At What Age Can You Apply for a Credit Card?

Credit cards are financial tools offering convenience for purchases and a means to manage transactions. Understanding the regulations and requirements for obtaining a credit card is important, as these rules vary depending on an individual’s age and financial situation.

The Minimum Age to Apply

The legal minimum age to apply for a credit card in the United States is 18. This requirement was established by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009. While 18 is the earliest age for an application, additional conditions apply to those under 21. These conditions aim to ensure young applicants can responsibly manage credit obligations.

Requirements for Young Adults (Under 21)

Individuals aged 18, 19, or 20 seeking a credit card face specific requirements due to the CARD Act. They must demonstrate an independent ability to make payments on the credit card account. This independent income can stem from various verifiable sources. Acceptable forms often include wages from a job, regular allowances received, or funds from scholarships and grants that remain after tuition and educational expenses are covered. The income reported must be consistent and provable, often through documentation like bank statements or pay stubs.

A co-signer can also provide a pathway for young adults to obtain a credit card. This co-signer must be at least 21 and possess sufficient income to assume responsibility for the debt. If the primary cardholder fails to make payments, the co-signer becomes legally obligated to cover the outstanding balance. Many major credit card issuers no longer offer co-signed accounts, though some smaller financial institutions might.

Becoming an authorized user on another person’s existing credit card account offers another option for those under 21. Typically, a parent or guardian adds the young adult to their account. As an authorized user, the individual receives a card and can make purchases, but they are not legally responsible for the debt incurred. The primary cardholder retains sole responsibility for all payments and account management. This arrangement can help a young person begin to establish a credit history without directly applying for their own card.

Applying as an Adult (21 and Over)

Once an applicant reaches 21 years of age, the specific age-based restrictions imposed by the CARD Act no longer apply. While the ability to make payments remains a core requirement for approval, the definition of eligible income broadens significantly. Applicants 21 and over can include any income to which they have a “reasonable expectation of access,” such as personal earnings, income from a spouse or partner, or distributions from trust funds or retirement accounts.

The need for a co-signer specifically due to age is removed at this point. Instead, credit card issuers will primarily evaluate the applicant’s overall financial profile, including their income and existing credit history. A strong credit history, built through responsible financial practices, becomes an increasingly important factor for approval and favorable credit terms. This shift provides greater flexibility in demonstrating repayment capacity, moving beyond the stricter independent income rules for younger applicants.