<prompt> Human: Im 14 and saw someone mention having a credit card that they spent a few dollars with every month to build credit. I looked into it and from what I understand itll give me a credit history and raise my credit score not entirely sure how that works. Im pretty responsible in general, especially with money, so I trust myself to not rack up debt with it or anything and I think I could get my parents on board as well.So what I was wondering was 1 How would I go about getting one? I assume Id need it co-signed, and Ive also read that I can be an authorized user on my parents card. Which is best? Are there other options? And 2 is this a good idea in general? Are there any downsides? Thanks in advance :  <response>: The legal age to obtain your own credit card assuming youre in the US is 18. So yes, the easiest thing to do would be to have them add you as an authorized user on their credit cards. However, being an authorized user works both ways. If your parents are responsible with their credit cards, then it will help, how much it helps varies. If they are irresponsible with their credit cards, missing payments, or worse, then it will harm your score. You wont be legally responsible for their debt or anything, but it will hurt your score. I admire your interest in financial responsibility, but I think it may be a little early to start thinking about credit cards. At 14, this is subjective, youre too young to know or to ask your parents the types of questions youd need to know the answers to in order to determine if being an authorized user would be helpful or harmful. Personally, if I could go back to 14-year-old me, Id have started saving money. Aggressively. Maybe learn about different ways you with the help of your parents can invest and grow that money. If youre smart and responsible doing that, youll have a serious leg-up when you come of age and can start to take more independent control of your full financial picture. 