Do you have to be 18 to get a credit card? If so, why? Is there any alternatives to one (or something similar) that you can get if your under 18?
2006-09-18 09:26:50 · 11 answers · asked by Eileen B 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
No, you don't have to be 18. I got my first card when I was 16 and my mom co-signed on it. They'll start you off with a low limit, but it grows really fast (if you make payments on time). I always paid everything in full before I got the statement, so that really helped build my credit.
2006-09-18 22:26:01 · answer #1 · answered by Shannon A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it really depends on your situation,
when i was 16 i got a credit card from a local credit union bank.
but that was in my favor because i was an emancipated minor.
you can choose that route if that is your case,
but if it is not, then you can ask a family member to add you to thier account, and its great if they add you and you guys pay it on time all the time, because once you hit 18 you can go straight to capital one and apply for a card, most likely odds will be in your favor, since you have some credit experience being an athorized user.
The main reason you have to be 18, as others have said, is because your signing a binding contract and your not legally 'responsible' until your 18.
hope i helped, and good luck
2006-09-18 21:04:32 · answer #2 · answered by tahj. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, you have to be 18, or you can get a card with your name on it, if your parents sign you up with their credit card company. That's what I did when i was younger. Just agree to pay the bill and maybe your parents will get you a card in your name!
2006-09-18 09:35:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some credit unions do issue credit cards for 16 years (and older) if they have a co-signer.
2006-09-18 11:43:24 · answer #4 · answered by jasmine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get a card on someone else's account before you are 18.
2006-09-18 09:28:42 · answer #5 · answered by Jordan K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually credit card companies start sending applications when you turn 16 or when you start working. My best friend had one when she was 17. Be careful though. They trick you with really high interest rates.
2006-09-18 09:35:06 · answer #6 · answered by chocolate-drop 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
Your parents can get you one, but I wouldn't do that unless there is definite, adhered to guidelines.
Because you can't really be held legally responsible until you're 18.
2006-09-18 09:31:48 · answer #7 · answered by raininmyshoe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, that's the legal age to enter into a legal contract.
2006-09-18 10:03:52 · answer #8 · answered by KL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Unless you are an emancipated minor.
2006-09-18 09:34:38 · answer #9 · answered by dabean003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, you have to be 18 to LEGALY sign any type of binding contract.
2006-09-18 09:29:14 · answer #10 · answered by Bmc420 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋