In Canada, the legal age to get a credit card is 18 years old, except in the province of Quebec where the legal age is 18 but the age to enter into a contract is 18 years old. This means that in Quebec, individuals under the age of 18 may be able to obtain a credit card with the consent of a parent or guardian who co-signs the credit card application.

Here are the details of the legal age to obtain a credit card by province:

1. Alberta: 18 years old
2. British Columbia: 18 years old
3. Manitoba: 18 years old
4. New Brunswick: 18 years old
5. Newfoundland and Labrador: 19 years old
6. Northwest Territories: 19 years old
7. Nova Scotia: 19 years old
8. Nunavut: 19 years old
9. Ontario: 18 years old
10. Prince Edward Island: 18 years old
11. Quebec: 18 years old (however, the age to enter into a contract is 18 years old)
12. Saskatchewan: 18 years old
13. Yukon: 19 years old

The legal age to obtain a credit card may differ from the minimum age required by the credit card company, as credit card companies may have their own policies and criteria for issuing credit cards.

Can individuals under the age of 18 get a credit card in Canada?

In general, individuals under the age of 18 cannot get a credit card in Canada without the consent of a parent or guardian who co-signs the credit card application. However, some credit card companies may allow individuals under the age of 18 to become an authorized user on a parent or guardian’s credit card account. Authorized users are not legally responsible for making payments on the credit card balance, but they can use the credit card to make purchases and establish a credit history.

What are the steps and criteria for getting a credit card in Canada?

Here are the step-by-step criteria for getting a credit card in Canada:

1. Determine your eligibility: The first step in getting a credit card in Canada is to determine if you are eligible. In general, you must be at least 18 years old (or the legal age in your province), have a steady source of income, and have a good credit score. Some credit card companies may have additional eligibility requirements, such as a minimum income level or a specific type of employment.
2. Shop around: Once you have determined your eligibility, you should shop around for credit cards to find the best one for your needs. You can compare credit card offers online, visit a bank or credit union in person, or speak to a financial advisor for guidance.
3. Choose a credit card: When choosing a credit card, consider the interest rate, annual fees, rewards programs, and other features. You may want to choose a credit card that offers cash back, travel rewards, or other benefits that suit your lifestyle.
4. Apply for a credit card: Once you have chosen a credit card, you can apply online, by phone, or in person. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Insurance Number (SIN), as well as information about your income and employment. You may also need to provide documentation, such as pay stubs or tax returns, to verify your income.
5. Wait for a decision: After you have submitted your credit card application, you will need to wait for a decision from the credit card company. This may take several days or weeks, depending on the credit card company’s policies and procedures.
6. Activate your credit card: If your credit card application is approved, you will receive your credit card in the mail. You will need to activate your credit card by calling the phone number on the back of the card or by following the instructions provided with the card.
7. Use your credit card responsibly: Once you have activated your credit card, it is important to use it responsibly. This means only charging what you can afford to pay off in full each month, making payments on time, and keeping your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you are using compared to your credit limit) low. It is also important to read the terms and conditions of your credit card agreement carefully and to avoid using your credit card for cash advances or other high-interest transactions.

Can I get a credit card if I have no credit history?

Yes, it is possible to get a credit card in Canada if you have no credit history. Some credit card companies offer credit cards specifically designed for individuals with no credit history. These credit cards may have lower credit limits and higher interest rates than traditional credit cards, but they can be a good way to start building credit.

In order to qualify for a credit card with no credit history, you may need to provide proof of income, such as a recent pay stub or tax return. You may also need to provide additional information about your financial situation, such as your monthly expenses and any existing debt.

It is important to use your credit card responsibly, even if you have a limited credit history. This means only charging what you can afford to pay off in full each month, making payments on time, and keeping your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you are using compared to your credit limit) low. Over time, responsible credit card use can help you build a positive credit history, which can make it easier to obtain credit in the future.

List of best credit cards for 18 years old in Canada

Here are some general factors to consider when choosing a credit card as a young adult:

1. No annual fees: As a young adult, it may be beneficial to choose a credit card with no annual fees to minimize costs.
2. Low interest rates: Choosing a credit card with a low interest rate can help avoid high interest charges and build credit.
3. Rewards programs: Credit cards with rewards programs can offer cash back, points, or other benefits for spending.
4. Secured credit cards: For individuals with little or no credit history, a secured credit card may be a good option. Secured credit cards require a deposit as collateral, which can help establish credit history.
5. Student credit cards: Some credit card companies offer credit cards designed specifically for students. These cards may offer lower interest rates, rewards, and other benefits for student-related expenses.

Here are some credit cards that 18-year-olds can consider:

1. BMO CashBack Mastercard – No annual fee, earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
2. Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card – No annual fee, earn 2% cash back in up to 3 categories of your choice and 0.5% on all other purchases.
3. Scotiabank Scene Visa Card – No annual fee, earn 5 Scene points for every dollar spent at Cineplex theatres and 1 Scene point per dollar on all other purchases.
4. TD Cash Back Visa* Card – No annual fee, earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
5. CIBC Dividend Visa Card – No annual fee, earn up to 2% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
6. American Express SimplyCash Card – No annual fee, earn 1.25% cash back on all purchases.
7. RBC Cash Back Mastercard – No annual fee, earn 2% cash back on groceries and up to 1% cash back on all other purchases.
8. Desjardins Student Cash Back Visa Card – No annual fee, earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
9. MBNA True Line Mastercard – No annual fee, offers a low-interest rate on purchases and balance transfers.
10. Capital One Low Rate Guaranteed Mastercard – No annual fee, offers a guaranteed low-interest rate on purchases.

It’s important to compare the features, fees, and interest rates of different credit cards to find the best option for your needs.