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No, there is no legally required minimum age for an authorized user on a credit card. That’s because authorized users aren’t entering into any kind of contract or borrowing money in their own name. As a result, many issuers do not have age requirements when it comes to authorized users. This means you could even make a newborn an authorized user on your account if you want to. Just note that some credit card companies have their own age requirements, varying from 13 to 18 years old (depending on the issuer).
No matter how old the authorized user is, adding one is an important decision. On the one hand, it’s a great way for a young person to build credit before they’re old enough to qualify for their own account. But on the other hand, the primary accountholder has to be comfortable assuming responsibility for any charges the authorized user makes.
Minimum Age for a Credit Card Authorized User by Issuer
It is also worth noting that in order to become an authorized user on a USAA or Navy Federal credit card, you must also meet the membership requirements. To be eligible for membership for these two issuers, you or a family member must have served in the armed forces.If you’re worried about an authorized user being irresponsible with your account, several banks allow you to manage your user’s access to credit. For instance, you may be able to set individual spending limits or get alerts when the user makes new purchases. Sometimes, you can even make it so that all purchases must be approved by you before they go through. That way, you can give someone young experience with credit while still laying down restrictions.
| Issuer | Age Requirement for Users |
| 13 years old | |
| No minimum age | |
| 13 years old | |
| No minimum age | |
| No minimum age | |
| 16 years old | |
| No minimum age | |
| No minimum age | |
| 16 years old | |
| No minimum age | |
| No minimum age | |
| 13 years old | |
| No minimum age, but users under 18 cannot view the account online. | |
| 18 years old |
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I added my 9 year old grand daughter to my citibank ford card and my walmart. Best thing about it is she wont know for 18 years. I used to sell cars and never understood how a 20 year old out of college can have a 750 fico. Now i know and have adopted the measure.