I was given a Credit Card at 16 years old....

strugglingbigtime

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum, however have been using MSE for a couple of years now, getting tips and advice from existing forums. I cant however find an answer to this question.. apologies if it has already been asked:

I was given a credit card from the bank when I was 16, I am now 23 and have been struggling to pay off these debts for a few years now (I have 2 in total that were given to me at age 16 and 17).

My question: Can the bank enforce these debts? As I was under 18 at the time of 'signing' my credit agreement, does this make it void?? How would I approach the banks with this?

I know it might seem silly, as I am now 23 and should be responsible for my debts, it's just that over the 6 or so years all I have been doing is paying off the interest and getting nowhere! Ive already had to move city just to be able to get a job, and STILL cant get on top of my debts.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

jd87

I suppose the first question is, did you lie?

seeya23

you may have been given a credit cards 16 & 17 but have you spend on them since ??

ElkyElky

jd87 wrote: »

I suppose the first question is, did you lie?

That's the question on everyones lips. :rotfl:

But if he did, he would have to obtain a fake birth certificate but surely the bank would recognise the difference between a fake and real one?

There would be no way a bank would give credit to under 18's, that is just completely illegal. However, if the credit agreement was signed when you were 16, I'd say the agreement is void.

atwitsend_2

I was 'given' a contract mobile phone at the age of 15 (without my parents consent, all in my own name), needless to say I was a tit and abused it and ended up in a pickle, i got threatened with a ccj, my mum then found out, and paid the 2k off anyway, she tried to tell them at the time that they shouldnt of given it to me and that she was going to seek legal advice as I was underage, but as I had signed a credit agreement with a wrong DOB on, they said they would take legal action and go to the police for me 'obtaining goods by deception' the bloke in the shop knew my age and wrote it down incorrect on purpose for me to get it

the stupid things we do when we are young hey, anyway I think if you were underage and lied then I really wouldn't rock the boat, but I have never heard of a 16 year old being given a credit card before without signing some kind of agreement :eek:

strugglingbigtime

thanks to all replies!

ok, in theory I did 'lie'... but neither banks actually asked for any proof of age or anything. in fact i already had an account with the bank (with my real DOB) and they offered the card to me.. so they could of checked easily.

and yes i have spent on the cards since turning 18, my question is if the original credit agreement is void.

I do see the point that atwitsend made, and realise that they might turn round and say.. "well we will report you for fraud/deception" etc.. buts thats a different question all together.

V.Lucky

I think you lied, you made your own bed so you lie in it.

strugglingbigtime

@V.Lucky - good point... however is it not the responsibilty of the bank to ensure that I am eligible to apply for credit? is this not irresponsible of them?

should they of checked my age? - YES
could they of checked my age? - YES
did they check my age? - NO

jd87

Assuming you were in England or Wales when you made the application, then the law considers you to have criminal responsibility from the age of 10. You broke the law when you lied on the application, so you would be best off not rocking the boat.

wizzywig27

V.Lucky wrote: »

I think you lied, you made your own bed so you lie in it.

Not very helpful lol, he may have lied, but I am sure we have all made mistakes, what he is asking is, coul this been deemed as responsible lending by the bank, as they offered him it, and being young he was stupid to go along with it!

~Brock~

wizzywig27 wrote: »

Not very helpful lol, he may have lied, but I am sure we have all made mistakes, what he is asking is, coul this been deemed as responsible lending by the bank, as they offered him it, and being young he was stupid to go along with it!

I don't buy into this 'if you're young its OK to be stupid' assumption.

I know many young people who are pretty wise when it comes not only to money but also many other of lifes potential pitfalls.

On the other hand I have also witnessed a lot of older people who are an insult to the word stupid.