Consider letting them use a low limit credit card. Two choices There are two ways to put a card in a high school student's hand. Some issuers such as Capital One market lower-limit cards to parents with teens as young as 15.
Parents serve as co-signers.
They'll go into college and into the work place with an understanding of how to use credit wisely. The key is to talk credit basics with teens early, and before handing them a card. Be sure to set some ground rules. Sanders believes teens learn the most when they are expected to pay their own way. It's one thing for mom and dad to pay.