Can I get a Visa card for my child?
Sarah Martinez
Updated on February 15, 2026
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.
What is the minimum age for a Visa card?
18 years of age
The general rule of thumb for the credit card industry is that cardholders must be at least 18 years of age. However, if you are under 21 and lack a credit history or have a credit history that’s not great, most credit card issuers will require you to show proof that you can independently pay your bills.
Can a 12 year old get a Visa 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 10 year old get a Visa card?
At 10, you’re not of legal age to sign paperwork for the credit. Unfortunately, kids cannot open their own credit card accounts. The reason is because credit cards don’t operate on your money; they operate with borrowed money.
Is there a Visa debit card for kids?
On top of this identity security, your kid’s first debit card will come with the same security and access as any VISA ®. You will also be able to control how much of your kids’ allowance (s) goes on the card and track their transactions.
Is it OK for a child to have a credit card?
Parents must be willing to teach their children the value of money before they allow their child to have a credit card, personal finance experts tell NBC News BETTER. “Knowledge about the credit card, that’s simple.
Can a busykid visa be used as a debit card?
Take your kid’s spending freedom to the next level with a BusyKid Visa ® Prepaid Spend Debit Card. The card eliminates concerns over having on-hand cash, it’s easy to use, secure and it teaches your kids how to manage money they can’t see.
Can a child get a prepaid debit card?
Most debit cards for kids are prepaid cards. You can load money onto them from an app using your checking account. A lot of these cards come with extra features, like the ability to see how your child spends their money or pay them for doing chores. At what age can my child get a debit card? Prepaid cards can be available for kids as young as five.