Can You Get a Secured Credit Card at 17

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Is a Secured Credit Card in Simple Terms?

A secured credit card is a credit card backed by a cash deposit you provide upfront. This deposit acts as collateral and usually sets your credit limit. For example, if you put down $500 as a deposit, your credit limit will likely be $500. You use the card to make purchases just like any other credit card, but if you don’t pay your balance, the card issuer can use your deposit to cover the amount owed. Secured cards are designed to help people establish or rebuild credit because they report your payment history to credit bureaus. This makes them different from prepaid debit cards, which don’t affect your credit score. Having a secured card and managing it responsibly means paying on time and keeping your balance low, which can improve your credit profile over time.

How Does a Secured Credit Card Work? A Detailed Example

Imagine a 17-year-old wants to start building credit but cannot apply for a card alone because of age restrictions. Their parent opens a secured credit card account with a $400 deposit. The parent adds the teen as an authorized user or joint account holder, depending on the issuer’s rules. The teen uses the card for small, manageable expenses like buying lunch or gas. Each month, the parent ensures the bill is paid in full and on time. This responsible use is reported to credit bureaus, helping the teen start building credit history. After six months to a year, with consistent on-time payments and low balances, the teen’s credit score begins to develop. Once they turn 18, they can apply for an unsecured credit card independently, possibly qualifying for better terms due to their established credit history.

The key steps in this example are:

1. Parent applies for and funds the secured card.
2. Teen uses the card with clear spending limits.
3. Parent supervises payments to avoid late fees.
4. Credit bureaus receive positive reports.
5. Teen transitions to their own credit card upon adulthood.

This example shows how secured cards work as a practical tool for teens to gain financial experience and credit history safely.

Why Does Age Matter When Applying for a Secured Credit Card?

Federal law requires individuals to be at least 18 years old to enter into a legal credit agreement. Because 17-year-olds are minors, they cannot usually sign credit card contracts themselves. This is why card issuers typically won’t approve secured credit card applications from anyone under 18 unless a parent or guardian is involved. Additionally, credit card companies need applicants to demonstrate the ability to repay, often verified by proof of income or a co-signer.

For teenagers and their families, understanding this age requirement helps set realistic expectations. While the law limits direct access to credit products before 18, parents can help minors build credit early through joint accounts or authorized user status. This involvement is crucial because it teaches teens how credit works, prepares them for independent financial decisions, and helps avoid costly mistakes like missed payments or overspending.

For example, if a 17-year-old tries to apply alone, the application will almost certainly be denied. Instead, the parent can apply and deposit collateral, creating a secured card environment where the teen learns responsibility under supervision. Once the teen turns 18, they can legally apply for their own credit card, often with a better credit profile thanks to this groundwork.

What Are Terms People Commonly Confuse with Secured Credit Cards?

When learning about secured credit cards, it’s easy to mix them up with other financial products. Here are some common terms and how they differ:

• Prepaid Debit Card: You load money onto the card and spend only what’s available. It doesn’t involve borrowing money or building credit because it’s not a credit product. For example, if you deposit $100, you can spend up to $100 but no more, and payments are not reported to credit bureaus.

• Unsecured Credit Card: Unlike a secured card, an unsecured card doesn’t require a deposit. The lender extends credit based on your creditworthiness and income. These cards usually have higher credit limits and rewards but require good or fair credit to qualify.

• Authorized User Card: A minor can be added as an authorized user on a parent’s credit card account. The minor can use the card, but the primary account holder is responsible for payments. Authorized user activity may or may not be reported to credit bureaus depending on the issuer, so the credit-building benefit varies.

• Joint Account Holder: This is a co-owner of the credit card account who shares legal responsibility for charges and payments. Some secured cards allow joint accounts with adults and minors, which can be a way for teens to get early credit access.

Understanding these differences helps families choose the right approach for building credit responsibly.

Can Minors Get a Secured Credit Card on Their Own?

The short answer is no—minors generally cannot get a secured credit card independently. Since minors cannot legally enter credit contracts, most issuers require the primary applicant to be 18 or older. However, some financial institutions and credit unions offer special programs that allow a parent or guardian to open a secured card account and add the minor as a joint account holder or authorized user.

For example, a credit union might let a parent open a custodial secured credit card account where the parent controls the deposit and payments but the minor gets a card to use. This setup provides a supervised way for teens to gain credit experience while minimizing risk for the parent. Policies vary widely, so it is important to contact banks or credit unions directly to ask about minor-friendly secured card options.

Alternatively, being an authorized user on a parent’s existing credit card is a common way for minors to be involved in credit use before they can have their own card. This does not require a deposit but depends on the issuer’s reporting policies to credit bureaus.

What Are the Steps to Get a Secured Credit Card for a Teen Under 18?

If you want a 17-year-old to start building credit using a secured credit card, follow these steps:

1. Discuss with a Parent or Guardian: Explain why you want to build credit early and agree on spending limits and responsibilities.

1. Research Financial Institutions: Look for banks or credit unions that offer secured cards allowing minors as joint account holders or authorized users. Some credit unions have youth or teen credit card programs.

1. Parent Opens the Account: The parent or guardian applies for the secured credit card, provides the required deposit, and handles account setup.

1. Add the Teen as Authorized User or Joint Account Holder: Depending on the issuer’s rules, the teen will receive a card linked to the account to use for purchases.

1. Set Clear Rules: Agree on how much the teen can spend monthly and what types of purchases are acceptable.

1. Monitor and Pay Bills on Time: The adult ensures the monthly bills are paid fully and promptly to avoid fees and negative credit reporting.

1. Check Credit Reports Periodically: Starting six months after account opening, regularly review credit reports via free services like AnnualCreditReport.com to track credit-building progress.

1. Transition to an Independent Credit Card: When the teen turns 18, help them apply for their own unsecured credit card using the credit history built with the secured card.

Taking these concrete steps helps teens learn about credit responsibly while building a positive financial future.

How Can Building Credit Early Benefit Teens and Young Adults?

Establishing credit before or just after turning 18 offers practical advantages that will impact many aspects of life. A positive credit history can help you:

• Qualify for car loans or student loans with better interest rates.
• Rent apartments more easily since many landlords check credit scores.
• Obtain utilities and phone contracts without large deposits.
• Qualify for insurance discounts or premium savings.
• Increase chances of approval for credit cards with rewards or perks.

Moreover, using a secured credit card under adult supervision teaches money management skills like budgeting, on-time payments, and responsible spending. For example, a teen who uses a secured card to buy gas and pays the full balance monthly will learn to avoid interest charges and build credit simultaneously.

Parents who participate in this process have the opportunity to educate teens on avoiding common pitfalls like maxing out credit or missing payments, which can harm credit scores for years. Early experience with credit helps young adults avoid financial stress and make confident money decisions as they gain independence.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 17-year-old have a credit card at all?

A 17-year-old cannot get a credit card on their own because they are minors and cannot enter contracts. However, they can be added as an authorized user on a parent's card or be part of a joint secured card account with an adult.

How much deposit is required for a secured credit card?

The deposit usually equals the credit limit. For example, if you want a $300 limit, you provide a $300 deposit. Some issuers may have minimum or maximum deposit requirements, so check with the card issuer.

Does being an authorized user help build credit?

It can, if the credit card issuer reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus. Not all issuers do, so ask before adding a teen as an authorized user to ensure it benefits their credit score.

Can a parent open a secured card for their child under 18?

Yes, many banks and credit unions allow parents to open secured cards and add their child as an authorized user or joint account holder, helping the child build credit under supervision.

How often should you check your credit report when using a secured card?

It’s a good idea to check your credit report at least once every few months to confirm that payments are reported accurately and to track progress. Free reports are available annually at AnnualCreditReport.com.

What happens after you pay off your secured card balance?

Paying your balance in full each month avoids interest and shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly. Over time, this positive behavior improves your credit score.