Right Age for First Credit Card

Sixteen is a good age because most teenages by then have other responsibilities such as a job and often a car.  They should know the card is for emergencies and not for going on a splurg at the mall.  My daughter had a card at 16 and used it when she travelled between our home in Fort Worth and her birth fathers in NYC.  It was used to pay for travel expenses such as train, bus and cab fare and incidental items like lunch at the airport while waiting for her flight.  She learned a lot of adult lessons by having the responsibility of keeping track of what she spent on the card and by paying me back for anything she bought that was not considered a travel expense.  She's 18 now, in her own apartment and managing quite well! A credit card can be a good tool if used responsibly!

My kids got them when they started traveling far enough away that I could not easily run over and get them if they got stranded, had car trouble... both about age 16.    The card was in my name with them as a user, and I had the credit limit set very low so if they ran it up I could afford to pay if off if need be. The one kid never had any problem with it.  The other ran it up the first couple of months, and after that learned to control  the spending.  They both had to pay their bills.  When they turned 18 they could then get their own card.  A shared card made it easier also for them to do my shopping such as pick up groceries on the way home from school.  

Credit cards if used responsibly are actually a good thing.  You get extra protection if you are dissatisfied with a product,  and you have a record of your purchases. They make returns easier, because many stores can look up your receipt if you paid with credit card.  I have had the credit card company step in for me more than once when a product was not as expected and I had difficulty getting a refund from the seller. Also if you are traveling and your new stuff gets stolen, often the credit card will reimburse. 

These days your credit history also helps determine your rates on student loans.  Helps to build a history early for those heading off to college.

i wouldn't give her one. For the reason of witch I never had one even when i needed  one and whent to life with struggles but always made my way through dealing without it.  My mom did it to me and not cuz she did it I will apply it to my children, Im applying it because it worked for me not to have one. They will work hard at whatever they need and will not rely on it if they do not have one.. I will leave that up to them when they are on there own in there own space. 

when they are 18 and can get thier own card

I don't feel that any child or adult should have a credit card. Do it the old fashioned way and only buy what you can afford. This need to put everything on credit is what is ruining American families. It just teaches to be irresponsible with your money.

There is no age limit.  It depends on the maturity of the child.  I'd say go with the pre-paid card because they need to learn how to budget and make smart choices and to know when the money is gone it's gone until a certain time period.  You don't refill it every time it's empty, you say, "You get x-amount of dollars per month.  If you spend it all, too bad.  You don't get any more until the next month".  Just the same as we adults who have budget our paychecks each pay period.  If your child consistently abuses the privilege then they aren't ready and take the card away.  They also should EARN the right to have the card, as in earn the money that goes on it by chores or whatever.  Money ain't free! 

I am 17 years old about to turn 18. and honestly I'm happy that my parents haven't even offered me a credit card of my own. I will probably get one when I am 19 just to start building my credit. i will barely use it but it'll help my credit.

At no age would I recommend a kid having a credit card. I don't even use plastic. Cash is the best way.