At what age can you get a credit card? How to do it responsibly

If your teen is starting to earn money or wants to learn more about credit, you might wonder at what age they can officially get their own card. While teenagers can’t apply for their own credit card until they’re 18, they can start learning the ropes earlier. With a little guidance, teens can practice using credit in a lower-risk way so they’re prepared when the time comes.

When can you actually get a credit card?

In most cases, you have to be 18 or older to open a credit card in your own name. That’s because you’re entering a legal agreement with a lender, and minors can’t sign binding contracts.

Once you turn 18, you can apply for your own card if you have income you can use to make payments. If you’re under 21 and don’t have your own income yet, you may need a co-signer (often a parent) or proof of regular deposits.

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4 ways teens can get a credit card

So, what kinds of credit cards are out there for teens to start building credit? Here are a few credit card options for teens and young adults:

1. Authorized user on a parent’s account. This is the easiest place to start, especially if your teen is under 18, because they get their own card linked to your account. Spending activity may be reported to credit bureaus and appear on their credit report, which helps them start building a credit history early.

2. Student credit card. Once they turn 18, students can apply for a beginner card designed for people with limited credit history. Many offer low limits, basic rewards, and no annual fee.

3. Secured credit card. A secured card requires you to make a cash deposit that acts as collateral. It’s only available for teens 18 and older, but it’s another way to learn how to manage payments and keep the balances low.

4. Joint account. Some banks still allow joint credit cards for parents and teens, although this option isn’t as widely available.

What teens should know first about credit

Credit cards can teach really valuable life and money lessons, but only if handled carefully. Here are a few rules of credit that all teens should know before getting a credit card:

• Pay on time. Sending in a payment late can quickly damage credit. Set up autopay to help prevent this from happening.

• Keep account balances low. It’s recommended that those with credit access use less than 30% of their credit limit. This shows lenders you’re responsible.

• Understand interest. When you have a balance that you carry month to month, you’re being charged interest on that balance. So, over time, you’re paying more for your purchases.

• Track spending. Reviewing statements helps teens connect their choices with real-world consequences.

Tips for parents helping teens build credit

Once your teen shows they’re ready, you can show them how to take small, safe steps toward financial independence. Here’s how to keep the process positive and lower-stress:

• Make clear and easy-to-follow rules about what the card can be used for (gas, school supplies, emergencies).

• Set a spending limit and review charges weekly together.

• Teach them how minimum payments work, and why they shouldn’t rely on them.

• Be responsible with credit yourself; kids and teens learn most by watching.

How Greenlight helps teens prepare for credit cards

Greenlight gives kids and teens a safe way to build smart money habits before credit cards enter the picture. The #1 family money and safety app includes a debit card for kids and teens, allowing them to earn, save, spend, and set goals – all within an app parents can monitor. 

Think of Greenlight as a credit card “test drive.” 

• Parents can set spending limits by store and category, monitor activity, and teach real lessons in the moment, like how to budget. 

• Teens learn how to manage money; parents know they’re learning in a low-stakes way. 

• By the time they’re ready for a credit card, they already know what responsible spending and saving look like and why they’re so essential.

FAQs

Can a 16-year-old get their own credit card?

No. You need to be at least 18 to apply for your own credit card. But a 16-year-old can be added as an authorized user on their parent or guardian’s account, which is a good way to start learning about credit early.

What kind of income can I use to apply for a credit card at 18?

You can include any income you receive from a job, allowance, babysitting, or even regular deposits from a parent or guardian, as long as it’s money you personally control and can use to pay your bills.

Will being an authorized user affect my credit score?

It can. If the primary account holder makes payments on time and keeps balances low, you’ll usually see positive effects on your credit. But missing a payment or having high balances could hurt your score, too.

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