What age start building your credit?

[Anonymous]

I know I am looking at this way early since I only have a toddler.  But the question came to my mind at what age can you start building their credit.  

Would I be able to add her to a credit card?  Does that still help her with her own credit?  

Would be kind of interesting to see if you can get someone who is about to turn 18 years from now to have a high credit score 740+.

This is all a hypothetical thought, but I am interested in it.

Thanks for any info.

[pizzadude]

You might be able to add your child as an authorized user to some of your credit cards, regardless of their age.

I believe that AMEX states that addiional cardmembers must be at least 12 years of age.

Having a long average age of accounts would most definately benefit your child's FICO score.

[Anonymous]

My son is 17 and I talk to him regular about fiscal responsibility. Although I want him to get a good start, I don't want spoon feed him, or he will never understand it's importance or appreciate it. My plan is once he gets a regular paying job, I will consider allowing him to be an AU on my Amex without actually having access to the card. He will then be required to save up to buy the things he wants, get his own loans, or rent his own apartments. being an AU just may give him a little head start.