Building credit is crucial for your child's financial future, but getting started can feel overwhelming. One of the most straightforward ways to help your child establish a solid credit foundation is by adding them as an authorized user on your existing credit card account.

But here's the key question: How old do they need to be?

The answer varies significantly by credit card issuer, and understanding these requirements can help you make the best decision for your family's financial strategy.

What Is a Credit Card Authorized User?

An authorized user is someone you add to your existing credit card account, giving them their own physical card to make purchases. As the primary cardholder, you remain fully responsible for all charges and payments, but your authorized user benefits from your account's credit history.

This setup creates a win-win situation: your child starts building credit history without the responsibility of managing their own account, while you maintain complete control over spending and payments.

Important note: Even if you don't plan to give your child the physical card, simply adding them as an authorized user can help them establish positive credit history, assuming your account remains in good standing.

Minimum Age Requirements by Credit Card Issuer

Each major credit card issuer has different policies for authorized user age requirements. Here's the complete breakdown:

American Express: 13 Years Old

• Minimum age: 13 years old
• Required information: Full name, date of birth, and Social Security number
• Special note: American Express cards offer some of the best travel rewards, making them excellent for building credit while earning valuable points

Bank of America: No Minimum Age

• Minimum age: No age requirement
• Required information: Full name, date of birth, and Social Security number
• Special note: Bank of America reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus regardless of age

Capital One: No Minimum Age

• Minimum age: No age requirement
• Required information: Full name, date of birth, and Social Security number
• Special note: Capital One cards are known for their straightforward rewards structure and excellent customer service

Chase: No Minimum Age

• Minimum age: No age requirement
• Required information: Full name and date of birth
• Important caveat: Chase may not report credit history for minors, so the credit-building benefit might not apply until they turn 18

Citi: No Minimum Age

• Minimum age: No age requirement
• Required information: Full name and date of birth
• Special note: Citi reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus for all ages

Discover: 15 Years Old

• Minimum age: 15 years old
• Required information: Full name, date of birth, and Social Security number
• Special note: Discover cards offer excellent cash back rewards and are particularly good for students

U.S. Bank: 13 Years Old

• Minimum age: 13 years old
• Required information: Full name, date of birth, and Social Security number
• Special note: U.S. Bank reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus

Wells Fargo: 18 Years Old

• Minimum age: 18 years old
• Required information: Full name and date of birth
• Special note: Wells Fargo has the highest minimum age requirement among major issuers

How to Add an Authorized User to Your Credit Card

Adding an authorized user is typically a straightforward process that can be completed online or over the phone:

Online Method

1. Log into your credit card account
2. Navigate to account management or card services
3. Look for "Add authorized user" or "Order additional card"
4. Enter the required information
5. Submit the request

Phone Method

1. Call the customer service number on the back of your card
2. Request to add an authorized user
3. Provide the necessary information
4. Wait for confirmation

The new card typically arrives within 7-10 business days and is ready to use immediately.

Cost of Adding Authorized Users

The cost varies significantly depending on your credit card:

No Annual Fee Cards

Most cards without annual fees don't charge extra for authorized users. This includes many Chase cards and Capital One cards.

Premium Cards with Fees

Some high-end cards charge for authorized users:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: $75 per authorized user
• American Express Platinum: $195 for up to 3 authorized users
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: No additional fee despite the $95 annual fee

Free Authorized Users on Premium Cards

Several premium cards offer free authorized users:

• Capital One Venture X: Up to 4 authorized users at no cost
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Free authorized users

Benefits of Adding Your Child as an Authorized User

Credit History Building

Your child can start building positive credit history years before they're eligible for their own card. This head start can be invaluable when they apply for student loans, apartment rentals, or their first credit card.

Financial Education

Having access to a credit card provides real-world experience with financial responsibility. You can teach important concepts like:

• How billing cycles work
• The importance of paying on time
• Understanding credit utilization
• The difference between needs and wants

Emergency Access

If your child faces an emergency when you're not available, having a credit card can provide crucial financial access for unexpected expenses.

Rewards Earning

Every dollar your authorized user spends earns the same rewards as your regular purchases, helping you maximize your credit card rewards.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Your Credit Affects Theirs

If your account develops problems—late payments, high balances, or defaults—these negative marks will also impact your child's credit report.

Spending Responsibility

You're legally responsible for all charges made by authorized users, regardless of your agreement with them.

Impact on Future Credit Applications

Authorized user accounts may count toward Chase's 5/24 rule, potentially affecting your child's ability to get certain cards later (though this can often be resolved by calling Chase).

How to Remove an Authorized User

If you need to remove an authorized user, the process is usually simple:

1. Online: Log into your account and navigate to authorized user management
2. Phone: Call customer service and request removal
3. Timeline: The user is typically removed within minutes, but it may take several weeks for the account to stop appearing on their credit report

Pro tip: Request a new card number when removing an authorized user to ensure the old card can't be used.

Alternative Ways to Build Credit

If adding an authorized user isn't the right fit, consider these alternatives:

Secured Credit Cards

Secured cards require a security deposit but function like regular credit cards, helping build credit history.

Student Credit Cards

Once your child turns 18 and is enrolled in college, student credit cards designed for newcomers to credit can be excellent options.

Credit Builder Loans

These specialized loans are designed specifically to help people build credit history through regular, on-time payments.

Best Practices for Success

Set Clear Expectations

Before adding your child as an authorized user, establish clear rules about:

• What purchases are acceptable
• Spending limits
• Consequences for misuse

Monitor Regularly

Check your account frequently to track spending and ensure responsible use. Most card issuers offer real-time spending alerts.

Use It as a Teaching Tool

Turn every purchase into a learning opportunity about budgeting, interest rates, and financial responsibility.

Keep Good Habits

Since your credit behavior directly affects your child's credit report, maintain excellent payment history and low credit utilization.

When to Consider Removal

You should consider removing your child as an authorized user if:

• They're consistently irresponsible with spending
• You're experiencing financial difficulties
• They're ready to establish their own credit account
• They're applying for their own credit cards and need to reduce their account count

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my newborn as an authorized user?

While some issuers allow it, there's no benefit to adding very young children since they won't be actively using credit or learning financial responsibility.

Will being an authorized user hurt my child's credit?

Only if your account develops problems. As long as you maintain good credit habits, being an authorized user should help, not hurt, their credit.

Can my child use the card without my permission?

Legally, yes, if they have the physical card. However, you remain responsible for all charges, so clear communication and rules are essential.

How long does it take to build credit as an authorized user?

Your child can start seeing credit history within 1-3 months of being added, assuming the issuer reports to credit bureaus.

The Bottom Line

Adding your child as an authorized user can be an excellent way to help them build credit history and learn financial responsibility. The key is choosing the right credit card issuer based on their age requirements and your family's needs.

Remember that building good credit takes time and consistency. By starting early with responsible habits, you're giving your child a valuable head start on their financial future.

Whether you choose a rewards credit card or a simple cash back option, the most important factor is maintaining excellent payment history and keeping your credit utilization low.

Your child's financial future starts with the decisions you make today. Adding them as an authorized user is just one tool in building their credit foundation, but it's a powerful one when used responsibly.

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply for a credit card through our links, at no cost to you. This helps support our content and allows us to continue providing valuable financial guidance.

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