I need info on Bank Cards

ah, I forgot to add that I live in scotland.

Credit cards must depend on state than, there is no federal law blocking giving a 16 year old a credit card. I am actually sure you can get them younger if your parents will sign for them. The problem becomes how does one develop credit if one does not have a job? You can’t, in several states you will have difficulty finding work below age 18.

First you need a bank account.

Here in Canada, you need a SIN to do that, so I’m guessing in the States you’ll need a Social Security Card.

You’ll have to check with the bank to get age restrictions on a debit card, but you can have an account at any age.

In the US you need a valid photo ID and valid address. I believe they ask for your SSN, but they don’t ask you to produce the social security card.

Since you are from scotland and are asking about a bank card it’d be good to know how that term crosses the ocean. Banks/credit unions can issue both credit and debit cards. These can both act as ATM cards. You can request to just receive an ATM card as well. Debit cards take money out of your checking account to pay for an item, while credit cards are backed by a financial institution in some way. You will get the bill for a credit card, with an additional amount added for interest and possibly a card holder fee, or card user fee.

I believe you can get a credit card at age 16, though I don’t think there is a law preventing that. Debit cards depend on the rules of the institution. You may be required to have a certain amount in savings and checking etc etc etc. Banks/credit unions have tons of rules.

You dont need a social security number to get a bank account. You just need to prove that you legally reside in the country. And you cannot get a credit card until you’re 18.

Just go to the bank and talk to them about opening an account (you kinda need to money in there). A debit card, well as long as you’re on the account, there’s no age restrictions (but they may require an adult to be a co-signer on the account).