 TITLE: Can I Get a Credit Card at 16? CONTENT: How Becoming an Authorized User Affects Your Credit\n---------------------------------------------------\nAs a 16-year-old, you probably don't have a credit report because you haven't taken out credit yet. When your parent adds you as an authorized user, the credit card issuer will report the new account to the credit bureaus—which will, in turn, generate a credit report.\nIf your parent's credit card is in good standing—if they're carrying a low balance and paying their bill on time—getting added as an authorized user will likely help build your credit scores. That's why it's important to only become an authorized user on the card of an adult with good financial habits.\nAnother crucial thing to check is whether your parent's credit card issuer reports the behavior of underage authorized users to all three major credit bureaus. While American Express and Wells Fargo allow underage authorized users, for example, they won't report your behavior to the credit bureaus until you turn 18. END