A young woman in a brightly lit room looks at a laptop with her father.

How Teenagers Can Build Credit Before Turning 18

6 min read
Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Key Takeaways

  1. You must be at least 18 to open a credit card account in your own name.
  2. Teens under 18 may still take steps to start building credit for a strong start once they reach this milestone.
  3. Parents and guardians play a vital role in shaping their teens’ financial literacy through education, guidance, and monitoring their children’s credit reports.

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