At what age should I add my son as an AU to build credit?

[Creditdreamer]

When I was younger, my mom added me as an authorized user on her credit card (when I was 16 I think). Would there be any benefit to doing it long before that and just not giving the card to the child? My son is 2.5 and isn't ready for a credit card for a looooong time (obviously) but wouldn't it potentially help him to be an authorized user on my card now versus starting later? I'm bored on the long road to rebuilding and keep coming up with weird things to try/think about.

[Appleman]

Some lenders do have an age limit for adding an AU. I was able to add my daughter at age 15 (with her permission) to one of my AMEX cards. We had a good talk about when the card can be used and that she would need to pay back any non-Dad approved purchases. I could also set a spending limit on her card so she can't get into too much trouble ($400 limit for her)

Just don't make the kiddo an AU on your ToysUs card or you are just begging for trouble!

[Anonymous]

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@Appleman wrote:

Some lenders do have an age limit for adding an AU. I was able to add my daughter at age 15 (with her permission) to one of my AMEX cards. We had a good talk about when the card can be used and that she would need to pay back any non-Dad approved purchases. I could also set a spending limit on her card so she can't get into too much trouble ($400 limit for her)

Just don't make the kiddo an AU on your ToysUs card or you are just begging for trouble!

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[Anonymous]

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@Creditdreamer wrote:

When I was younger, my mom added me as an authorized user on her credit card (when I was 16 I think). Would there be any benefit to doing it long before that and just not giving the card to the child? My son is 2.5 and isn't ready for a credit card for a looooong time (obviously) but wouldn't it potentially help him to be an authorized user on my card now versus starting later? I'm bored on the long road to rebuilding and keep coming up with weird things to try/think about.

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I don't know if you can add a toddler, but I think it's an excellent idea. I wish I had added my son before Amex stop back dating to give him a longer history.

[Creditdreamer]

lol. I was planning on putting him on and just leaving the card in the safe (and the subsequent new cards that come when the others expire) and then giving it to him down the road when hes a teenager and we've talked about finances. Does it make a difference one way or the other to add him now versus adding him in like 14 years (assuming the companies would even let me)?

[Anonymous]

I don't think there is any drawback to adding him now, if you can. Hopefully, more seasoned folks will chime in. 

[lindsaydruart]

I added my 16 year old sister and cut up the card. I would love to see what her score is with 2250 and 3% util but CK won't let you track until 18. She'll be good to go on AAoA when she's 18. God forbid she asks my mother for a cosigner....which would be a horrible idea, which is why I'm helping her now.

[Anonymous]

I researched this myelf because I have a daughter due to be born within the month.

The ONLY drawback I can see is if something adverse happens to you in life and that paticular card. You could hurt your child's credit. For the majority of us, this probably isnt an issue. I'm going to add my children as soon as I can, and just not give them a card. By the time they're 18, hopefully they can have 15+ years of history.  It will help them with that first mortgage I feel.

[lindsaydruart]

I hadn't thought to add my toddler to my CC but he does have his own savings account. I put in $5 a week and every month, any change I collect in his piggy bank goes in his bank account. I just might add him. I thought there was an age for it.

[barbaralee]

I added my son recently, he is 16, but I didn't order him a card. 

I have an 8 month old daughter as well  I think I will add her at around 16 years, too.