Before they venture into adulthood, explore the best credit card options for teens.
Our top picks
![Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card logo](https://cdn.statically.io/img/dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/credit-cards/images/product/usccf-capital-one-quicksilver-rewards-table1.png)
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- $0 monthly fee
- $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back
- Low intro rates on purchases and balance transfers
![Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card logo](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.finder.com/niche-builder/66462be25388b.png)
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- $0 monthly fee
- Security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
- Automatic credit line reviews after 6 months
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One
7 best credit cards for teens under 18 years old
These are some of the best cards available to help teens build credit, either by being added as an authorized user or starting to build credit history prior to turning 18 with a secured card like Step.
Quick view
- Best for 0% APR: Step Black Card
- Best for unlimited cash back: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for low-deposit secured card: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- Best for cashback: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
- Best for no credit: Discover It Chrome for Students
- Best starter credit card: Discover It Secured
- Best for traveling students: Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students
Best for 0% APR
Step Black Card
Finder score
APY | 5.00% |
---|---|
Fee | From $0 per month |
Minimum deposit to open | $0 |
Best for unlimited cash back
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Finder score
Welcome Offer | $200 |
---|---|
Rewards | Up to 1.5% cash back |
Annual fee | $0 |
Minimum credit score | 670 |
Best for low-deposit secured card
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Finder score
Welcome Offer | n/a |
---|---|
Rewards | None |
Annual fee | $0 |
Minimum credit score | New / limited credit |
Best for cashback
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Finder score
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Welcome Offer | $200 |
---|---|
Rewards | Up to 3% cash back |
Annual fee | $0 |
Minimum credit score | 670 |
Best for no credit
![Discover it® Chrome for Students logo](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.finder.com/niche-builder/5ea879bb1c770.png)
Discover it® Chrome for Students
Welcome Offer | Other |
---|---|
Rewards | Up to 2% cash back |
Annual fee | $0 |
Minimum credit score | 580 |
Best starter credit card
![Discover it® Secured logo](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.finder.com/niche-builder/5ea87a2e84f54.png)
Discover it® Secured
Finder score
Welcome Offer | Other |
---|---|
Rewards | Up to 2% cash back |
Annual fee | $0 |
Minimum credit score | 300 |
Best for traveling students
![Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students logo](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.finder.com/niche-builder/63d198df7d62f.png)
Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
Finder score
Welcome Offer | 25,000 points |
---|---|
Rewards | Up to 1.5x points |
Annual fee | $0 |
Minimum credit score | 580 |
Methodology: How we choose the best teen credit cards
Finder’s banking experts look at over 700 credit cards to narrow down the best ones for teens. We heavily consider credit cards that accept authorized users under age 18, secured and unsecured options, cashback rewards and nationwide availability. We consider cards that meet this minimum criteria:
- $0 annual fee
- $0 or max $5 monthly fee, as long as there are extra perks.
- Maximum APR of 30.50%
- Credit scores 670 or lower
You must be 18 years old to apply for a credit card
Legally, you can’t get a credit card until you’re at least 18 years old. However, teens under 18 can become authorized users on an adult’s account, enabling them to build a strong credit history and increase their chances of qualifying for better credit card options — such as rewards or travel cards — once they’re old enough to apply. Many credit card companies require teens to be at least 13 to be added an as authorized user, but this varies by bank.
Once your teen turns 18, they can apply for a credit card on their own. However there’s a minor stipulation for those aged 18 and 20 years old: the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility Disclosure (CARD) Act requires that they must provide proof of income to show their ability to repay the card’s payments, or have a cosigner who is at least 21 years old. Once they’re 21 years old, these requirements are lifted, though many lenders may still request proof of income before approving a line of credit.
Are there credit cards for kids under 13?
There are some credit cards that have no age requirements for authorized users, making it a good it a good option for younger kids. Some banks without age requirements on authorized users include:
Authorized users age requirements
If you are looking for a credit card for teens under 18, 17 or 16, consider the minimum age for authorized users requirements to find the best fit for your situation.
Product | Minimum age for authorized user | Authorized user fee |
---|---|---|
Step Visa Card | 18+ to be a co-sponsor | Free |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | 13+ | Free |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | 18+ | Free (Terms apply, see rates & fees) |
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card | 18+ | Free (Terms apply, see rates & fees) |
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | No minimum | Free |
Discover it® Chrome for Students | 15+ | Free |
Discover it® Secured | 15+ | Free |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students | No minimum | Free |
Is your teen ready for a credit card?
It depends on your teen’s level of responsibility. If you’re not sure they’re ready, consider introducing them to a debit or prepaid card, such as Greenlight. These cards offer a safe way to teach teens how to manage their money while granting them some spending freedom. They often have spending limits, but they don’t typically build credit, and you may have to pay a monthly fee, depending on the provider.
Another option is to add them as an authorized user on a secured credit card or open a type of secured with more traditional banking options, such as Capital One. These cards allow teens to make purchases up to the amount available in their account, promoting responsible spending habits.
Pros and cons of getting your teen a credit card
There are many more upsides than downsides when it comes to adding your teen as an authorized user on a credit card.
Pros
- Parents have control. You’d be the primary account holder, having control over the account and getting insight into their spending. Alternatively, you can add them to your account to help them build credit without giving them their own card.
- Builds credit. Adding a teen as an authorized user helps them start building credit history early. This way, they’ll have better approval chances when they’re ready to borrow on their own.
- Convenient for everyone. Instead of giving your teen cash for meals, transportation or supplies, a credit card means they always have access to funds, which is also helpful in the case of emergencies.
- Earn rewards. With another user on your credit card account, you could earn cashback rewards or travel points from spending a lot quicker.
Cons
- Overspending. There’s the risk that your teen goes buckwild with their new credit card and overspends. Avoid this by teaching them how their credit utilization ratio affects their credit score and how high balances make it hard to repay over time.
- Late fees. These fees are often around $40 per late payment, which can really add up.
- Could damage credit scores. If your teen overspends and you’re unable to repay the balance on time, it’s a surefire way to damage both yours and your teen’s credit score.
- Theft or fraud. Although credit card fraud can happen even if you take all necessary precautions, teach your teen to recognize which sites are safe and which aren’t for online use.
What if my teen is entering college?
There are many student credit cards geared towards those exiting high school and entering college. And just because a teen is in high school doesn’t mean they can’t get a credit card. If they’re at least 18, they can apply for a credit card on their own — but they’ll need some income to prove they can repay what they’ve borrowed.
For a safer option, there are also secured credit cards and credit-debit cards that are secured by a bank account. One great example the Fizz card, which is a debit-credit card that’s designed with college students in mind. It offers cashback rewards, daily autopay to keep balances down, no interest charges and there’s no credit check.
Bottom line
Getting your teen on the path to a credit card can be a great way to help them financially prepare for the future. However, before you make them an authorized user on an account, be sure they have proper financial supervision and understand the basics of how credit cards work
More guides on Finder
-
Modak Makers kids’ debit card review
Modak is a no-frills, free debit card for kids and teens that comes with a virtual or physical card and the ability to set up direct deposit.
-
Copper Banking alternatives
Copper Banking has closed all of its accounts. Here are top banking apps and cards for kids and teens to try instead of Copper.
-
8 chores and allowance apps for kids and families
Some of the best family chore apps include Greenlight, GoHenry, FamZoo, Current, BusyKid, Chores & Allowance Bot and Things 3.
-
9 best free debit cards for kids and teens in July 2024
Some of the best free debit cards for kids that don’t charge any monthly fees include Step, Current, Cash App, Axos, Chase, Revolut and more.
-
GoHenry vs. Greenlight: Which kids’ card is worth it?
Greenlight and GoHenry are strong kids’ debit cards, but Greenlight has a slight edge because of its extra features and competitive price.
-
How old do you have to be to get a debit card?
You have to be 18 to get a debit card in most states, but parents can open accounts for minors of nearly any age with Greenlight and other accounts.
-
Copper Banking review
This digital checking account teaches your teen healthy money habits through interactive quizzes and an intuitive mobile app.
-
Step review
Step banking accounts help kids and teens learn to manage their money while building their credit scores.
-
Best debit cards for kids and teens in July 2024
Compare the top kids’ debit and prepaid cards in the current market.
Ask a question