Bogdan Roberts, Credit Cards Moderator
@bogdan_roberts
Yes, an 18-year-old high school student can get a credit card, as long as they meet the card’s minimum requirements and have enough income to afford the monthly bill payments. The key is to pick a card designed for people with no credit and confirm you have independent income.
While anyone who is at least 18 can technically get a credit card, the CARD Act emphasizes that applicants under the age of 21 need to have enough independent income (as opposed to shared household income) to afford a credit card. That means enough to make at least the minimum payment. The applicant's other debts and monthly expenses will also be taken into consideration.
Notable Credit Cards for 18-Year-Olds
If you're unable to meet the income requirement, there are a few other options to consider.
Alternative Credit Card Options
- Apply for a credit card with a co-signer: Make sure you choose a co-signer who has the means to afford a credit card. More importantly, a co-signer must be someone you trust, and vice versa.
When a person co-signs for a credit card, they are ultimately responsible if you don't keep up payments on the account. Just note that most major card issuers have stopped allowing cosigners on credit card applications. - Become an authorized user: Another option is to sign up as an authorized user on another person's existing credit card account. As an authorized user, you have the primary cardholder's consent to use their credit card. You'll have your own card with your name on it, along with full access to the card's available credit limit.
You'll also be able to build your credit based on the primary cardholder's good credit. The primary cardholder is liable for any purchases you make on the card. Plus, as their credit profile continues to grow, yours will also improve. The flipside of that is, if any negative information shows up on the primary cardholder's credit report, your credit report will also be affected.
Ultimately, feel free to check out our editors’ picks for the best credit cards for 18-year-olds to weigh your options.
2025's Best Student Credit Cards with No Credit
2025's Best Student Credit Cards with No Credit
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People also ask
What is the best credit card for 18 year olds?
One of the best credit cards for 18-year-olds is the Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card because it rewards cardholders with up to 1.5% cash back on purchases. The card also has a $0 annual fee and is intended for beginners with limited. There’s no security deposit required to open the account, either.
Best Credit Cards for 18-Year-Olds
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As you can see, the best card depends a lot on your financial situation and spending habits. For...
read full answer by WalletHub, Financial CompanyWhat are the best credit cards for high school students?
The best credit card for high school students is the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card (see details, rates & fees) because it offers 1 - 8% cash back and has a $0 annual fee. Cardholders also earn an initial bonus of $50 for spending $100 in the first 3 months.
There are several credit cards you can get if you are a high school student and you are at least 18 years old. But until you are 21 years old, you need to either have a proof of steady income that demonstrates your ability to...
read full answer by Maria Adams, Credit Cards ModeratorHow can I build credit at 18?
The best way to build credit at 18 is to get a credit card in your name and use it responsibly. All major credit cards report account information to the credit bureaus each month, so as long as the information shows on-time payments and reasonable credit utilization, you’ll be on your way to building a good credit score. You can also try getting a credit-builder loan and having your on-time rent payments reported to the credit bureaus to help...
read full answer by WalletHub, Financial CompanyDid we answer your question?
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