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

In the US, the minimum age eligibility for a credit card account is 18. However, credit card applicants under the age of 21 need to have a co-signer, someone who is older than 21, and/or proof of financial capability to pay credit card charges. A young credit card applicant who is under 21 need to produce at least one of these requirements to apply for a credit card. The co-signer can either be a parent, spouse or legal guardian and must also have the financial capability to pay credit card charges.

Anyone over the age of 21 can independently apply for a regular credit card without having to produce these two requirements. They will be subject to the requirements related to a regular credit card application.

There are other options for those who are under 18. One is to apply for a secured credit card. A secured credit card requires the credit card holder to make a deposit that would serve as a sort of collateral for the credit card. The credit card limit would be linked to the account associated with the secured credit card. In case payment cannot be made, the company that issued the credit card will take out the payment from the initial deposit. A secured credit card can be a good way to establish a good credit score which will become useful in future applications for a regular credit card.

Another option is to become an authorized user of a parent’s credit card. The credit card remains under the name of the parent or guardian, but the young child becomes authorized to make purchases using the card.