We asked readers of our weekly e-newsletter, Minnesota Parent This Week.
I got a VISA card in high school and expanded to store cards in college. I think that a 16-year-old should use a debit or credit card. Better to use it under parental supervision then, than to wait until they are on their own.
— Steve Carnicorn, Minneapolis
I have a 19- and 17-year-old — and both have check debit cards. It is a good way for them to experience the use of a “credit card” without the risk of charging beyond their means.
— Mischelle Squire, Champlin
If I could do it over again and not get a credit card as a teen and student, I would. I feel that I was not totally ready for such a commitment; the only good thing about it was I built good credit.
— Sonja Bones, Coon Rapids
When my son was 14, I gave him a second card for one of my credit cards and he only uses it with prior authorization from me. It works well because he doesn’t have to carry as much cash with him and can run errands easily for me because he pays with the credit card.
— Angela Spinler, Osseo
Yes, I got a credit card in college. I think college-age is the right time to start managing credit since they are on their own for the first time — or, I’d consider senior year of high school with close supervision.
— Kate Jaycox, Minneapolis
