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

You typically have to be at least 18 years old to get a credit card in your own name, and there may be restrictions for applicants between the ages of 18 and 20. Let’s look at some age-related requirements and other things to consider before applying for a credit card.

Getting a credit card with little or no credit history

Getting a credit card involves entering into a legal agreement, so you generally must be at least 18 years old to apply for one. However, obtaining a credit card when you’re under 21 isn’t always a straightforward process. That said, you do have options for getting one.

If you’re between the ages of 18 and 20 and apply for a credit card, you’ll likely be asked to provide financial information that shows you will be able to make the minimum credit card payments.

You may also consider asking someone you trust to add you as an authorized user on their credit card account. Unlike a primary cardmember, an authorized user typically does not have to be 18 or older, although specific age requirements depend on the credit card issuer.

If you’re applying for a credit card and have little or no credit history, a secured credit card could also be a good option for you.

Let’s discuss each option in more detail.

Becoming an authorized user

An authorized user is someone who has the primary cardmember’s permission to use the credit card account. Once you’re an authorized user, you may receive your own credit card. You’ll be able to make purchases with the credit card as you would any other credit card, and your spending activity will appear on the primary cardmember’s account.

In some cases, the activity on the credit card account will appear on your credit report. So, if the primary cardmember manages the credit card account responsibly, including maintaining a positive repayment history, being an authorized user could help bolster your credit score and make credit easier to get in the future.

However, the primary cardmember will be responsible for any payments, so it’s essential that you’re both on the same page about how you’ll use the card.

If you’re unsure about a credit card issuer’s authorized user requirements, check their policies online or call them directly before making a decision.

Secured cards

If you have little or no credit history, you may consider a secured credit card, such as the Citi^® Secured Mastercard^®, which requires a security deposit as collateral. Secured credit cards typically have less stringent credit requirements than unsecured credit cards, so they could be a good option for someone who is applying for their first credit card. You may also be able to graduate to an unsecured credit card if you keep your secured credit card account in good standing.

Generally, the credit limit for the secured credit card will equal the deposit amount, so it might not be as high as the credit limit on an unsecured card. Still, a secured credit card could be a great first step in building your credit history.

When do you know you’re ready to get a credit card?

There could be long-lasting consequences for your finances and credit score if you accrue credit card debt and can’t pay it back. Because of this risk, consider carefully whether you’re financially ready for the responsibility of a credit card. Here are some considerations to help you decide.

You know how to stick to a budget

An important factor in deciding if you’re ready to get a credit card is whether you know how to plan and stick to a budget.

Budgeting successfully means creating a spending plan based on your income to organize your finances. It can help you determine what monthly credit card payment you can afford so you can limit your spending on the card accordingly. With a solid budget, you’ll ideally be able to pay the statement balance on your credit card in full each month by the due date to avoid interest.

To make managing your budget simpler, some credit cards, like the Citi Strata℠ Card allow you to choose your own payment due date. Others, such as the Citi Double Cash^® Credit Card, allow you to earn cash back on every purchase, which you can redeem as a statement credit, direct deposit or check, or choose to use for gift cards, travel or shopping.

You’re ready to start building credit

It’s possible to use a credit card to start building credit by establishing a positive payment history.

Payment history tells the story of how you’ve managed your debt, and it’s an important factor in determining your ability to access future credit. If you’re prepared to use a credit card responsibly with the goal of building credit over time, you may be ready for a credit card. Responsible use means at least making the minimum payment on your credit card by the due date each month. It also means being mindful of interest charges that accrue from paying only a portion of your statement balance each month. Interest charges could become difficult to pay off as they accumulate over time. To avoid interest, pay the entire statement balance by the due date each month.

You have a reliable source of income

If your income is inconsistent, budgeting can be a challenge. It may also be difficult to pay your monthly credit card balance in full.

Having a reliable source of income — along with a good budget — can enable you to pay your statement balance by the due date each month. If you’re confident your income will allow you to pay your credit card bill, this may indicate you’re ready for a credit card.

Find the right credit card when you’re ready

If you feel like you’re ready for the responsibility of having a credit card, browse Citi’s credit card offers to help find the card that best suits your financial needs.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.