Getting your first credit card can be an exciting and important milestone for a 17-year-old. It's a tool that empowers you to manage your finances and build a solid credit history early on. However, not all credit cards are created equal, especially for young adults. In this Flik Eco blog post, we'll explore the best credit cards tailored for 17-year-olds, and help you make an informed decision to kickstart your financial journey.
Best Credit Cards For 17 Year Olds Table of Contents
Understanding Credit Cards for 17-Year-Olds
Before diving into our recommendations, it's important to understand that 17-year-olds cannot apply for their own credit card independently. The legal age to have a credit card in your name is 18. However, there are options available for 17-year-olds to have access to a credit card to start building credit early.
Authorized User
One option for a 17-year-old to have a credit card is to become an authorized user on a parent's or guardian's account. This gives the teenager access to their own card but ties the account's responsibility to the primary cardholder.
Joint Account Holder
Another option is to be a joint account holder with a parent or guardian. In this case, both the teenager and the adult share equal responsibility for the account, and both credit scores are tied to the card's activity.
With these options in mind, let's dive into our top recommendations for 17-year-olds.
Best Credit Cards for 17-Year-Olds
1. Discover it® Chrome for Students
- Designed specifically for students, with no annual fee
- Generous cashback rewards on gas, restaurants, and more
- $20 statement credit for maintaining good grades
- Free FICO® credit score access and credit monitoring
- No foreign transaction fees, making it a great card for studying abroad
2. Capital One® Journey Student Rewards
- 1% cashback on all purchases, with an additional 0.25% when paying on time
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Access to a higher credit line after making your first five monthly payments on time
- CreditWise® tool to help monitor and build credit
3. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 15 months
- Cashback rewards on everyday purchases such as groceries and gas
- $200 statement credit after spending $1,000 within the first three months
- Travel and shopping benefits
- No annual fee
Best Credit Cards For 17 Year Olds Example:
Hannah, a 17-year-old high school student, is looking for a credit card to help her build credit and manage her expenses. After taking the time to compare various card options with her parents, she decides to apply for the Discover it® Chrome for Students as an authorized user on her mom's account.
Hannah starts using her new credit card to pay for gas and eating out with her friends. She appreciates the cashback rewards on her card and her mom sees the incentives of good grades as motivation for Hannah to keep performing well in school. Hannah also loves the free FICO® credit score access, which allows her to monitor her growing credit history. With responsible usage and timely payments, Hannah is on her way to building a strong foundation for her financial future.
Finding a credit card that suits the unique needs and goals of a 17-year-old is crucial for starting their financial journey on the right foot. We hope our top recommendations help you make an informed decision and set you up for success. If you found this article helpful or insightful, be sure to share it with friends, explore other Flik Eco content, and stay engaged with your personal finance journey.
