Back to School and Teenage Shopper.

You would be better off getting him a bank card with a cash limit with his name on it. I know that I was would still be if I worked retail one that would not let that happen even with a "note" cause you never know. But you can get those gift cards that work like credit cards to give to him.

I think you can still do that with a note. Or get him a credit card or a bank account with a debit card and set a limit on the account (only deposit the amount you're giving him), then it can have his name on it so no problems using it.

Hi MZ,

If your son uses your card as a debit, then he won't need a note, nor ID, or anything else.

Most places have their POS systems set up to offer the customer a choice of whether or not they want to use their card as debit/credit. BUT, if your card is a straight out credit card(not a debit or bank card), that option will not be available. In that case, unless he has a card that is issued in his name from your account, *you* will have to be the one who uses it, and any retailer worth their salt(and their cashiers, for that matter) will check ID, and not let the user use a card that is not theirs. This is nothing personal--it's watching out for the customer to help protect them from theft and fraud. It also protects the retailer's liability from fraudulent/unauthorized charges.

You could send him shopping with your card, but he will probably come home with a story or two about how X retailer refused to let him use the card. I know some of them won't check, or won't care, but any of them worth a darn will. It's just good business practice, and looks out for *you* AND the retailer.

Why not go to an ATM and do a cash advance from your credit card to give to him? Easier and less hassle for him, and lets you regulate how much he gets from that card.

K. W

I work at a credit union and legally, Visa doesn't allow that in this day and age of ID theft and fraud. Get him a prepaid Visa card preloaded with a set amount. That way, he has his own card and a budget for spending. This will spare any difficulties at the register, prevent going over budget and protect your credit. There may be a nominal fee for the card, but you can get one that can be loaded multiple times. Good luck!

You can add him as an authorized user on your account. All you need to do is call your credit card company. Then, when he goes to the mall, the sales person at the store can call the number on the back of the visa card to see that he is an authorized user on the account.
However, I would never send my child to the mall with a visa card! :) Good luck!

I work retail and we're not allowed to accept parent's credit cards from teenagers. In the event that the card is taken without the parents knowledge and they dispute the charges, our company loses out on the sale. It's happened a few times that I know of. We can't accept notes because they're easily forged. I'm sure policy varies from store to store, though. I'd call and ask at the stores he plans on shopping at.

I'd look into getting a pre-paid Visa--visa gift card or whatever they're called. That way you know exactly how much money you're sending with your son and there are no questions that he's authorized to use it.

MZ,

Call your VISA customer service number and ask about having him added as an authorized user. I advise strongly against doing a cash advance on your VISA because most banks issuing VISA cards start charging their highest interest rate IMMEDIATELY when you take out cash, not the typical 30 day grace period you get when using the card at the point of sale as credit!

Also, call any stores you are considering letting him use the card at. I worked loss prevention for a major American clothing retailer and our policy was to accept notes only if we called VISA to check if the child indeed was authorized to use the card. We turned lots of kids with notes away due to calling to verify and finding out the parents had not authorized them with the card company.

What might make the most sense is, if you have a minute, to either run to the mall and get him a gift certificate to use at any store in the mall (mall offices or concierge kiosk usually sell these) or, at your local major grocery store you can sometimes buy pre-set VISA cards. Be careful with the pre-loaded VISAs though...sometimes they have fees just to load them and fees if you don't use them in a timely manner.

As someone who has worked retail and as a bank teller, I can tell you that although no place should allow your son to use your credit card (since it's your name, not his, listed), unfortunately most places don't even look at what name is on the card. While it might be easier for you to send your card with your son, you should hope that the stores would want to see ID - for your protection. I agree with what the others have already posted. Either go with him or get him a card of his own.

M Z,
I think you are a fool to send your son with a credit card. Now a days you never know what could happen.

Most retailers will allow your child to use your card if they have a note, and also a phone number where they can reach you.

I have an elderly father-in-law who is ill, and I sign for his card all the time, but I am an adult, not a child so it is not questioned.

I would suggest a credit card advance that you can get from the bank where you hold your account. (Ex: US Bank visa, Bank of America Visa, etc.)The bank can give you cash right away, except for this weekend because of the holiday.

Best of luck to you.

Dear M Z,

I am a retailer and can tell you that depending on the merchant account contract, manyt of them do not allow you to ask for ID. But, some store policies will ask for ID or a note or even call you to protect themselves from ID theft losses. If your teenager is responsible, a call to the store and a note should be fine. He can always have the cashier get a manager and have them call you if they have issues with him using the card.

A better route would be a Prepaid VISA card so he can't overspend, he can get it in his name and you don't have to worry about being called down to a store to get him released from security in an extreme case. Another option is to purchase gift cards if you don't have the cash to get a prepaid card. Then he can use it with ease and you have the charges on your credit card without needing to come up with cash.

Good Luck!

M Z,

I would recommend getting your 17 yr. old a prepaid card that can be a learning tool on how to manage money properly while giving limits and guidelines. Also, this takes some of the pressure off you if your personal card is accidently misplaced or over charged during a trip to the mall with a friend.

Good luck,
T.

I don't think you can do that anymore. People are so concerned these days about idenity theft.

My 15 year old does NOT enjoy shopping, but he wants to look good. We do most of his shopping on line (where you could use your credit card). He likes CCS and PacSun.

Good Luck!

MZ
I think you have to put him on as an authorized signer. I'd vote you go with him so you can monitor what he spends.

Use a debit card with a pin number and most places will accept it. Some (like the bookstore I work at) will still run debit as a credit card and always check id, so we would refuse your son no matter what.

Or you could buy him a 'mall gift certificate'. Most shopping malls have these that are good for every store within the mall.
That way you can set a spending limit in advance.

I worked in the retail world for a long time and we had kids come in with their parents credit cards a lot! We only accepted it with a note that had a contact phone number on it. Then, we called the phone number to verify that it was ok for the teen to use this card and checked the ID of the teen. Not all stores are this cautious, but with fraud being so rampant these days, it's better safe than sorry! I would send a hand written note with him that has a good contact number for you for the day. Good luck!