Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2025: Secured, Student and Authorized User Options
Key takeaways
- Credit cards for teens are designed specifically to help young adults build credit. They tend to be easier to get and have fewer perks and rewards than standard credit cards.
- The eligibility requirements for credit cards for teens vary, but you generally have to be at least 18 and have a job. Other requirements may include student status, credit history or a bank account with the issuing bank.
- Types of teen credit cards include: beginner, student and secured credit cards. All of our top picks for student credit cards have no annual fee, report to the three major credit bureaus and offer credit-building tools.
- We selected each card based on accessibility to teens, credit-building potential, rewards, other perks and overall value — not affiliate incentives.
Getting your first credit card is an exciting milestone on the path to adult life. But shopping for a card can be overwhelming if you’re not well-versed in the features, benefits and drawbacks of credit cards for teens.
If you’re a teen eager to open your first card or a parent looking for ways to help your teenager build good credit, we’ve got you covered. Learn about the best credit cards for teens, must-haves in a first credit card, who can qualify and alternatives that can help you build credit or make purchases easily if you’re not quite old enough to qualify for your own card.
At LendingTree, we’ve carefully reviewed and chosen a list of credit cards best suited for teenagers. Our recommendations are based on real data, expert analysis and up-to-date information on deposit requirements, credit-building potential and overall value. This guide is designed to help you take the next step toward better financial health with clarity and confidence.
Find the best card for you
| Scenario | LendingTree’s recommendation |
|---|---|
| I need the best overall credit card for teens | Discover it® Secured Credit Card |
| I want a card for teens with no credit history | Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card |
| I want a card for students new to credit | Discover it® Student Cash Back |
| I want a card for teens with fair credit | Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card |
| I want to earn generous rewards on everyday purchases | Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card |
| I want a travel card for students | Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students |
| I want a card for teens with good credit | Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit |
Compare the best credit cards for teens
Whether you’re a teen yourself or a parent trying to help your teenager establish credit by responsibly using a credit card, it’s important to consider the card’s credit-building features, rewards rate and APR. You’ll also want to consider fees and whether you have to put down a deposit to get the card.
Each of the cards in our list reports to the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion), charges a $0 annual fee and offers rewards on every purchase. Some do require a refundable security deposit, and some come with a high APR — but that’s common among cards designed for those looking to build credit.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Late Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
 Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Winner
|
Cashback Match
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
| 1% - 2% cash back
| None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41. |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
|
No credit history
|
$25 statement credit
Earn a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account and remain enrolled for at least 90 days.
| 1.5% cash back
| Up to $40 | |
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Students new to credit
|
Cashback Match
Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
| 1% - 5% cash back
| None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41. |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
|
Fair credit
|
N/A | 1% - 10% cash back
| $0 | |
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Rewards on everyday purchases
|
$50 Cash Back
Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months
| 1% - 8% cash back
| Up to $40 | |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
|
Student travel
|
25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
| 1.5X points
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases. | See Terms | |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit
|
Good credit
|
N/A | 1.5% - 5% Cash Back
| Up to $40 |
How we chose these cards
We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best credit cards for teens. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals. We use the following criteria to make our picks:
We calculate how much the average cardholder can save with the card on a yearly basis. If it is a rewards card, we use U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and $300 in monthly spending (the typical starting credit limit for an introductory card) to calculate how much the average cardholder can earn in rewards. We then subtract fees — including annual fees and maintenance fees — from this amount.
We give points for features that help build credit, including reports to all three credit bureaus, regular account reviews for card upgrades and free credit score access. We detract points for features that can be costly to cardholders trying to build credit, such as security deposits, penalty APRs and late payment fees.
Top credit cards for teens
Winner: Best overall credit card for teens
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Highlight: Automatic account reviews after just seven months to see if you qualify for an unsecured card and a security deposit refund
- No credit score required to apply
- $0 annual fee
- Free FICO credit score to help track credit building
- Cash back on every purchase
- Cash back match at the end of your first year for new cardmembers
- Requires a security deposit
- Limited credit line initially
- Not accepted everywhere outside the U.S.
- High APR
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is our top pick for the best credit card for teens overall due to its robust credit-building features and ability to earn cash back on everyday purchases. This card also made our list of the easiest credit cards to get, making it a good choice for teens starting out their credit journey.
After seven months, Discover will automatically review your account to see if you qualify to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit back — giving you a boost toward the next step in building your credit for the future.
Editor’s take
“With a $0 annual fee, accessibility to those with limited / poor credit and a clear path to upgrade to an unsecured card, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice for anyone trying to establish or build their credit. It’s even our top overall pick for best secured credit card.”
– Tracy Brackman, senior credit cards editor at LendingTree
To be eligible for this card, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a Social Security number
- Have a U.S. address
- Have a U.S. bank account
- Meet other eligibility requirements
Note, you do not need to be a student.
→ Learn more about the Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- 30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO® Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on the dark web. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- Rates & Fees
Best for teens with no credit history
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Highlight: Automatically get evaluated for a credit line increase in as little as six months
- $0 annual fee
- Elevated cash back on every purchase
- Purchase and travel protections
- No deposit required
- Must have a Chase bank account
- May have to wait a year or longer to upgrade card
- Mediocre welcome offer
- Foreign transaction fees
The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is a natural choice for teens and those new to credit, since it comes with a $0 annual fee, rewards on every purchase and the opportunity to increase your credit limit in as soon as six months. It’s even our pick for the best credit card for no credit history. And as one of the best Chase credit cards for teens, this card also stands out due to some of the most robust purchase and travel protections of any beginner credit card on the market.
Editor’s take
“If you’re a Chase customer trying to build credit, the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card should be top of your list of beginner options. It’s a solid entry point to Chase’s Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.”
– Robin Ratcliff, senior managing editor at LendingTree
To be eligible for this card, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old in most states (19 in Alabama or Nebraska and 21 in Puerto Rico)
- Meet other eligibility requirements
Note, you do not need to be a student.
→ Learn more about the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card
- Increase your approval chances - Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
- Earn Cash Back - With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
- Earn a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account and remain enrolled for at least 90 days. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
- Credit Limit Increase - As a Chase cardmember, you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
- Free Credit Score - Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
- No Annual Fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® card.
- Member FDIC
Best for students who are new to credit
Discover it® Student Cash Back
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Highlight: No credit score required to apply
- $0 annual fee
- Open to applicants with no credit history
- Cash back rewards program with first-year match for new cardmembers
- Intro APR offer
- No deposit required
- Must activate quarterly cash back categories to earn higher rate
- Not accepted everywhere outside the U.S.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is our top pick for students new to credit because it’s designed just for college students, offers cash back on every purchase and doesn’t require a credit score to apply. It also offers credit-building features, like identity monitoring, automatic payment reminder alerts and the opportunity to qualify for credit line increases when you graduate.
Plus, this is one of the few cards for teens that offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. This can help you to pay for books or dorm room items without incurring interest charges during the promotional period, or transfer high-interest debt from an existing card at a lower rate during the introductory period.
Editor’s take
“This is a great first card for college students. It helps them get used to how cash back rewards and rotating rewards categories work, earn rewards on all purchases and get the Unlimited Cashback Match at the end of the first year for new cardmembers.”
– Sarah Fisher, deputy editor at LendingTree
To be eligible for this card, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a physical U.S. address
- Have a Social Security number
- Show proof of education
- Meet the income requirements for your age
- Meet other eligibility requirements
→ Learn more about the Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No credit score required to apply.
- No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.99% - 25.99% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- Rates & Fees
Best for teens with fair credit
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Highlight: Ability to earn a credit line increase in as little as six months by making qualifying on-time payments through the Leap program
- $0 annual fee
- Potentially high credit limit for a starter card
- No credit check required
- Cash back on everyday purchases
- No deposit required
- Potentially very high APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Not a major card issuer
The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is our top pick for the best credit card for teens with fair credit due to its unique Leap program, which can potentially reward you with a credit line increase for making six qualifying, consecutive on-time payments. The relatively high credit limit compared to other starter cards makes it easier for teens to put regular spending on the card, build or rebuild credit and get rewarded for making on-time payments.
Editor’s take
“This is a great fee-free option for teens looking to build credit without putting down a security deposit. Plus, with the Leap program, you can earn a credit line increase after just six months of making qualifying, on-time payments.”
– Tracy Brackman, senior credit cards editor at LendingTree
To be eligible for this card, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a permanent resident of a U.S. state, Washington, D.C. or a U.S. military location
- Have a valid address and U.S. phone number
- Have a Social Security number or tax ID number
- Meet other eligibility requirements (which may include having a U.S. bank account and three months of banking history)
→ Learn more about the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card
- No fees whatsoever. No late fee, foreign transaction fee, annual fee, or any-other-kind-of-fee, fee.
- Variable APRs range from 28.74% - 30.74%
- Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away
- 2% - 10% cash back at select merchants
- $300 - $10,000 credit limits
- No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we'll create your Cash Score instead.
- See if you're pre-approved within minutes without impacting your credit score.
- Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members.
- Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
- No deposits required
- Card issued by WebBank
Best for earning cash back on everyday purchases
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Highlight: Generous cash back rewards on groceries, dining, entertainment, streaming and more
- Earn 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
- Earn 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
- Earn a sign-up bonus
- Generous rewards on groceries, dining and entertainment
- Travel and purchase protections
- Flexible rewards redemption
- Lower rewards outside of bonus categories
- Potentially high APR
- Potentially high late payment fee
- Must be a student
The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideal for teens who want to make everyday spending count. It’s also our top pick for best overall credit card for students.
Along with offering an easy-to-earn welcome offer, this card stands out for having an unusually generous cash back program that rewards teens for spending in popular categories, like groceries, dining and streaming services.
Editor’s take
“The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a phenomenal value for an entry-level card. It has top-notch cash rewards in categories that fit a college student’s budget, like groceries and entertainment.”
– Robin Ratcliff, senior managing editor at LendingTree
To be eligible for this card, you must:
- Be a college student
- Have a valid Social Security number or taxpayer ID number
- Live in a U.S. state or Puerto Rico or a U.S. military location
- Meet other requirements (which may include having a monthly income that’s at least $425 higher than your rent or mortgage payment and not having another Capital One card that’s not in good standing)
→ Learn more about the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Best travel credit card for teens
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Highlight: Redeem points for statement credit to cover flights, hotel stays, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, baggage fees and dining
- Simple rewards program
- $0 annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Good sign-up bonus
- $0 foreign transaction fee
- Potentially high APR
- Targeted for students with good / excellent credit
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a great option for teens who travel regularly or who study abroad. Along with simple, flat-rate rewards on every purchase, it offers one of the most generous sign-up bonuses of any card for teens: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. Plus, since there are $0 in foreign transaction fees, you won’t incur additional charges when you use the card to make purchases outside the U.S.
Editor’s take
“We like this card because it’s not just a good card for students — it’s a good card, period. You earn a solid cash back rate on all your purchases, and it comes with a generous welcome offer and lengthy intro APR period for a student card.”
– Sarah Fisher, deputy editor at LendingTree
To be eligible for this card:
You must have good to excellent credit, be at least 18 years old (21 in Puerto Rico) and must live in either a U.S. state, Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands or at a U.S. military address.
→ Learn more about the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a 18.24% to 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Best credit card for teens with good credit
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Highlight: Earn elevated cash back rewards on every purchase
- Earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Simple rewards program
- Flexible rewards redemption options
- Basic travel benefits
- Foreign transaction fees: None
- No sign-up bonus
- High APR
If you’re a teen who has already established good credit, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit is a solid choice. The card keeps it simple by offering a generous, flat cash back rate on every purchase — so there’s no need to keep track of bonus earning categories. The card also comes with a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Editor’s take
“The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit could be a good fit if you’re a teen who can qualify for it. But if you have limited / fair credit, you can get the same earning rate with the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (although you will be responsible for a $39 annual fee).”
– Tracy Brackman, senior credit cards editor at LendingTree
To be eligible for this card, you must:
Note, you may not qualify if you have another Capital One card on which you’re late with a payment or over the credit limit.
→ Learn more about the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards
- Cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
How do credit cards for teens work?
Credit cards for teens allow older teens to begin using a credit card to build credit. These cards have different requirements — such as age, student status and credit history — and some allow you to apply with no credit history at all. Credit cards for teens typically offer credit-building features and tools to help teach responsible financial habits. However, these cards also usually have lower credit limits and less robust benefits and rewards programs than cards designed for adults with more established credit.
How old do you have to be to get a teen credit card?
You have to be at least 18 years old to get a credit card on your own. But even if you meet the age requirement for a credit card, you may need a cosigner unless you have a job or another source of income. These requirements are in place so that credit card issuers can make sure you’re legally old enough to sign a contract obligating you to use the card responsibly and that you have a way to pay off any purchases you make.
Who can get a teen credit card?
Each credit card for teens has its own rules about who can qualify for the card. The ability to get a teen credit card depends on a variety of factors, including age, credit history, employment status and, for student cards, enrollment in a college.
If you don’t meet the requirements for one credit card, you might look at other types of credit cards to see if you qualify. For example, if you can’t get a traditional unsecured credit card, you may be able to get a secured credit card by putting down a security deposit. Secured credit cards typically have less stringent requirements and are often a good option for teens with little to no credit history.
What are the benefits of credit cards for teens?
Should teens have credit cards? It’s normal to have reservations about allowing teens to use a credit card. But just like learning to drive, using credit is an important part of growing up and provides an opportunity for learning and developing good financial habits.
- Teens can develop responsible financial habits with credit cards.
A credit card can help a teen learn to handle credit responsibly, helping them to build skills like budgeting and paying bills on time. If you have a teen who’s not quite old enough to qualify for their own card, you can start teaching good money habits by making them an authorized user on your card. Involve them in checking the balance and paying the bill so they can see how you use your card responsibly. - Credit cards help a teen build credit history for big purchases down the road.
A strong credit history can help a teen get approved for their first apartment and get better interest rates on a car loan or mortgage in the future. A LendingTree study found that having very good credit can save a borrower over $39,000 in lifetime interest on credit cards and loans. - Credit cards can be useful in an emergency.
A credit card can also come in handy for emergencies like getting stranded on a trip home and having to pay for a hotel room or unexpected car repair. - Credit cards can be more useful and safer than cash.
A credit card is a convenient payment option that comes with useful protections that make it a safer bet than using cash or a debit card. For example, if your teen goes on a trip and loses a handful of $20 bills, the money’s gone for good. But if they lose a credit card, you likely won’t be out any money as long as you report the loss to the card issuer promptly. - You can earn rewards with credit cards.
Everyone loves rewards, and many teen credit cards are also rewards credit cards. Cardholders earn rewards from their spending in the form of points, miles or cash back, depending on the card. Points and miles come with a variety of redemption options, including cash, statement credits or gift cards and free travel.
How to choose the best credit card for teens
Looking for good credit cards for teens? First, determine if you meet the requirements to qualify. Then consider factors such as credit-building tools, rewards and any fees the card charges — so you can avoid unwelcome surprises down the road.
Eligibility requirements
You’ll need to meet eligibility requirements that may include age, student status, credit history, income and, in some cases, having a bank account with the card issuer. The good news is that as long as you’re 18 years old, you can likely find a card that’s a fit even if you need to start with a secured credit card for teens.
Credit-building tools
Most credit cards for teens feature at least some credit-building tools. It’s crucial to get a credit card that reports to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) so you can build a credit history. You should also look for a card that offers a free credit score so you can track your credit-building progress. And if you have to start with a secured card that requires a deposit, look for one that offers automatic account reviews so you can get potential credit line increases and graduate to an unsecured card quicker.
Limited or no fees
A teen seeking a credit card should look for one that charges few fees. Make sure the card you choose has a $0 annual fee and doesn’t charge activation fees, monthly fees or maintenance fees. And if you plan to travel outside the U.S. for study abroad or spring break, make sure the card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Card benefits
Finally, consider what benefits you’d like to take advantage of in a credit card. For example, you might want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases, get protected by travel insurance when you use your card to book a plane ticket or have a big purchase like a new phone covered by purchase or extended warranty protection. All cards have different perks, so it’s important to choose wisely.
Best types of credit cards for teens
When looking for good credit cards for teens, you’ll want to consider several different types of credit cards. These include beginner credit cards, student credit cards and secured credit cards. Each of these types of credit cards for teens has different pros, cons and requirements to consider when deciding which type is right for you and your teen.
- Beginner credit cards: Credit cards for beginners have low credit score requirements, if any. Some even allow you to get a credit card without a Social Security number (SSN). The downside is that they are generally low-frills when it comes to sign-up bonuses, intro APR offers and other benefits.
→ Learn more about the best credit cards for beginners - Student credit cards: The best credit cards for students come with no annual fee and allow you to apply even if you have no credit history. These cards may require you to show that you’re currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college. Some student cards offer benefits such as rewards, a welcome bonus or an introductory 0% APR that can help you pay for books, dorm items or other school purchases over time.
→ Learn more about the best credit cards for students - Secured credit cards: Young people who don’t qualify for an unsecured credit card may be able to get a secured credit card, which requires you to put down a security deposit that acts as your line of credit. The deposit is refundable if you close your account in good standing or upgrade to an unsecured card from the same issuer. This can be an excellent way for teens to build credit by making small purchases and paying their bill on time.
→ Learn more about the best secured credit cards
Alternatives to credit cards for teens
Credit cards aren’t necessary for teens, and while useful, they do come with risks that parents and teens may prefer to avoid. The following alternative payment methods may be good options for teens, though not all will help to build credit.
No matter which payment method you use, have a frank talk with your teen about whether and how they’re allowed to use your card. A LendingTree survey found 46% of parents said their child used their debit or credit card without permission, racking up charges. Talking with your teen and setting boundaries may help avoid unwelcome surprises.
Authorized user
If your teen is too young to qualify for a credit card, you may want to consider making them an authorized user on your own card. The age limit varies by card issuer, but some allow teens as young as 13 to be added to a parent or other trusted adult’s card account. If you go this route, make sure you always pay on time and in full when you can to make sure the move has a positive impact on your teen’s credit score and history. Setting a spending limit for an authorized user, if your bank offers this option, is a good way to ensure teens don’t overspend.
“When my son turned 16, I added him as an authorized user on my Discover it® Cash Back. He’s too young to open his own credit card, but this gave him one with his name on it. He doesn’t carry it daily, but it’s his safety net when he’s on trips in case of emergencies. The best part? By the time he turns 18, he’ll already have credit history from my 20+ years with the card — giving him a better chance to qualify for his own unsecured credit card.”
— Charlotte Zhang, credit cards writer at LendingTree
Cosigner
If you have a teen who is 18 but doesn’t have a job that would allow them to qualify for a credit card, you may consider becoming a cosigner on their credit card application. This allows a teen who wouldn’t otherwise be able to get a card to build credit and practice responsible card use. Keep in mind that not all credit card issuers allow cosigners, and that, as cosigner, you are taking on responsibility for any debt on the card that the primary cardholder fails to pay.
Prepaid card
Banks and credit card issuers readily sell prepaid cards that resemble a mashup of a credit card and a gift card. They can be used almost anywhere cards are accepted, including online and in stores, and aren’t tied to a certain retailer. Prepaid cards are generally issued by American Express, Visa or Mastercard. They may have some security features, but it’s best to treat them like cash: if you lose a prepaid card and someone else finds it and spends the funds, your money is gone.
Debit card
A debit card is linked to your checking account, which means your own money is withdrawn from your account whenever you use it. A debit card gives you the convenience of paying with a card without the risk of building up debt from overspending. However, if your debit card gets into the wrong hands, you may not be able to recover all the money that was stolen. If you do get reimbursed for some or all unauthorized charges, it may take 10 to 20 business days for the bank to investigate and issue a refund.
Cash
Cash is a great initial teaching tool to help teens and kids understand how money works. Unlike a card, which looks and feels the same no matter how much you use it, you can see the amount of cash in your wallet dwindle as you spend. However, cash can be easily lost or stolen and won’t work for online purchases.
How to help your teen build credit
- If you add your child as an authorized user on one of your credit card accounts, use a card, such as an American Express card, that offers preset spending limits for authorized users so your teen doesn’t overspend.
- If you’re opening a new credit card with the intent to add your child to your account, look for a card that has the lowest age requirement. This will allow your child to build credit starting at age 13.
- Have your teen sit down with you, go over the credit card bill, help you check the purchases and watch you pay the bill. This will get them used to the process and allow you to answer their questions about credit.
- Explain credit scoring to your teen and show them the FICO Score pie chart so they can see how scores are calculated. Explain how credit scores will be a key factor in helping them rent an apartment or buy a car in the future.
- When your teen is ready to get their own credit card, encourage them to apply for one that offers credit-building tools like a free credit score, purchase alerts and automatic payments. Help them to set up and use these available tools to maintain a good track record of on-time payments.
Quick FAQs about credit cards for teens
If you want to improve your credit score to help increase your chances of being approved for credit cards or loans, the following steps can help:
- Pay your bills on time and in full each month.
- Maintain a low credit utilization ratio, the percentage of your available credit you’re using at any time.
- Minimize the number of new accounts you open.
These steps, if followed diligently, can help get you on the path to a better score.
A secured card requires a refundable deposit, which typically serves as your line of credit. The deposit is used as collateral in case you don’t pay off the purchases charged to the card. It’s generally refunded if you close your account in good standing or if the card issuer upgrades you to an unsecured card.
An unsecured card doesn’t require a deposit. Unsecured cards are typically reserved for those with good to excellent credit, but some unsecured cards are open to applicants with fair credit.
No, you cannot build credit with most debit cards because a debit transaction takes money from your checking account, rather than a line of credit from your credit card issuer. There are new debit cards designed to help you build credit by reporting certain bill payments to the credit bureaus, but you generally need to use a credit card to build credit. Personal loans, auto loans and mortgages are other financial tools that help you build credit.
While the requirements vary based on the issuer and card, student credit cards may require the applicant to show proof of enrollment, either full-time or part-time, at a two-year or four-year college. You also typically need to be 18 years or older and able to show proof of income.
A teenager over the age of 18 with an independent source of income can get a credit card on their own.
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