When Did You Get Your First Credit Card?

June 19, 2008

The story about Bank of America approving a 6-year-old for a $600 credit card is beyond ridiculous and demonstrates just how easy it is to get one. With no income and a birth date in 2002, the bank apparently thought this little boy was capable of handling credit!

While this boy started receiving credit card applications at a very tender age, credit card companies generally start their bombardment during college and continue the steady stream of junk mail until you insist they stop. When did you receive your first shiny new card?

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58 Comments

i am awesomeness 4 years 45 weeks

I got my first credit(or rather debit card) when I was 18. And it was utterly annoying to have to use cash when I got to college because my annoying credit union said I had to wait EXACTLY until my birthday. I couldn't even get it an effing because my birthday was a Sunday I had to effing wait until Monday grrrrr. And they HAD to mail it to my house and I wasn't living at home anymore, so I had to come back just to get my card. Eff! But I think it depends on where you live because my best friend who is from Vegas had her mother partly on her card just like me and she got her birthday before school started. And maybe because she went thru Bank of America and not a credit union. I would've got my card at 17 had the credit union not be so darn ridiculous.

meggles114 4 years 47 weeks

I got my first card right after I turned 18 (I was a senior in HS)... regretted it ever since! LOL!

radmama27 4 years 47 weeks

18, so I was still in high school. I only bought gas with it, and paid it off every month. I have amazing credit for a 23 year old!

Knight Who Says Ni 4 years 47 weeks

Oh yeah: Reward points FTW.

Knight Who Says Ni 4 years 47 weeks

Oh yeah: Reward points FTW.

Knight Who Says Ni 4 years 47 weeks

I was credit card-phobic for a very long time. I only got a credit card because, during a routine credit report check, I learned that the only thing holding me back from an even more stellar credit score was the fact that I didn't have any revolving credit. That was only a few months ago. Fortunately, by that time I was already well-trained in knowing what I can and can't afford and what my normal expenses are, so I'm not in danger of carrying a balance. I'm more of a saver than a spender anyway. I pay for almost everything on my credit card and pay it off in full the very day I receive my statement. The cool thing about this arrangement is that balancing my checkbook is much, much easier!

Knight Who Says Ni 4 years 47 weeks

reena2 4 years 48 weeks

I was buying my first 'brand new' car - I had all but $700.00 in cash. The bank would not give me a car loan for that amount - and gave me a credit card instead.

ilanac13 4 years 48 weeks

when i was in high school, i was working after school at a clothing store, and my mom got me a credit card off her account so i could get stuff. i got my OWN card when i was in college, but i'm happy to say that i don't have any right now - aside from my debit card that i use. i don't really like the thought of paying for things that i can't afford RIGHT NOW - so i don't use them.

ilanac13 4 years 48 weeks

aistea311 4 years 48 weeks

I got my first credit card freshman year of high school. It helped me be responsible back then, now.... not so much.

Ryot 4 years 48 weeks

I actually think that people should get credit cards as young as possible, as soon as they start working -- and learn right away about paying it off every single month without fail. If you treat it like a debit card, only spending what you have and keeping track of your spending, you can build up great credit. Building a good credit rating is just as important as building a nest egg or starting a 401k, IMO.

shanimalcracker 4 years 48 weeks

meg1n1022, I assume you mean $2000 not $2,000K (which would be $2,000,000), right?! Anyways, I have NEVER carried a balance and I have good credit, which is nice. However, I used to be one of those people that was fairly easily lured into getting store credit cards because of the initial discount (Hey, I was in college and any discount sounded good!), but I've canceled them all now.

bluebellknoll 4 years 48 weeks

I had a debit card at 14 and got my first credit card when I entered college. I was very responsible and now I have excellent credit. :)

Megatron 4 years 48 weeks

I got it in my early twenties, but I wasn't in college at the time.

hmcmcd 4 years 48 weeks

I go my first credit card as soon as I turned 18, while I was still in High School. The funny thing is that they would give this kid a credit card and my husband who is from France (and has a good credit history there) can't get a credit card here b/c of lack of credit history in the USA.

Chica8a 4 years 48 weeks

I got a credit card when I turned 18 and went away to college. It was a horrible idea and ruined my credit to start off. Now 6 years later and much more responsible, still have just one credit card that I am happy to say I can manage!!!

Chica8a 4 years 48 weeks

I got a credit card when I turned 18 and went away to college. It was a horrible idea and ruined my credit to start off.Now 6 years later and much more responsible, still have just one credit card that I am happy to say I can manage!!!

megln1022 4 years 48 weeks

in college- it had a 2000k limit and my parents paid it off- therefore i couldn't spend like crazy or i'd get in major trouble!

Lynne 4 years 48 weeks

My first was just out of HS going into college and turning 18 all at the same time. I ALWAYS paid off my balance and today I have GREAT credit. My husband and I had built up some CC debt over the last 4 years, but just recently paid it all off and haven't used them since. This brings up an issue that I have to say something about. What young child is going to be so responsible with this card? From keeping track of purchases to paying off the bill to keeping it in a secure place? PLUS, what if he/she loses it? Do you think the child will go right to the parents and admit the loss? Or even know to call the company and report it right away? My house was just burglarized on Wed morning and my entire wallet was stolen with all my bank and credit cards. I called within 2 hours of it happening, that only my debit card was used at gas stations and I won't be responsible for the unauthorized charges. But will a 10 or 15 year old be responsible to report something like this? I have my doubts.

Lynne 4 years 48 weeks

My first was just out of HS going into college and turning 18 all at the same time. I ALWAYS paid off my balance and today I have GREAT credit. My husband and I had built up some CC debt over the last 4 years, but just recently paid it all off and haven't used them since.This brings up an issue that I have to say something about. What young child is going to be so responsible with this card? From keeping track of purchases to paying off the bill to keeping it in a secure place? PLUS, what if he/she loses it? Do you think the child will go right to the parents and admit the loss? Or even know to call the company and report it right away?My house was just burglarized on Wed morning and my entire wallet was stolen with all my bank and credit cards. I called within 2 hours of it happening, that only my debit card was used at gas stations and I won't be responsible for the unauthorized charges. But will a 10 or 15 year old be responsible to report something like this? I have my doubts.

angel0950 4 years 48 weeks

junior year of high school! it came in on prom night! thankful for my parents who taught me the importance of credit.

CaterpillarGirl 4 years 48 weeks

last year actually at age 33.debit cards dont count

CaterpillarGirl 4 years 48 weeks

last year actually at age 33. debit cards dont count

amygem 4 years 48 weeks

Sophomore year in college...it's important to build up a good credit history so you get good rates when applying for car/home loans. A big part of your score is how long your accounts have been open. I have paid off my bills in full every month.

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