How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Credit Card?

Although you can apply for a credit card on your own once you turn 18, you might need a cosigner to qualify. Here’s a quick breakdown of your credit card options by age:

You must be 18 years old to get a credit card because that’s when you can legally enter contracts in the United States.¹ A credit card is a legal agreement between you and the lender.

Before your 18th birthday, you can’t sign binding financial contracts on your own. This includes credit card applications, loans, and other financial agreements.

Once you turn 18, you can apply for a credit card – but you’re not guaranteed to get approved. The 2009 CARD Act requires adults under 21 to either have a cosigner over 21 or prove independent income when applying for credit cards.²

However, many major credit card issuers don’t allow cosigners, creating a challenging situation.⁴

Secured credit cards are, as their name suggests, “secured” by a cash deposit when the account is opened. That way, the card issuer has a security deposit to fall back on if you don’t repay your debt.

A secured credit card works a lot like a debit card, but your payment history can be reported to the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This feature can allow you to start building positive credit history with on-time payments.

Ask to be added as an authorized user

Younger borrowers might also be able to become authorized users on an established adult’s credit card, such as a parent’s or guardian’s. As an authorized user, you’d get a credit card with your name on it connected to the owner’s account without submitting your own application.5

Proceed cautiously, because the account owner’s actions can directly affect your credit, both positively and negatively. If the account owner maintains healthy credit habits, like making on-time payments and keeping their credit utilization ratio low, being an authorized user can help build your credit.
But if they make late payments or default, being an authorized user can hurt your credit, too.

Apply for a student credit card

Student credit cards are also subject to the 2009 CARD Act. You’ll still need to either prove independent income or find a cosigner to qualify. However, the credit and income requirements may be more flexible than some other credit cards.

Get a cosigner or become a joint owner

As mentioned, many major card issuers don’t allow cosigners anymore. This is because needing a cosigner may indicate to the issuer that you’re a risky borrower. But there are a few instances where you can be added as a joint owner or co-owner after someone else successfully applies for the card.

This is similar to being an authorized user, with one key difference. As a co-owner you are also liable for the account balance, while you are not liable as an authorized user.

You’d need someone else to apply for the card in the first place and then be added on as a joint owner once they open their account. This process works differently for each card issuer, so be sure to review the information they provide.

Get a full-time job

Getting a full-time job can help you meet the CARD Act’s income requirements if you’re under 21. This may not be realistic for everyone juggling classes, internships, or other commitments, though.

Plus, full-time employment still doesn’t guarantee approval. Credit card issuers consider multiple factors beyond just having a job.

While you can’t legally get your own credit card under the age of 18, you can become an authorized user on an adult’s card. This method requires some planning, so make sure to consider the following before you jump in:

• Verify the card issuer’s minimum age requirements for authorized users. Some card issuers may not have a minimum age requirement, while others might require an authorized user to be at least 13 years old.¹ Either way, you’ll want to check before trying to sign up.
• Set up a responsible spending plan ahead of time. While credit cards can be a helpful tool for younger people to learn how to manage money, they also enable you to spend more than you can afford. To prevent problems, have a frank conversation with the primary account holder about expectations and responsibilities before you start using your authorized user’s card. Note that the primary cardholder doesn’t need to give you a copy of the card; you can be on the account in name only for the purpose of building your credit history.
• Consider a credit card for emergency use only. Consider setting a rule that the card can only be used in emergencies. This approach can provide peace of mind for both the primary account holder and the authorized user.
• Remember, being an authorized user can hurt your credit score, too. As exciting as it is to work on building your credit history early, being an authorized user can hurt your credit history if the primary account holder doesn’t practice smart credit habits. Make sure the primary cardholder pays their bills on time and doesn’t overspend before adding your name to their account.

Getting your first credit card is a big step! It’s exciting, but it’s also a good idea to check in with yourself to see if you’re ready for the responsibility. A credit card is a tool that can help you build your financial future, so you want to be sure you’re prepared to use it wisely.

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Do I have a steady source of income? Having regular income from a job or allowance helps you make payments.
• Do I understand how credit card interest works? If you don’t pay your balance in full each month, the amount you owe can grow. Understanding this concept is crucial before you start spending.
• Am I good at managing the money I have now? Think about how you handle your cash or debit card. If you generally spend within your means, that’s a great sign you’re ready.

If you answered yes to these, you may be in a good spot to start your credit journey. If not, take some time to practice your money management skills before you apply.

Good news: once you’re 21, the CARD Act’s “cosigner” rule no longer applies.

Still, you may want to look for student credit cards or cards otherwise geared toward those with new or unestablished credit. Many credit cards come with eligibility requirements that young adults with a blank-slate credit history may be unable to meet.

Here are key factors to consider when applying for a credit card at 21:

• You can apply independently: No cosigner required, but you still need to meet the card’s approval requirements.
• Check your credit first: Check your credit score free at AnnualCreditReport.com to see which cards you’re likely to qualify for.
• Look for beginner-friendly cards: Cards designed for new credit users typically have easier approval requirements.
• Avoid annual fees: Many cards offer rewards without annual maintenance fees, keeping costs low.
• Spend responsibly: Only charge what you can afford to pay off in full each month.