I think some of the cards have become stricter. Getting a supplemental card is a good way to start as it counts towards a credit rating and you will be able to monitor it better. When my daughter turned 18, I put her on my citigold account and she was able to get an AAdvantage Card with fee waived, in her own name with her getting miles. I think when she was 17, on either the starpoints or diners club I put 1 year earlier - for even the supplemental card they were then asking for date of birth. For the supplemental AA cards, I think I got one when she was 15, and they didn't ask.