Key Takeaways
- Most credit card issuers require you to be 18 to open an account alone, but will let you open a joint account at 17 with a parent or guardian as co-signer.
- Your co-signer is legally responsible for the full balance, so they will see all statements and have full control over the account.
- The card builds credit history in both names, which helps you both — but missed payments hurt both of you equally.
- Some banks offer student cards or teen accounts with lower limits and parental controls, which may be easier to open than a standard card.
- You can also become an authorized user on an existing account without being a co-signer, which builds your credit with less risk to the adult.
What "Co-Signer" Means and Why Banks Require It
A co-signer is the adult who signs the credit card agreement alongside you. They are not just vouching for you — they are legally on the hook for every dollar you charge. If you miss a payment, the bank can go after the co-signer for the full amount. If you max out the card, the co-signer's credit score drops along with yours.
Banks require a co-signer at 17 because you have no legal right to sign a binding contract on your own. The card issuer needs someone over 18 whose name appears on the agreement and whose credit history they can check. This protects the bank, but it also means the adult you choose is taking real financial risk.
Before you ask someone to co-sign, be honest about what you plan to use the card for. If you are building credit for a car loan later, say that. If you want it for emergencies, say that too. A co-signer who understands your plan is more likely to say yes and less likely to be blindsided by a bill.
How to Open a Joint Account at 17
The process varies by bank, but the basic steps are the same. First, call the card issuer directly and ask whether they allow joint accounts for 17-year-olds. Some do; some do not. If they do, ask what documents you and your co-signer need to bring.
You will typically need a government-issued photo ID (a state ID or passport), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. Your co-signer will need the same, plus they may ask for a recent utility bill or bank statement. Some banks let you start the process online, but you will likely need to sign documents in person or have them notarized.
Once you have gathered the documents, go to a branch together with your co-signer. Bring everything the bank asked for, plus your Social Security card if you have it. The bank will run a credit check on both of you, and you will sign the agreement. The card usually arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Student Cards and Teen Accounts as an Alternative
Some banks and credit card companies offer cards designed for people under 18, often called student cards or teen accounts. These usually come with lower credit limits (sometimes $500 or less) and may include parental controls so the adult can see spending in real time or set alerts.
Teen accounts sometimes have lower approval standards than regular cards, which means you might open one without a co-signer or with a co-signer who has less-than-perfect credit. The tradeoff is that the limit is small and the card may have an annual fee. Call your bank and ask what they offer for your age — the options vary widely.
These accounts still build credit history, so they work well if your goal is to start a credit file before you turn 18. By the time you are 18, you may have enough history to open a regular card on your own.
Becoming an Authorized User Instead of a Co-Signer
If a parent or guardian already has a credit card, you can ask to be added as an authorized user on that account. You get your own card with your name on it, but you are not legally responsible for the balance — the account holder is. This is less risky for the adult than co-signing a new account.
As an authorized user, you can make purchases up to whatever limit the account holder sets. The account appears on your credit report, which starts building your credit history. If the account holder pays on time, it helps your score. If they miss payments, it hurts your score — so choose someone reliable.
The main difference from co-signing is that you have no legal obligation to pay. The account holder can remove you at any time, and you have no say in how the account is managed. Some people prefer this arrangement because it is simpler and puts less pressure on the relationship.
What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Open a Card
Opening a credit card at 17 starts your credit history, which is useful. Credit scores are based on payment history, how much credit you use, and how long your accounts have been open. The longer your history, the better — so starting at 17 gives you a head start.
When you open the account, the bank will do a hard inquiry on your credit, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. This is normal and temporary. After that, your score depends on how you use the card. If you charge small amounts and pay them off in full each month, your score will climb. If you miss payments or run up a high balance, it will drop.
Remember that your co-signer's score is affected the same way. A missed payment hurts both of you. A perfect payment history helps both of you. This is why choosing a reliable co-signer and being a reliable cardholder matter so much.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at 17
The biggest mistake is treating the card like information programs. A credit card is a loan. Every dollar you charge, you have to pay back — plus interest if you do not pay the full balance. At 17, it is straightforward to underestimate how fast interest adds up.
Another mistake is not telling your co-signer what you are charging. If you rack up a surprise bill, the co-signer may refuse to pay or may be angry enough to close the account. Keep them in the loop. Show them your statements. If you are struggling to pay, tell them before the bill is due.
A third mistake is opening multiple cards at once. Each process triggers a hard inquiry, which lowers your score. Multiple inquiries in a short time can signal to lenders that you are desperate for credit, which makes them less likely to approve you for anything. Open one card, use it responsibly for at least six months, and then think about a second one.
What to Do If You Cannot Find a Co-Signer
If no one in your family can or will co-sign, you have a few options. First, ask whether your bank offers a teen account without a co-signer. Some do, though the limit will be very low.
Second, you can wait until you turn 18. At 18, you can open a card on your own, though approval is harder if you have no credit history. You might start with a secured card, which requires a cash deposit (usually $200 to $2,500) that acts as your credit limit. You use it like a regular card, and after six to twelve months of on-time payments, the bank may convert it to a regular card and return your deposit.
Third, ask a trusted adult who is not a parent — a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older sibling — whether they would co-sign. Make it clear what the responsibility is. If they agree, follow the same process as you would with a parent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a credit card at 17 without a co-signer?
Most major card issuers require a co-signer at 17. Some banks offer teen accounts or student cards that may not require one, but the credit limit is usually very low. Call your bank and ask what they offer for your age.
What if my co-signer has bad credit?
The bank will still consider their credit history when deciding whether to approve the account. If they have missed payments or high debt, the bank may deny the process or offer a card with a lower limit. You can try a different bank or ask the co-signer to work on their credit first.
Can I remove my co-signer later?
Once you turn 18 and have built credit history, you can ask the bank to remove the co-signer and make the account yours alone. The bank will run a new credit check on you. If your credit is good, they will usually agree. If not, you may need to wait longer or use the card responsibly for several more months.
Does being an authorized user build credit the same way as co-signing?
Yes, being an authorized user builds your credit history. The account appears on your credit report, and on-time payments help your score. The main difference is that you are not legally responsible for the balance, so there is less risk for the adult.
What if I miss a payment on a card I co-signed?
The missed payment appears on both your credit report and your co-signer's. It will lower both scores and stay on your reports for seven years. The bank may charge a late fee and increase your interest rate. If you are struggling to pay, call the bank and ask about a payment plan before you miss a due date.