 TITLE: Can I Get a Credit Card at 16? CONTENT: Pros and Cons of Getting a Credit Card at 16\n--------------------------------------------\nEven if you're set on getting a credit card at 16, you should make sure you're well-versed in the pros and cons of your decision.\nHere are the pros:\n*   **Build credit.** As long as the primary cardholder's account is in good standing, becoming an authorized user is one of the best ways to build credit before college. Then, once you turn 18, you might be able to get credit—such as auto loans or private student loans—without a cosigner.\n*   **Practice good financial habits.** Using credit from a young age can teach you important skills such as budgeting, paying bills on time and spending less than you earn.\n*   **Have access to emergency backup.** Out of gas? Forgot to pay for a field trip? A credit card can offer an easy way to cover last-minute needs.\n*   **Enjoy enhanced security.** Most credit cards offer $0 fraud liability policies, making them superior to debit cards if your information is compromised.\n*   **Earn rewards.** The primary cardholder (usually your parent) may be able to get credit card rewards from your spending. If you're lucky, maybe they'll share!\nAnd, though there's just one con, it's a big one: **Credit cards are a serious financial responsibility.**\nIf you go on a spending spree, the primary cardholder is legally responsible for paying the bill. There's no get-out-of-jail-free card simply because you're a teen.\nIf your parent can't pay the bill, they could be hit with interest charges and late fees, and could incur serious damage to their credit scores. That's a big deal; it could make it more difficult for them to get a job or a house. END