At what age can a teenager get a credit card in Canada?

In most provinces, you must be 18 to apply for your own credit card. In British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Yukon, the age is 19.

Can a teenager build credit as an authorized user?

Yes, parents can add teenagers as authorized users on their credit cards at any age. This helps build credit history if the card issuer reports authorized users to credit bureaus.

What is a secured credit card?

A secured credit card requires a security deposit that becomes your credit limit. It's designed for people building or rebuilding credit and is available to those 18+ in most provinces.

How to Build Credit as a Teenager in Canada

A calm, step-by-step guide for teens and parents to start building healthy credit early — without risk or pressure.

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The Rules

What Teens Can (and Can't) Do

Canadian rules for teens and credit — know your options.

Open a bank account at 12+ (with parent consent at most banks)

Become an authorized user on a parent's credit card at any age

Apply for a secured credit card at 18+ (19 in some provinces)

Get a prepaid debit card at any age

Apply for your own unsecured credit card before 18

Build credit independently before 18 in most cases

Start building credit history as an authorized user

Parents can see all activity on joint/authorized accounts

Readiness Check

Teen Credit Readiness Quiz

Find out if you're ready for credit and get personalized recommendations.

Question 1 of 617%

How old are you?

For Parents

Parent Toolkit

Everything you need to help your teen build credit safely.

How to Add Your Teen as an Authorized User

Step-by-step guide to adding your teen to your credit card

How to Teach Credit Safely

Age-appropriate conversations about credit and debt

How to Set Limits

Spending limits, alerts, and controls for teen cards

How to Monitor Without Micromanaging

Balance oversight with building trust

How to Build Habits Together

Joint budgeting and financial goal-setting

For Teens

Teen Toolkit

Learn to use credit responsibly from day one.

How to Use a Card Safely

Best practices for responsible credit card use

How to Avoid Debt

Understanding interest and only spending what you can pay

How to Build a Budget

Track income and expenses like a pro

How to Check Your Credit Score

Free ways to monitor your credit (once you have history)

How to Spot Scams

Protect yourself from fraud and identity theft

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Data from Official Sources

Figures come from Canadian government and regulatory bodies, and are dated when we check them.

BoC CRA

Official Sources

CRA