You can't get a credit card account at 16 because the law prohibits issuers from offering credit cards to anyone under 18 years old. And 18 is the legal age in most states to be considered an adult.  Consumers can apply for credit cards starting at age 18. However, some credit card issuers allow kids younger than 18 to be authorized signatories on the credit card. Still, the law requires them to have an independent income or a co-signer unless they can demonstrate enough independent income to make monthly bill payments.