At What Age Can You Get a Credit Card?

Credit cards enable individuals to make purchases, manage expenses, and build a financial history. They provide a revolving line of credit, allowing cardholders to repay borrowed money, often with interest. A primary consideration for obtaining a credit card is age.

Minimum Age Requirements

In the United States, the legal minimum age to independently apply for a credit card is 18. This requirement stems from the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, known as the Credit CARD Act. This federal law introduced consumer protections for young adults. The CARD Act mandates that credit card issuers assess an applicant’s ability to repay debt before extending credit.

The CARD Act requires applicants under 21 to demonstrate independent income sufficient for required payments. Independent income includes personal earnings (e.g., from a job or allowances) or the portion of scholarships and grants remaining after tuition. Income from a spouse or partner, or other accessible sources, cannot be counted for applicants under 21. For those aged 21 and older, verifiable income broadens to include sources such as spousal income, trust fund distributions, or retirement funds.

Pathways for Young Applicants

For individuals who do not yet meet the independent application criteria, several pathways exist to establish a credit history. These methods allow younger individuals to gain experience with credit management.

One common approach involves becoming an authorized user on another person’s credit card account. The primary cardholder adds the individual to their account, and the authorized user receives a card linked to that account. This arrangement allows the authorized user to make purchases, and importantly, the account’s payment history may be reported to credit bureaus to build credit history. However, the primary cardholder remains solely responsible for all charges and payments, and misuse by the authorized user could negatively impact the primary cardholder’s credit.

Another effective method is obtaining a secured credit card. This type of card requires a cash deposit, which serves as the credit limit (e.g., a $200 deposit for a $200 limit). The deposit acts as collateral for the issuer, reducing risk and making these cards accessible to those with limited or no credit history. Secured cards allow cardholders to make purchases and monthly payments, with responsible use reported to credit bureaus. The deposit is refundable upon closing the account, provided all balances are paid.

While less common for credit cards than for loans, a co-signer can provide a pathway to credit. A co-signer agrees to be legally responsible for the debt if the primary cardholder fails to make payments. This arrangement can increase approval chances for applicants with limited credit or income. However, many credit card issuers do not permit co-signers for credit cards, making this a rare option. Co-signing carries financial risk for the co-signer, as any missed payments or defaults by the primary cardholder will affect their credit history.

Preparing for Your First Independent Application

When you are ready to apply for your own credit card, careful preparation can improve your chances of approval. This involves understanding what lenders look for and how to present your financial standing effectively.

Lenders assess an applicant’s ability to repay debt, which relies on reported income and financial obligations. On a credit card application, you will need to provide your gross annual income, which is your income before taxes and other deductions. This can include wages, salaries, self-employment income, and certain benefits or allowances depending on your age. Creditors also consider your debt-to-income ratio, which compares your total monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income.

Building an initial credit history is advantageous, as lenders prefer evidence of responsible credit management. If you have no credit history, also known as a “thin file,” it can be challenging to get approved for traditional unsecured cards. Previous experience as an authorized user or using a secured credit card is beneficial, as these activities establish a payment history reported to credit bureaus. On-time payments demonstrate reliability to potential lenders.

Choosing the right type of card for your first independent application is important. Student credit cards are designed for college students and have more lenient approval requirements, offering rewards tailored to student spending. Similarly, secured credit cards are a viable option for those building credit, as they are easier to obtain. Researching cards specifically for those with limited or no credit history can help identify suitable options.

The application process requires providing accurate personal and financial information. You will need to supply your full legal name, date of birth, current address, Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and employment status. You may also be asked about your housing costs, such as rent or mortgage payments. Lenders use this information to evaluate your creditworthiness and determine approval and credit limit. Applying for a credit card results in a “hard inquiry” on your credit report, which can temporarily impact your credit score.