About Us
Student Credit
Contact us

Helping Parents Build Their Child’s Credit — The Smart Way

Building credit early gives your child a strong financial foundation. With the right steps, your child can enter college with an established credit history — often without needing a co-signer.

At Credit Awareness Inc., we help parents understand when to start, what to do, and how to build credit safely and responsibly for their children.

Schedule a Free Consultation
Call Now

Why Start Building Credit Early?

A good credit history can help your child:

  • Get approved for credit cards without a co-signer
  • Qualify for student housing and rentals
  • Access better loan terms in the future
  • Learn responsible financial habits early

Starting early means fewer financial obstacles later.

How Old Does My Child Need to Be?

Authorized User (Best Option for Minors)

There is no federal minimum age to add a child as an authorized user on a parent’s credit
card.
Most parents choose to start between ages 13 and 16.

  • Benefits:
  • Builds credit history early
  • Parent keeps full control
  • No legal responsibility for the child
  • Teaches real-world credit use

Independent Credit Card

To apply for a credit card independently, your child must:

  • Be 18 years old
  • Have income or a co-signer

This is why early authorized-user strategies matter.

Major Banks & Authorized User Guidelines

Policies may change. Always confirm with the issuer.

Bank

  • Chase
  • Capital One
  • Bank of America
  • Citi
  • American Express
  • Discover
  •  

Minimum Age

  • No minimum
  • No minimum
  • No minimum
  • No minimum
  • 13
  • 15
  •  

Most banks require the child’s Social Security Number for credit reporting.

Best Practices for Parents

We guide families on how to:

  • Choose the right credit card to add a child
  • Keep balances below 30%
  • Maintain perfect payment history
  • Set spending limits
  • Teach credit responsibility (interest, statements, budgeting)

Credit building should be strategic, not risky.

What Your Child Can Achieve by Age 18

With proper guidance, your child may:

  • Already have a credit score
  • Apply for credit without a co-signer
  • Rent housing more easily
  • Start adulthood financially prepared

How Credit Awareness Inc. Helps

We provide step-by-step guidance for parents on:

  • Building credit safely for children
  • Avoiding common credit mistakes
  • Creating long-term financial stability

Start early. Build smart. Protect your child’s future.

Get Started Today!