Theft of a credit card or getting a credit card through fraud (providing a fake name or information) is a class 5 felony (ARS §13-2102 B). Forgery of a credit card is a class 4 felony (ARS §13-2104). Under A.R.S. 13-2105 B Fraudulent use of a credit card (using a credit card that is not yours) is a class 1 misdemeanor.

If the total amount of stuff you buy or attempt to buy fraudulently is more than $250 but less than $1000 in any 6-month period, it is a class 6 felony. If the amount is more than $1000 in a 6-month period then it is a class 5 felony.

See also Speak Up #395: What are the penalties for theft?
Speak Up! #20: What is the penalty for a class 4 felony?

So the first question that needs to be answered is what kind of credit card fraud do you want to know about, theft, forgery or fraudulent use? There are different penalties depending on the type of fraud.

Also, the U. S. Secret Service may arrest any person who violates federal laws about credit card fraud (USC Title 18, Section 3056 subsection b). Conviction on Credit Card Fraud carries penalties of 10 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.

Conviction of Credit Card Fraud carries heavy penalties. You can be sent to jail for credit card fraud. Even a 17 year old or a minor (someone under the age of 18) can be sent to jail for credit card fraud. Depending on what the judge decides, a juvenile can get probation if it is their first offense, but jail time is a possibility because it is a felony. 

Visit the State Juvenile Justice Profiles NCJJ home page below for specific details about minors who commit felonies.

Check www.LawForKids.org dictionary for the definitions of forgery, fraud, felony and misdemeanor.