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Your teens won't be able to qualify for a credit card of their own until they're 18. But you can add them to your credit card account before then, and there are many reasons to do so.
You might want them to have a credit card in case of emergencies, particularly if they're driving on their own and often away from home. It's also an opportunity to teach them financial responsibility, and it can help them establish their credit. Some cards may be better than others, particularly if you want to control their spending, so it's worth taking the time to review your options.
Joint Credit Cards Vs. Adding an Authorized User
Whether you're trying to add a spouse, child or friend, most credit card issuers don't allow cosigners or joint credit card accounts. Instead, if you want to add another person to your account, you'll need to add them as an authorized user.
The difference is that cosigners have equal responsibility for the account. You both can earn and use rewards, and are both required to pay the balance. If the bill goes unpaid, both account holders are liable.
In contrast, when you add an authorized user to your account, you are legally responsible for the entire account as the primary cardholder. Your authorized user can make purchases and may be able to pay down the balance, but you'll generally have control over any rewards that are earned and, again, are ultimately liable for any balance that accrues.
If you add someone as an authorized user, the credit card company may report the account and activity to the credit bureaus so it can then be reflected in their budding credit report. Because of this, adding your teen as an authorized user can help them build credit. Authorized user and reporting policies vary depending on the issuer, so your mileage may vary.
For example, American Express lets you add an authorized user who is at least 13 years old, but will only report the authorized user's account when the person is at least 18 years old. Discover requires the person to be at least 15, and will report the authorized user account starting at that age. Some issuers, including Citi, don't have an age requirement for adding or reporting the authorized user.
Controlling Your Teen's Authorized-User Account
As you'll be the one responsible for paying the bill, you might also want some control over how much your teen can charge with their card, if your credit card issuer offers you this kind of control.
One card issuer that provides this option is American Express. With an American Express card, you can set authorized user spending alerts and limits, which can be as low as $200. Your monthly statement will also separate your charges from the authorized user's charges. And, you can log in to your account and check the authorized user's current balance at any time.
Partially because of these options, many of our top picks are American Express cards.
Top Credit Cards for Adding a Teen
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
You can add your teen as an authorized user on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. This is equal to $750 in travel and isn't the only perk you'll both enjoy from using this card.
Cardholders can earn 2 miles per dollar on every eligible purchase without a cap, and they won't expire as long as the account is still open. You can also earn 5 miles per dollar spent when using Capital One Travel to book hotels and rental cars, and 5 Miles per dollar when you book on Turo, through May 16, 2023. With options to transfer these reward points to over 15 travel loyalty programs, you can earn as a family towards your next adventure.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card does come with a $95 annual fee, but that may be worth it if you travel regularly and are able to balance it out with perks such as the statement credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
A Stepping Stone to a Card of Their Own
Adding your teen as an authorized user on your account can be a good opportunity for them to learn how to use a credit card, and your on-time payments can help them build a positive credit history. Once they're older, their established credit and experience with a credit card may help prepare them for a starter card of their own.