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Can a 14 year old make a credit card?

Author

Andrew Campbell

Updated on January 28, 2026

Kids can’t open their own credit card account until they turn 18, and will need to prove independent income until they’re 21. But even before then, minors can benefit from becoming authorized users on a family member’s credit account.

Can a kid sign up for a credit card?

Strictly speaking, parents cannot open a credit card account for their minor children. Only a person age 18 and over can enter into a legally binding contract, which includes applying for a credit card as the primary account holder.

Can 13 year olds apply for a credit card?

Is there a minimum age to become an authorized user? Many card issuers — Bank of America, Capital One and Chase — have no minimum age for authorized users. This means you can get your kid a credit card as soon as you think they are ready. However, some card providers have minimum ages of 13 to 16.

Can I add my 16 year old to my credit card?

Yes, you can add your teenager to your credit card as an authorized user, but the teen’s age will matter to some credit card companies. American Express and Discover require authorized users to be at least 15 years old, for example, while U.S. Bank requires them to be 16.

Do minors have credit scores?

Does your child have a credit score? Typically, only people over the age of 18 have a credit score — but it is possible for minors to have a credit report. A person under 18 can have a credit report if : An adult added the minor as an authorized user or opened a joint account in the minor’s name.

How can a minor establish credit?

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.

How old do you have to be to have a credit card?

Half of the 10 major issuers surveyed by CreditCards.com allow minors as authorized users with no minimum age. For example, Bank of America, Capital One, and Chase all allow children to be added to a primary account holder’s card regardless of age. Of the rest, most allow minors but impose a minimum age in the teens, usually between 13 and 16.

Can a minor be an authorized user on a credit card?

Most major card issuers allow you to add a minor as an authorized user. Some of those impose a minimum age, others don’t. A few cards prohibit cardholders from adding minors altogether. The question of whether you can add your child to your card as an authorized user hinges on age.

Can you add an under 18 to a credit card?

In the past, it was possible to add an under-18 as an additional cardholder in certain cases, but that’s no longer an option. If your teenager wants to enjoy the flexibility of a card, there are several options available, including prepaid cards or debit cards. Here’s how to teach your teen solid financial habits to get them off to a good start.

How old do you have to be to have an American Express card?

For example, Bank of America, Capital One, and Chase all allow children to be added to a primary account holder’s card regardless of age. Of the rest, most allow minors but impose a minimum age in the teens, usually between 13 and 16. For example, American Express requires authorized users to be 13.