Do You Have to Be 18 to Get a Secured Credit Card?

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

What Is a Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card is a type of credit card designed to help people build or rebuild their credit history. Unlike regular credit cards, a secured card requires a cash deposit as collateral, which usually acts as your credit limit. For example, if you put down a $300 deposit, your credit limit will likely be $300. This deposit protects the card issuer if you don’t pay your bill. Secured cards work like regular credit cards: you make purchases, receive a monthly bill, and pay at least the minimum due on time. Over time, responsible use can improve your credit score, making it easier to qualify for unsecured cards or loans later.

Why Do You Have to Be 18 to Get a Secured Credit Card?

Credit card applications are legal contracts between the cardholder and the issuer. In the US, you must be at least 18 years old to enter into a binding credit agreement on your own. This means that credit card companies will not approve an application from someone under 18, including secured cards. While there is no federal law explicitly banning minors from having credit cards, the contractual age requirement and some state laws make it impossible to get a card independently before 18. The law aims to protect minors from financial risks they may not fully understand.

Can Minors Use a Secured Credit Card?

Minors cannot generally open a secured credit card account by themselves, but they can still benefit from credit cards through other means:

• Authorized user: A parent or guardian can add a minor as an authorized user on their secured credit card. This allows the minor to use the card but without a separate contract or credit responsibility.
• Joint account holder: Some issuers allow joint accounts where the adult and minor share responsibility for the card.
• Prepaid cards and debit cards: These do not build credit but can be alternatives for managing money under adult supervision.

These options help minors learn about credit and money management before they turn 18.

How Does a Secured Credit Card Work? (Example)

Suppose you are 18 and apply for a secured credit card. The issuer requires a $500 security deposit, which you pay upfront. This deposit becomes your credit limit. You use the card to buy groceries for $100, then receive a monthly statement showing a $100 balance. You pay the $100 on time, and the issuer reports this positive payment history to the credit bureaus. Over several months, this helps build your credit score. If you miss payments or carry a high balance, it can hurt your credit instead.

Your $500 deposit is held until you close the account or upgrade to an unsecured card. If you maintain good standing, many issuers eventually return your deposit.

Why Does This Matter?

Being able to get a secured credit card at 18 is important because it lets young adults start building credit early. Good credit is essential for many financial goals like renting an apartment, getting a car loan, or qualifying for better credit card offers. Without a credit history, it can be difficult or expensive to borrow money. Secured cards provide a relatively safe way to establish credit with low risk to lenders, making it easier for young adults to gain financial independence.

What Terms Are Often Confused with Secured Credit Cards?

Several terms may be confused with secured credit cards:

• Unsecured credit cards: No deposit required, but usually require good credit to qualify.
• Prepaid cards: You load money onto the card and spend that amount. Prepaid cards don’t build credit because you’re not borrowing money.
• Debit cards: Linked directly to a bank account and don’t involve credit or borrowing.
• Authorized user cards: Someone else’s card account adds you as a user but you don’t have a contract yourself.

Clarifying these terms helps you understand what option fits your needs best.

What Should You Do Next if You’re Under 18?

If you are under 18 and want to start building credit or managing money:

1. Ask a parent or guardian about adding you as an authorized user on their secured credit card.
2. Learn to manage a prepaid or debit card responsibly to practice budgeting and spending.
3. Research financial education resources for teens to build money skills.
4. Prepare to apply for your own secured credit card once you turn 18 by saving for the deposit and understanding credit basics.

For more detailed advice about minors and credit cards, see articles like "Can You Get a Secured Credit Card at 17?" and "Can a Minor Get a Secured Credit Card?" which explore these topics further.

How to Apply for a Secured Credit Card at 18 or Older?

When you turn 18, you can apply directly for a secured credit card. Steps include:

• Check your budget and decide how much you can afford for the security deposit.
• Research secured credit cards with reasonable fees and good reviews.
• Gather identification and financial information for the application.
• Apply online or in person with the issuer.
• Make the required deposit to activate your card.
• Use the card responsibly by paying bills on time and keeping balances low.

Over time, your credit history should improve, and you may qualify for unsecured credit cards with better terms.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a secured credit card if I’m younger than 18?

Generally, no. Credit card issuers require you to be 18 or older to open a secured credit card account on your own. Minors can sometimes be authorized users on a parent's card but cannot apply independently.

What is the difference between a secured credit card and a prepaid card?

A secured credit card requires a cash deposit as collateral and helps build credit by reporting your payment history, while a prepaid card uses your own money loaded onto it and does not affect your credit score.

How much money do I need to open a secured credit card?

The required security deposit varies by issuer but typically ranges from $200 to $500. This deposit usually becomes your credit limit.

Can someone under 18 build credit?

Minors cannot open credit cards but can build credit by being authorized users on a parent's credit card or by taking out a joint account. Otherwise, credit building starts at 18.

When should I consider upgrading from a secured to an unsecured credit card?

After responsible use for several months to a year and improvement in your credit score, you can request an upgrade from your issuer or apply for an unsecured card to access better terms.

Does having a secured credit card affect my credit score?

Yes. Making timely payments and keeping balances low on a secured credit card can help build or improve your credit score because issuers report your activity to credit bureaus.