how young do you have to be to have a credit card?

Question

i'm wondering if there is like a program you can sign up for so kids under a certan age can have a credit card or something, because I've heard about kids using their parent's credit cards, and i wanna know if that's possible

Answer 1

You have to be at least 18 to have your own account because a credit card application is a legal contract.

Children under 18 can be added to their parents' cards as additional card holders and an additional card can be issued in their name. All charges made by all the cardholders will be on the same bill.

Another option is for the parent to purchase a reloadable Visa/MasterCard debit card. The parent can add money to the account at any time and the child can use it as a debit card. This teaches budgeting and responsible use of credit.

I got my checking account at 16 and was able to get a debit/check card on my account to use. This may be another option to explore.

Answer 2

While you normally need to be at least 18 years of age to have a credit card, there are some companies with programs that help young adults learn about credit. They allow the child to have a credit card, with their parents' permission, of course!
I only know of one place that does (or did) this, JCPenney. I was offered a cc when I was 16. The account was not attached to my parents' account, but they were the cosigners...it was more than just an authorized user situation - it was actually my card. When I turned 18, I was allowed to remove their info from my account.
I guess you should just ask around and see which companies have programs like that.
Good luck!

Answer 3

To have an actual credit card, where you take out money and then pay the company back, you have to be 18. If you are under 18, the only way you can have a credit card is if your parents give you theirs to use.

There is also a debit card (where you already have money in the account and just use it to withdraw that money) that is designed for teens, but you still need your parents to sign up for it. It's called Visa Buxx... I would imagine there are other companies that have similar programs.

Answer 4

you have to be a legal adult in order for you to have a credit card; in most cases, at least 18. No matter how old you are, for someone who's applying for a credit card for the first time has to have some proof of financial responsibility, through an account at a banking facility. My son, who is now 19, applied for an instore credit card, and he was denied because he cannot hold money to save his life; he bleeds right through any money he makes, and his savings account is always too low for a credit card company to take a chance on him.

Answer 5

Only if your parents agree to get a card on THEIR account with your name as a "user"...under 18, you cannot enter into a contract...which you must do when getting a credit card...
Some banks have student accounts, but I do not think an actual credit card (most likely just an ATM card) would be issued to you.

Answer 6

You can only get a credit card on your own when you are 18. Your parents can get a credit card in their name and make you an authorized user but that will not help build your credit report.

Answer 7

you mean how old, not how young. you have to be at least 18 and able to pay the bills. kids use their parents' cards with permission (hopefully) and the parents pay the bills. you can apply, but if you don't have a credit history, they will deny you.

Answer 8

Find very useful info and tips on getting and managing credit cards on http://creditcardmanager.credithelperhom

Answer 9

I believe you can get prepaid credit card at 13.

Answer 10

18 years old