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Just because you have no credit history doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn't get a credit card. In fact, getting that first credit card can be an important part of building credit history. One key step is finding the right card, specifically designed for someone like you. Read our expert advice, compare the best offers from our credit card partners, find the best credit card for no credit history that works for you and start building your financial future today.
Best Credit Cards for No Credit History: Top Picks for 2022
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is one of the best cards to start your credit journey because it quickly rewards you for responsible use. You will be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months with on-time monthly payments, one of the fastest credit limit increases for this kind of card. Plus, it has a comparatively low cost of entry: a deposit as low as $49 can secure a $200 initial credit line.
This secured card is a great travel companion since it charges no foreign transaction fees.
The $49 security deposit minimum on this card is fairly low compared to other secured cards.
Cons
There are no intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
The regular APR is quite high at 26.99 percent variable.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.49% - 23.49% Variable
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
With the Discover it Student Cash Back, a lack of credit history won't stand in the way of earning bonus cash back rates. Activate the rotating cash back categories every quarter and earn 5 percent on up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1 percent thereafter. You'll also earn 1 percent on all purchases outside the rotating bonus categories, which makes the Discover it Student Cash Back a useful everyday card too.
All cash back rewards you earn in the first year with this card will be matched thanks to Discover’s Cashback Match program.
There are promotional intro APR offers on both purchases and balance transfers.
Cons
You must keep track of and enroll in bonus cash back categories each quarter.
There is a cap on the amount you can earn in the 5 percent bonus cash back category each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1 percent).
No credit score required to apply.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
New! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 14.49% - 23.49% applies.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, everywhere
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards card is a dependable, secured credit card and a great way to get on track with building your credit history while giving you all the room to get it done. Not only does it help you start building your credit if you have no prior use of credit cards, but you’ll also earn a modest base rewards rate, which is a rare perk when it comes to secured credit-building cards.
You can earn a higher credit limit with responsible use in just six months.
There is a base rewards rate of 1.5 percent on all eligible purchases.
Cons
There’s a low initial credit limit of $200, making it difficult to keep your credit utilization ratio low.
The APR on this card is 26.99 percent variable, a high rate that is customary for secured cards.
No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you're approved in seconds
Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
2%
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
24.49% Variable
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Discover it Secured Credit Card stands apart from typical secured credit cards. You’ll earn 2 percent cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1 percent) and an unlimited 1 percent on everything else. It's a rare opportunity to earn cash back rewards as you build a credit history.
This secured card by Discover also offers the Cashback Match program, which matches all of the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.
It’s one of a small number of secured credit cards that offers competitive rewards rates.
Cons
There is no intro APR offer on purchases.
There’s a minimum security deposit of $200 with this card.
No credit score required to apply.
No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.
Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
New! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
1.5%
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
1%
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away.
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card is a tech-savvy and user-friendly card for those with little or no credit history. The highly-rated Petal 2 Credit Card mobile app includes features like budget planning, credit score updates and automated payments.
You have the opportunity to increase your cash back rate from 1 percent on eligible purchases to up to 1.5 percent on eligible purchases when you make 12 on-time monthly payments.
This card has no fees: no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and no late fees or returned payment fees.
Cons
You cannot make balance transfers or cash advances with this card.
There is no intro APR offer on purchases with this card.
No fees whatsoever. No late fee, foreign transaction fee, annual fee, or any-other-kind-of-fee, fee.
Variable APRs range from 14.49% - 28.49%
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away
2% - 10% cash back at select merchants
$300 - $10,000 credit limits
No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we'll create your Cash Score instead.
See if you're pre-approved within minutes without impacting your credit score.
Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$25
Regular APR
24.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This unique product from Self and Visa combines a savings account with a secured card that can help people with no credit history build their credit profiles. You’ll make on-time payments on your Credit Builder Account for 12-24 months* in order to qualify for a Secured Visa Credit Card at the end of the term.
This card can improve the credit mix factor on your FICO score by reporting both credit card and loan payments.
You won’t be required to pay a security deposit upfront.
Cons
There are no intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
You must pay applicable rates and fees for both the credit-builder loan and the secured credit card.
Start with a Credit Builder Account* that reports to all 3 credit bureaus. Each on-time monthly payment builds credit history and savings. Choose the plan that works for you.
Make at least 3 monthly payments on time, have $100 or more in savings progress in your Credit Builder Account, and be in good standing.** Then, you’ll be eligible for the Self Visa Credit Card, without a hard credit check.
Your savings progress from your Credit Builder Account acts as your security deposit for your secured Credit Card.
Get the savings plan that helps build credit today.
No credit score is needed to get started.
Your money is secured and protected in a bank account.
*Credit Builder Account Sample Product: $48 monthly payment, 12 month term with a $9 admin fee at a 15.65% Annual Percentage Rate. Please refer to https://www.self.inc/pricing for the most recent pricing options.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
21.49% - 30.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
With an array of credit-building features, including the ability to track your credit score and manage your monthly budgets, the Petal 1 card is built to help you stay on track with your goals. The local cash back offers are icing on the cake.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
24.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Citi Secured Mastercard card helps you build your credit without charging you a monthly maintenance fee or an annual fee. It's also worth considering that the monthly reporting to credit bureaus helps establish your credit profile.
As a Citi cardholder, you’ll have access to Citi Entertainment, which offers some exclusive benefits like presale concert tickets.
You won’t need to worry about paying an annual fee on top of the standard security deposit.
Cons
There is a $200 minimum security deposit.
This card does not offer an intro APR on purchases or balance transfers, and there is no welcome offer or base rewards rate.
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a no annual fee credit card that helps you build your credit when used responsibly.
Unlike a debit card, it helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus. Once available, you will also have free access to your FICO score online.
Use your card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted — worldwide.
A security deposit is required. Once approved, your credit limit will be equal to your security deposit (minimum of $200).
Get help staying on track with Auto Pay and account alerts.
With Flexible Payment Due Dates, you can choose any available due date in the beginning, middle or end of the month.
Manage your account 24/7 online, by phone, or in our mobile app.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
1%
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
20.99% Variable
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students uses an innovative approval process that considers banking information and other factors in addition to credit history. With responsible use, this card makes it easy to build credit quickly while also earning 1 percent cash back on all purchases made with your Deserve EDU Mastercard.
It’s a great option for international students since no social security number is required on the application.
There is a welcome offer of an Amazon Prime Student subscription reimbursement after spending $500 in the first 3 billing cycles.
Cons
Balance transfers and cash advances are unavailable with this card.
Cash back can only be redeemed for statement credits.
Receive one year of Amazon Prime Student on Deserve after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles with your EDU card (Lifetime Value of $59).
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you'll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Feel secure with cell phone protection up to $600.
No deposit required. No annual fees.
No international transaction fees on purchases abroad so you can travel with confidence.
No Social Security Number required for international students to apply.
Refer A Friend Program: Refer anyone to Deserve using your personal referral code. Upon approval, card activation and use, you'll receive $30 and so will your referral. Referral bonuses are unlimited!
Manage and track your spending, set automatic payments and securely freeze your card all through one easy to use app.
See if you prequalify with no impact to your credit score in minutes.
Deserve Mastercards are issued by Celtic Bank, Member FDIC.
Enjoy Mastercard Platinum Benefits intended to make your life easier like Mastercard ID Theft Prevention™ and Master Rental®.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$35
Regular APR
18.99% (variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Applying for the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card doesn't require a credit check, and you can apply with no credit history. This secured card does require a refundable deposit, which will become the basis of your credit limit. Using this card responsibly and being on time in paying your monthly statements can help you build your credit over time.
A closer look at top credit cards for no credit history
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best for accessing a higher credit line
What we love about the Capital One Platinum Secured: This card is one of the only secured options that may reward you with a credit limit that’s higher than your initial deposit. You also have the option to pay the security deposit in installments over a 35-day period.
Who this card is good for: Single-focus credit builders who aren’t set on earning rewards.
Alternatives: The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is another low-cost and no-fuss option for anyone who is set on building credit first before needing the added incentive of earning rewards.
Discover it Student Cash Back: Best for rotating cash back bonus categories
What we love about the Discover it Student Cash Back: You can cast a wide net on your earning opportunities by keeping up with rotating bonus categories.
Who this card is good for: The newbie credit builder who doesn’t mind delving into some strategizing to maximize rewards earnings.
Alternatives: The Discover it® Student chrome offers rewards on a couple of popular spending categories like dining and gas, but skips out on the hassle of tracking and enrolling in bonus categories each quarter.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best secured card for flat-rate rewards
What we love about the Capital One Quicksilver Secured: You can earn back your security deposit in the form of a statement credit once you demonstrate a history of responsible credit use.
Who this card is good for: Responsible credit starters who know how to balance building credit and earning rewards.
Alternatives: The Discover it Secured Credit Card is the next best option when it comes to secured cards that offer valuable rewards rates. If you’re looking for ways to build credit outside of getting a credit card, you can tap into tools like UltraFICO and Experian Boost to build credit by other means outside of credit cards.
Discover it Secured Credit Card: Best secured card with rewards
What we love about the Discover it Secured: Discover will automatically match all of the cash back that you earned at the end of your first year—a great bargain for a starter credit card.
Who this card is good for: Foodies, roadtrippers and credit builders alike who want to earn rewards but may not have the credit requirements for a more lucrative rewards card in key categories.
Alternatives: If you don’t mind keeping up with rotating categories and enrollment dates, the Discover it® Student Cash Back has the same welcome offer program and higher rewards rates in specified bonus categories.
Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card: Best card with a credit-building app
What we love about the Petal 2: The card’s cash back program rewards responsibility by increasing the rate from 1 percent on eligible purchases to up to 1.5 percent on eligible purchases after you make 12 on-time monthly payments.
Who this card is good for: Tech-savvy consumers with no credit history, particularly people who make mobile apps a big part of their daily lives.
Alternatives: The Capital One Platinum Secured card keeps up with the Petal 2’s affordability, given that it has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The tradeoff is that the Capital One Secured doesn’t have a rewards program. If you’re still after rewards the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards card offers low maintenance flat-rate rewards.
Self – Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa Credit Card: Best for building credit with savings
What we love about the Self-Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa Credit Card: The combination of a savings account and a secured credit card, especially because neither requires a hard inquiry on your credit report.
Who this card is good for: Enthusiastic credit builders who want to build savings while building credit or who want a headstart on establishing a credit mix.
Alternatives: A more straightforward card option with rewards is the Discover it Secured Credit Card. A standard $200 security deposit will get you immediate access to a credit line and rewards on spending in a few popular categories.
Petal 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa Credit Card: Best for local cash back offers
What we love about the Petal 1: Petal 1 will calculate your credit limit and interest rate by using your banking history, which means that your credit history (or lack thereof) isn’t as important.
Who this card is good for: Aspiring credit-builders who want to earn some cash rewards and avoid an annual fee.
Alternatives: The Petal Rewards program offers occasional cash back points from certain merchants, but if you’re after more consistent rewards, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card still has no annual fee and offers one of the best reward rates for secured credit cards.
Citi Secured Mastercard: Best for no monthly maintenance fee
What we love about the Citi Secured: The access to exclusive deals and other perks through Citi Entertainment.
Who this card is good for: Credit newcomers looking for a minimal-fee route to good credit.
Alternatives: If you want to pair low costs and credit-building with some opportunity to earn rewards, the Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa credit card is a low-cost unsecured option with a competitive rewards rate.
Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students: Best overall student card
What we love about the Deserve EDU Mastercard: The accessibility of the card for international students, along with U.S.-born students. You are not required to submit a social security number (SSN) with your card application, a rare perk of this credit card.
Who this card is good for: U.S. and international students who want to earn cash back.
Alternatives: The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is another low-maintenance rewards card for students that still is up for grabs for international students. This card application will accept either an SSN or an individual taxpayer identification number.
OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card: Best for no required credit check
What we love about the OpenSky Secured: You can feasibly be approved for this card while skipping a credit check altogether.
Who this card is good for: Credit builders looking for ownership over their credit line. Whatever you put down for your security deposit will become your credit limit and that limit can range from $200 to up to $3,000.
Alternatives: This card has an added annual fee on top of the required security deposit, but the lack of a credit check can be fairly enticing. The Capital One Platinum Secured card has no annual fee and the minimum security deposit you put down can be as low as $49, so it could be a more cost-effective alternative.
Your credit history, often called your credit report, is a record of your performance as a borrower and user of credit. A positive credit history with little to no delinquencies or late payments indicates that you’re a reliable and financially responsible debtor.
Improving your credit score can help when:
Getting a better interest rate when applying for a loan or credit card
Upgrading a credit card
Refinancing a mortgage for a lower rate
Getting the better insurance rates
Requesting higher credit limits
Most credit card issuers report your spending habits and payment history to one of three major credit reporting agencies. These agencies compile this information with reports from other lenders, such as your mortgage company, or small loan lender to create your overall credit report and credit score.
Used correctly, a credit card is one of the ways you can start building a solid credit foundation.
Who should get a credit card for no credit history?
Many students just getting started on their credit journey will often have little, if any, credit history. The requirements for approval on these kinds of credit cards are fairly relaxed, making them easier for students to acquire. Although credit cards for no credit history are an option for students, there are many student credit cards that offer specialized, student-centric benefits and rewards and are just as easy to qualify for and probably fit better into a student’s lifestyle.
Foreign students studying abroad in the U.S who wish to start building credit in the States may run into some challenges. Luckily, there are ways international students can access credit cards. Some cards on the market skip the need for a Social Security Number (SSN) or only require you to open a U.S. checking account, effectively removing a few of the main barriers for international students trying to access credit.
If you don’t fall into the student demographic—but still hope to build credit for the first time—you may find your fit in a credit card for no credit history. Relaxed credit requirements, modest rewards and other credit-building tools allow credit beginners to start somewhere. These options are also relatively low cost, often skipping annual fees.
Still unsure on the right card type for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
How to establish credit with a credit card
Your credit report is created when you open your first credit account, whether it’s a credit card, auto loan or some other type of credit. Building a strong credit history takes both time and good financial habits. Keep these guidelines in mind as you establish your credit history:
Check your credit report before getting started. Reading your credit report will give you an idea of where you stand. Even if you haven’t begun your journey yet, errors can appear on your credit report, so it’s best to check ahead of time to be sure you’re not wrongfully disadvantaged. Upon request, each of the three major credit bureaus provide a free copy of your credit report once a year.
Apply for a credit card. Opening a credit card account is a major step on the road to building credit history, so take time to find the right credit card. Evaluate the key features, credit score requirements, any fees and make sure the card reports to the credit bureaus, as they are the agencies that create your credit report. Pay particular attention to the annual percentage rate (APR), which determines how much interest you pay for carrying a balance.
Practice good spending habits. Overspending with your card could affect your credit utilization, which is a ratio of how much credit you use versus how much you have available. In general, it’s best to keep this under 30 percent.
Pay your credit card bill on time and in full. Making it clear that you can consistently pay on time and in full will do wonders for your credit score. If you don’t pay your balance in full each month, you may be subject to added interest, which applies to any unpaid charges carried over from one billing cycle to the next. Your interest rate may also increase significantly if you miss even one payment.
Keep the credit card account open. Length of credit history accounts for 15 percent of your credit score and is an average age of all your credit accounts. Even if you cancel a credit card with your account in good standing, the effect on someone with a limited credit history is pronounced. When you close a credit card, it also affects your credit utilization ratio.
Bankrate Insight
Although it’s generally a good idea to keep credit card accounts open while building credit, you may ultimately want to close an account if you have too many cards to manage responsibly or you are tempted to overspend. Consider closing the card (or cards) you’ve had for the least amount of time as older accounts do your credit score more good.
Credit-building alternatives to credit cards
Credit cards can be excellent credit-building tools when used correctly. They offer flexibility and protections that debit cards just can’t match (some even reward you for using them). But if you don’t want a credit card or are having a hard time qualifying for one, it is entirely possible to build your credit without using a credit card.
Pay your student loans
Your student loans can impact your credit score. Whether that impact is positive or negative depends on how you handle your loans. Paying off your student loans over a period of time can be a boon to your credit-building efforts, but you have to keep certain factors in mind.
If your payment history is positive—that is, you pay your bills on time each month—it positively impacts your credit score. The opposite action will negatively impact your score. Having your student loans on your credit profile can also give your loan a boost by lengthening your credit history. It can also provide you with a good credit mix, since creditors like seeing a variety of accounts on your credit report.
Use Experian Boost
Experian Boost is a credit-building tool that helps you boost your credit score using bills you already pay. This service monitors your bill payment behavior and reports it to the three credit bureaus. Users will get a boost to their scores for paying rent, utility bills and for streaming services. You can add up to 24 months of data when you get started with Experian Boost, giving your credit score two years of positive credit behaviors in an instant.
Get a credit-builder loan
A credit-builder loan is a great choice for credit-builders and can be accessed through your current bank or credit union. They are much easier to qualify for than traditional unsecured loans. They also carry lower interest rates, as they’re less risky for the creditor. If you borrow the lowest amount possible and pay it off on time, your payment history is reported to the credit bureaus, and with positive credit behaviors over time, you’ll see your credit score improve.
Tips on applying for your first credit card
Your first-ever credit card application doesn’t have to be intimidating. Consider a few guidelines that can help you prepare:
Requirements to get a credit card
You must be at least 18 years old. You cannot be approved for your own credit card as a minor. Even at 18 to 20 years old, you have to provide proof of independent income or to have a parent co-sign on your application, as required by the Card Act of 2009.
You must have an income source or access to an income source. Credit card applications will ask for your income. If you don’t have an independent source of income, you may list that of your parent or partner, as long as you have “reasonable expectation of access” to that money, like having a shared bank account. This is an amendment to the Card Act of 2009.
You’ll usually need a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. In most traditional cases, you must provide your SSN on a credit card application. However, some issuers like Capital One and American Express may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in place of a SSN. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to a tax-paying individual who lives in the U.S. and does not have a Social Security Number. Keep in mind that you may still be denied with an ITIN due to a lack of credit history within the U.S.
Bankrate Insight
If you don’t meet all of the requirements to get a credit card, one option is to become an authorized user on a parent or guardian’s credit card. There is no age requirement to become an authorized user, and you’ll also be able to build credit.
Look for pre-qualified offers
Credit card issuers and other types of lenders can perform two kinds of credit checks when someone submits an application: a hard inquiry and a soft inquiry, both inquiries impact your score differently. A hard inquiry will temporarily lower your credit score while a soft inquiry has no effect. Pre-qualified offers don’t require a hard inquiry, so keep an eye out for pre-qualification features like CardMatch™. You can get a better idea of which cards you might qualify for without taking a short-term hit on your credit score.
Be ready to submit some information
It’s routine for the card application process to require some basic information, even if you have no credit history. The issuer will need to verify your identity, which is why you’ll be asked for details such as your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number and address.
Limit the number of applications you make
Applying for multiple cards in a short period of time could signal to lenders that you want more credit than you can responsibly handle. Also, remember that credit applications involving a hard inquiry will lower your credit score temporarily. The ding to your credit score for one inquiry is less than five points in most cases. Still, multiple inquiries could make a difference, so be selective about which cards you apply for.
How we chose the top credit cards for no credit history
Bankrate evaluates credit cards on a 5-star system that factors in attributes such as annual fees, APR, rewards value and welcome bonuses. To make our list of best credit cards for no credit history, our writers and editors pay particular attention to:
Annual fees:
Most of our recommendations have no or fairly low annual fees to add to the card’s affordability. People just starting out with a credit card may want to skip the hassle of planning to offset an annual fee.
Credit requirements:
Credit cards for no credit history do not usually have strenuous credit requirements, making it easier to be approved for them.
Rewards:
Many credit cards for no credit history don’t offer rewards and focus on credit building, but some that do offer modest rewards are highlighted on this page.
Target audience:
Credit cards for no credit history are often geared toward students and other credit newbies, so a lot of the options listed are student cards and secured credit cards.
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
Frequently asked questions about credit cards for no credit history
Your credit report, or credit history, is different from your credit score. However, both are essential to your financial standing.
A credit report is a detailed account that includes a person's credit accounts and debts, past and present. A credit score provides a way for lenders to measure your creditworthiness at a given point in time.
Having no credit and having bad credit are two different things. Someone with no credit is typically someone who is just starting out, either as a young adult or someone new to the country. Having bad credit, however, means that you've possibly made poor financial decisions and are considered risky to lenders. Faced with choosing between the two, lenders are typically more favorable toward people with no credit.
Becoming an authorized user on another person's card, such as a parent, spouse or partner.
Signing up for a service that reports rent or utility payments to the three credit bureaus (also known as self-reporting) so that these payments are reflected in your credit history.
Paying loans like your car loan, personal loan or student loan on time. Loans count toward your payment history, just like other forms of credit.
Looking into credit scoring models such as UltraFICO or Experian Boost that use expanded criteria to evaluate creditworthiness.
No, it doesn’t. Checking your score is considered a "soft inquiry" or "soft pull." A soft inquiry (checking your own score, when an employer or landlord does a credit check with your permission, etc.) doesn't impact your credit score. On the other hand, a hard inquiry (applying for credit) can lower your score by several points for a short time.
The answer to this question depends on your personal situation. When just getting started, it will take about three to six months before the credit bureaus can calculate your credit score. The best way to start off on the right foot is to open a card that best fits your needs and use it responsibly by paying it off on time each month.
Former Senior Editor Barry Bridges has been writing about credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and other personal finance products since 2017. Before joining Bankrate, he was an award-winning newspaper journalist in his native North Carolina.
Mariah Ackary is a personal finance editor who joined the Bankrate team in 2019, excited by the opportunity to help people make good financial decisions. Send your questions to mackary@bankrate.com
* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
