Unfortunately, in the United States a credit card doesn’t work at all in terms of age verification. In many middle-class high schools, or even middle schools, if a kid doesn’t have their own credit card (technically it is “rider” on their parent’s card account) than the other kids consider them an outcast. Even if their parents don’t give a kid their own card they can easily sneak their parents’ card, buy a pre-paid credit card at any grocery or drug store, buy a disposable credit card online, or use their ATM/Debit card that has a Visa/MC logo on it as most do now.
Requiring them to sign a written affidavit couldn’t hurt you. You can do basically the same thing though by having them attest to being over 18 to access your web site or before they can click the buy button. This doesn’t mean they won’t lie, but it does mean that you will have proof that they intentionally misrepresented their age to you. Having proof that they gave you indication that they were of legal age will work in your favor if there is a problem.
Of course if someone gives you any indication at all that they aren’t over 18, you need to take it very seriously. If in doubt, assume they aren’t old enough. You may lose a legit adult customer in error from time to time but that is far better than giving access to a minor.
-PK
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