05/16/2026
Building Your Child’s Credit Before 18
Most young adults start their financial journey with a no credit history, which leads to high interest rates or rejected applications. However, there is a powerful strategy to give your children a decade-long head start: the Authorized User strategy.
How It Works: By adding your child as an authorized user on your credit card, you effectively share your credit history with them.
If you add them to a card you’ve held for 10 years, that decade of history can often be reflected on their fledgling report. Your consistent, on-time payments help build their score before they even have their first job. Many major lenders allow you to add children as authorized users at any age, though some have a minimum (often 13 or 15).
You might wonder why a Realtor is talking about credit cards. The answer is simple: Homeownership is a long-game strategy. When your child turns 18 or 22 and looks to rent their first apartment or buy a starter home, their credit score is the first thing a landlord or lender looks at. A high score doesn't just get them "in" it can save them tens of thousands of dollars. By acting now, you aren't just helping them get a credit card, you are making it easier for them to qualify for their first home down the road.
Before you jump in, keep these rules in mind to ensure the strategy works in your favor. Select a card with a long history, no late payments, and low utilization (under 10% of the limit). Ensure your credit card issuer reports authorized user activity to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). And importantly you don’t actually have to give your child the physical card. They benefit from the credit reporting even if the card stays locked in your safe.
Looking to build a legacy for your family? Financial literacy and real estate go hand-in-hand. Whether you're looking to upsize for a growing family or want to discuss how your current home fits into your long-term wealth strategy, I’m here to help.
DM me today to discuss your next move or to get a complimentary evaluation of your home’s current value!
