How old do you have to be to get a credit card?

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Building a credit history is one of the most important tasks in a young person’s life — and the sooner you begin, the better. While 18 is the minimum age to be a primary cardholder, getting a credit card before age 21 requires a little extra work.

If you’re new to credit, here’s what to know before applying for a credit card, including at what age you can get a credit card.

How old do you have to be to get a credit card?

Cardholders must be at least 18 years old, the age when you are typically allowed to enter legal contracts. But if you’re under 21, the 2009 Credit CARD Act requires you to have a cosigner or show proof that you can independently repay your card debt, like an consistent income source.

How to get a credit card at 18

If you’re between 18 and 21 but don’t have enough income to apply for a traditional unsecured credit card, you could try applying for a secured credit card. Secured credit cards cater to people with no credit or bad credit by requiring an upfront deposit that typically equals the credit limit. So if you put down a $200 security deposit, your line of credit will likely equal $200.

Showing responsible credit card use, such as making on-time, in-full payments, will help you establish your credit history. It can also lead to your issuer refunding your deposit after a certain amount of time, usually a few months. Eventually, you may be able to upgrade your secured card to an unsecured card — either automatically or by talking to your issuer.

If you’re still in school, consider a student credit card. You will still need proof of income if you’re under 21, in addition to proof of enrollment. But student credit cards may have fewer credit requirements and higher approval rates for those with a thin credit history or limited income. They can even offer rewards designed for students, such as cash back bonuses for spending categories like dining, rideshares and grocery store purchases.

How to access a credit card before you’re 18

If you’re under 18, becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account is your option. Authorized users receive their own credit card that’s linked to the account of the primary cardholder. Though your name is on the card, the primary cardholder is responsible for paying the balance.

If the card issuer reports authorized users’ card activity to the credit bureaus, your credit score could benefit from responsible use of the card. But missed payments or a high credit utilization on the card could hurt your score.

Credit card options and requirements by age

Signs that you’re ready for a credit card

If you’re over 18 and considering applying for a credit card, here are a few signs that you might be ready to use it responsibly:

• You earn enough income. If you have a steady job or other source of income that will allow you to pay off your credit card balance each month, that can help show card issuers you’re ready for a credit card.
• You pay bills on time. You might already have bills to pay, like rent, utilities and a phone bill. Making those payments on time is a sign you could also manage on-time credit card payments.
• You have a budget. Building a budget that tracks your expenses, debt repayment and savings goals can help you be prepared to spend with a card responsibly.
• You understand how interest works. Knowing how credit card interest is calculated is crucial in case you ever carry a balance. Interest adds up fast, so be prepared to stay ahead of your balance and pay it off before it gets out of control.
• You’ve done your research when it comes to credit card basics. Knowing the difference between your statement balance, current balance and your minimum payment due, as well as other common credit card terms, can help you out quite a bit when you have to read your first credit card statement.
• You understand what goes into your credit score. It’s important to learn how your credit card usage can affect your credit score, which might get you access to better rewards and lower interest rates in the future.

How to start building credit

After you’re approved for a credit card, you can start using it responsibly to build credit. It helps to know the factors that are considered in your credit score, which include:

• Payment history, including on-time payments
• Credit utilization ratio, or how much available credit you’re using
• Credit age
• Credit mix, or different types of credit
• Any new credit

Even though a new credit card might feel like you have newfound spending money, it’s best to still spend within your means and pay off what you owe — ideally in full each month. Experts also recommend keeping your credit utilization ratio — or how much of your available credit you’re using — under 30 percent. So if your first credit card has a limit of $500, you want to make sure your balance doesn’t go above $150.

To set yourself up for success, start with one card and wait at least six months before applying for another. Building a good credit score can help you access cards with better rewards, lower rates and lucrative welcome bonuses in the future.

The bottom line

You have to be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card of your own; however, card applicants under 21 have to apply with a cosigner or proof of income.

Even with the additional requirements, turning 18 opens the door to new financial opportunities that can help you build a strong credit score. Whether you plan to apply for a starter credit card, pay a deposit for a secured card or ask to become an authorized user on someone else’s account, you can start building your credit history and enjoy some of the perks that credit cards can offer. Just keep in mind ways to use your credit responsibly to avoid harming your credit score or ending up in debt.