Did You Know? You Can Add Your Child to Your Credit Card!
Monday, October 20, 2025
Most parents don’t realize that they can start helping their child build credit long before they ever apply for their first card. By adding your child as an authorized user on your credit card, you can give them a head start in building a strong financial foundation.
Why Add Your Child as an Authorized User?
Jump-start their credit history
Your child begins establishing a credit file early, which can make a big difference when they apply for student loans, their first apartment, or even their own credit card as an adult.
Teach financial responsibility
If you choose to give them a physical card, it’s a great way to introduce budgeting, spending limits, and responsible card use.
Access in emergencies
Even if they don’t use the card regularly, it can provide peace of mind knowing they have access in an emergency.
No separate application needed
Since they’re attached to your account, there’s no credit check required for them.
But remember: Adding your child only helps if the account is well-managed. Late payments, high balances, or maxed-out cards can hurt both your credit and your child’s credit profile.
Minimum Age Requirements by Bank
Not all credit card companies have the same rules when it comes to age. Here’s how the major issuers compare:
- American Express – 13 years old
- Bank of America – No minimum age requirement
- Barclays – 13 years old
- Capital One – No minimum age requirement
- Chase – No minimum age requirement
- Citibank – No minimum age requirement
- Discover – 15 years old
- U.S. Bank – 16 years old
- Wells Fargo – No minimum age requirement
The Takeaway
Adding your child as an authorized user can be a smart, simple step toward their financial future. With some issuers, you can add them at any age, while others require your child to be a teen first. Either way, the earlier they start building credit (with responsible account management), the stronger their foundation will be when it’s time to apply for credit on their own.
Pro Tip: Before adding your child, call your bank to confirm whether they’ll report the authorized user’s credit history to the bureaus, especially if your child is under 18.
Planning For the Future
At J&S Accounting, many of our small business clients ask us not only about saving money but also about setting their children up for long-term success. Adding your child as an authorized user can be one of those simple, strategic moves that makes a lasting impact. If you’d like to explore more ways to strengthen your family’s financial future or want practical, money-saving strategies for your business, contact J&S Accounting today.
About J&S Accounting
At J&S Accounting, we provide expert bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. We recognize the challenges that come with maintaining accurate financial records and how vital this is for the smooth operation and growth of your business. As a woman and minority-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our expertise to businesses in Savannah, GA, and across the nation, helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve better financial management.
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Disclaimer:This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.
© 2023 J&S Accounting. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.