The process of checking your child’s credit report may vary, depending on the age of your child, but it’s recommended to do so at least once before they turn 18. The Federal Trade Commission suggests that parents order a child’s credit report when they turn 16 .

Credit cards that allow authorized users under 18

The simple answer is that you can’t get a credit card under 18. The more complicated answer is that you can still build credit, just not with an account that’s in your own name. You’ll have to ask a family member to be an authorized user on their credit card account.

Best credit cards for teens 2021

How to build credit for teens

1. Encourage your teenager to get a job. Your teen will be more invested in managing his or her money if it’s hard-earned.
2. Open checking and savings accounts.
3. Consider putting one of your household bills in your teen’s name.
4. Obtain a secured credit card.

You can begin building your child’s credit whenever you want to by making him or her an authorized user on your credit card. Usually, you have to be at least 18 and have an income to take on a credit card or loan, which are the conventional ways that people start building credit.

To start building credit at 17, you would need to be listed on a credit-related account like a credit card or loan. Contrary to popular misconceptions, you can’t build credit with a regular bank account like a checking account, savings account, debit card, or just getting a job. It takes credit to build credit.

Not only do you have to clear the age of majority in your state to obtain a car or personal loan, you have to be at least 18 even to have a cosigner with some lenders. However, you may nonetheless be able to find loans — it’ll just take some additional legwork.

Ways on How to Start Building Credit at 18

1. Open a Credit Card or Be Added to a Credit Card as an Authorized User.
2. Consider a “Secured” Credit Card.
3. Apply for a Student Credit Card.
4. Handle Your Starter Credit Cards Diligently.
5. Branch Out and Get a Small Loan.
6. Check Your Credit Report Regularly.

According to Experian, one of the major credit bureaus, it takes between three and six months of regular credit activity for your file to become thick enough that a credit score can be calculated.

It’s a trick question. At face value, “What does your credit score start at?” can be a trick question. You see, you don’t actually start with a credit score at all. That is, you aren’t born with a credit score, nor are you automatically given one when you turn 18.

You’ll generally need a score of 690 or higher on an 850-point scale. Refinancing could get you a lower monthly payment and/or a lower interest rate, and it also bundles multiple loans into one account. That could help your credit score, since you’ll have fewer accounts with balances.

And a good place to start is by opening a credit card at 18, so you can start building credit at an early age and developing good money habits. Below, we review why it’s important to get a credit card at 18 and what you can do to protect your credit score as a new cardholder.

Best Credit Cards for 18-Year-Olds

• Best Overall: Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card.
• Best for No Annual Fee: Capital One Platinum Credit Card.
• Best for Students: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students.
• Best for Gas Station and Restaurant Purchases: Discover it® Student chrome.

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Consumers can apply for credit cards starting at age 18, but the law requires them to have an independent income or a co-signer. However, most major issuers don’t allow co-signers anymore. So, a person aged 18, 19 or 20 usually has to earn and prove their own income before being approved for a credit card.