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How Teenagers Can Build Credit Before Turning 18

6 min read

Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

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

Teenagers may have a better chance of securing a loan or renting their first apartment if they begin building credit early. So, you might wonder, at what age can you start building credit?

The minimum age for opening a credit card in your own name is 18. But you may begin your credit-building journey at any age by learning the basics. Before diving into the credit world, it’s important to grasp concepts like credit scores, interest rates, credit usage, and payment history. With these insights, you’re more likely to make smart financial choices as you build positive credit history.

Strategies to begin building credit before turning 18

Forming a solid credit foundation from a young age may help you manage financial responsibilities in adulthood. If you’re thinking about building credit history and financial literacy while you’re still a teenager, you may have some options. The following methods may help you build a credit file and establish good money-management skills.

Establish employment history

Getting a part-time job may prepare you to manage a credit account in the future. Even though having a job doesn’t directly build credit history, it may help you become more responsible with money. So, building a work history at the age of 16 or older may be a helpful start in showing how you manage financial responsibilities.

Credit issuers may consider steady income an indicator of a borrower’s ability to repay debt.

Open a checking or savings account

You may consider opening a checking account and savings account with help from your parent or guardian, especially if you have income of your own. Your bank or credit union may allow minors to open personal accounts or join guardians’ accounts.

A bank account won’t directly impact your credit score. However, managing the accounts responsibly may help you learn how to manage money in the real world.

Keep an eye on your account balances and avoid overspending. If you overdraw your checking account by spending more than you have, you may owe an overdraft fee. Developing a budget and keeping your spending in check may save you money and helps you learn to be thoughtful in your financial life. Learning how to manage money firsthand sets a strong foundation for understanding credit and how it impacts your future.

Become an authorized user

While you can’t open a credit card account on your own until you’re at least 18, a trusted family member may help you build credit history by adding you to their account as an authorized user. As an authorized user, you get access to another person’s credit account.

You may receive a card of your own, but your purchases affect the primary cardmember’s credit limit. As you shop, you lower their available credit. The primary cardmember is responsible for paying the bill.

Activity on an account with an authorized user typically appears on both cardmembers’ credit reports. The Authorized User can build a credit history, with responsible use.¹ So, becoming an authorized user may help you establish a credit score.

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Before signing onto another person’s account, consider the risks. If the primary cardmember doesn’t pay on time or either of you overspends on the account, it may hurt both of your credit scores. It’s important to talk with your parent or guardian about how to use a card properly and to be cautious about any potential misuse.

As a teen, building your credit is an important step toward financial independence. However, the journey is a team effort.

Parents: Your role in helping your teen build credit

Now, let’s turn the spotlight to the parents and guardians. You have a meaningful part to play in your child’s financial future. Your help and advice may guide your teen to be responsible with their money and credit.

Teach responsible money management

By involving your teen in daily financial decisions, like budgeting for groceries, comparing prices, and paying bills, you’re laying the groundwork for their future credit habits as a young adult. These practices help them understand the value of money and responsible borrowing habits. Leading by example, you may show your child what is needed for a positive credit history.

Review credit basics

Both teens and parents should grasp the importance of credit management, including how to manage credit balances and the impact of late payments. It’s okay if these concepts seem complicated; many adults find them challenging.

You don’t need personal stories of financial mishaps to teach these lessons. Instead, you may start with the basics: what credit is, why it’s important to keep balances low and make monthly payments on time, and how interest works on credit cards.

You may also want to break down credit scores with your child. Discuss the factors that affect credit scores, like credit usage, payment history, and credit mix. Explain that a credit score may influence not only the credit cards your child may get in the future, but also their eligibility for loans and ability to rent an apartment or even buy a home. That way, your teenager may better understand the impact of good credit habits.

Exploring these topics together may be a learning opportunity for both of you.

Did you know?

If your child has steady income, they may open a credit card at age 18. A student credit card may be a good fit if your child is a college student. A student card may not require a credit history and may have features designed for college life.

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Monitor and protect your child’s credit

If your teen begins building credit history early, it’s extra important for you as a guardian to be proactive about safeguarding their financial future. Regularly checking your teen’s credit report is a key step in spotting any unusual activity or errors early on.

It’s also essential to educate yourself and your teen about the risks of identity theft and the preventative measures you may take. This knowledge arms your family against potential financial threats, ensuring your teen’s credit-building efforts are secure.

Check credit reports for minors

To obtain a free credit report for a minor, begin by contacting the three major credit bureaus online or by mail. Next, you provide identifying information about your child to determine whether a credit report exists. You may also need to provide your own information and identification.

Once your request is processed, you may receive a report indicating whether any credit history is connected to your child’s Social Security number. If no report is generated, this suggests there haven’t been any credit accounts opened in their name.

The bottom line

Earning, saving, and spending thoughtfully as a teen may set you up for good financial habits in adulthood.

While teens may be able to open credit accounts on their own when they turn 18, guardians may help them build positive credit history and develop financial literacy early by doing research together and sharing real-world experiences.

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