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

Credit cards offer convenience for purchases and help establish a financial history. This history, known as a credit score, is a numerical representation of an individual’s financial reliability, influencing future access to loans, housing, and employment opportunities. Understanding the age-related requirements for obtaining a credit card is key.

Minimum Age Requirement

In the United States, an individual must be at least 18 years old to legally enter a credit card agreement. This age requirement stems largely from the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009. A key provision of the CARD Act prevents credit card issuers from granting new accounts to those under 21 unless certain conditions are met.

The CARD Act extended this protection to those under 21, recognizing that young adults may benefit from additional safeguards against accumulating unmanageable debt. This law significantly impacted how credit card companies approve applications from young adults, requiring proof of independent income or a co-signer for applicants under 21.

Accessing Credit Before the Minimum Age

While the minimum age for a primary credit card account is 18, individuals younger than this can still gain access to credit through alternative methods, primarily by becoming an authorized user. An authorized user is someone added to another person’s credit card account by the primary cardholder. This arrangement allows the authorized user to make purchases with the card, but they are not legally responsible for the debt incurred on the account. The primary cardholder remains solely accountable for all payments.

Being an authorized user can be a way to begin building a credit history, as the account activity may be reported to credit bureaus under the authorized user’s name. This can be beneficial if the primary cardholder maintains a history of responsible payments and low debt utilization. Another, though less common, method is through a co-signer or joint account. While more typical for loans, some credit card issuers may allow a co-signer, who assumes legal responsibility for the debt alongside the primary applicant.

Requirements for Independent Applicants

Once an individual reaches the age of 18 and seeks to apply for a credit card independently, additional requirements come into play, particularly for those under 21. The CARD Act of 2009 mandates that applicants under 21 must demonstrate an independent income sufficient to make the required payments. This means the income must be verifiable and belong solely to the applicant. Acceptable sources include wages from employment, scholarships or grants that exceed tuition and educational expenses, and regular allowances deposited directly into the applicant’s bank account.

For young adults or those with limited credit history, certain types of credit cards are designed to help establish credit. Student credit cards are tailored for individuals enrolled in higher education and often feature lower credit limits and benefits relevant to student lifestyles. They function like regular credit cards, reporting payment activity to credit bureaus to help build a credit history.

Another option is a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit that typically serves as the credit limit. This deposit acts as collateral, reducing risk for the issuer and making these cards more accessible for those with no or developing credit. Responsible use of a secured card, through timely payments and low balances, is reported to credit bureaus and can lead to qualifying for an unsecured card over time.