How old do you have to be to get a credit card?

To get one independently you have to be 18. That means its under your name and there is no cosigner, so if you run into problems and can't pay your bill, you and only you are responsible for it.

At 18 they still ask you to have a cosigner, especially if its your first card or you don't have a solid job. I had this problem and went to about 4 different companies before i found one that didn't need me to put my parents names down as well. I personally think it is a much better idea to get a card WITHOUT a cosigner, because then your financial problems remain yours and don't affect other people. If you are old enough to carry a credit card you should be able to handle your own finances.

If you don't have a cosigner your limit is usually lower, and they sometimes want you to put money down, like a deposit, for double the amount of your limit, incase you can't pay your bills. If you pay all your bills on time for like 2 year (or whatever the company says) you get your money back. If you haven't been paying your bills in time, carrying a balance, etc. They keep the money until you cancel your card.

So if you are over 18 you can get one in your name, but try to look around for one that doesn't need a cosigner or deposit. You'll likely have to actually apply to them and you'll either be approved, denied, or they will call you to discuss the terms,

If you are under 18, (but over 16), you can get one with your parents, but they are like, the main signers, just with your name on the card. Basically that says they are responsible for what you do. Few companies allow children under 16 to carry a card but they may if its under your parents name and your parents agree to the terms and responsiblities. You will likely have to look pretty hard for one of these companies, or your parents have to be willing to agree to a pretty high-risk situation. Just think, little kids and stuff from rich families can get credit cards, but their parents have to be willing to take the financial risk. They usually have a low limit.

If you are over 13, you can get a prepaid credit card, like a much Music card in canada, I beleive you can get them from most major credit card companies and banks as well though. You have to be over 16 to get it without your parents but you just have to be 13 to get one with your parents. The deal with those is that you can use it like a regular credit card for shopping online and stuff but its only money you already have that you can spend... LIke a debit card but you cant use a debit card to shop online.

I'm 19.. Have credit already w/ a student loan, have a solid moderately high paying job (40k)... and I still had a hard time getting my first card without a cosigner or deposit... Finally found one but with a limit of 500.. You never said where you are from but if you're in canada try TD canada trust tthey're really good about giving credit cards without a cosigner and with no background.