Do credit card companies know how old you are?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on January 24, 2026
The Credit card is not a valid form of ID and has not information, such as your date of birth, that would allow anyone to sort out how old you are. I believe that in some states you need to be 18 before you can get a credit card. But, you can also get a bank card with a VISA logo on it with a checking account.
Is it illegal to lie about your age for a credit card?
Federal law requires a person to be at least 18 to enter into a contract, but if he lied on the application, that is fraud. However, the odds the issuer will pursue damages are small. Check out all the answers from our credit card experts.
Is it illegal to have a credit card before 18?
You have to be at least 18 years old to get a credit card account. But there is no minimum age requirement for authorized users to have a credit card from most major banks. The law just emphasizes the need for applicants under the age of 21 to show that they have enough independent income to afford a credit card.
Can I lie to get a credit card?
Lying on a credit card application is illegal, and you could face prosecution for fraud if it comes to light at a later date, or you find yourself unable to keep up repayments.
Can I fake my age on cash App?
If you lie about your age on Cash App, you won’t be able to verify your account. It means you can send only up to $250 in a week and receive $1000 in a month.
Can I get my 16 year old a credit card?
Teens can begin building credit at a young age by becoming authorized users on their parents’ credit cards. At 18, teens can apply for a credit card in their own name. The best teen credit cards have low credit requirements and keep costs to a minimum.
What is the age limit for a credit card?
18
The minimum age to open a credit card as the primary account holder is 18. But due to regulations from the Credit CARD Act of 2009, applicants 18 to 20 might encounter stricter verification requirements, including showing proof that they can independently repay what they borrow.
How old do you have to be to get your own credit card?
You must be at least 21 years old to get a credit card in your own name without a co-signer. If you’re under age 21, you must able to demonstrate the ability to independently make the payments to get your own credit card.
How old do you have to be to use American Express credit card?
Some credit card providers don’t have a minimum age requirement for authorized users. But others, such as American Express, require the authorized user to be at least 13 years old. Learn more about authorized user options for teens.
What happens to seniors credit card debt as they age?
Paying off high interest debts such as credit cards will likely be impossible. As seniors age further, the debt crisis can only get worse. Medical costs for seniors will continue to rise as they age, and illnesses associated with old age may make it difficult or impossible to keep working.
When do credit card companies report to credit bureaus?
It would make sense to assume that your credit card activity is reported at the end of each billing cycle. However, according to Experian, every lender reports to the bureaus following its own schedule. Typically, it happens every 30 to 45 days.