Can a Child Have a Credit Score?

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting to build a child's credit score?

Before attempting to build credit for a child, ensure the child has a Social Security number (SSN), as it is essential for any credit reporting in the U.S. If the child does not have an SSN, parents can apply for one through the Social Security Administration. Without an SSN, credit bureaus cannot create a credit file.

Next, consider opening a bank account like a savings or checking account in the child's name. While this alone does not build credit, it helps teach financial responsibility and lays a foundation for future credit management. For example, a joint savings account with the child can demonstrate money management basics before introducing credit.

Review your state's laws about minors and credit, since some states allow limited financial agreements or joint accounts for minors, while others restrict them. Checking this helps avoid legal complications.

Finally, prepare to be actively involved in managing and supervising credit-building steps since minors cannot legally enter into credit contracts without parental consent or co-signers. Having this groundwork ensures a smoother process.

How can a child start building a credit history?

Since children cannot open credit accounts on their own, parents need to help start the credit history. The most straightforward method is adding the child as an authorized user on a credit card. This means the child’s credit report reflects the card's payment history and credit utilization but does not make the child responsible for the debt.

For example, if a parent has a credit card with a $2,000 limit and a history of on-time payments, adding the child as an authorized user can help build positive credit history for the child. Confirm with your card issuer that they report authorized users to credit bureaus, as some do not.

Another method is a joint credit card account if your state permits. Here, both parent and child share responsibility, which helps the child establish their own credit file. This requires careful teaching about managing payments, as delinquency affects both.

For teenagers, prepaid debit cards or youth checking accounts with parental controls can teach budgeting and money management but do not affect credit scores. Once the child turns 18, they can apply for their own credit cards or loans, often starting with secured credit cards that require a deposit.

What are the exact steps to help a child get a credit score?

Follow this detailed step-by-step process, including reasons behind each step:

1. Obtain the child’s Social Security number: The SSN is required for credit reporting and to start building any credit profile.
2. Add the child as an authorized user on a credit card: This helps create credit history based on the primary cardholder’s positive payment behavior without the child applying for credit.
3. Confirm the card issuer reports authorized users to credit bureaus: Contact your credit card company and ask, “Do you report authorized users to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion?”
4. Explain credit basics to the child: Use simple phrases like, “Paying your bills on time helps build a good credit record,” and “Keeping your balance low shows you can manage credit responsibly.”
5. When the child turns 18, assist with applying for their own credit account: Help fill out applications and suggest secured or student credit cards to start building independent credit.
6. Teach the child to keep credit use low: For instance, if the credit limit is $1,000, recommend keeping the balance below $300 to maintain a healthy credit utilization rate.
7. Check the child’s credit report regularly after age 18: Use free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com to ensure the information is accurate and free of errors or fraud.
8. Review credit card statements together: Discuss due dates, payment amounts, and how interest is calculated to build understanding.
9. Discuss consequences of missed payments or high balances: Explain how these can lower credit scores and increase costs, with exact wording like, “Missing payments can stay on your credit report for years and make future borrowing harder.”
10. Encourage gradual independence: As the child gains experience, allow them to manage their credit responsibly but remain available for guidance.

This structured approach helps build a solid credit history step-by-step.

How can you tell if the child has a credit score?

A credit score exists only when there is enough credit history reported to the credit bureaus. To check:

• Request the child’s credit report after age 18: The child can order free credit reports once per year from each major bureau via AnnualCreditReport.com. Parents cannot access minors’ credit reports without legal authorization.
• Use credit monitoring services designed for young adults: With parental permission, these can help track credit activity and alert to changes.
• Look for a three-digit credit score between 300 and 850: This number summarizes creditworthiness; a higher number means better credit.
• Check with credit card issuers: Some provide credit scores or summaries on statements if the child has their own account.

If no score appears, it usually means there is insufficient credit history, which is common for minors and new credit users.

What should you do if it doesn’t work or the credit history isn’t building?

If no credit history shows up after taking these steps, try:

• Confirming that authorized user accounts are reported: Some issuers do not forward authorized user data to credit bureaus, so ask your card issuer directly.
• Checking for errors or identity theft: Obtain a credit report to review personal details and accounts. Errors can block or delay credit history building.
• Ensuring accounts are active and payments are current: Closed or inactive accounts don’t build credit, so keep accounts open and in good standing.
• Avoid closing long-standing credit accounts prematurely: The length of credit history helps scores, so keep older accounts open if possible.
• Contacting the credit bureaus to dispute inaccuracies: Follow their dispute process to correct wrong information.
• Seeking help from a credit counselor: Professionals can offer advice tailored to your situation if problems persist.

Remember, building credit is a gradual process that can take several months to reflect on reports.

How can parents adapt this process for their child’s age and maturity?

Adjust your approach based on the child’s stage:

• Young children (under 13): Focus on teaching savings and spending with allowances or jars. Avoid introducing credit concepts before they can understand basic money management.
• Preteens and younger teens (13–15): Introduce credit as “borrowing money that you pay back later,” and use examples like borrowing for a bike or phone. Consider adding them as authorized users but monitor accounts closely.
• Older teens (16–17): Encourage responsibility by reviewing statements together and explaining the effects of payment timing and balances on credit.
• Young adults (18+): Assist with applying for their own credit cards or loans, emphasizing paying balances in full and on time, and keeping utilization low. Gradually reduce supervision as they demonstrate responsibility.

Tailoring education and involvement according to maturity helps prevent misuse and builds confidence.

Why does having a credit score early matter?

Early credit building helps young adults qualify for loans, credit cards, renting apartments, or even some jobs with better terms. For example, a young adult with a credit history might be able to rent an apartment without a co-signer, or get a credit card with a lower security deposit.

Having a credit score also starts the clock on credit history length, a factor in scoring models. Responsible early use teaches financial discipline, which helps avoid problems like late payments or excessive debt later. Parents who guide children through this process help pave the way to financial independence and stability.

Frequently asked questions

Can a child under 18 legally have a credit card?

No, minors generally cannot open credit card accounts on their own. Parents can add them as authorized users on existing cards to help build credit without legal responsibility.

How often should I check my child’s credit report?

For children under 18, credit reports usually do not exist unless there is fraud. Once the child turns 18, check their credit reports annually to ensure accuracy and detect identity theft.

What is a secured credit card and why is it good for young adults?

A secured credit card requires a cash deposit as collateral, reducing risk for the issuer. It helps young adults build credit safely, especially if they have no credit history.

Can adding a child as an authorized user hurt their credit?

Yes, if the primary cardholder misses payments or carries high balances, it can negatively affect the child's credit. Choose cards with strong positive payment histories.

What should I do if my child is a victim of identity theft?

Immediately report fraud to the credit bureaus, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov, and place fraud alerts or credit freezes to protect your child’s credit and identity.