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The Daily Insight Hub

Can I open a credit card at 15?

Author

Isabella Turner

Updated on February 13, 2026

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.

What is the minimum age to open a credit card?

at least 18 years old
You have to be at least 18 years old to open a credit card account in your own name, although you can become an authorized user on someone else’s account earlier. Getting a credit card at 18 can be tough, though, and will likely require a co-signer or proof of income.

Can you open a credit card at 18?

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.

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

Once you reach age 21, you can apply for a credit card as a primary account holder without any of the CARD Act restrictions, based on age. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to begin using credit cards responsibly in order to build a strong credit history.

Is it easy to open a credit card account?

A credit card account is as easy to open as a checking or savings account — if not easier. Applicants can apply online through a bank’s website, and often find out instantly whether or not they’re approved.

How old do you have to be to open a bank account?

There are several ways to open an account for somebody under 18, and children can even actively use bank accounts in some cases. Getting comfortable with money is an important skill that can pay off through life, and it provides independence to responsible children.

How old do you have to be to open a FICO card?

Yet, as wise a move as adding this card can be for the length of history portion your score, it will still leave you far short of where the FICO “high achievers” – people with scores above 785 – stand. These consumers tend to have an average account age of 11 years, with the oldest account at 25 years, and the newest opened 28 months ago.