WalletHub, Financial Company The best way to get credit cards for minors is to add them as an authorized user. A minor cannot get their own credit card account. You must be at least 18 years old to do so. But all major credit card companies allow customers to get authorized-user credit cards for minors.

What age can you get a credit card with a parent?

Strictly speaking, parents cannot open a credit card account for their minor children. Only a person age 18 and over can enter into a legally binding contract, which includes applying for a credit card as the primary account holder.

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

You have to be at least 18 years old to get a credit card account. But there is no minimum age requirement for authorized users to have a credit card from most major banks.

When to give your child a credit card?

As older children learn about money and how to make purchases, parents can consider adding them as authorized users to their accounts as a way to begin teaching them responsible credit card use and build their credit history. For example, parents could give their children a credit card to make specific purchases, or for emergency use only.

Can a minor get a credit card in their own name?

Although minors cannot apply for a credit card account in their own name, many credit card issuers allow them to be added to an adult’s account as an authorized user. For example, the Discover card allows primary account holders to add up to five additional authorized users at no charge.

How old do you have to be to get a prepaid card?

You may also be able to get a prepaid card under age 18. 7 A prepaid card isn’t a credit card, but it looks like one and swipes like one. It’s similar to the way a debit card is connected to a checking account, but the application process for a prepaid card is much simpler.