You cannot get a credit card in your own name at 14
Credit card issuers require you to be at least 18 years old to hold an account. This is a legal requirement set by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD Act), which applies to all major card companies in the United States. No mainstream credit card issuer will approve a 14-year-old for a card, even with a parent's permission or co-signature.
If you want to build credit or make purchases before 18, you have other routes. The most common is becoming an authorized user on a parent's or guardian's card. A few banks also offer teen checking accounts with debit cards, which work differently from credit cards but let you spend money and learn financial habits.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 to hold a credit card in your own name; this is federal law and applies to all card issuers.
- You can become an authorized user on a parent's or guardian's credit card before 18, and this may help build your credit history.
- Debit cards and teen checking accounts let you spend money and practice managing money without credit.
- At 18, you can open your own card, but you will need proof of income or a co-signer if your income is very low.
- Starting as an authorized user before 18 makes it easier to get approved for your own card once you turn 18.
How authorized user accounts work
When you are an authorized user, the primary account holder (usually a parent) adds you to their existing credit card. You get your own card with your name on it, and you can use it to make purchases. The primary account holder is responsible for paying the bill, and they control the spending limit and whether to remove you from the account.
Being an authorized user does not require you to be 18. Most card issuers allow parents to add children as young as 13, though some set the minimum at 16. You should ask your parent or guardian to contact their card issuer to find out the minimum age for their specific card.
The main benefit is that the account activity may appear on your credit report. If the primary account holder pays on time and keeps the balance low, this history can help you build a good credit score before you turn 18. When you open your own card at 18, a higher credit score makes approval more likely and may get you better interest rates.
What happens to your authorized user account at 18
When you turn 18, you do not automatically become the primary account holder. The account remains in your parent's or guardian's name. You have two choices: keep using the card as an authorized user, or open your own card.
If you want your own card, you will need to apply separately. The card issuer will look at your credit history (which now includes the authorized user account), your income, and your age. If you have been an authorized user on a card with good payment history, you are more likely to be approved. If you have no income or very low income, you may need a co-signer, though many issuers no longer require this.
You can keep the authorized user card active at the same time you hold your own card. Some people do this to maintain the credit history and keep the account open.
Debit cards and teen checking accounts as an alternative
If your parent does not have a credit card or does not want to add you as an authorized user, a debit card is another option. Debit cards draw money directly from a checking account, so you can only spend what is already there. You cannot go into debt or build credit with a debit card, but you can learn to budget and manage money.
Many banks offer teen checking accounts designed for people under 18. These accounts often come with a debit card, online banking access, and parental controls so your parent can set spending limits or review transactions. Examples include accounts from Chase, Bank of America, and smaller regional banks. The features and fees vary, so ask your parent to compare a few options.
A debit card does not build credit history the way an authorized user account does. However, it is a good way to practice spending responsibly before you turn 18 and open your own credit card.
What you need to know before turning 18
If you are planning to open a credit card at 18, start thinking now about what you will need. Card issuers ask for proof of income, which can be a job, a scholarship, or money from a parent (though the issuer will verify this). You will also need a Social Security number and a permanent address.
Your credit score at 18 depends on your history as an authorized user, any debit card accounts you have held, and whether you have any missed payments or collections on your record. If you have been an authorized user on a card with on-time payments and low balances, you are starting from a stronger position than someone with no credit history at all.
If you do not have any credit history by 18, you can still open a card, but you may be offered a secured card (which requires a cash deposit) or a card with a higher interest rate. Building credit takes time, so the earlier you start, the better your options will be later.
Why the age requirement exists
The CARD Act was passed in 2009 partly to protect young people from taking on debt they could not manage. Credit card companies had been targeting college students with offers and high-interest rates, leading to widespread debt among people in their late teens and early twenties. The law set 18 as the minimum age and required issuers to verify income before approving anyone under 21.
The law also limits how credit card companies can market to people under 21 on college campuses. These rules exist because credit card debt can follow you for years, affecting your ability to rent an apartment, buy a car, or get a mortgage.
Steps to prepare for your first card at 18
If you are under 18 now, you can take steps to make approval easier when you turn 18. Ask a parent or guardian to add you as an authorized user on their credit card if they are willing. Make sure the card issuer reports authorized user activity to the credit bureaus (most do, but not all). Check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com once a year to see what is being reported.
If you have a job or other income, keep records of it. When you apply for your own card at 18, you will need to show proof of income. A pay stub, a letter from your employer, or a tax return all work. If you do not have income yet, think about whether you can get a part-time job before 18, or ask a parent whether they would co-sign a card for you.
Avoid missing payments on any account you have, including a debit card or an authorized user card. Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score, and one missed payment can lower your score significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card if I have a job at 14?
No. Income does not change the age requirement. You must be 18 to hold a credit card in your own name, regardless of how much money you earn. However, having a job at 14 is good preparation for 18, because card issuers will want to see proof of income when you apply.
Will being an authorized user hurt my parent's credit?
No. Being an authorized user does not hurt the primary account holder's credit. If you make a purchase and the primary account holder pays the bill on time, it helps both of your credit scores. If the bill is not paid on time, it can hurt both scores, so make sure your parent is comfortable with the arrangement.
Can I get a secured credit card at 16 or 17?
No. Secured cards still require you to be 18. A secured card requires a cash deposit, but it is still a credit card, and the age requirement applies. You can hold a secured card at 18 if you have no credit history or a low credit score.
What if my parent does not have a credit card?
If your parent does not have a credit card, a debit card or teen checking account is your best option. You can also wait until you turn 18 and open your own card then. Having no credit history at 18 is not a barrier to approval, though you may be offered a higher interest rate or a secured card.
Does being an authorized user on a debit card build credit?
No. Debit cards do not report to credit bureaus, so they do not build credit history. Only credit cards and other credit accounts (like loans) appear on your credit report. A debit card is useful for learning to manage money, but it will not help your credit score.