Average credit scores for teens

Teens 13–17 · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is a credit score, and do teens have one?

A credit score is a three-digit number that shows how reliable you are at borrowing money and paying it back. It’s based on a credit report, which tracks your borrowing history, bill payments, and any missed payments. For teens between 13 and 17, it’s rare to have a credit score because most don’t have credit accounts like credit cards, student loans, or personal loans in their name. Without this kind of financial history, credit bureaus don’t have enough information to create a score.

If you’re a teen, you might wonder whether you have a credit score or not. A good way to check is by asking a parent or guardian to help you request a free credit report from each bureau through AnnualCreditReport.com. Most teens will see little or no activity. However, some teens might have a credit file if they are authorized users on a parent’s credit card or if their name was used on a financial account early.

Understanding that having no credit score is common for teens can reduce stress. It’s just because credit history takes time to build, and that’s perfectly normal.

How does a credit score work for someone just starting?

Credit scores range roughly between 300 and 850. A higher score means lenders see you as less risky and more likely to pay back borrowed money on time. When you start building credit, your score might be low or nonexistent, but as you handle credit responsibly, it improves.

Imagine a teen named Jordan who just turned 18 and got a secured credit card. Jordan deposits $300 as a security deposit, which becomes the credit limit. Jordan uses this card to buy gas and groceries totaling $150 each month. To build a good score, Jordan pays the full balance every month by the due date, avoiding interest and late fees.

Over six months, this positive payment history helps Jordan’s credit score grow, starting around 600 and moving higher as the pattern continues. Jordan keeps credit utilization (the amount spent compared to the credit limit) at 50% or lower by paying early or limiting purchases, which also helps the score.

This example shows how managing a small credit card responsibly creates the financial history lenders want to see.

Why does having a credit score matter for teens?

Having a credit score matters because it affects your ability to borrow money for important things like buying a car, renting an apartment, or paying for college. It can also influence insurance rates and sometimes job opportunities when employers check your credit to assess reliability.

For teens, starting to build credit early means you can qualify for better loan terms and lower interest rates later. A strong credit score can save you money and stress. If you wait until your mid-20s to start, you might face higher costs or be denied credit entirely.

Additionally, knowing how credit works helps you avoid common pitfalls, such as missing payments or accumulating debt. Learning these skills as a teen prepares you for financial independence and adult responsibilities.

What terms related to credit scores do teens often mix up?

Credit and money terms can be confusing. Here are some to know:

• Credit score vs. Credit report: A credit report is a detailed record of your borrowing and payment history, while a credit score summarizes that information into a single number.
• Authorized user: Someone added to another person’s credit card account. This can help teens build credit without applying for their own card.
• Secured credit card: A credit card backed by a cash deposit you make upfront, which acts as collateral. It’s safer for beginners and easier to get.
• Credit utilization: The percentage of your available credit you’re using. For example, if you have a $500 credit limit and use $100, your utilization is 20%. Lower utilization often leads to a higher credit score.
• Hard inquiry: When a lender checks your credit report to decide if they will lend you money. Multiple inquiries in a short time can lower your score temporarily.

Understanding these terms helps you communicate clearly about credit and make smart financial choices.

How can teens start building credit safely?

If you are 18 or older, here are practical ways to start building credit:

1. Become an authorized user: Ask a parent or guardian to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. This lets you benefit from their good payment history without needing to apply for your own card.
2. Apply for a secured credit card: Choose a card that requires a cash deposit equal to your credit limit. Use it for small purchases, then pay the balance in full and on time every month.
3. Pay all bills on time: Even if you don’t have credit cards, paying phone bills or utility bills on time builds good habits and can sometimes be reported to credit bureaus.
4. Keep credit utilization low: Use less than 30% of your available credit. For example, with a $300 limit, don’t carry more than $90 balance at a time.
5. Avoid multiple credit applications: Don’t apply for several credit cards or loans at once because it can lower your score and look risky to lenders.
6. Monitor your credit: Check your credit report regularly to spot errors or signs of fraud.

If you’re under 18, focus on learning about money and credit now, and plan to build credit once you turn 18.

How can teens check if they have a credit score or report?

Since most teens don’t have credit scores yet, it’s helpful to verify. To do this:

• Visit AnnualCreditReport.com with a parent or guardian to request free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
• If you’ve been an authorized user or started credit, you might see accounts listed.
• For free credit scores, some websites and apps offer access, but be careful to use trustworthy services that don’t charge fees or request unnecessary personal info.
• Parents can help by logging into their credit card portals to check if you are an authorized user and the impact on their score.

Knowing what’s on your credit report helps you catch mistakes early and understand your credit history.

What should teens do next after understanding credit scores?

After learning about credit scores, take these steps:

• Talk to trusted adults about credit and money management. Ask how they built their credit and what advice they have.
• Read beginner guides on managing money, like How teens can build their credit score, to get practical tips.
• Plan for when you turn 18: Consider applying for a secured credit card or becoming an authorized user.
• Set financial goals: Whether saving for college, a car, or future credit needs, having goals helps you stay motivated.
• Practice budgeting and saving: Good money habits now make managing credit easier later.
• Stay informed: Credit rules and products change, so keep learning.

Being proactive now leads to stronger credit and financial confidence as you become an adult.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 16-year-old get a credit card on their own?

No, credit card companies typically require applicants to be 18 or older. Teens 16 and 17 can become authorized users on a parent’s card, which helps build credit without holding the account themselves.

Why don’t most teens have credit scores?

Credit scores depend on having a credit history, which comes from loans or credit cards. Since teens usually don’t have these accounts, they don’t have enough information to generate a score.

How does being an authorized user affect a teen’s credit?

Being an authorized user means your credit report includes the primary cardholder’s payment history. If they pay on time and keep balances low, it can help your score. However, missed payments by the primary user can also hurt your credit.

How often can teens check their credit reports for free?

Everyone can request one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com. Checking reports regularly helps detect errors or fraud early.

Does having a credit score mean I owe money?

Not necessarily. A credit score reflects your history with credit accounts, including payments and balances. You can have a score with no debt if you use credit responsibly and pay off balances on time.

What should I do if I find errors on my credit report?

Contact the credit bureau that issued the report to dispute errors. Provide documents proving the mistake, and follow their process to have it corrected. You can also ask a parent or guardian for help.