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Can a 13 year old have a credit card UK?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on January 27, 2026

You have to be 18 to get a credit card in the UK, but prepaid cards from challenger banks offer a strong interim option.

Can I get my 12 year old a credit card?

Legally, no one can get a credit card on their own unless they’re at least 18 years old. However, a minor can be an authorized user on someone else’s account.

Can a 13 year old get a credit card?

Some, like Capital One, Chase, Citibank and Wells Fargo have no minimum age, while American Express and Barclays require authorized cardholders to be at least 13 years old. Discover has a minimum age of 15, while US Bank’s requires authorized cardholders to be 16.

How old do you have to be to get a credit card in the UK?

18 years old
Requirements for getting a UK Credit Card Although any decision to lend is always at the discretion of the credit card provider, you’ll need to at least meet the following minimum requirements before applying: You must be at least 18 years old (although some lenders have a higher minimum age) You must be a UK resident.

Can I get a credit card for my teenager?

For teens under 18, credit card options are much more limited. The only way for minors to qualify is to become an authorized user on someone’s existing card, such as a parent or guardian’s credit card. Allowing your teen to become an authorized user can help build their credit score.

How do I build credit for my child?

8 tips for parents to help their children build good credit early

  1. Start early.
  2. Teach the difference between a debit card and a credit card.
  3. Incentivize saving.
  4. Help them save early for a secured credit card.
  5. Co-sign a loan or a lease.
  6. Have them report all possible forms of credit.
  7. Add your child as an authorized user.

Can you get a credit card at 15?

No, you cannot get a credit card at 15. Anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited from entering into a legally binding contract such as a credit card agreement. But there are some credit cards that permit minors to become authorized users on a parent or other adult’s credit card account.

You have to be 18 to get a credit card in the UK, but prepaid cards from challenger banks offer a strong interim option. It’s a common question on both parents’ and teenagers’ minds: how young is too young to get a credit card? Legally, no one can open a credit card unless they’re at least 18 years old.

Can a 18 year old apply for a credit card?

You can still apply for a credit card at 18, but your parents will need to cosign for you. This can be tricky because the responsibility becomes much heavier when someone else’s credit is at stake.

How old do you have to be to get a credit card in California?

You must be at least 18 years old to get a credit card by yourself, but getting a credit card at that age won’t be as simple as applying for the credit card and getting approved. While you can legally get a credit card as young as age 18, the law requires that you have your own steady source of income to qualify for a credit card.

Which is the best credit card to get for a young person?

Young people have a few options when starting their search for a credit card, including a student credit card (like the Discover it Student Cash Back card), a secured credit card (like the Discover it Secured card) and becoming an authorized user on a parent’s credit card.