How can a minor obtain a credit card?

Question

I'm trying to get a credit card and I was wondering who offers credit cards for minors? All I know is that your parents have to co-sign but I haven't found a bank that'll even allow that.

Answer 1

You aren't legally responsible for your own debts untill you turn 18. Some companies will let you use your parents card.

Answer 2

Everyone here has been saying how credit cards are so horribly evil, but there are many reasons why someone would want a credit card. For example, it'll be much easier for someone to get a low interest rate on a car loan or mortgage if they build up their credit rating, and the easiest way to do this is to get a credit card, make a purchase or two on it each month, then pay off the balance at the end of the month. Credit cards just get a bad reputation because so many people abuse them. However, to everyone who said minors wanting a credit card should just get a secondary card under their parents' account, that's a bad idea, because their parents are going to have thousands of dollars on their credit limit. But for someone who has no credit history, if they get a credit card, the credit limit will be under $1000. That would make it more difficult for an irresponsible person to drown themselves in debt.

Answer 3

I don't know what the rules are for minors, but I do know this: you need CREDIT to get a credit card. Getting a credit card when you are a minor is a really, really BAD idea. You need a full-time job. You need to build your credit history. And you REALLY need to NOT be spending money you do not have. I mean, how old ARE you anyway? Do you even have a job? A REAL job? It is hard enough getting through life as it is without ruining your credit before you've even gone to college. I'd abandon this credit card idea right now. It is NOT a good idea. Get a job. Start saving your money. THAT is what you should be doing now. Credit card? Ugh, no!

Answer 4

There are banks and credit unions that offer debit cards, where you have a visa card that draws out of your checking or savings accounts, even as a minor.

But being a minor, in most states and in most cases, you do NOT have the ability to engage in a legally binding contract. So no one can lend you money, because they can't legally force you to pay it back.

And lots of credit cards will let your parents add you as an authorized user to their account, and give you your own card. You have zero personal liability for your charges, at least to the bank, it's all on your parents.

Answer 5

A minor cannot get a Credit Card in Canada. Even if parents co sign for it, they have to wait til they legally become adults under what Canadian Law calls an Adult.... 19 years of age.

Answer 6

Visa Buxx is a pre-paid credit card. Your parents can put money on it for you to spend, or you can give them money to put on it for you. It works just like a credit card, and is accepted anywhere Visa cards are taken.

Personal opinion - When using plastic, people tend to spend more money. If you can't actually see and feel the money being spent, then you're much less likely to watch how much you spend. Also, it seems that Visa Buxx is a convenient way to get people under 18 familiar and comfortable with using credit cards.. this is not a good habit, whatsoever.

Answer 7

Well, A Visa is a good card to get as your own. And the Bank of American is a card that you can get under your parents name. It's your card but they have their names on them because you are a minor. The Bank of America is a card where you yourself can withdrawl and deposit money. The Visa is like this also but the difference is that the Bank of America is usually for emergencies. Like saving up money for college for example.

Answer 8

In short, you can't. Credit card companies require that people asking for a credit card have a job and since your a minor, most likely you don't have one.

Although there are occasions where newborns, dogs, and dead people get credit apps all the time.

Answer 9

Usually on department stores are going to offer cards to minors. It is rare to find, as it is illegal to make the contract with minors and they can be left liable for the debt. Your parents could add you as a coldholder to one of the credit cards possibly, that might be the easiest route to go. Be careful with credit cards.

Answer 10

How minor are you?
There are cards offered all the time with small limits. My son got one at 18 & I never signed for him.
Go on line instead of banks & check capital one.

Answer 11

i don't think that they can at all......even with a co-sign. Your parents can get one for you. Or you could get a checking account....but no credit card, being a minor you have no credit to be able to get one