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

We’ve all seen it. A character in a movie or an influencer on social media, living their best life, buying whatever they want with a single tap or swipe. No awkward pause at the register, no checking their account balance first. Just... approved. If you’re inching toward your late teens, you might be looking forward to that moment yourself. But how old do you actually have to be to get a credit card?

In Canada, you can get your own credit card once you reach the age of majority in your province or territory—that’s 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan, and 19 everywhere else. 

Meeting that age requirement doesn’t mean you’re automatically approved, though. Card issuers still have rules and eligibility criteria. Plus, being old enough and being ready to handle a credit card are two different things. Even if you are past the age of majority, how can you be sure you’re ready for a card? Are there other options worth considering? We dive into all these questions below. 

How old do you have to be to get a credit card in Canada?

To apply for a credit card as the primary cardholder—meaning it’s actually your own account—you need to be old enough to sign a credit contract on your own. In Canada, that means reaching the age of majority where you live.

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Julie Kuzmic, head of consumer advocacy and compliance at Equifax Canada, explains, “Creditors generally won’t give an account directly to an individual who is below the age of majority in their province.”

Here’s how the minimum age to apply for credit breaks down per province:

Is there a maximum age for getting a credit card?

No, there’s no maximum age for getting a credit card. If you meet the minimum age and the issuer’s other requirements, you can apply at any stage of life.

Can you get a credit card in Canada when you’re under 18?

If you’re under the age of majority in your province, you can’t open a credit card account in your own name. That applies to all credit cards, even dedicated student cards.

While you’re going to have to wait for your 18th (or 19th, depending on where you live) birthday to roll around, you aren’t out of options. Here are two alternatives you could consider:

Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s card

Some credit card issuers let a parent or guardian add you as an authorized user (a.k.a. an additional cardholder) on their account. You get a card in your name, but it’s tied to their account—which can be useful if you want to start building good credit habits early.

A few things to know upfront:

• The primary cardholder (usually a parent) is legally responsible for all charges on the account.
• The minimum age for authorized users can vary depending on the issuer.
• Being an authorized user won’t build your credit history.

Opening a prepaid card

A prepaid card (like the Neo Money™ card) lets you load your own money and spend it, similar to using your debit card or purchasing a gift card at your favourite store. Because you’re not borrowing from a lender, it isn’t a credit product and won’t help you build a credit score. Despite this, prepaid cards are still useful if you want a card to use for day-to-day purchases before you’re old enough for credit. Age requirements vary by issuer, so check the fine print before applying.

Planning ahead

If you’re under 18 and already thinking about your first credit card, you’re ahead of the game. When you do reach the age of majority, our guide to building credit at 18 outlines what exactly to do.

What other factors do card issuers look at besides age?

Being old enough is necessary, but it doesn’t guarantee approval. Credit card issuers in Canada also look at other factors, including:

• Canadian residency: Most issuers require you to live in Canada with valid immigration status. Newcomers, international students and temporary workers may be asked for status documents, though requirements vary per institution. 
• Credit history: Depending on the card you apply for, some may have a minimum credit score requirement.
• Financial standing: Card issuers may check whether you are (or have ever been) bankrupt, have any debt or loans.
• Ability to repay: Issuers want to ensure you can pay what you borrow. Applications usually ask for income and employment or student status, and in some cases, you might be requested to supply supporting documents.
• Documents: You need a valid government-issued ID like a driver’s licence or passport. You may also be asked for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)—it’s not required, but providing it can help the issuer verify your identity.

Is a credit card the right first step for you?

Legal eligibility and financial readiness aren’t the same thing. You can be 18 or 19, have all the documents an issuer might ask for, and technically be able to apply for a credit card—but that doesn’t always mean you’re ready to manage credit. 

Before you apply, ask yourself:

• Do I understand how interest works if I don’t pay my balance in full? If not, our guide to how credit cards work covers the basics, including how fast a balance can grow.
• Do I have the means to repay what I borrow? That doesn’t always mean a full-time job. You don’t need a traditional job to qualify for a credit card in Canada.
• Am I applying to build credit, or to buy things I can’t currently afford? This test on living within your means can help you figure out whether you’re in a good spot or if a credit card would just stretch an already tight budget.
• Have I managed a chequing account without frequent overdrafts? While overdrafts don’t directly impact your credit score, those fees add up fast. If you’re regularly dipping into the red, you might not be ready for a credit card just yet. 

If you hesitated on one or more of these questions, you have some work to do. And that’s OK. There’s no prize for getting a credit card the week you turn 18. A debit card or prepaid card can cover day-to-day spending just fine while you get more comfortable with budgeting.

Reaching the age of majority is just the first step. Everything after that—whether you’re actually ready, whether you’ll get approved, and what to do once you are—is where the real decisions start. Take your time getting those right.