What Age Can You Get a Credit Card? Rules and Options for 2026

The CARD Act of 2009 established federal minimum age rules for credit card applicants. Under the law, applicants under 21 must either show proof of independent income sufficient to make minimum payments or have a creditworthy cosigner. Applicants who are 21 or older may apply independently without these additional requirements. The CFPB oversees compliance with the CARD Act and provides consumer resources on credit card rules. See also: how a debit card works.

If you are between 18 and 20, you may qualify for a credit card by demonstrating independent income. Acceptable income sources typically include wages, salary, self-employment income, and regular allowances or parental support that you can reliably access. The card issuer will evaluate whether your income is sufficient to make minimum monthly payments on the credit line requested. Student credit cards are a common option for young adults in this age range, as they often have lower credit limits and more lenient approval criteria.

Secured credit cards are another option for applicants ages 18 and older with limited or no credit history. A secured card requires a refundable security deposit that typically equals the credit limit, reducing risk for the issuer. Using a secured card responsibly — paying on time and keeping balances low — may help you build a credit history over time. See also: avoiding paying interest on your credit card.

There is no federal minimum age for becoming an authorized user on another person's credit card account. A parent or guardian can add a child of any age as an authorized user, and the account's payment history may appear on the child's credit report, helping to establish credit history early. However, individual card issuers may set their own minimum age — some require authorized users to be at least 13 or 16. The primary cardholder remains legally responsible for all charges made by the authorized user.

Parents should carefully consider the risks before adding a minor as an authorized user. Any late payments or high balances on the primary account can negatively affect both the parent's and the child's credit profiles. The CFPB recommends monitoring authorized user accounts regularly and setting clear spending rules with the child. See also: how credit karma updates your score.

A credit card, when used responsibly, can be an effective tool for building a credit history. FICO scores — used by most lenders — are based on payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%), and credit mix (10%). Paying your balance on time every month and keeping your credit utilization below 30% of your credit limit are two of the most impactful habits for building a strong score. Missing a payment, even by one day, may have a negative impact on your score and can remain on your credit report for up to seven years. See also: how long it takes to get a credit score.

Follow these steps to apply for your first credit card responsibly: See also: removing late payments from your credit report.

1. Check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com — the federally authorized free report site — to review any existing history.
2. Compare student or secured card options from reputable issuers, paying attention to fees, interest rates (APR), and credit-building features.
3. Gather documentation of your income if you are under 21, as issuers are required to verify independent income under the CARD Act.
4. Apply for one card at a time to avoid multiple hard inquiries on your credit report.
5. Set a budget before using the card, and plan to pay the full balance each month to avoid interest charges.

Credit cards carry real financial risks, particularly for first-time users. Credit card interest rates — known as the annual percentage rate (APR) — can be high, and carrying a balance means you pay interest on top of your purchases. Many cards also charge annual fees, late payment fees, and foreign transaction fees. Always read the Schumer Box — the standardized fee disclosure table required on all credit card applications — before applying. This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice; consult a qualified financial professional for guidance specific to your situation. See also: investment accounts for kids.