can you Get a Credit Card Under 18?
It is possible to give someone under the age of 18 access to a credit card. One way parents can help their kids learn to use credit cards responsibly is by adding them to an existing card account as an additional card member, also known as an “authorized user.” Beyond offering a way to promote responsible spending habits, parents may consider adding their child as an additional card member for spending ease in case of an emergency, as well as a way to earn more rewards.
An additional card member is able to make charges to the primary card member’s account.13 The primary card member continues to make payments and is responsible for the authorized user’s spending.13
Some companies require additional card members to be at least 13 years of age, while others do not.14 Similarly, some card issuers will only report an authorized user’s credit information if they’re 18 or older.14 It’s a good idea to call your credit card issuer to confirm stipulations, as well as determine whether there’s a fee to add an additional card member.13,14
When Should You Get a Credit Card?
Experts recommend getting a credit card at age 18, if possible, to jumpstart credit history.5 Why? Individuals with long, healthy credit histories tend to have higher credit scores.10,11 Better credit leads to financial advantages, such as more favorable loan terms and interest rates.3,4 However, signing up for a credit card when you feel you can successfully pay off the debt and manage finances is usually the best time for anyone, at whatever age.
How to Use Credit Responsibly
However you obtain your first credit card, it is important to understand how to use credit responsibly, and, therefore, how to build your credit history. By setting good financial habits – and consistently maintaining them over time – you and your credit will be on the right track for many years to come.
- Build a budget: At any age, it’s important to be cognizant of your budget and spending habits. Be proactive in learning best practices on charging payments, and making payments that work for you, to maximize your credit and minimize or prevent overall debt.
- Be mindful of debt: It is a well-known best practice to pay off the full balance of your credit card statement on time.8 Doing so will help you avoid interest charges and late fees – both of which can quickly add up and contribute to debt.8 Paying your balance in full also prevents your balance from creeping up from one statement to the next. This approach can keep your credit utilization ratio down, and benefit your credit score.9
- Pay the monthly minimums: For major purchases or investments, you may pay less than the full amount, but you’ll be charged interest on any remaining balance (unless you have a credit card with a 0% intro APR period). Always pay at least the minimum payment due to avoid missed payment penalties, such as late fees and penalty APRs.8
If you’re concerned about missing a payment, the good news is that most credit card issuers offer the ability to set up one-time or recurring auto-payments.
The Takeaway
Credit cards are a critical component to building credit, financial stability, and financial independence at any age. Young adults who are able to responsibly use credit cards to build up their credit histories may be able to take advantage of more favorable financial opportunities, from earning rewards to accessing more favorable credit terms and interest rates. Learn more about what to consider before applying for your first credit card.
1 “When Should My Child Get a Credit Card?,” Experian
2“What Is the Credit CARD Act of 2009?,” Experian
3“What is a credit score?,” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
4 “How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Financial Future,” FINRA
5“How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Credit Card?,” Experian
6 “How to Apply for a Credit Card and Increase Your Approval Odds,” Experian
7“Using Credit,” Consumer.gov
8 “Should I Pay My Credit Card in Full?,” Equifax
9“Understand the Ins and Outs of Credit,” FINRED
10“What is the Length of Your Credit History?,” MyFICO
11 “FEDS Notes,” Federal Reserve System
12“Late Credit Card Payment? Here’s What to Do,” Experian
13 “Credit Card Authorized User: What You Need to Know,” Experian
14 “Should You Add Your Child to Your Credit Card as an Authorized User?,” Experian
Madeline M. Jarvisis a freelance writer with experience in project management, strategic communications, and community organizing, and an educational background in interdisciplinary studies.
All Credit Intelcontent is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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