It is a common question that many people ask themselves: how old do you have to be to get a credit card? The answer, much like the rules and regulations applied to minors and adults, can vary slightly depending on your financial institution.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Credit Card?
Getting a credit card in your own name requires you to be the age of majority in your state of residence. If, however, you don’t require the card to be held in your own name, you can qualify to have a card held by an adult, parent or guardian as an authorized user.
What Credit Cards Can You Have as an Authorized User?
You can select from one of several credit card issuer options with companies like Capital One, American Express, Discover, Chase Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and many others.
Why would you give a minor a credit card? Having a credit card for kids may assist them by developing healthy money habits from an early age, allowing these financial literacy skills to compound from the start.
1) Opening a sub account from their own bank account.
This can provide your kids with a card to use while you can maintain control over the account itself. Under this situation, it’s still likely that your child will need to be at least 13 years old before receiving a debit card.
Another option to consider includes opening a joint account with your kid or teen. This means you both have ownership over any joint accounts you share as well as the assets held inside them.