How does someone under 18 and is 17 get a credit card?

Question

How does someone under 18 and is 17 get a credit card?

Answer 1

I don't know! Sorry. :)

Answer 2

by making it illegal

Answer 3

Why do you need a credit card?  If it is just to purchase online then you don't need an actual credit card.  You can purchase prepaid cards with a mastercard or visa logo at gas stations and grocery stores.   If it is because you just want one to buy stuff, then you definitely don't need one until you are more fiscally responsible.

Answer 4

It's simple: you don't.

It's not legal (in the United States, at least) for someone under 18 years old to have a credit card account under their own name.  This is because someone under 18 is not legally allowed to sign a binding contract, meaning that if you were to default on your credit card payment, they wouldn't be able to collect on it.  Therefore, the credit card companies play it safe (as they should.)

If you have a brother, sister, mother, father, or significant other that is over 18 and has a credit card, you could always ask them to add you as an "authorized user."  This means you would have a credit card, linked to their account, with your name on it and full permission to use the account.

The upside for you being an authorized user:  You start to build a credit history before most people.  This is called "piggybacking" on someone else's credit, since whatever type of credit the cardholder has, you'll have.  This means good, bad, or anything in between.

The downside:  You're using someone else's account!  Also, again to do with the first point, if they miss a payment or have any major credit card issues, you'll be penalized for it too in your credit report.

Plus, you'd have to find someone willing to let you use their credit card account.  If you feel unsafe using cash, you could always open a checking account and get a debit card (this sometimes requires the permission of an adult, however) or you could even get a prepaid card if you somehow feel the fees are worth it (they're really not!)

Long story short, under 18 = no credit card.