At what age can you get a credit card?

You have to be at least 18 to open your own credit card account. That’s typically the age you’re allowed to enter into legal contracts, including credit card agreements. 

But there’s more to credit card age requirements than just that. 

What you’ll learn: 

• You have to be at least 18 years old and meet certain federal requirements to open a credit card account.

• Student credit cards and secured credit cards may be good options for young people trying to establish and build credit. 

• Becoming an authorized user on a trusted friend’s or family member’s account could be another way to access credit.

It’s possible to apply for a credit card once you’re 18. But lending decisions are ultimately up to individual credit card issuers. And according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), if you’re under 21, you have to meet one of two conditions:

A co-signer guarantees that if the cardholder can’t make payments, the co-signer will. Co-signers have to be at least 21 and show they can make payments on the account. Keep in mind that many major issuers don’t allow co-signers.

Without a co-signer, people under 21 have to prove they have enough income to make minimum credit card payments. Income might include full-time, part-time or seasonal job income and self-employment income. It might also include interest, dividends, public assistance or even shared income that somebody else regularly deposits into your account or a joint account.

The right time to get a credit card is different for everyone. Here are a few questions to ask yourself that may help you decide if you’re ready.   

• How will I use the card? You may plan to use your credit card to cover a large purchase. Or you might use it as a budgeting tool and to cover everyday expenses. Thinking through how you intend to use your credit card may help you avoid overspending. 

• Can I afford the monthly payments? According to the CFPB, you should pay your entire credit card balance whenever you can. If you can’t, the agency recommends that you pay as much of it as you can to avoid “spending more on the things you buy because you’re also paying interest.” 

• Do I know how to use credit responsibly? To build good credit and improve your credit scores, you have to use credit responsibly over time. This includes always paying your monthly statements on time and staying below your credit limit.

If you’re old enough and prepared to use credit responsibly, there are a variety of credit cards—some of which are designed for people who are trying to establish credit—you could apply for.

You could be eligible for a student card if you’re enrolled or admitted and planning to enroll at a college or university. Student credit cards may be easier to qualify for than other credit cards. You could use a student credit card responsibly to build credit. And some student cards offer rewards.

To open a secured card account, you have to put down a one-time, refundable security deposit. Each credit card issuer has its own policies about when and how refunds are given. Some secured credit cards, such as Quicksilver Secured from Capital One, even let you earn cash back rewards.

The urge for teenagers to get their own credit card might be strong. But federal rules don’t allow 16- and 17-year-olds to have their own credit card accounts. And many major issuers don’t allow co-signers. But if you’re a parent, there may be another way to teach your child about credit and help them build credit before they turn 18.

If you add your child as an authorized user, they could get their own card and make purchases with it. As the primary cardholder, you’re still ultimately responsible for all the charges made on the account. 

Some card issuers, including Capital One, report authorized users’ activity to the credit bureaus. If authorized users are reported, the credit bureaus may then include that information in credit reports. If the card is used responsibly by you and your child, this can help the authorized user start building credit.

But the opposite is also true. Irresponsible card use by either could negatively impact both people’s credit.

Here are a couple of things to consider before you apply.

Credit scores reflect your creditworthiness and are used to predict how likely you are to pay your debts on time. They’re based, in part, on information found in credit reports. 

You can get free copies of your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. And with CreditWise from Capital One, you can access your credit report and credit score without hurting your scores. CreditWise is free for everyone. You don’t even have to be a Capital One customer to use it.

Checking to see if you’re pre-approved for a credit card can be a great way to compare your options and find the right fit. It can also help avoid unnecessary hard inquiries, which can cause your credit scores to drop temporarily. 

You can check whether you’re pre-approved for some Capital One credit cards before you apply. It’s quick and only requires some basic info. And it won’t affect your credit scores, because it only requires a soft inquiry.

If you can prove your income, you might be able to open a credit card on your own at age 18. Starting with a student credit card or a secured credit card may be a good option. If it’s too soon for a credit card, becoming an authorized user on a trusted friend’s or family member’s account could be an option. 

You can compare Capital One credit cards and filter your search by credit requirements, rewards and other factors.