Do you dream of earning AAdvantage® miles, enjoying priority boarding, or even getting complimentary Admirals Club® access with an American Airlines credit card? Perhaps you're picturing yourself flying in style, thanks to those sweet travel rewards. But before you dive into the world of airline credit cards, a crucial question arises: how old do you have to be to get an American Airlines credit card?
Let's break down the age requirements and other essential factors so you can embark on your credit card journey with confidence!
Step 1: Are You Ready for the Responsibility? (A Quick Self-Assessment)
Before we even talk about specific age requirements, let's start with you. Getting a credit card, especially a travel rewards card like those offered by American Airlines, is a significant financial responsibility.
Ask yourself: Am I prepared to manage my spending, pay my bills on time, and understand the terms and conditions of a credit agreement?
If your answer is a resounding "yes," then you're already in a good starting position! If you have any doubts, it's wise to take some time to learn more about credit management and budgeting first. A credit card can be a powerful tool, but it requires discipline.
Step 2: Understanding the Minimum Age Requirement in the U.S.
The foundational rule for getting a credit card in the United States is set by federal law, specifically the Credit CARD Act of 2009.
The Golden Rule: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card in your own name.
This is because 18 is the legal age at which you can enter into contracts, and a credit card agreement is indeed a contract.
So, for an American Airlines credit card (which are primarily issued by Citi and Barclays, under partnership with American Airlines), the minimum age of 18 applies just like with any other credit card.
Step 3: Special Considerations for Applicants Under 21
While 18 is the minimum, the Credit CARD Act adds an important layer of protection for young adults aged 18, 19, and 20.
Proof of Independent Income: If you are between 18 and 20 years old, you generally need to demonstrate that you have sufficient independent income to make the required minimum payments on the credit card.
This means the income must be your own and not, for example, your parents' income that you merely have access to. This could include income from a job (full-time, part-time, or seasonal), self-employment, or even consistent allowances that are regularly deposited into your account.
Financial aid for education generally does not count as income for credit card applications.
The Co-signer Option (Less Common, But Possible): If you don't have sufficient independent income, another option for those under 21 is to have a co-signer. A co-signer is typically an adult (21 or older) who agrees to be equally responsible for the debt if you cannot make payments.
However, it's important to note: Many major credit card issuers, including those partnered with American Airlines, do not allow co-signers on their credit card applications. So, while it's a theoretical option under the law, it might not be a practical one for an American Airlines card.
Step 4: Beyond Age – Other Eligibility Factors
Even if you meet the age requirement and have sufficient income, credit card issuers look at a broader picture to determine your eligibility. For American Airlines credit cards, like any other, these factors are crucial:
Sub-heading: Your Credit History and Score
Building Credit is Key: Since most American Airlines credit cards are rewards cards, they typically require applicants to have at least good to excellent credit.
If you're 18 and new to credit, you likely won't have an extensive credit history. This is where building credit responsibly comes in.
What Contributes to a Good Credit Score?
Payment History: This is the most significant factor. Making all your payments on time, every time, is paramount.
Credit Utilization: This refers to the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit. Keeping it low (ideally below 30%) is beneficial.
Length of Credit History: The longer you've had credit accounts in good standing, the better.
Credit Mix: Having a variety of credit (e.g., a credit card and a small loan) can be positive.
New Credit: Applying for too many credit cards in a short period can negatively impact your score.
Sub-heading: Income and Debt-to-Income Ratio
Beyond Just "Enough": While independent income is required for those under 21, issuers also consider your overall income and your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) at any age. DTI is the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes towards debt payments.
A lower DTI generally indicates that you have more disposable income to manage new credit card payments.
Sub-heading: Residency Status
U.S. Residency: To apply for a U.S.-issued American Airlines credit card, you generally need to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Step 5: Strategies for Young Applicants to Get an American Airlines Credit Card
If you're young and eager to get an American Airlines credit card, here's a step-by-step approach:
Sub-heading: Step 5.1: Start Building Credit Early and Responsibly
Authorized User: One of the easiest and most effective ways to begin building credit before you're old enough to apply for your own card (or even if you're 18 but have no history) is to become an authorized user on a trusted parent or guardian's credit card.
Make sure the primary cardholder has excellent credit and consistently pays on time. Their good habits will reflect positively on your credit report.
Important Note: While you can make purchases, you are not legally responsible for the debt as an authorized user.
Secured Credit Cards: These cards require a cash deposit, which typically becomes your credit limit. They are designed for people with no credit or bad credit.
By using a secured card responsibly (making small purchases and paying them off in full and on time), you can demonstrate good credit habits to the credit bureaus.
Look for secured cards that report to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
Student Credit Cards: If you're a college student, some banks offer credit cards specifically tailored for students. These often have more lenient approval requirements and may come with modest rewards.
You'll still need to show proof of income.
Sub-heading: Step 5.2: Understand American Airlines Card Options
American Airlines partners primarily with Citi and Barclays for its co-branded credit cards. Each card has different benefits, annual fees, and credit score requirements.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: A popular choice for frequent American Airlines flyers, offering benefits like a free first checked bag and preferred boarding. Generally requires good to excellent credit.
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card: Often a good starter option as it has no annual fee, though its benefits are more limited. Might be more accessible with a limited credit history if you meet income requirements.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: This is a premium card with a higher annual fee, offering Admirals Club® lounge access and other elite benefits. This card definitely requires excellent credit.
Sub-heading: Step 5.3: Check for Pre-Qualification (Soft Inquiry)
Many card issuers allow you to check if you pre-qualify for a credit card. This involves a "soft inquiry" on your credit report, which does not impact your credit score.
This is a great way to gauge your chances of approval before submitting a full application, which involves a "hard inquiry" that can temporarily ding your credit score.
Sub-heading: Step 5.4: Apply Strategically
Once you've built some credit history and feel confident in your financial standing:
Choose the Right Card: Select an American Airlines credit card that aligns with your credit profile and financial goals. Don't apply for a premium card if you're just starting out.
Be Honest on Your Application: Always provide accurate information regarding your income and financial details.
Don't Apply for Too Many Cards: Spreading out your applications over several months can prevent your credit score from taking too many hits from hard inquiries.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to build credit history from scratch?
Start by becoming an authorized user on a parent's credit card, or apply for a secured credit card or a student credit card if eligible. Make small purchases and pay them off in full and on time.
How to improve a low credit score to qualify for an airline card?
Focus on making all payments on time, keep your credit utilization low (below 30%), avoid opening too many new credit accounts, and review your credit report for errors.
How to understand the different types of American Airlines credit cards?
Visit the American Airlines credit card section on AA.com or the websites of their issuing partners (Citi and Barclays). Compare annual fees, bonus miles offers, ongoing earning rates, and travel benefits like free checked bags or lounge access to find the best fit for your spending and travel habits.
How to determine if I have sufficient independent income for a credit card?
"Sufficient" income is subjective and depends on the card's credit limit and your overall debt. Generally, it means you earn enough to comfortably cover the minimum monthly payment even after accounting for your other regular expenses.
How to check my credit score without hurting it?
Many banks and credit card companies offer free credit score access to their customers. You can also use free services like Credit Karma or Experian, which provide scores based on soft inquiries.
How to become an authorized user on someone's credit card?
The primary cardholder can typically add you by contacting their credit card issuer online or by phone. You will likely need to provide your name, date of birth, and potentially your Social Security Number.
How to manage a new credit card responsibly?
Always pay your balance in full by the due date. If you can't, pay at least the minimum amount on time. Keep your credit utilization low, and only charge what you can afford to pay back.
How to avoid common pitfalls when getting your first credit card?
Avoid overspending, never miss a payment, don't close old credit accounts (as this shortens your credit history), and don't apply for multiple cards at once.
How to utilize American Airlines credit card benefits effectively?
Understand which purchases earn bonus miles, take advantage of perks like free checked bags, preferred boarding, and lounge access (if applicable), and use your miles for travel redemptions that offer the best value.
How to contact American Airlines or their credit card partners for more information?
For general AAdvantage program questions, visit AA.com or contact American Airlines customer service. For specific credit card inquiries, you'll need to contact Citi or Barclays, depending on which bank issues the American Airlines card you are interested in. Their contact information can typically be found on the respective credit card application pages or their official websites.
