How young is too young for a credit card?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on February 03, 2026
Which Issuers Allow You to Get a Credit Card for a Child under 18?
| Credit Card Issuer | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| American Express | 13 or 15 years old, depending on the card |
| Barclays | 13 years old |
| Bank of America | No minimum age requirement |
| Capital One | No minimum age requirement |
Why young people should get a credit card?
They’re convenient, protect you against fraud and theft, and sometimes offer cash back and other rewards. They can also help you build the credit history you’ll need if you want to borrow money to buy a home or a car.
Is it good to build credit at a young age?
Getting a credit card—and using it wisely—can be one of the best ways to build a solid credit history, especially at a young age. A strong credit score can mean better rates when you want to take out a car loan or home mortgage. It can help in renting an apartment because the landlord may check it.
What age is a good age to get a credit card?
18
And a good place to start is by opening a credit card at 18, so you can start building credit at an early age and developing good money habits. Below, we review why it’s important to get a credit card at 18 and what you can do to protect your credit score as a new cardholder.
How can a young person get a credit card?
Becoming an authorized user is the easiest way to start building credit as a young person because there’s no credit check for authorized users, and it’s the only way to get a credit card before you turn 18.
Why do you need a credit card at a young age?
If for any reason at all, it’s to establish a credit history. You need credit to build a credit score, so obtaining a credit card at a young age is an easy way to do this. Also, one of the important factors of your FICO score is the length of credit history.
Do you need a credit card as a student?
Despite all of the negative consequences of credit card debt, the fact is that most students need a credit card. If, for any reason at all, it’s to establish a credit history. You need credit to build a credit score, so obtaining a credit card at a young age is an easy way to do this.
What’s the best way for a teen to get a credit card?
Another option is to have a teen sign up for a secured credit card, which requires a deposit and is designed for people who don’t have any credit history or those with bad credit who are trying to rebuild their record.
Is it a good idea to get a credit card?
If you’re strapped for cash and your car needs a new set of brakes, you can simply open your wallet and charge it to your card. Because most credit card accounts are “unsecured,” they tend to carry higher interest rates than other loans. Even if you have plenty of funds in your savings account, using a card can be a great way to get rewards.
