Issuing Credit Cards to Minors

[vick_144]

What is the name of your state? Texas

My sister recently had a issue with identity theft. After investigating this issue I discovered that she had several cedit cards in delinquency. I found out she appplied for several credit cards from compaines such as Old Navy, Gap, Dillard's etc at the age of 16. Now 18, she stopped making payments on the accounts because of a bad misconception how credit works. My question is, is it legal to issue credit cards to minors and what rights do I have to correct this problem? (Ex: getting all the credit cards out of her name and removed from her credit report) THanks In Advance

 

[cmorris]

Send a letter, certified mail return receipt, stating:
she was a minor,
was not legally able to sign a contract,
stop contacting her, and
remove all tradelines from her credit reports.

Keep the green card that comes back for proof of receipt.

 

[racer72]

If she made any payments or in any way acknowledged ownership of the credit cards after turning 18, she is stuck. Everything suggested by Mr. Morris should have been done prior to turning 18. As an adult, she can now accept responsibility for her actions prior to turning 18. And many credit card companies are threatening fraud charges against minors that knowingly apply for credit when they know they are not eligible.

 

[cmorris]

If she made any payments or in any way acknowledged ownership of the credit cards after turning 18, she is stuck. Everything suggested by Mr. Morris should have been done prior to turning 18. As an adult, she can now accept responsibility for her actions prior to turning 18. And many credit card companies are threatening fraud charges against minors that knowingly apply for credit when they know they are not eligible.

I could see your point if the minor filled out the app fraudulently. But if s/he supplied accurate info and still received the cc, it is the cc's fault. Paying after 18 is tricky, and I'm not sure about this. I tend to disagree as I was in that position years ago w/ Fingerhut. They called and I told them I was a minor at that time and not to contact me ever again. Never received anything else and it was NEVER on my CR.

So, I guess the questions are this: Was the app filled out accurately? What payments, if any, were made after turning 18?