At What Age Can You Get a Credit Card? A Complete Guide

Credit cards can be a valuable financial tool, but eligibility depends on your age and circumstances. Understanding the different pathways to obtaining a credit card—whether as an authorized user or as a primary account holder—is essential for young people looking to build their financial profile.

Starting Young: The Authorized User Route

One of the earliest ways to gain practical experience with credit is by becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account. This approach has minimal age barriers, making it accessible for children of various ages.

Most major card issuers impose few or no age restrictions for authorized users, though some do establish minimum thresholds:

• American Express: 13 years old minimum
• Discover: 15 years old minimum
• U.S. Bank: 16 years old minimum
• Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo: No specified age requirement

When you’re added as an authorized user, you receive your own card bearing your name, connected to the primary account holder’s credit line. However, the account owner remains fully liable for all charges, including those made by the authorized user. This setup works best when young users are closely monitored during their initial transactions. For educational purposes, it may be wise to retain physical possession of the card between learning sessions.

Adding a young person as an authorized user to a well-maintained account can help them begin establishing their own credit history—a significant advantage that will benefit them in the future.

Opening Your Own Account at Age 18

Once you reach 18, you’re legally permitted to open your own credit card account and establish your own credit line. However, this right comes with specific requirements that weren’t always in place.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a minimum income level to show they can cover their balances. For those between 18 and 21, eligible income sources are restricted to employment earnings or scholarships and grants. Income from other sources—such as parental gifts or allowances—does not qualify under these rules.

This income limitation stems from the CARD Act of 2009, legislation designed to prevent young adults from obtaining credit they couldn’t reasonably repay. If you lack an eligible income source, obtaining a cosigner with established credit may help, though major card issuers rarely accept this arrangement; credit unions often prove more flexible.

Greater Flexibility After Age 21

Your credit card options expand significantly once you turn 21. At this point, income requirements become less restrictive. You can now include virtually any income you reasonably claim—gifts, government assistance, and retirement funds all become acceptable.

Beyond age considerations, first-time credit cardholders without an established credit history should focus on cards specifically designed for newcomers to credit.

Key Takeaway

Whether you’re starting as an authorized user or pursuing your own account at the appropriate age, financial literacy remains paramount. Building strong credit habits early—by understanding terms, managing balances responsibly, and making timely payments—will position you for long-term financial success.