N
The Daily Insight Hub

Can I get a credit card before im 18?

Author

Matthew Harrington

Updated on January 22, 2026

Consumers can apply for credit cards starting at age 18, but the law requires them to have an independent income or a co-signer.

Can you apply for a credit card at 16?

You can’t get your own credit card if you’re under the age of 18. But you can become an authorized user (more on that below). Even after you turn 18, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 states you’ll need to have either proof of independent income or a cosigner over the age of 21.

How can I build my credit when I turn 18?

Ways on How to Start Building Credit at 18

  1. Open a Credit Card or Be Added to a Credit Card as an Authorized User.
  2. Consider a “Secured” Credit Card.
  3. Apply for a Student Credit Card.
  4. Handle Your Starter Credit Cards Diligently.
  5. Branch Out and Get a Small Loan.
  6. Check Your Credit Report Regularly.

How can I get a credit card at 18 with no income?

If you don’t have enough income to qualify for a credit card on your own, you still have options. Seek out a co-signer: Ask a friend or family member with a good credit score to co-sign your application. A co-signer accepts legal responsibility for making the payments on your account if you fail to do so.

Can I get my teenager a credit card?

How to get a credit card for your teen under 18 years old. 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.

How can I build my credit at 18 without a credit card?

8 ways to build credit without a credit card

  1. Get a credit builder loan.
  2. Apply for a personal loan.
  3. Consider a car loan.
  4. Repay an existing loan.
  5. Report alternate payments.
  6. Apply for a secured credit card.
  7. Become an authorized user.
  8. Rent payments.

What is your credit score if you just turned 18?

This is an important first step toward a secure financial future. Fortunately, there are some simple tips that you can use to make sure that you get off on the right track. The average credit score for 18-year-olds is 631. Let’s take a closer look at how this number compares to various generations below.

Can a 21 year old get a credit card without a cosigner?

Without a cosigner, those under the age of 21 who wish to obtain a credit card under their own name will need to have a regular income substantial enough to repay any credit card debt. At the same time, that income doesn’t necessarily need to be from a job, which can open up some doors — particularly for students. Why?

Can a 18 year old apply for a credit card?

Before that age, you may have a tougher time getting approved. If you’re under 18, you can’t apply for a credit card. And if you’re between 18 and 21, card providers will be sticklers about checking your income. Still, it’s possible to get a credit card as long as you know what you’re doing.

What do you have to do if you have a credit card under 21?

The CARD Act also stipulates that if you’re under 21, you must prove your ability to pay your card bill. You can report income that you earn on your own, such as scholarships and grants or wages from your job. If you don’t have sufficient income, your other option is to add a cosigner — someone who agrees to pay if you default.

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.