Adding children to a credit card account

Yes. All purchases other than gas need to be approved. Came in handy the other day when he and I went out to eat and I forgot my wallet.

My parents added me to theirs when I was 18 and about to go off to college. Then they had second thoughts and decided they wouldn't give it to me and never told me about it.

You can imagine my shock as I applied for my first card at 23 with no credit history and being instantly approved for a $17k limit. While it would have been nice to have the card in college, I was just grateful for the headstart on credit history.

Yes. If you pull my credit report my oldest 2 accounts are 3 years older than me

My oldest is only 15, and I don't plan to. He's just not responsible enough yet. He does have a debit card on his account. Maybe when he goes to college I'll get him a credit card.

My daughter is a little more mature, but only 12. I could see getting her one when she starts driving, but probably won't.

I added my 14 yo daughter as authorized user to one of my CC's. So she got her own card. I read her the riot act about responsibility and keeping track of the card. Well a couple months later I dropped the card in local gas station parking lot. I was able to get it back because someone turned it into clerk. But when I told the story to my wife and daughter heard she reminded me that I lost a card before she did. Lol.

Didn't they change the rules on an authorized user? They can be on the account but don't get the credit score bump?

Color me shocked by the responses so far.

In my head before reading, there's no way in God's green Earth I am going to let my kid have access to a CC before they leave for college .

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I gave my son a Sapphire Reserve. The only thing I don't like about it is that all authorized users have the same card # and there is no separation to who charges what on the bill.

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Doesn't it cost $75 to add someone as an authorized user on that card?

My youngest has a re-loadable cash/debit card. The card is not tied to any accounts and is issued by my bank, so if lost or stolen, I am only risking what is on the card at the time. I can make transfers online, in real time, if she calls me with an emergency.

I like this option, at least until she can show she is responsible enough to handle a credit card (College possibly). But now, she will spend every last cent that is on that card as soon as it is re-loaded. So, no on the credit card for now.