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How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Credit Card?

7 min read

Last Updated: August 29, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

You must be 18 or older to get a credit card in your name.
Borrowers between 18 and 20 must prove they have independent income to qualify for a credit card.
Primary cardmembers may be able to add individuals younger than 18 as authorized users to their credit card account.

At what age can you get a credit card?

Your first credit card is a major financial milestone. With a credit card, you may begin to build positive credit history and earn rewards. However, managing credit is a big responsibility, so it’s important to make sure you’re ready before applying.

You must be at least 18 to qualify for a credit card of your own. If you’re under 18, you may explore alternatives like becoming an authorized user on another cardmember’s account to start building your credit history.

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While you might become eligible for a credit card at age 18, your choices may be limited until you turn 21. Understanding your options and the requirements you have to meet may help you find the right fit.

Understanding credit cards for ages 18 to 21

Under the Credit CARD Act of 2009, financial institutions may only offer credit cards to people between the ages of 18 and 20 if they have a cosigner or enough reliable, independent income to cover their credit card payments. That income might include pay from a formal job, assets, or allowance. But it can’t include anyone else’s income, even if they’re from the same household.

Once you reach age 21, you may apply for a credit card using any household income you have access to, like your spouse’s salary.

Credit history

Regardless of age or income, younger borrowers with limited credit history may have trouble qualifying for a credit card. Credit card issuers and other lenders look at your credit history to determine your likelihood of repaying debts.

You begin to build history when you open your first credit account, which might be a credit card, personal loan, or student loan. As you use your credit account, the lender reports your activity to a major credit bureau. Credit bureaus organize your credit history into your credit report, which is the basis for your credit score.

Personal finance tools like a prepaid credit card, debit card, checking account, or savings account don’t build credit history. While these tools may help you manage your finances, they don’t involve borrowing money.

At first, your credit card options might be limited. Once you have your first credit card, making on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization low may help you build a good credit history. That way, you may qualify for a wider range of credit card options and better terms in the future.

Age Range	Credit Card Options
Younger than 18	If you're under 18, you may generally be added to a cardmember's account as an authorized user (depending on the issuer). This is a great way to start building credit from an early age. However, you won't be able to get your own credit card until you turn 18.
18-20	If you're 18, 19, or 20 years old, you may be eligible for some credit cards. However, you'll need to demonstrate that you have enough income to pay your credit card bills. You can also apply for a secured credit card, like the Discover It^® Secured Credit Card.
21 or older	If you're 21 or older, you may apply independently for any type of credit card. However, you'll still need to meet the card issuer's other eligibility requirements, such as income or credit score requirements.

Types of credit cards for young adults

How do you begin building positive credit history as a young adult? You might consider a credit card option designed for people with limited credit history, like a secured or student card.

Student credit cards

A student credit card is an unsecured card designed for college students with little to no credit history. To qualify, you may have to meet income requirements and show proof of enrollment in school. There’s no credit score required to apply for Discover^® Student credit cards.¹

A student card may have a lower credit limit than a traditional credit card, but this might work in your favor as you learn to navigate credit. With a lower limit, it may be easier to avoid accumulating too much credit card debt at one time and accruing high interest charges. Some student credit cards offer rewards on everyday purchases for college students as well.

Did you know?

The Discover it^® Student Cash Back Card lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

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Using a student credit card responsibly may help you build good personal finance skills and establish a credit history, which may help you meet goals like buying a home.

Secured credit cards

A secured credit card is another option to consider if you’re just starting your credit journey. A secured credit card works like a traditional credit card, except that it requires a refundable deposit at account opening. Typically, your credit limit equals your deposit amount. Because the deposit protects credit card issuers from losing money if you don’t repay your debt, secured cards often have minimal requirements. For example, there’s no credit score required to apply for a Discover it^® Secured credit card.²

As you shop with your secured card and make payments, most credit card issuers typically report your activity to at least one major credit bureau. That means you may build your credit score with responsible habits, like paying your bills on time and keeping your balance to a minimum.

Once you establish a credit history, you may be able to take the next step and open an unsecured credit card account. At Discover, automatic reviews start at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.³

Cosigners for 18+ individuals with no credit history

A cosigner might help someone under 21 qualify for credit if the credit card issuer allows it. A cosigner acts as a guarantor on the credit card account to reduce the risk to the issuer. If you miss payments, your cosigner is obligated to pay them. You could ask a parent, family member, or trusted friend with reliable income and a good credit score to cosign.

While a cosigner may be an option for some credit cards, many issuers—including Discover—don’t accept credit card cosigners. This practice may be more common with loans, such as personal loans, student loans, mortgages, or car loans.

Can you use a credit card before you’re 18?

Yes, some credit card issuers may allow people under age 18 to become authorized users of adults’ credit card accounts.

Authorized users typically receive a card with their name on it, which they may use to make purchases on the primary cardmember’s credit card account. Both card users’ transactions affect the card’s credit limit. However, only the primary cardmember is responsible for making payments and managing the account.

As long as your credit card issuer reports all account activity to a credit bureau in your name, the authorized user may establish a credit history. However, becoming an authorized user has some risks. Any late or missed payments that the primary cardholder makes may hurt your credit score. Or you might hurt the primary cardholder’s credit by racking up a big balance.

Credit card issuers may have different age requirements for authorized users. A Discover^® Cardmember may add family members and friends who are at least 15 years old to their account as authorized users.

The bottom line

Building credit history is important, but you shouldn’t rush to apply for a credit card before you’re ready. Take the time to learn how credit cards work and how to manage credit card debt responsibly. That way, when the time comes to open your first credit card account, you’re well-equipped to make good decisions and work toward your financial goals.

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