Families · April 22, 2025
Should you get your teenager a credit card?
By Connie L. Oakes, owner of Oakes Tax Service, LLC and Financial Solutions
Parents ask this every spring: should I get my teen a credit card? It sounds risky. Under the right conditions, it can be one of the more useful financial lessons you offer before they leave home.
When it can help
A secured card, or an authorized-user card on your account with a low limit, can teach on-time payments and utilization while you can still see the statement. It only works if you review the activity together.
The agreement to write down
The card is for planned purchases and true emergencies — not for “I’ll pay it off later.” The full balance is paid every month. One late payment and the card is paused. Rewards never justify extra spending.
When to wait
If a teen is still treating money as infinite, start with a debit card and a written budget. Credit is a privilege that follows the habit, not the other way around.