You can start building credit before you turn 18 with a co-signer
At 17, you cannot open a credit card or loan account in your own name — federal law requires you to be 18. But you can build credit now by becoming an authorized user on a parent's or guardian's card, or by opening a secured card with a co-signer. Both routes put your payment history on record with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which means on-time payments start working for you before you graduate.
The goal at 17 is straightforward: show lenders that you pay what you owe, on time, every month. A strong credit history at 18 means lower interest rates on student loans, easier approval for your first apartment, and sometimes lower insurance premiums. Starting now gives you a two-year head start over peers who wait until college.
Key Takeaways
- Becoming an authorized user on a parent's card is the fastest way to build credit at 17, as long as the account holder pays on time.
- A secured card with a co-signer requires a cash deposit but gives you your own card and your own payment history.
- Your payment history — whether you pay on time — matters more than the amount you charge, so small regular purchases work better than big occasional ones.
- Credit bureaus track authorized user accounts and secured cards the same way they track regular accounts, so either method builds real credit history.
Becoming an authorized user on a parent's card
This is the easiest route and costs nothing. Ask a parent or guardian to add you as an authorized user on one of their credit cards — ideally one they use regularly and pay in full each month. The card issuer will issue you a physical card in your name, or may not issue one at all; what matters is that your name goes on the account.
Once you are added, the account's entire payment history reports to the credit bureaus under your name. If the account holder has paid on time for years, that history becomes yours when ready. You do not have to use the card or make payments yourself — the account holder does both. Your credit score rises straightforward because you are attached to a responsible account.
The catch: if the account holder misses a payment or carries a high balance, that damage reports to your credit too. Choose a card where the holder has a clean payment record and keeps the balance low. Ask them to show you the statement before you agree, so you know what you are signing up for.
Opening a secured card with a co-signer
A secured card is designed for people building credit from scratch. You deposit cash (usually $200 to $2,500) into a savings account held by the card issuer. That deposit becomes your credit limit — if you deposit $500, your limit is $500. You then use the card like any other card, and your on-time payments build your credit history.
At 17, you will need a co-signer — typically a parent or guardian — to open the account. The co-signer is legally responsible if you do not pay, so choose someone who understands that. After 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, the issuer may convert the card to a regular unsecured card and return your deposit. Some issuers do this automatically; others require you to ask.
Secured cards cost money upfront (your deposit) and often charge an annual fee ($25 to $50). But they report to all three credit bureaus, so the payment history is real and counts toward your credit score. If a parent is unwilling to add you as an authorized user, a secured card is your next-best option.
How to use your card to build credit
The most important number is your payment history — whether you pay on time, every time. Set up automatic payments so the bill is paid before the due date. Even one late payment can damage a young credit score, so do not miss a important date.
Charge small amounts regularly rather than large amounts occasionally. Use the card for gas, groceries, or a subscription you already pay for. Aim to use 10 to 30 percent of your credit limit each month — if your limit is $500, charge $50 to $150. This shows lenders you can manage credit without maxing it out. Then pay the full balance when the bill arrives.
Do not carry a balance to "build credit faster." Paying interest does not help your score; it just costs money. Pay in full every month. Your credit score rises from on-time payments and low usage, not from debt.
What to avoid at 17
Do not open multiple cards at once. Each new card process triggers a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score. Space out applications by at least six months. One card used well for a year builds more credit than three cards opened in three months.
Do not co-sign a loan for a friend or ask someone to co-sign for you unless you are certain you can pay it back. A co-signer is legally responsible for the debt if you default, and missed payments hurt both credit scores. Keep co-signing relationships to family members you trust completely.
Do not close the account once your score improves. The length of your credit history matters — older accounts help your score. If you convert from a secured card to a regular card, keep both open if possible. Closing accounts can lower your score.
Checking your credit score and report
You can check your credit score for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, which is run by the three credit bureaus. You are may have access to to one free report from each bureau per year. Pull all three — sometimes errors appear on one bureau but not the others.
You can also check your score free through many banks and credit card issuers. Log into your online account and look for a "credit score" or "credit monitoring" section. Some show your score weekly; others monthly. Watching your score rise as you make on-time payments is motivating and helps you see what works.
If you find an error on your report — a payment marked late that you made on time, an account you did not open — dispute it with the bureau in writing. Send a letter explaining the error and include copies (not originals) of proof. The bureau must investigate within 30 days.
What your credit score means at 17
Credit scores range from 300 to 850. Most lenders consider 670 and above "good." At 17, you are not trying to hit a perfect score; you are building a foundation. A score of 650 to 700 after one year of on-time payments is solid progress and shows lenders you are reliable.
Your score will fluctuate month to month based on your balance, new inquiries, and account age. Do not panic if it dips 10 or 20 points. What matters is the trend — is it going up over months and years? If you pay on time and keep balances low, it will.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my own credit card at 17 without a co-signer?
No. Federal law requires you to be 18 to sign a contract, which includes a credit card agreement. You can become an authorized user or open a secured card with a co-signer, but you cannot hold the primary account yourself until you turn 18.
Does being an authorized user hurt the main account holder's credit?
No. Adding you as an authorized user does not change the account holder's credit score or terms. It only adds your name to an existing account. The account holder's payment history and credit behavior remain the same.
How long does it take to build credit at 17?
Credit bureaus need at least six months of payment history to calculate a score. After six months of on-time payments, you should have a measurable score. After one to two years, you will have enough history to show lenders you are reliable.
What happens to my credit when I turn 18?
Your credit history stays with you. Any accounts you opened or joined at 17 continue to report. At 18, you can open your own accounts — a student card, a car loan, or a lease — and those add to the history you have already built.
Can I build credit without a credit card?
Yes, but it is slower. Paying rent, utilities, or a phone bill on time can build credit if the company reports to the bureaus — most do not. A credit card or secured card is the fastest way because card issuers always report to all three bureaus.