How Old Do I Need to Be to Get a Credit Card?

A credit card serves as a financial tool allowing individuals to borrow funds for purchases. These cards offer convenience for transactions, provide a record of spending, and help build a financial history. Understanding credit card qualifications is key to effective financial management.

The Minimum Age for Credit Cards

In the United States, an individual must be at least 18 years old to apply for their own credit card account. This minimum age aligns with the legal age for entering into contracts. Federal law, the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009, regulates credit card issuance to young adults.

The CARD Act requires individuals under the age of 21 to meet specific conditions to obtain a credit card. If an applicant is between 18 and 20 years old, they must demonstrate independent income sufficient to make payments or have a co-signer. This legislation protects younger consumers from unmanageable debt.

Pathways for Applicants Under 21

While the CARD Act of 2009 sets specific requirements for applicants under 21, several avenues remain available for them to access credit and begin building a credit history. One common approach is becoming an authorized user on an existing credit card account. As an authorized user, an individual receives a card linked to another person’s account, allowing them to make purchases, though they are not legally responsible for the debt. This can help establish a credit history if the primary cardholder manages the account responsibly, as the account activity is reported to credit bureaus for the authorized user.

Another option for individuals aged 18 to 20 is applying with a co-signer. A co-signer is an adult over 21 who agrees to share legal responsibility for the credit card debt if the primary applicant defaults. However, many major credit card issuers have reduced or eliminated co-signing options for credit cards, making this less common.

Secured credit cards offer a different route for young adults or those with no credit history. These cards require a cash deposit, which serves as the credit limit for the issuer. This deposit reduces the risk for the card issuer, making secured cards easier to obtain, and responsible use can help build a positive credit history. The deposit is refundable upon closing the account or graduating to an unsecured card, assuming all balances are paid.

Student credit cards are designed for college students, with more lenient qualification criteria than traditional unsecured cards. To qualify, applicants need to be at least 18 years old and provide proof of enrollment in a college or university. Like other applicants under 21, students must demonstrate an independent income source to qualify.

Beyond Age: Other Application Requirements

Meeting the minimum age is only the first step in obtaining an independent credit card account; other fundamental requirements must be satisfied. Credit card issuers assess an applicant’s ability to repay borrowed funds, which is determined by their income. Applicants must report their gross annual income, which includes wages, self-employment earnings, scholarships, grants, and regular allowances. For applicants aged 21 or older, household income, including a spouse’s or partner’s income, can be considered.

Credit history is another important factor. For first-time applicants, a lack of established credit history can make approval for traditional unsecured cards more challenging. Issuers evaluate how an applicant has managed past financial obligations, and a good payment history is a good indicator of creditworthiness. Building a credit history can begin with alternative methods, such as secured cards or becoming an authorized user, before applying for an unsecured card.

Applicants are required to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for identity verification. In some cases, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may be accepted as an alternative for those not eligible for an SSN, such as certain non-residents or immigrants. Proof of U.S. residency, often through a physical mailing address, is a standard requirement for credit card applications.