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You generally need to be 18 or 19 years old to get your own credit card in Canada.
The exact age depends on the age of majority in your province or territory. Credit card applicants must have reached the legal age of majority before applying as the primary cardholder.
KOHO Prepaid Mastercard (Credit Card Alternative)
KOHO Prepaid Mastercard is a credit card alternative that lets you spend money you already have.
With KOHO Prepaid Mastercard, you can:
Get instant approval with no credit check
Spend only the money you load onto your account
Pay no interest on your purchases
Earn up to 2% cash back
Use your card for in-store purchases, online shopping, and recurring payments
What Age Can You Get a Credit Card in Canada?
You must be 18 in:
Alberta
Manitoba
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
You must be 19 in:
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Yukon
These ages correspond to the legal age of majority in each province and territory.
Can You Get a Credit Card Under 18?
You generally cannot apply for your own credit card as the primary cardholder if you are below the age of majority.
However, some credit card issuers allow a parent or another primary cardholder to add someone under the age of majority as an authorized user or additional cardholder. The minimum age varies by issuer.
The primary cardholder remains responsible for paying the balance.
Can You Get a Credit Card as Soon as You Turn 18 or 19?
Yes, once you reach the age of majority in your province or territory, you can apply for your own credit card.
Being old enough does not guarantee approval.
The issuer may also consider:
Your income
Your credit history
Your existing debt
The type of card
Other eligibility requirements
Someone applying for their first credit card may have little or no credit history, so certain cards may be easier to qualify for than premium products.
What If You Have No Credit History?
You can still have options.
You may consider:
A student credit card
A secured credit card
A card designed for people with limited credit history
A secured credit card requires a security deposit and can help establish credit history when the issuer reports payments to the credit bureaus.
Does a Prepaid Card Have the Same Age Requirement?
Prepaid card requirements depend on the provider.
A prepaid card is not a traditional credit card because you spend money already loaded onto the account rather than borrowing from a credit limit.
Always check the provider's eligibility requirements before applying.
What Is the Minimum Age for a Credit Card in Canada?
The minimum age is determined by where you live.
If you live in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec or Saskatchewan, you can generally apply at 18.
If you live in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut or Yukon, you generally need to wait until 19.
Once you are eligible, focus on choosing a card with manageable fees and using it responsibly. Paying on time and keeping your balance under control can help you start building a positive credit history.