This thread was surprisingly helpful. Thanks, ya’ll!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally, I opened a new credit card when our youngest was 16 and started driving solo. I set a $3K limit and both of us were on the card. Added the younger sibling once they started driving as well.

So when they went to college they already had a credit card. Now the "out of college kid" uses that card when we want to pay for something for them. Easier than transferring $$.

I prefer to keep them on a card with a lower limit (my cards are significantly higher), that is easier to track what they are charging as well.

That way they cannot go crazy and ruin theirs or my credit.

This is exactly what we did, even did the same credit limit.

IMO, it's essential when driving. We don't use debit cards, as credit offer much more protections (and don't pull 75$ when you pump gas and not give it back for 5-7 days).
We also wanted the kids to be able to handle an emergency if we were not around. Our 16 yo kids were mature enough to be left home alone while we went on vacations. If something happened to the car, I'd want them to be able to get it towed (AAA) and get it fixed, or new tires or whatever. It also helps teach your kid how to use a CC responsibly. They knew if they charged things we didn't authorize, they would be figuring out how to pay for it

Anonymous wrote:Child was unable to get a cc until 18 yo. On her 18th bday, applied for cc on her own (no co-sign or link to me) and was approved.

Yes us too. He got the discover card with a $1500 limit

Anonymous wrote:Personally, I opened a new credit card when our youngest was 16 and started driving solo. I set a $3K limit and both of us were on the card. Added the younger sibling once they started driving as well.

So when they went to college they already had a credit card. Now the "out of college kid" uses that card when we want to pay for something for them. Easier than transferring $$.

I prefer to keep them on a card with a lower limit (my cards are significantly higher), that is easier to track what they are charging as well.

That way they cannot go crazy and ruin theirs or my credit.

This is exactly what we did, even did the same credit limit.

Anonymous wrote:At what age can you get a credit card for a minor?

I thought it was 18 but it sounds like some people have gotten stand alone cards for their kids at the age of 16.

I got them for my kids when they got there license at 16 1/2.

Anonymous wrote:How can I check if the cc reports child's own credit history even if we are both on the card?

Just run a credit report once they turn 18. My 2 over 18 teens have excellent credit

Anonymous wrote:Interesting to learn that a child can absorb a parent’s good credit history!

OP

Anyone can as an authorized user, actually. It's a whole business, as a matter of fact, one that gets pretty shady.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/how-credit-card-piggybacking-works/