Chase Visa Credit Cards
How old do you have to be to have a Chase Visa Credit Card?
You do not have to be 18 years old to have a credit card. Myself, I had my first card at 16. What is required is a sponsor, or co-applicant, usually a parent or legal guardian. The parent/guardian/co-applicant must provide their social security information as well as employment, income, and other details. The account would not be listed on the minors credit report, even though they would have a credit card with their name on it. The account is actually in the name of the guardian and the minor is merely an authorized user. Only when the person is of legal age may they apply to reinstate the account as the primary cardholder. At that time their request would only be granted if they personally had sufficient credit. Currently some credit card companies, such as Capital One, are phasing out their co-signor programs. However, anyone with a credit card account in their name can add an authorized user at anytime.
I have known instances in which children as young as 10 have had a credit card. I know that seems ridiculous, but true. There are probably children even younger with cards…say for example Madonna’s children. But anyway the answer to your question is no you do not have to be 18 to get a credit card as an authorized user. However to be the primary cardholder on the account, the applicant must be 18 years of age, or in some instances a legal adult- such as an emancipated minor. Hope that helps!
