Under United States law, if you are a minor, you are not obligated to pay for any charges you incur on your credit card.
* Therefore, it is somewhat odd that credit cards are so often offered to minors. This isn't limited to mailed offers. This happens often in retail stores, even those that specifically cater to minors (such as
Claire's). Granted, they don't extend much credit beyond $200, but there is a valid
risk to them.
There must be something to be gained for them to do that. My assumption is that these companies are trying to familiarize children with the buy now - pay later concept, to create a nation dependant on credit. With a large percentage of purchases made through credit cards, it is easy to see who loses. It's the consumer. Retailers get hit with the fees from their merchant account, so they can process credit cards. They, in turn, pass the savings onto you.
If you're smart, you're using a card that offers cashback or some other real benefit to recover a little portion of that. I hit the jackpot with an Associates Visa, with 3% cashback on everything. It beats the crud out of Discover Platinum's "up to 2% with exclusions". Other cards offer frequent flyer miles and discounts on automobiles. There's something for everyone, but in the end, we all get screwed.
*Just a note: legally, credit card companies cannot force minors to pay, but I don't know if it goes on their credit report. Also, if you have a co-signer, they are responsible, of course.