At What Age Can You Actually Get a Credit Card? The Real Rules Explained

Getting your first credit card is a milestone many young adults face, but the question of “what age can you get a credit card” isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. The answer depends on whether you’re looking to open your own account or become an authorized user on someone else’s—and there are some important legal distinctions you need to know.

The Authorized User Shortcut: No Age Minimum (For Most Cards)

Here’s the quickest path to holding a credit card in your hands: become an authorized user on a parent’s or guardian’s account. Most major financial institutions don’t enforce age restrictions for this option, though some do set minimums:

• American Express requires 13 years old
• Discover sets the bar at 15 years old
• U.S. Bank requires 16 years old
• Several issuers including Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, and Wells Fargo have no minimum age requirement

When you’re an authorized user, you receive your own card with your name on it, but it remains connected to the primary account holder’s credit line. This arrangement works well for teaching financial basics in a controlled environment. However, understand the critical detail: the primary account holder remains fully responsible for all charges, including anything you spend. If balances go unpaid, it’s the account holder’s credit score that takes the hit.

For younger authorized users still learning the ropes, maintaining physical control of the card between lessons often makes sense—treating it more as an educational tool than daily spending access. That said, even without handing over the physical card, adding your child as an authorized user on a well-managed account can begin building their independent credit history from an early age.

Your Own Card at 18: The Legal Reality with Catches

Once you hit 18, you’re legally entitled to apply for a credit card and establish your own credit line. But the fine print matters significantly here.

The primary hurdle isn’t age—it’s income verification. Every credit card application requires proof that you can reasonably pay what you charge. For applicants between 18 and 21, however, the CARD Act of 2009 imposed a specific restriction: your income must come from employment, scholarships, or grants. Income sources like parental allowances, gifts, or other third-party support don’t count, even if you can genuinely access that money.

This rule emerged from recognition that many young adults were receiving credit lines they had no realistic means to repay, leading to debt traps early in their financial lives. If you lack eligible income sources, a cosigner—someone with established good credit willing to take responsibility for your debt—could theoretically help, though most major banks rarely accept cosigners on credit card applications. Credit unions sometimes prove more flexible on this front.

The 21-Year Milestone: When Restrictions Drop Away

Everything changes once you turn 21. At this point, income verification requirements become far more lenient. You can now include any income to which you have reasonable claim—gifts, government benefits, retirement distributions, allowances, and other previously ineligible sources all become acceptable.

Beyond income flexibility, crossing into your 21st year also means you’ve had time to build at least some financial history. Your first card at 18 has hopefully helped establish a credit foundation. Now you can qualify for a broader range of cards rather than being limited to beginner-friendly options.

The Path Forward: Which Option Makes Sense for You?

If you’re under 18 and your parents or guardians have good credit, becoming an authorized user offers immediate access while you learn. It’s a sandbox for financial literacy without the legal barriers.

Between 18 and 21, expect some friction if you lack employment-based income, but don’t let that stop you entirely. Many employers offer even part-time work, and even a modest income source qualifies. At 21 and beyond, the credit card world opens up with far fewer restrictions.

Whichever route you take, invest time in understanding how credit actually works before you start charging purchases. The difference between informed first-time cardholders and those who stumble into debt spirals is often just basic knowledge about interest rates, grace periods, and responsible spending habits. That foundational understanding pays dividends throughout your financial life.