I want to make sure my daughter starts out with good credit. She is only 5 and has a savings accout. I have her deposit 2/3 of ther allowance each week.
Anyway, how & when can I start building her credit file?
2007-06-30 18:39:26 · 6 answers · asked by Missy 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
When she is about 16, add her as an "authorized user" on your credit card. Of course, do not let her charge anything. It goes without saying that you should only charge what you can pay off entirely each month.
When she is 18, add her as a "joint account holder" (you can only have two people on a joint account). Most credit card companies require some months history of a newbie as an authorized user before adding her to a joint account.
Starting from the time she is added to the joint account, she shares your credit history. Again, do not let her charge anything, unless you are sure she is not going to overspend & make it so you are unable to pay the balance in full each month.
Before she leaves for college, have her apply to the same company for a credit card in her name only.
She will be starting with a great (your shared) credit history
and you will not have assumed any risk to your own credit history if she does not handle money as well in the future as she does now.
2007-06-30 18:57:13 · answer #1 · answered by Autumn 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Another simple credit trick is (when she turns 18) to co-sign a small bank loan for her .. about $2000 or so. Take it out for one year. Don't use the money ... put it in a savings account. Have her pay it back over about a 3-month period. You'll pay a little interest, but she will now have a history of paying back a loan on time.
2007-07-01 08:39:53 · answer #2 · answered by jdkilp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I started college my Mom listed me as an authorized user on her credit card to help me build credit. With that approach your daughter will get to piggyback on your payment history while building her own. I am not sure what the minimum age is, but I would think you can call your credit card company to find out.
2007-06-30 18:57:58 · answer #3 · answered by PrplDrgn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being an "authorized user" of a credit card "don't mean diddly" as these persons are not responsible for the debt.
A person cannot enter into a legal contract until they reach the age of 18
Afforementioned legal mumbo jumbo is required in order to become "in debt" and have sole responsibility for said debt.
So, not until she turns 18
2007-07-01 03:51:38 · answer #4 · answered by Tom S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will have to wait until she is 18 to start a credit history however it is good that you are teaching her how to manage her money which is very important for when she is older.
2007-07-01 05:47:44 · answer #5 · answered by madison t 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would think it would be age 18. I think that's because she can't contract till she's of age.
2007-07-04 17:33:28 · answer #6 · answered by sophieb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋