Money Sense
Start Now to Teach Your Child How to Use Credit Responsibly
Want to know the best way to teach your pre-college teen the fundamentals of credit and how to manage it responsibly? Get them a credit card.
Financial experts point out that teens who establish credit and learn how to use it wisely when they are young can build a strong credit history that will help them get their adult life off to a strong start once they are out on their own.* By the time they go off to college or into the workplace, they will have a much better understanding of how to use credit wisely.
SCCU offers the Student Credit Builder Card for teens starting at age 15. Student account holders can apply for a credit card with an adult co-signer, who is a parent or legal guardian. Your teen’s SCCU Savings Account will be used to secure the card. They will need to have an amount on deposit that matches the credit limit, which can be as low as $300. Call Express Sales when you are ready to open a credit card account for your teen. An Associate will take your application over the phone and arrange for the documents to be sent to the branch of your choice for signature.
Once you get the credit card, manage it with your teen. Check out our Youth Accounts pages for additional information about credit and money management.
*Source: Experian®
The information on this page is for educational purposes only. SCCU is not engaged in providing estate planning or other advice. Please consult with a competent estate planning professional regarding any specific estate planning questions.
