What Age Can You Get a Credit Card in the US?

Credit cards offer a convenient method for making purchases and are an important tool for establishing a financial history. Understanding credit card requirements is valuable for individuals engaging with the credit system.

Age Requirements for Primary Applicants

In the United States, an individual must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card as a primary applicant. The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 impacted credit card access for young adults.

For applicants aged 18 to 20, the CARD Act of 2009 stipulates they must either demonstrate independent income sufficient to make payments or have a co-signer or joint account holder. This measure ensures their ability to repay debt and prevents accumulating unmanageable debt.

Independent income for applicants under 21 can include wages from a job, scholarships, or trust fund disbursements. However, income from parents or other family members does not count as independent income unless it is directly accessible by the applicant.

If an applicant aged 18 to 20 cannot meet the independent income threshold, a co-signer or joint account holder is necessary. A co-signer is an adult who agrees to be equally responsible for the debt. If the primary applicant fails to make payments, the co-signer is legally obligated to cover the outstanding balance.

Alternative Paths to Credit

For individuals who do not meet primary applicant requirements, or seek to build credit differently, several alternative pathways exist. One common method is becoming an authorized user on another person’s credit card account.

An authorized user receives a card linked to the primary account and can make purchases, but the primary cardholder remains solely responsible for all debt incurred.

Many credit card issuers allow individuals under 18 to be added as authorized users. This arrangement can be a valuable tool for building a credit history, as the account’s payment activity may be reported to the authorized user’s credit profile. However, the primary cardholder’s responsible use is important, as their payment behavior directly impacts the authorized user’s developing credit.

Secured credit cards offer another avenue for establishing or rebuilding credit, particularly for those with no credit history or a low credit score. These cards require a security deposit, typically equal to the credit limit, which acts as collateral for the card issuer. This deposit minimizes the risk for the issuer and makes them accessible.

Secured cards function like traditional credit cards, with purchases, statements, and payment due dates. Responsible use, such as making on-time payments and keeping balances low, is reported to credit bureaus, which helps build a positive credit history. The security deposit is refundable when the account is closed or upgraded to an unsecured card, provided the balance is paid off.

Student credit cards are designed for eligible students aged 18 and over, often with features tailored to their needs. These cards may have lower credit limits and are easier to qualify for. Applicants for student cards need to provide proof of enrollment in a college or university and, if under 21, demonstrate independent income.

Navigating the Application Process

Once an individual has determined their eligibility and chosen a suitable credit card option, the application process itself involves several key steps. Applications can typically be submitted online through the issuer’s website or in person at a bank branch. Online applications often provide the quickest response times.

Applicants are generally required to provide personal identification details, including their full legal name, date of birth, and a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Contact information, such as a physical address and phone number, is also requested. Financial information is a significant component of the application, encompassing gross annual income, employment status, and monthly housing costs.

As part of the review, credit card issuers perform a credit check to assess an applicant’s creditworthiness. This involves reviewing credit reports and scores to understand past financial behavior. Issuers use this information to determine the likelihood of repayment and to set appropriate credit limits.

After submitting an application, applicants typically receive a decision within a short timeframe, sometimes instantly. However, some applications may enter a pending status, requiring additional verification or a longer review period, potentially up to 14 days. If approved, the physical credit card is usually mailed to the applicant’s address and can arrive within approximately 7 to 10 business days.