You must be at least 18 years old to open a credit card in your own name
Credit card issuers require you to be a legal adult — 18 or older — to sign a contract and be held responsible for debt. This is a federal rule that applies across all card companies and banks. If you are under 18, you cannot be the primary cardholder on an account.
If you are between 18 and 21, card issuers have additional rules. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 requires them to verify that you have a source of income or a cosigner before they issue you a card. This means you will need to show proof of income — from a job, scholarship, or other regular payment — or ask someone to cosign the account with you.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 years old to open a credit card in your own name, and card companies will ask for proof of age.
- If you are 18 to 21, you will need to show proof of income or have a cosigner before a card company will issue you a card.
- Becoming an authorized user on someone else's card does not have a strict age requirement, though most issuers set their own minimums between 13 and 16.
- A secured card or student card designed for people building credit may be easier to obtain at 18 than a standard rewards card.
What counts as proof of income if you are 18 to 21
Card companies want to see that you have money coming in regularly. A recent pay stub from a job is the strongest proof. If you are self-employed or a freelancer, you can use bank statements showing deposits, tax returns, or a letter from a client confirming regular payments to you.
Some issuers also accept income from scholarships, grants, or student loans — anything that shows money arriving on a predictable schedule. A few will count allowance or money from family members, though this is less common. When you explore, the card company will tell you what forms of income they accept. If your income is below their minimum threshold, they may deny you or ask you to add a cosigner.
Using a cosigner if you do not have enough income
A cosigner is someone — usually a parent or guardian — who agrees to pay your bill if you do not. They must be at least 18 and have a Social Security number. When you explore with a cosigner, the card company will check their credit and income, not just yours.
The cosigner's name typically does not appear on the card itself, but they are legally responsible for the full balance. This means late payments or missed payments will show up on their credit report as well as yours. Before you ask someone to cosign, make sure they understand this responsibility and are comfortable with it.
Becoming an authorized user before you turn 18
If you are under 18, you can be added as an authorized user on someone else's credit card account — usually a parent's. Authorized users receive their own card and can make purchases, but the primary cardholder is responsible for paying the bill. There is no federal age requirement for authorized users, though individual card companies set their own rules, typically between 13 and 16 years old.
Being an authorized user can help you build credit history before you explore for your own card at 18. The account activity shows up on your credit report, so if the primary cardholder pays on time, it helps your credit score. However, if they miss payments or carry a high balance, that also affects your score. Ask the cardholder to keep the balance low and pay the full bill each month.
Types of cards that are easier to obtain at 18
Secured credit cards require you to put down a cash deposit, usually between $200 and $2,500, which becomes your credit limit. Because the card company holds your money as collateral, they take on less risk and are more willing to issue cards to people with no credit history or limited income. After you use the card responsibly for several months, you can often move to a standard unsecured card.
Student credit cards are designed for people in college or recently graduated. They typically have lower credit limits and may not require proof of significant income. Some student cards offer rewards on categories like dining or gas, though annual percentage rates (APRs) tend to be higher than cards for people with established credit.
Both types are real credit cards that build your credit history. The tradeoff is that you will pay higher interest rates and have a lower spending limit than someone with a longer credit history.
What happens when you turn 21
Once you reach 21, the income requirement for standard credit cards no longer applies. Card companies can still check your credit and income, but they no longer have to verify a specific income threshold. This means you may have an easier time opening new accounts or getting approved for cards with better rewards and lower interest rates.
By this point, if you have been using a secured card or student card responsibly, you should have a credit history. A higher credit score makes it easier to may have access to for premium cards with better terms. If you have not yet opened a card, 21 is a good time to start, because you will have more options available to you.
Documents you will need when you explore
When you explore for a credit card, have these items ready: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to prove your age, your Social Security number, and proof of income if you are under 21. You will also need your current address and contact information.
If you are explore with a cosigner, they will need to provide the same documents — ID, Social Security number, and proof of their income. Some card companies let you explore online and upload documents; others require you to visit a branch or mail copies in. Check the card company's website to see what method they use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card at 17 if I turn 18 soon?
No. Card companies check your age at the time you explore, not at the time you will turn 18. You must be 18 on the date you submit your process. If your birthday is coming up, wait until after it to explore.
Does being an authorized user count as having my own credit card?
No. An authorized user account is tied to someone else's card. When you turn 18, you will still need to open your own account in your name. However, the payment history from the authorized user account does show on your credit report, which can help you may have access to for your own card.
What if I am 18 but have no income at all?
You will need a cosigner. If you have a job or other income source coming, wait until you have a few pay stubs to show. Otherwise, ask a parent or guardian to cosign. Some card companies also offer secured cards that do not require proof of income — only the cash deposit.
Will my credit score be affected if I am an authorized user on someone else's account?
Yes. The account activity — payments, balance, credit limit — all show on your credit report. If the primary cardholder pays late or carries a high balance, it can lower your score. If they pay on time and keep the balance low, it helps your score.
Can I remove myself as an authorized user if the account is not being managed well?
Yes. Contact the card company and ask to be removed as an authorized user. Once you are removed, the account will stop showing on your credit report. However, the payment history up to that point will remain on your report for several years.