Building credit might seem like something adults worry about, but starting early gives you a huge advantage. Teens can begin establishing credit history now, and it doesn't require waiting until 18 or getting a full-time job. The earlier you start, the better your credit score can be when you need it for major life decisions like buying a car or getting an apartment.
Can Teens Actually Get Credit Cards?
Legally, you generally need to be 18 to open your own credit card account. But here's the good news: you don't have to wait until then to start building credit. There are several ways teens can access credit and begin establishing a positive payment history.
The key is having a parent or guardian involved in the process. With their help, you can get on the credit-building path years before your peers.
Our Top 3 Picks
Most teens need a card with no credit history requirement and an easy approval path. Here are the top cards we recommend for teens and their parents.
Self Visa® Credit Card | Annual fee: $25 (first year: $0) | Standout benefit: High approval rates with no prior credit history required. Best for: teens who are 18+ and want an independent first card that builds real credit from day one.
OpenSky Secured Visa | Annual fee: $35 (as of April 2026) | Standout benefit: No bank account or credit check required to apply. Best for: teens or young adults who want the simplest possible approval process with a modest $300 deposit.
Kikoff Secured Credit Card | Monthly cost: starting at $5/month (as of April 2026) | Standout benefit: Instant approval with automatic reporting to all three bureaus. Best for: teens starting at 18 who want low monthly costs on a beginner-friendly card.
Terms and conditions apply.
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card works like a debit card & checking account and performs like a credit builder. Build credit with your everyday purchases.
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
Yes
Benefit
0% interest. No credit check.
Authorized User Cards: The Easy Starter Option
The simplest path for teens is becoming an authorized user on a parent's credit card. Your parent opens the account, and you get a card with your name on it.
Here's why this works so well: the parent is responsible for the bill, but you get to use the card and build credit history. Many card issuers will report authorized user activity to your credit file, which means your payment history starts building immediately.
This is a low-pressure way to learn how credit works while your parent covers the financial responsibility. Just make sure you talk about expectations, whether you'll earn the charges or if it's a learning experience.
Secured Cards and Prepaid Options for Teens
If you want more independence, secured credit cards are a great option. These cards require a cash deposit (usually $200-$2,000) that becomes your credit limit. You use it like a regular card, and as long as you pay on time, you're building credit history.
Secured cards are perfect for teens because they limit your risk, you can't spend more than what you've deposited. Plus, many issuers let you graduate to a regular unsecured card after a year or two of on-time payments.
Prepaid debit cards are another option, though they don't build credit the same way. They're useful for learning money management, but true credit building requires credit cards that report to the bureaus. Learn more about secured vs unsecured credit cards to see which fits your situation better.
How Parents Can Support Credit-Building Teens
Parents play a crucial role in helping teens build credit responsibly. If you're a parent, here's what you can do:
Set clear expectations: Talk about whether your teen will earn the charges or if it's purely educational. Make the expectations clear from day one.
Monitor the account: Check statements together and review spending. Use it as a teaching moment.
Keep balances low: Show your teen that using only 10-30% of available credit is better for their score. It's a habit that pays off later.
Make on-time payments non-negotiable: This is the most important factor in credit building. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure bills get paid on time.
Why Starting Early Matters
Credit history is all about time. The longer your account history, the better your score can potentially be. A teen who builds credit starting at 15 has a huge head start over someone who starts at 25.
Early credit building also teaches valuable lessons about responsibility, budgeting, and money management. These skills are harder to learn when stakes are high, like when you're applying for a car loan or apartment lease.
Starting now means you'll have the flexibility and financial options adults without good credit wish they had. That's a powerful advantage. For more on this topic, explore how to build credit with no credit history and credit building tips for college students.
Your Credit Future Starts Today
Whether you're a teen wanting to start building credit or a parent helping your child take this important step, the time to begin is now. Authorized user cards, secured cards, and strong guidance from parents can set teens up for financial success.
Firstcard is here to support your credit-building journey at every age. Track your progress, understand what factors affect your score, and build the credit foundation that opens doors down the road. Your future self will thank you for starting early.
FAQ
Can a 16-year-old get a credit card?
Not on their own, but they can become an authorized user on a parent's card or open a secured card with parental cosigning at many institutions.
What's the best credit card for a teenager?
Authorized user cards are easiest to start with because parents manage the payments. Once ready for independence, secured cards with low deposit requirements ($200-$300) are ideal.
How much will being an authorized user help my credit?
It depends on the card issuer's reporting practices. Some report authorized user activity to all three bureaus; others report only to some. Ask the card issuer before becoming an authorized user.
Can teens check their own credit score?
Yes, teens can check their credit score anytime at annualcreditreport.com (free) or through apps and lenders. Checking your own score doesn't hurt it.
How long does it take to build credit as a teenager?
You can see small improvements in 3-6 months of consistent on-time payments. Meaningful credit building typically takes 1-2 years of solid payment history.
