You can get a credit card at 17, but only with a co-signer
Most credit card issuers require you to be 18 years old to open an account on your own. If you are 17, you have one main path: explore with a parent or guardian as a co-signer. The co-signer is legally responsible for the debt if you do not pay, which is why issuers ask for one.
Some banks offer cards specifically designed for teenagers, and these sometimes allow 17-year-olds without a co-signer — but this is less common. Your best move is to call the card issuer directly and ask whether they accept 17-year-old applicants. If they do, they will tell you whether you need a co-signer or whether a parent can straightforward be listed on the account.
The card itself works the same way as any other credit card: you charge purchases, receive a bill, and pay it back. The difference is that your co-signer's credit history and income help you get approved, and their credit report is affected by how you use the card.
Key Takeaways
- Most credit card companies require you to be 18, but will approve a 17-year-old if a parent or guardian co-signs the process.
- A co-signer is legally responsible for any balance you do not pay, so the card issuer uses their credit score and income to decide whether to approve you.
- Some banks offer student or teen cards that may have different age rules — call ahead to ask before you start an process.
- Your payment history on a co-signed card builds your own credit score, which matters when you later borrow money for a car or apartment.
What a co-signer actually does
A co-signer is not just a name on the paperwork. When you co-sign a credit card, you are agreeing to pay the full balance if the primary cardholder (you) does not. The card issuer can come after the co-signer for money, and missed payments show up on both your credit report and theirs.
This is why parents often hesitate to co-sign. If you miss a payment, it damages their credit score too. If you rack up a large balance and stop paying, they are on the hook for it. Before you ask a parent to co-sign, be clear that you understand this and that you plan to use the card responsibly.
The upside for you: the co-signer's good credit history helps you get approved, often at a better interest rate than you would get on your own. Once you turn 18 and build your own credit history, you can eventually move to a card in your name alone.
how the process works with a co-signer
Start by choosing a card and checking its website for the co-signer policy. Some issuers are clear about whether they accept 17-year-olds; others do not mention age at all. If the website does not say, call the customer service number on the back of an existing card or on the website.
When you call, ask: "Can a 17-year-old open a credit card with a co-signer?" Write down the answer and any requirements they mention — some issuers want the co-signer to be a parent, others accept any adult.
If they say yes, you and your co-signer will fill out an process together, either online or on paper. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. The co-signer will need their Social Security number and income information. The issuer will pull both of your credit reports.
Approval usually takes a few days to a week. Once you are approved, the card arrives in the mail in your name, and you can start using it right away.
Teen credit cards and student cards
Some banks offer cards marketed to teenagers or students, and these sometimes have different rules. A few examples include cards from banks that focus on young people or cards tied to student checking accounts. These cards may allow you to open an account at 17 without a co-signer, though you should confirm this before explore.
Teen cards often come with lower credit limits — sometimes $500 to $1,000 — which limits how much damage you can do if you overspend. Some also include tools like spending alerts or parental controls, so your parent can see what you are buying.
The trade-off is that teen cards sometimes charge higher interest rates or annual fees than standard cards. Compare the terms before you decide. A card with a co-signer from a major issuer might actually be cheaper than a teen card with a high interest rate.
Building credit as a 17-year-old cardholder
Every time you use a credit card, the issuer reports your activity to the credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This creates a credit history in your name. When you turn 18 and explore for a car loan or apartment, lenders will look at this history to decide whether to lend to you.
To build good credit, use the card for small purchases and pay the full balance on time every month. Do not carry a balance and pay interest if you can help it. A $50 purchase paid in full looks just as good on your credit report as a $500 purchase paid in full, but the $50 version costs you nothing.
Avoid maxing out the card. Credit bureaus look at how much of your available credit you are using — this is called your utilization ratio. If your limit is $1,000 and you always charge close to $1,000, it looks risky. Keeping your balance below 30 percent of your limit is better for your score.
What happens when you turn 18
Once you turn 18, you can open credit cards on your own without a co-signer. You do not have to close the co-signed card — you can keep using it if you want. Many people keep their first card open because it helps their credit score (older accounts look better than new ones).
At 18, you can also ask the issuer to remove the co-signer from the account, though not all issuers allow this. If they do, only your name and credit history will be tied to the card going forward. This is a good move if you have been paying on time, because it protects your co-signer from future liability.
Some people keep the co-signer on the account even after turning 18. This is fine if you both agree to it, but it means the co-signer's credit is still affected by how you use the card.
Alternatives if you cannot get a co-signer
If no parent or guardian can co-sign, you have a few other options. A secured credit card requires you to put down a cash deposit — usually $200 to $2,500 — which becomes your credit limit. You use the card like a normal card, and if you pay on time, the issuer reports it to the credit bureaus. After several months of on-time payments, you can graduate to a regular card and get your deposit back.
Secured cards are available to people of any age and do not require a co-signer. The downside is that you have to have the cash upfront, and you cannot use that money for anything else while it is tied up as a deposit.
Another option is to become an authorized user on someone else's credit card. An authorized user is someone who can use the card but is not responsible for paying the bill. If the primary cardholder has good credit and pays on time, being an authorized user can help build your credit too — though not all issuers report authorized user activity to the credit bureaus, so ask first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my co-signer to be a parent?
Most issuers require the co-signer to be a parent or legal guardian, but some accept any adult — a grandparent, aunt, or older sibling. Check the card issuer's policy before you ask someone to co-sign. If they say no, try a different card company.
What if my co-signer has bad credit?
If your co-signer has a low credit score or a history of missed payments, the issuer may deny your process or offer you a higher interest rate. The whole point of a co-signer is that their good credit helps you. If they do not have good credit, you might be better off with a secured card instead.
Will the card show up on my co-signer's credit report?
Yes. The account appears on both your credit report and your co-signer's credit report. Their credit score can go up or down based on how you use the card. If you miss a payment, it hurts both of you.
Can I remove the co-signer later?
Some issuers allow you to remove a co-signer after you turn 18 and have made on-time payments for several months. Call the issuer and ask whether they offer co-signer release. If they do, you will need to meet their requirements — usually a certain number of on-time payments and sometimes a minimum credit score.
What is the difference between a co-signer and an authorized user?
A co-signer is legally responsible for the debt if you do not pay. An authorized user can use the card but has no legal responsibility for the bill. Being an authorized user is less risky for the adult, but it also does not help you build credit as much — it depends on whether the issuer reports it.