What’s the Minimum Age for a Credit Card? 9 Best Beginner Cards (2023)
Updated:
Writer: Ashley Fricker
Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
If you’re wondering about the minimum age for credit card ownership, well, the answer isn’t exactly clearcut. It depends on several factors which we will explore below.
I got my first credit card when I was 18 years old. I can’t quite recall the terms associated with it — 18 was nearly half my life ago — but I do know that it wasn’t the best card I could have gotten at the time. That’s because a) I excitedly applied for the first offer I received and b) this was pre-Credit CARD Act of 2009.
First of all, NEVER apply for the first card offer you receive/see/hear about. Research is of the utmost importance when choosing a card, as we’ll dive deeper into later. Secondly, the Credit CARD Act of ’09 greatly affected the rates and terms of cards, and it also upped the age in which one could apply for a credit card.
21 is the Legal Age to Apply for Your Own Credit Card
Before the CARD Act, you could be 18 years old to get a credit card, and there weren’t very many restrictions on getting one. You didn’t even have to have a job to be approved. Today, you must be 21 years of age to get a credit card in your own name, unless you have a cosigner or can show proof of steady income.
You Can Apply at 18 with a Cosigner or Proof of Income
You can still apply for a credit card at 18, but your parents will need to cosign for you. This can be tricky because the responsibility becomes much heavier when someone else’s credit is at stake. If you miss a payment, the bank can – and will if they can’t get in touch with you – call your parents for payment (not exactly the best way to display your newfound independence).
Your payments account for 35% of your FICO credit score. Always pay your bill on time, especially if your parents have cosigned for you.
Late payments are the worst thing you can do for your credit, and will be reflected in your parents’ credit too because their names are on the account right alongside yours. You’ll also need their permission if you decide to apply for a credit limit increase down the road.
If you have a steady job and income, you can apply for a card without a cosigner by supplying the issuer proof that you can afford the monthly payments on your own. The issuer will likely call your job to verify employment and how long you’ve been with the company, and will want to see your paycheck stubs and/or W2s.
Long story short, you can still get a credit card if you’re 18, but the requirements are much more stringent than they were in years past. If your parents are footing the bill anyway, you may best benefit from becoming an authorized user on one of their cards instead of opening an account in your own name. This is also a great option for anyone under the age of 18 looking to establish credit.
Guardians Can Make You an Authorized User if You’re a Minor
If you’re a minor, you can become an authorized user on your parent’s account. This means you’ll receive a card with your name on it to use as your parents permit. Below is a chart provided by CreditCards.com showing the minimum ages some of the most popular issuing banks allow authorized users to be added.
This helps instill healthy credit habits at an early age, and, so long as the account is properly maintained (low credit-utilization ratio, on-time payments), will establish positive credit history for everyone listed on the account.
The Best Card Options for Beginners
You want your first credit card to be one that offers fair terms and flexibility, such as no penalties on your first late payment and the ability to choose your payment due date, and is why it’s so important to do your homework when shopping for your first credit card.
Student Cards
Some of the best cards for those new to credit are, without a doubt, student credit card offers. These cards typically offer the ability to earn rewards, statement credits for good grades (usually defined as a GPA above 3.0 – proof will be required), no annual fees, and sometimes even 0% intro APRs. This means you don’t have to worry about interest charges for however long the promotional period is good for.
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
No credit score required to apply.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.7/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.6/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
No credit score required to apply.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies.
You don’t need to be a student to get a good card, you just need to be sure you’re applying for the right types of offers. Be sure to look for cards that don’t charge annual fees and offer perks like free FICO credit scores, so you can watch your score rise as you establish your credit history.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.6/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.5/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
The last offer, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, is what’s known as a secured credit card. These types of cards sort of act like prepaid cards in that a deposit is required to secure your line of credit. The amount of your deposit is typically equal to the amount of credit limit you receive. This particular secured card reports to all three credit bureaus, so though you’re using your own money to fund purchases, you’re still building positive credit history.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are available to anyone 18 years of age or older, and do not require a cosigner or credit check. This is because you’re not borrowing money from an issuing bank, but rather funding the card with your own money – if you deposit $200 onto the card, you’ll have $200 to spend. This is a viable option if you just need a card to make purchases online or anywhere credit cards are accepted.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Cashback – Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases
each month
No. Fees. Period. That means you won’t be charged an account fee on our
Cashback Debit account.
Early Pay – Get your paycheck up to two days early with no charge
No Credit Impact - You can apply without affecting your credit score.
Fraud Protection - You’re never responsible for unauthorized debit card
purchases. If you suspect someone else has used your debit card without
your permission, let us know.
Member FDIC
Fee-free overdraft protection
No minimum opening deposit and no minimum balance
Add cash into your account at Walmart stores nationwide
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Your Chime Checking Account comes with a Chime Visa® Debit Card, and no monthly fees or maintenance fees.
Avoid out-of-network ATM fees and access to 50,000+ fee-free ATMs¹ — more than the top 3 national banks combined!
Direct deposits arrive up to 2 days early.²
Disclosures: Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
¹Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM. Bank ranking and number of ATMs according to U.S. News & World Report® 2023.
²Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
Prepaid cards do not report usage to the credit bureaus, however, meaning you won’t build credit using one. If establishing credit is your goal, prepaid cards are not your solution.
Benefits of Building Credit Early
By becoming an authorized user on your parents’ account or opening an account of your own, you can begin to establish credit history — a super important component of adulthood. Your credit history and credit score will be the deciding factor when it’s time to get your first apartment, a new car, and in some cases, a job.
Do your due diligence and find a card that will support your (healthy) spending habits with perks that are attractive to you. The card I got when I was 18 did not offer me most of the things I suggest you find in your first credit card. Needless to say, that card is no longer in my wallet.
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