Summary
Name | Score | Visit | Annual Fee | Regular APR | Intro Offer | Credit Needed | Disclaimer | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8.4 | Visitstep.com | $0 | N/A | N/A | Build credit before you turn 18 | |||
6.8 | Visitopenskycc.com | $35 | 22.64% | N/A | Bad to fair (300–600) | |||
7.6 | Visitdiscover.com | $0 | 28.24% Variable APR | N/A | Poor (300–629) | |||
8.8 | Visitpetalcard.com | $0 | 18.24% - 32.24% | N/A | Bad to fair (300-600) | |||
9.2 | Visitdiscover.com | $0 | 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR | N/A | Bad to fair (300–600) | |||
8.0 | Visitbankofamerica.com | $0 | 17.99%–27.99% | N/A | Bad to fair (300–629) | |||
6.0 | Visitcapitalone.com | $0 | 29.99% | N/A | Fair (500–600) | |||
7.6 | Visittomocredit.com | $0 | 0% | N/A | Bad to fair (300–600) | |||
8.8 | Visit capitalone.com | $0 | 19.99%–29.99% | $50 | Bad to fair (300–600) | |||
8.8 | Visitsablecard.com | $0 | 15.24% | Year 1 match | Poor (300–629) |
Best Teen Credit Cards—Our Top Ten
Step Visa® card—Best teen credit card for minors under 18
OpenSky® Secured Visa®—Best secured credit card for teens (without credit check)
Discover it® Secured Credit Card—Best credit card for teenagers to build credit
Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card—Best credit card with no annual fee
Discover it® Student Cash Back—Best student credit card
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students—Best teen credit card for traveling students
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card—Best credit card for teens on a tight budget
Tomo Credit Card—Best for 18-year-olds with no credit history
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card—Best for cash back and rewards
Sable ONE Secured Credit Card—Best secured card without a security deposit
Credit cards for 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 year olds
Are you looking for a credit card for minors under 18?
Here is our top pick:
Step Visa® card for kids, teens, and young adults
For minors under 18
Step Visa Card
4.2
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%
Intro offer
N/A
Earn 1% cashback on purchases with a linked direct deposit.
32 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | N/A |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | N/A |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | N/A |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | N/A |
Cash advance fees | N/A |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | N/A |
Step Visa® card is a hybrid, meaning it works like a credit card and a debit card.
It’s processed like a debit card, but in reality, you pay straight from your Step account. It’s accepted in all places Visa® is (so, basically everywhere). And you can’t overdraft it.
- No annual fee
- Rewards for eligible purchases
- Lets you buy and sell Bitcoin
- A unique phone number required
If worse comes to worst and you can’t yet get a credit card—there are always money apps like Cash App or Venmo to help you out.
Best credit cards for 18-year-olds with credit history
Already have credit history? Now you can apply for credit cards for fair to excellent credit scores.
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
Cash back card
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
4.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–3%
Intro offer
$200
Earn a $200 bonus when you open a Rewards Checking account and make 3 debit card transactions.
28 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 14.99%–29.99% |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | N/A |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | N/A |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | $5 or 3% |
Cash advance fees | N/A |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | N/A |
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® is a great option for beginners with 580–700 credit scores. It doesn’t charge annual, monthly, or penalty fees and has a good cash-back guarantee.
You’ll receive $200 intro offer if you open Rewards Checking account and make three debit card transactions.
- 3% cash back on home, auto, and health purchases
- 1% cash back on everything else
- No annual fee
- No penalty fees
- 14.99%–29.99% APR
Best credit cards for 18-year-olds with no credit
No credit history yet? Don’t worry. You can go for one of the so-called starter credit cards.
Tomo Credit Card
Best card for 18-year-olds with no credit history
Tomo Credit Card
3.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
27 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 0% |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | N/A |
Balance transfer intro APR | 0% |
Cash advance APR | 0% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | 0% |
Cash advance fees | 0% |
Foreign transaction fees | 0% |
Late payment fees | 0% |
Tomo credit card has no annual fee and a 0% APR (forever).
It accepts folks with no credit score, and has some teen-approved benefits (like free DoorDash for three months, ShopRunner membership, or cellphone protection).
You can’t carry a balance on the card, but your spending power is totally up to you. All you need to do is link your bank accounts and Tomo will establish your credit line based on them—you’ll get a credit limit that works for you.
- No annual fee
- 0% APR (forever)
- No credit score needed
- No credit check when applying
- World Elite Mastercard® benefits
- No security deposit
- Checking account required
- Cash back only for brand ambassadors
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students
Cash back card for students
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students
4.4
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–3%
Intro offer
$200
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 17.99%–27.9% |
Intro APR | 0% for 18 billing cycles (applies to purchases and to any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening your account) |
Balance transfer rate | 0%–27.99% |
Balance transfer intro APR | 0% |
Cash advance APR | 20.99%–29.99% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | 3% |
Cash advance fees | 3% |
Foreign transaction fees | 3% |
Late payment fees | Up to $40 |
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students is another starter card that will help you build credit while also earning some rewards along the way.
For the first $2,500 spent, you can choose the category that will bring you the most rewards (3%). At the same time, you earn 1% or 2% buying groceries.
If you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, you’ll also get a $200 bonus.
- No annual fee
- Welcome bonus
- 0% intro APR for the first 18 months
- Cash back in the category of choice
- High variable APR
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Credit card to build credit
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
3
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
21 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 29.99% |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | 29.99% |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | 3% |
Cash advance fees | $3 or 3% |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | Up to $40 |
A pretty standard credit card to build credit. It has no annual, monthly, or foreign transaction fees.
It’s a safe bet to apply for it, as it doesn’t pull your credit records.
- 1%–3% cash back
- No credit check to apply
- No annual and no foreign transaction fee
- High variable APR
Credit cards for 19 year olds
Counting the days till you turn 21 and can freely decide which credit card suits you best?
In the meantime, if you don’t have a steady income, you’ll need a co-signer.
Here are the best credit cards for 19-year-olds and the details necessary to convince just about anyone to be your co-signer.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card®
Cash back and rewards
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card
4.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1.5%–5%
Intro offer
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back.
Earn $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
137 people chose this
Learn more
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 19.99%–28.74% |
Intro APR | 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers |
Balance transfer rate | 0%–28.74% |
Balance transfer intro APR | 0% |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | $5 or 5%, whichever is higher. |
Cash advance fees | $10 or 5% |
Foreign transaction fees | 3% |
Late payment fees | Up to $40 |
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card—it’s all in the title.
The card has no annual or monthly fee, and it lets you earn a $200 bonus by spending only $500 in the first three months.
You also get 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen months and earn from 1.5% to 5% in cash back.
Chase gives you a Credit Journey with insights and credit score monitoring—an easy way to ensure your credit health.
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
- Generous cash back
- Bonus offer
- DashPass for 3 or 9 months
- Potentially high APR
- 3% foreign transaction fee
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Card
Secured card to build credit
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Card
3.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1x–4x
Intro offer
N/A
11 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 28.99% |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | 0%–28.74% |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum |
Cash advance fees | 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | Up to $41 |
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Card is another option for those with fair credit score.
It doesn’t charge an annual fee and you can earn points while doing everyday activities, like dining out or using Netflix.
You can redeem the points you collect as gift cards, cash back, merchandise, and more.
The card is secured, which means you have to put a $300–$5,000 security deposit upfront.
- No annual fee
- $15 streaming credit
- Points earned on everyday purchases
- High variable APR
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Cash back card
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
4.2
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1–3%
Intro offer
$200
Earn $200 back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first 6 months.
43 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 18.99%–29.99% |
Intro APR | 0% on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening |
Balance transfer rate | 0%–29.99% |
Balance transfer intro APR | 0% |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | $5 or 3% |
Cash advance fees | $10 or 5% |
Foreign transaction fees | 2.7% |
Late payment fees | Up to $40 |
Yet another card that does all the talking for itself.
It has no annual fee, and earns you cash back on everyday purchases.
It also offers bonus intro deals, including one-time $200, Disney Bundle credit, and Home Chef credit—a stellar option for a 19-year-old.
- No annual fee
- $200 welcome bonus
- No credit score required to apply
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
- $0 Buy Now, Pay Later intro Plan It for the first 15 months
- Up to $84 in the Disney Bundle Credit annually
- Up to $180 Home Chef Credit annually
- Potentially high APR
- 2.7% foreign transaction fee
Best credit cards for teenagers to build credit—our picks
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Rewards card to build credit
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
3.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–2%
Intro offer
N/A
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 27.99% |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | 10.99%–27.99% |
Balance transfer intro APR | 10.99% intro APR for 6 months from date of first transfer, for transfers that post to your account by July 10, 2023 |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% Variable APR |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | 3%–5% |
Cash advance fees | $10 or 5% |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | None the first time, then up to $41 |
Discover It Secured Credit Card is our top pick to get you started with building credit.
No credit score is required to apply. And with no annual or monthly fees and reporting to all three credit bureaus, you’ll build credit in no time.
On top of that, the card allows you to earn 2% cash back on what you spend at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases.
It does require a security deposit of $200, but after the first six months the issuer automatically runs checks on your credit behaviour to see if you qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured line of credit. If that’s the case, you’ll get your deposit back.
- No annual fee
- No credit score required to apply
- Cash back and Cashback Match
- 99% nationwide acceptance
- Automatic upgrade checks after 6 months
- 27.74% standard variable purchase APR
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Best credit builder card
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
3.5
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
26 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 0% |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | N/A |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | N/A |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | N/A |
Cash advance fees | N/A |
Foreign transaction fees | N/A |
Late payment fees | N/A |
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is a great option for teenagers on a budget.
All you need is a $200 deposit, and you can start using the card. As you’re literally using your own money, Chime doesn’t charge you any fees—and there’s no APR at all.
What’s good for building credit is that the issuer doesn’t report your credit utilization ratio—which means that even if you use 100% of your balance (instead of the recommended 30%), you’ll be fine.
- No credit check to apply
- Low security deposit
- No annual, monthly, or penalty fees
- 0% APR
- No intro bonus or rewards program
Read our full review of Chime Credit Builder Visa®.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa®
Cash back card with no fees
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa®
3.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–10%
Intro offer
N/A
117 people chose this
Learn more
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 17.99%–31.99% |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | N/A |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | N/A |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | N/A |
Cash advance fees | N/A |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | N/A |
Petal 2 Visa® is called “cash back, no fees” for a reason.
To use the card you don’t have to pay any annual, monthly or penalty fees.
It’s a great teen credit card to build credit—there’s no credit check to apply and no security deposit.
You can also make some extra cash on your way to good credit scores—from 1% to 1.5% on everyday purchases, up to 10% at chosen merchants.
- No fees
- No credit check to apply
- Cash back on everyday purchases
- Potentially high APR
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Secured card to build credit
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Card
3.4
Annual Fee
$35
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
87% approval rate.
24 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 21.89% |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | N/A |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | 21.89% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | N/A |
Cash advance fees | N/A |
Foreign transaction fees | 3% |
Late payment fees | Up to $38 |
OpenSky® Secured Visa® is another choice for teens wanting to build credit.
You’ll need a refundable security deposit of $200 which will become your credit limit—allowing you to build your score fast and move on to unsecured credit cards.
- Approval rate of 87.4%
- No credit check to apply
- No credit score or history to qualify
- No checking account required
- High APR considering it's a secured card.
Best student credit cards
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Cash back card for students
Discover it® Student Cash Back
4.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–5%
Intro offer
N/A
Discover matches all the cash back you've earned in the first year.
34 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 17.99%–26.99% |
Intro APR | 0% for 6 months on purchases |
Balance transfer rate | 10.99%–26.99% |
Balance transfer intro APR | 10.99% |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | 3%–5% |
Cash advance fees | $10 or 5% |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | None the first time, then up to $41 |
If you’re looking for a student credit card, one without an annual fee and with a cash back program is the one to go.
Discover It Student Cash Back checks these boxes, giving you 5% cash back on purchases at restaurants and wholesale clubs.
Additional perk is Discover-only unlimited cash back match—whatever you earn in rewards during first twelve months is doubled.
- No annual fee
- 5% cash back
- Unlimited cash back match
- 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases
- Potentially high APR
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Cash back card for students
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–10%
Intro offer
$50
Earn $50 when you spend just $100 in the first 3 months.
102 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 19.74%–29.74% |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | 19.74%, 25.74% or 29.74% |
Balance transfer intro APR | 19.74%–29.74% |
Cash advance APR | 29.74% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | No transfer fee with 19.74%–29.74% APR |
Cash advance fees | $3 or 3% |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | Up to $40 |
This card was made with students in mind.
It doesn’t charge an annual fee, and lets you earn up to 3% cash back on using streaming services, dining out, or buying groceries.
You can also buy stuff online from wherever you want—there’s no foreign transaction fee.
On top of that, you get a bonus of $50 if you spend $100 in the first three months.
- No annual fee
- 1%–3% cash back
- No credit check to apply
- No foreign transaction fee
- Potentially high APR
Other considerations: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students (see above) and Discover it® Student Chrome
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Secured card to build credit
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
3
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
12 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 27.24% |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | 27.24%–29.99% |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | $5 or 5% |
Cash advance fees | $10 or 5% |
Foreign transaction fees | 3% |
Late payment fees | Up to $41 |
Another take at a secured credit card for a teenager to build credit is a Citi® Secured Mastercard®.
It doesn’t have a fancy rewards program, but it’s a solid option to build credit from scratch. There’s no annual fee, and the card can be used worldwide.
Some reviewers claim it’s hard to increase the credit line on the card.
- No annual fee
- Accepted worldwide
- Free FICO scores online
- High APR
Best credit cards for traveling students
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Travel cash back card for students
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
4
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1.5x
Intro offer
N/A
25,000 online bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.
21 people chose this
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 17.99%–27.99% |
Intro APR | 0% for 18 billing cycles (applies to purchases and to any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening your account) |
Balance transfer rate | 0%–27.99% |
Balance transfer intro APR | 0% |
Cash advance APR | 20.99%–29.99% |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | 3% |
Cash advance fees | 3% |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | Up to $40 |
Want to travel, study, and earn some extra cash while doing so? Then go for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students.
It earns you 1.5 points for every dollar you spend. And you get 25,000 online bonus points if you spend $1,000 within first three months of account opening.
Plus, with Better Money Habits® you can learn a lot about how to keep your credit health in check.
- No annual, monthly, or foreign transaction fees
- Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend
- 0% intro APR for the first 18 months
- Better Money Habits®
- Potentially high APR
- 3% balance transfer fee
Best Credit Cards for Teens—The More You Know
Getting a credit card for a teen may be tricky—but it’s not impossible. There are ways to start using a card before turning 18 or 21. And there are some good credit card options to choose from, too.
The best part? We did all the research so you don’t have to.
This article will show you:
How old you need to be to get a credit card.
15+ of the best credit cards for teens.
Tips on getting the most out of each card.
How to pick and use a teen credit card.
If you’re looking for a credit card, check out these articles as well:
Can you get a credit card at 16, 17, or younger?
The real question is—how old do you have to be to get a credit card?
This one is a bit tricky, because technically you can have credit cards no matter your age. But in reality, to be a sole cardholder and sign a credit card contract you have to be—
18 with a source of income
18 with a co-signer
21+
So, can a 17-year-old get a credit card?
The short answer is no, but—
You can have and use one by becoming an authorized user of your parent’s or other trusted adult’s credit card.
In fact, nearly 20% of American teenagers (ages 13 to 17) have a credit card as authorized users of their parents’ or guardians’ cards.
And yes, being an authorized user of someone’s credit card is convenient, but do keep in mind it can have a negative (or positive) impact on your future—some card issuers report card behavior to credit bureaus (both of the card owner and all its authorized users).
Can you build credit at 17?
Yes, you can—but not by yourself.
If you want to establish a credit history before getting a card of your own, you need to become an authorized user of someone’s credit card.
Remember to check if the issuer reports to all credit bureaus—otherwise all the on-time payments and good credit behaviour will be for nothing.
How to get a credit card under 18?
So you’re not quite 18 yet, and are eager to use a credit card.
Again, your only choice right now is to make your parent trust you with theirs.
See the table below to learn at what age that can happen:
CARD ISSUER | MINORS ALLOWED? | MINIMUM AGE | NUMBER OF USERS ALLOWED | FEE FOR ADDING USER |
American Express | Yes | 13 | Not specified | $0–$175 |
Bank of America | Yes | None | Up to 5 | Free |
Barclays | Yes | 13 | Unlimited | Free |
Capital One | Yes | None | Unlimited | Free |
Citi | Yes | None | Unlimited | Free |
Chase | Yes | None | Unlimited | $0–$75 |
Discover | Yes | 15 | Up to 5 | Free |
Synchrony | Yes | None | 3 to 6 | Free |
U.S. Bank | Yes | 16 | Up to 7 | Free |
Wells Fargo | Yes | None | Unlimited | Free |
Source: What’s the minimum age for a credit card?
How old do you have to be to get a secured credit card?
It doesn’t matter if it’s a secured or unsecured credit card—you need to meet the above criteria to get it.
Picking a Teen Credit Card and Using It Responsibly
How to choose the best credit card for a teenager? And, even more importantly, how to use it responsibly?
Tim Doman, founder and CEO of TopMobileBanks, offers this advice:
A protected credit card is an option
A security deposit is required for secured credit cards, which act as a protection for the credit limit. This can be a good choice for teenagers who are just beginning to establish credit because it enables them to do so without taking on too much risk. Some secured credit cards also have rewards programs, which is an excellent way to learn how to use a credit card responsibly.
Pay attention to costs and interest rates
When selecting a teen credit card, look for one with cheap fees and interest rates—they can add up quickly and make it challenging to pay the amount in full. My advice is to find a credit card with low APR and no annual fees.
Limit your expenses
Together with your parent or guardian, set spending restrictions on the chosen credit card to prevent excess. You can do that by establishing a clear credit limit or by keeping tabs on the expenses to avoid overspend.
Learn the proper use of credit cards
Learn how to use a credit card responsibly. Some basics include settling the balance in full each month, refraining from making unnecessary purchases, and never using the card to cover an emergency expense. That way, you escape debt and establish a good credit history.
Check your credit report
It's important to frequently check your credit score once you begin using your credit card. This will allow you to spot any mistakes or problems as they arise and guarantee you create a good credit background.
FAQ
Can a teenager get a credit card?
What credit card can a 16-year-old get?
What is the youngest age to get a credit card?
How to get a card at 15?
Can a 16-year-old build credit with a credit card?
At what age can you build credit?
Should a 16-year-old have a debit or credit card?
SOURCES
American Express. (n.d.). Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | No Annual Fee. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | No Annual Fee. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/blue-cash-everyday/
Bank of America. (n.d.). Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/student-rewards-credit-card/
Capital One. (n.d.). Capital One—SavorOne Rewards for Students. Capital One - SavorOne Rewards for Students. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/savorone-student/
Chase. (n.d.). Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card | Chase.com. Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card | Chase.Com. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://creditcards.chase.com/cash-back-credit-cards/freedom/unlimited
Chime. (n.d.). Chime—Signing up takes 2 minutes! Chime - Signing up Takes 2 Minutes! Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.chime.com/apply-credit-gb/
Citi. (n.d.). Citi Secured Mastercard Pricing & Information. Citi. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/compare-credit-cards/CMA-PIT
Discover Bank. (n.d.-a). Discover it® Student Cash Back Card | Discover. Discover It® Student Cash Back Card | Discover. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/student-credit-card/it-card.html
Discover Bank. (n.d.-b). Secured Credit Card to Build Credit History | Discover. Secured Credit Card to Build Credit History | Discover. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/secured/
Platinum Secured Credit Card from Capital One. (n.d.). Platinum Secured Credit Card from Capital One. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/platinum-secured/
Sable | The Secured Sable ONE Credit Card. (n.d.). Sable | The Secured Sable ONE Credit Card. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://sablecard.com/credit
Step. (n.d.). Banking for the Next Generation & the Best Way to Build Credit—Step. Banking for the Next Generation & the Best Way to Build Credit - Step. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://step.com/
TomoCredit – No Credit Score Needed | All-New Black Card. (n.d.). TomoCredit – No Credit Score Needed | All-New Black Card. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://tomocredit.com/
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards. (n.d.). Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.upgrade.com/upgrade-card/triple-cash/
U.S. Bank. (n.d.). Build credit | U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Credit Card. Build Credit | U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Credit Card. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/altitude-go-secured-visa-credit-card.html
WebBank. (n.d.-a). Petal 1 Family Visa Credit Card. Petal 1 Family Visa Credit Card. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.petalcard.com/petal-1
WebBank. (n.d.-b). Petal 2 Visa Credit Card. Petal 2 Visa Credit Card. Retrieved 13 April 2023, from https://www.petalcard.com/petal-2