Best First Credit Card for Teenagers

If you’re the parent of a teenager, you might wonder if now is the right time to help them open a credit card. It can be hard to decide if they’re ready to take on the responsibility that comes with having a credit card since you need to trust that your teen has the restraint to limit spending and pay on time.Generally, we recommend introducing your teen to credit as soon as you can since credit is such a large part of life as an adult — you need credit to take out loans, apply for a mortgage and even make certain purchases. Plus, it’s important for your teenager to learn how to manage credit responsibly so they can build good credit.

That doesn’t mean they have to go at it alone.

Typically, you have to cosign a credit card if your teen is under the age of 21, unless they can provide proof of income on their own. You may be hesitant to take on the added risk of cosigning, but there are alternative options such as adding your teen as an authorized user to your credit card.

3 ways for teens to establish credit

Bottom line

When you’ve decided it’s time for your teen to start building credit, you have three options: add your child as an authorized user, open a secured credit card or open a student credit card. Below, we’ll describe each of your options and include potential risks associated with each option.

If you’re hesitant for your teen to open their own credit card, adding them as an authorized user on your credit card account may be the best option. You can easily monitor their spending through statements and online banking. While they piggyback off your credit, you can continue to benefit from the same perks your card offers and even earn rewards on their purchases — if you have a rewards card.

How it works: You can add your teen as an authorized user to your account by logging in to your online account or calling the number on the back of your card. The information required typically includes their name, birthday and SSN. After adding your teen as an authorized user, they will receive their own card that is linked to your account. They can use their card to make purchases just like you would.

Risks: When you add your teen as an authorized user on your account, you’re 100% liable for all charges they make. That means if they overspend, you have to be able to pay the bill when it comes. And, if you’re unable to pay the bill, both your credit score and your teen’s will suffer.

The deposit is refundable if the account is paid off and closed, or transitioned to an unsecured card. There are also some cards that allow cardholders to access a higher credit limit without depositing more money, if consistent bill payments are made.

Risks: While a secured card can be a great way for your teen to build credit, there are a few potential risks. If your teen misses a payment or pays late, they will incur a late payment fee. Plus, they will also be charged interest on any balances that remain after their statement due date. That’s why it’s key to inform your teen of good credit practices, such as paying on time and in full each billing cycle. Autopay is a great feature that can help your teen avoid missed payments and interest charges.

Transitioning from a secured to an unsecured credit card: The transition from an unsecured card to a secured card is fairly simple for the cards mentioned below, with many conducting periodic reviews of your account to evaluate if you can move to an unsecured card. And, when you’re transitioned to an unsecured card, you’ll receive your security deposit back. Another way to be refunded the deposit is by paying off any balances and closing the card — though we don’t recommend closing the account since that jeopardizes your credit score.

We recommend the following three secured cards that can offer your teen various benefits beyond building credit — they may be able to earn cash back, make a low security deposit or have a low APR.

Minimum Deposit$200

Regular APR24.74% Variable

The Discover it® Secured isn’t like most secured cards — it offers a cashback program and a simple transition to an unsecured card. Starting at eight months from account opening, Discover will conduct automatic monthly account reviews to see if your security deposit can be returned while you still use your card. Unlike most secured cards that lack rewards, this card offers 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, 1% cash back on all your other purchases. And, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. This is a great added perk while you work on building credit.

Minimum Deposit$49

Regular Purchase APR24.99% (Variable)

The Capital One® Secured Mastercard® is great for people who may not have the cash available for a $200 security deposit. The minimum security deposit is $49, $99 or $200, based on your creditworthiness. If you qualify for the $49 or $99 deposit, you will still receive a $200 credit limit. This is a great feature, plus you can get access to a higher credit line after making your five monthly payments on time — without needing to deposit more money. This card also comes with Platinum Mastercard benefits that include auto rental and travel accident insurance, 24-hour travel assistance services and more.

$0 Ongoing

Minimum Deposit$250

Regular Purchase APR13.74%

Variable

While the Savings Secured Visa Platinum Card from State Department Federal CU has a slightly higher security deposit at $250, it does have one of the lowest APRs of a secured card at 13.74% Variable. This may come in handy if you find yourself carrying a balance month to month — but we strongly encourage you to pay each bill on time and in full to avoid interest charges. This card is available to everyone regardless of residence by joining the American Consumer Council for free during the application process.

When your teen goes to college, they’ll need a convenient way to pay for purchases. While cash and debit cards can be used, both of those options don’t help your teen build credit like a student credit card does. Your teen can build credit by using a student credit card to make purchases and paying their statements on time and in full each month.

How it works: A student credit card is the same as a regular credit card but typically has a lower credit limit. The lower limit is due to the smaller income students have compared with adults. Your teen can use their student card just like you’d use your card. However, student cards tend to have higher interest rates than non-student cards — making it all the more important for your teen to pay on time and in full each month.

Risks: Overall, a student card can be a great asset for your teen to have in college, but there are a few risks to beware of. If your teen overspends so much that they max out their credit limit, they risk harming their utilization rate — which is the amount of credit they use divided by their total credit limit. For example, if your teen has a $500 credit limit and uses $400, their utilization rate would be 80% ($400/$500). That’s very high, and we recommend keeping utilization below 30%.

Another risk is that student cards don’t require a cosigner, so your teen is fully responsible for the card — meaning you, as the parent, don’t have control over their actions. The best you can do is advise them on the proper way to use a credit card and hope they are responsible.

The following three student credit card offer numerous benefits for your teen that extend further than simply building credit — all cards have a rewards program and your teenager may receive additional rewards for good grades or paying on time.

on Discover Bank’s secure website

Regular APR14.74% - 23.74% VariableIntro Purchase APR0% for 6 MonthsAnnual fee$0Rewards Rate5% cash back at different places each quarter like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com, or wholesale clubs up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate. 1% unlimited cash back automatically on all other purchases.Credit requiredfair-creditFair CreditThe Discover it® Student Cash Back is our top pick for a student card since it has a wide range of benefits. There is a cashback program where you can earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com or wholesale clubs up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate, plus 1% unlimited cash back automatically on all other purchases. Plus, new cardmembers can benefit from Discover automatically matching all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. Another unique perk is the good Grades Reward: Receive a $20 statement credit each school year that your GPA is 3.0 or higher, for up to five consecutive years.

on Capital One’s secure website

Regular Purchase APR24.99% (Variable)Annual fee$0Rewards Rate1% Cash Back on all purchases; 0.25% Cash Back bonus on the cash back you earn each month you pay on timeCredit requiredbad-creditAverage/Fair/LimitedThe Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® has a straightforward cashback program, ideal if you don’t want to deal with rotating categories or activation. Earn 1% cash back on all purchases; 0.25% cash back bonus on the cash back you earn each month you pay on time. The bonus you receive is a great incentive to pay on time each month, which you should be doing regardless of rewards. If you receive a low credit limit, the Credit Steps program allows you to get access to a higher credit line after making your first five monthly payments on time.

on Bank Of America’s secure website

Introducing your teenager to credit as soon as possible is a great way to get them prepared for all the future credit products they’re bound to encounter in life. Practicing responsible credit behavior with a credit card or even as an authorized user can help your teen establish credit, which is necessary for taking out student loans, mortgages and other credit products. Plus, having a good credit score is key to getting the best rates and terms for credit products.