How old do you have to be to get a credit card?

Few things in your adult life are more important than a healthy credit profile. It can open doors to favorable mortgage and auto loan rates, housing application approvals, and even free travel through rewards credit cards.

That’s why you should begin building credit as soon as you possibly can. One of the best ways to do this is by opening a credit card and using it responsibly. But at what age can you get a credit card?

What is the minimum age for getting a credit card?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for your own credit card. Anyone under 21 may need to include their independent income (or list a co-signer), as the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosures Act of 2009 demands that credit card issuers assess whether young people have reasonable means to pay their credit card bill.