A teenager sneaks their parents' credit card for online shopping. The parent notices odd charges and files a dispute. What happens next? It depends. Credit card theft involving minors lives in a gray zone between family disputes, fraud, and the criminal justice system. Here's what the law actually says, what parents should know, and when the situation becomes serious.
Understanding Credit Card Theft Laws for Minors
Yes, a Minor Can Be Charged, But It Depends
The short answer: yes, a minor can be charged with credit card theft. But whether they are actually prosecuted depends on several factors:
- State laws vary on how minors are treated for theft-related crimes
- The severity of the offense, such as the amount stolen or repeat behavior, can escalate consequences
- Intent matters. If a minor knowingly and purposefully uses a stolen card, it could be considered criminal fraud
Some states use age thresholds. In many jurisdictions, children under 7 or 10 years old are considered too young to form criminal intent. Older teens (14–17) are more likely to be prosecuted, especially if there's clear evidence of malicious or repeated use.
Civil vs Criminal: What Happens First?
Most incidents involving minors and credit card theft don't start with criminal charges. They usually begin as:
- Disputes through the bank
- Internal family discipline
- School consequences
Criminal charges usually come later, especially if there's real financial damage or the minor uses someone else's card.
What Parents Need to Know
You Might Be Liable
Parents can sometimes be held financially responsible. This depends on:
- State parental liability laws
- Whether the card was stored securely
- If the parent gave implied or previous permission
Even if a chargeback is successful, banks often investigate who had access to the card. A parent saying "I didn't authorize this" doesn't always guarantee a refund if the child had access before.
Letting Kids Use Your Card? That Can Backfire
If you let your child use your credit card, even once, things can get complicated. Legally, the cardholder is responsible for authorized users. If a parent tells the bank "my kid used it without permission" after previously allowing it, the bank may reject the claim.
That's why it's important to teach kids about card rules and set clear limits early.
How Banks Handle Unauthorized Use by Minors
When a bank investigates a fraud claim, it looks at:
- Device and login activity
- Shipping addresses
- Past behavior of the cardholder and household
If the child was previously allowed to use the card, even for one purchase, the bank may decline the dispute. They could say it doesn't count as unauthorized use.
In more serious cases, especially if large amounts are involved, the bank might contact law enforcement. That's more likely if the card belonged to someone outside the family.
When Credit Card Theft by a Minor Becomes Criminal
Legal consequences are more likely when:
- The card belonged to someone outside the household
- The child used stolen numbers rather than the physical card
- There were multiple incidents or signs of planning
- Large amounts were spent, often over $500 or $1,000, depending on the state
Some jurisdictions allow minors to be charged with felonies if the offense meets legal theft or fraud thresholds. Consequences might include probation, restitution, counseling, juvenile detention, or diversion programs.
Juvenile records are not always sealed. A fraud conviction at 16 could still affect college applications, jobs, and background checks later.
Conclusion
Minors can face serious consequences for credit card theft. What starts as a family issue can quickly become a legal problem when intent, repeated use, or large amounts of money are involved. Parents should act early, teach responsible behavior, and treat any unauthorized use as a warning sign.
FAQ: Can a Minor Be Charged With Credit Card Theft?
Can a 13-year-old be arrested for credit card theft?
It's rare, but possible. Most states allow minors to be charged with theft or fraud starting around age 12 or 13, especially if there was intent and the card belonged to someone else.
What happens if my child uses my credit card without permission?
You may still be held responsible. If the child had access before or used the card with your knowledge, the bank might not consider the transaction truly unauthorized.
Is it fraud if a teen uses a parent's credit card?
Yes, it can be. If the teen acted without permission and intended to deceive, that meets the definition of credit card fraud in many places.
Will the bank refund charges made by my child?
Not always. If your child had access to the card or had been allowed to use it before, the bank may deny the chargeback.
Can a juvenile record for credit card fraud be sealed?
Sometimes. It depends on the laws in your state and the details of the case. Some records are sealed automatically, but others can remain accessible.
Protect Yourself From “Unauthorized Use” Chargebacks
These chargebacks are tricky. A customer claims fraud, but it turns out their teenager made the purchase. You're stuck in the middle. These cases are hard to win, and even harder to prevent if you’re relying on basic fraud filters. Chargeblast helps merchants flag suspicious transactions linked to repeat cardholders, strange usage patterns, and risky behaviors before they lead to disputes. You get early chargeback alerts, detailed context, and tools that let you respond fast and document your case clearly, especially when the fraud wasn’t committed by a stranger. Stay protected when the dispute gets personal.
