Can a 16 year old have their own card?
Sarah Martinez
Updated on February 20, 2026
Some institutions don’t permit minors to have debit cards under their own name until they are at least 16, but others offer them to children who are 13 or even younger. Parents should look for features like no or low fees for funding and maintaining the account, online account monitoring, convenient A.T.M.
Can 18 year old apply for credit card?
Age – You will need to be minimum 18 years of age to apply for a Credit Card. Even if you are an add-on Credit Card holder, the age limit needs to be met. Anyone meeting this criteria becomes eligible for a Credit Card.
Do you have to be 18 to get a student credit card?
Consumers can apply for credit cards starting at age 18, but the law requires them to have an independent income or a co-signer. However, most major issuers don’t allow co-signers anymore. So, a person aged 18, 19 or 20 usually has to earn and prove their own income before being approved for a credit card.
Can you get a credit or debit card at 16?
You can’t get a credit card at 16, at least not your own account. The law prohibits issuers from offering credit cards to anyone under 18. And even then, you’ll need your own income to qualify. But you can get a credit card at 16 if a friend or family member makes you an authorized user on their account.
How can a 18 year old build credit?
Ways on How to Start Building Credit at 18
- Open a Credit Card or Be Added to a Credit Card as an Authorized User.
- Consider a “Secured” Credit Card.
- Apply for a Student Credit Card.
- Handle Your Starter Credit Cards Diligently.
- Branch Out and Get a Small Loan.
- Check Your Credit Report Regularly.
What is the credit score of an 18 year old?
In fact, according to Credit Karma, the average credit score for 18-24 year-olds is 630 and the average credit score for 25-30 year-olds is 628. FICO has different categorizations for credit scores and a 630 is deemed as “fair”.
Can a person under 18 use a credit card?
Anyone under 18 can only be an authorized user on someone else’s account — like their parents’. Here are some credit card options that allow teens under 18 as authorized users, along with a few tips for teaching them financial habits. What’s in this guide? Should my teenager get a credit card? Which card issuers allow authorized users?
When to let your teen get a credit card?
If your teen proves they’re able to responsibly use a debit or prepaid card, consider letting them graduate to a credit card. After you add them as an authorized user, you can monitor their spending. At the same time, you can teach them how to manage credit before they get their own card.
When to help your teen build credit history?
It can help your teen build credit early. Most people start with a brand-new credit history when they’re ready to get a credit card. This usually means they’re limited to student cards and secured cards, both of which typically come with limited features. You can help your teen build an impressive credit history before they reach adulthood.
Can a minor be an authorized user on a credit card?
However, a minor can be an authorized user on someone else’s account. Here are some credit card options that allow teens under 18 as authorized users, along with a few tips for teaching them financial habits.