How Old Do You Have to Be to Own a Credit Card? Your Complete Age Guide

Getting your own credit card isn’t just about age—it’s about understanding the rules that banks set. If you’re wondering how old you have to be to own a credit card, the answer depends on whether you want an account in your own name or start as an authorized user on someone else’s card.

Starting Early: The Authorized User Route

The easiest path to a credit card at any age is becoming an authorized user. This means someone with an existing credit card account adds you to their account, giving you your own card linked to their credit line. You’re not responsible for the bill—the primary account holder is—but it’s a practical way to learn how credit works.

Most major banks allow this with minimal age restrictions:

• American Express: 13 years old minimum
• Bank of America: No age requirement
• Capital One: No age requirement
• Chase: No age requirement
• Citi: No age requirement
• Discover: 15 years old minimum
• U.S. Bank: 16 years old minimum
• Wells Fargo: No age requirement

The benefit? Authorized users build credit history early. Since the account appears on their credit report, young cardholders develop a credit score before they ever apply for their own card. However, the primary account holder bears all financial responsibility. If charges pile up and aren’t paid, the primary cardholder’s credit takes the hit.

Taking Full Control at 18

Legally, you can own a credit card independently once you turn 18. But there’s a catch. After the CARD Act of 2009 was passed to protect young adults, anyone between 18 and 21 applying for their own card must prove they have a qualifying income source. This can’t be just any money—it has to come from employment, scholarships, or grants. Parental gifts, allowances, or other third-party income don’t count.

This income verification requirement was designed to prevent credit card companies from handing out cards to young people with no realistic way to repay debt. If you lack eligible income, some issuers allow you to get a card with a cosigner—someone creditworthy who agrees to back your account. Credit unions sometimes offer this option when banks won’t.

Full Freedom at 21 and Beyond

Everything opens up after you turn 21. The income restrictions disappear, meaning you can now claim gifts, government benefits, investment income, or virtually any money source you reasonably have access to. This makes it far easier to qualify for cards and to access better terms.

Whether you’re just getting started or upgrading your credit profile, remember that owning a credit card comes with responsibility. Without an established credit history, you’ll likely need to target cards specifically designed for first-time applicants. The earlier you learn to manage credit wisely—whether as an authorized user or as an account owner—the better your financial foundation becomes.