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Your child can start building credit history at age 13-15 as an authorized user on your card — giving them a 700+ score by 18.
When you add your child as an authorized user, your card's positive payment history appears on their credit report. By age 18, they can have 3-5 years of credit history and a score above 700.
13-15
Min Age (Most Cards)
Varies by issuer
700+
Potential Score at 18
With responsible parent account
3-5 yrs
Credit History
Built before adulthood
Add Them to YOUR Card
Choose a card with long history, low utilization, and perfect payment record.
Don't Give Them the Card
You don't need to let them spend. Just being listed builds their credit.
History Appears on Their Report
The entire account history (including years before they were added) shows up.
Monitor Their Credit
Check their credit report annually to confirm it's reporting correctly.
Major Issuers
| Feature | Reports to Bureaus? | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| American Express | Yes (all 3) | 13 years |
| Chase | Yes (all 3) | No minimum |
| Discover | Yes (all 3) | 15 years |
| Capital One | Yes (all 3) | No minimum |
| Citi | Yes (all 3) | No minimum |
| Bank of America | Yes (all 3) | No minimum |
Check Your Own Credit
Only add them to a card with 100% on-time payments and <30% utilization.
Set Spending Limit
Most issuers let you set a low limit ($50-$100) for the authorized user card.
Keep Utilization Low
Your utilization affects their score. Keep the card below 10% usage.
Remove & Apply for Own Card
They'll qualify for excellent cards with their established history.
Your Risk
Lock the Card
Key Takeaways