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Fact Checked
Ashley Maready
You can get your first credit card without a credit score. It's easier than you'd think: Credit card issuers want you to build credit with them, so you've got options. Once you open your first card, you can start building a credit history and earning rewards or cash back on your purchases.
How to get your first credit card
Credit cards are useful. But how do you actually get your first credit card? You'll need to meet a few basic criteria to qualify:
- Be at least 18 or older
- Be a U.S. citizen or a resident with a Social Security number or, for some cards, a Taxpayer Identification Number
- Own a checking account (not all cards require this)
- Have proof that you can make payments
The first and last points are flexible. You can qualify for a credit card at 18 if you have proof you can make payments, like an independent source of income. However, allowances or gifts don't count as income. If you don't have verifiable income, you may need a cosigner over 21 with good credit to back you up. Many credit companies don't allow cosigners, though.
Provided you meet these requirements, you can apply for your first credit card (and get approved). The steps for application are the same regardless of whether it's your first time. It's usually fast and easy to apply; you may be approved (or not) within minutes.
Best first credit cards with no credit history
There are two main types of credit cards available to those without a credit history: student credit cards and secured credit cards. Expand each section below to learn more.
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Student credit cards
Student credit cards are marketed toward college students who lack an established credit history, and they're some of the easiest cards to get. Credit card issuers want you as a long-term customer, so they offer students plenty of perks.
Most student credit cards don't charge annual fees, and many offer rewards. In fact, many student credit cards are similar to regular consumer cards, with rewards to match. For example, the Discover it® Student Cash Back offers rewards, like a welcome bonus that matches the cash back you earn in the first year. But you can earn the same rewards on the regular Discover it® Cash Back.
The main downside: You'll likely start with a very low credit limit. You'll want to keep your balances low to avoid a high utilization rate, how much you use versus how much you have available. Avoid maxing out your card(s) -- this could hurt your credit score.
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Secured credit cards
If you're not a current student and have no credit history, a secured credit card is the way to go. These cards are so named because they require a (fully refundable) security deposit to open and maintain the account.
Most secured cards require a minimum deposit of $300 to $500. Since the credit limit of your secured credit card typically equals your deposit amount, you must put down a larger deposit to get a higher credit limit. If you default on your credit card balance, the issuer can close your account and use your deposit to pay off your outstanding debt.
Many secured credit cards have zero annual fees; some even offer modest purchase rewards. Don't sweat the rewards, though. Secured cards are supposed to build your credit history, not your points balance. Once your credit is established, you can seek better rewards.
Unsure where to start? Here are secured credit cards for beginners.
As of May. 30, 2024
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| Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card | Discover it® Secured Credit Card |
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Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
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Apply Now for Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
On Capital One's Secure Website. |
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Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair/New to Credit Under(669)
Fair/New to Credit Under(669) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: New/Rebuilding Under(579)
New/Rebuilding Under(579) |
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Welcome Offer: N/A N/A |
Welcome Offer: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. |
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Rewards Program: — |
Rewards Program: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically 1% - 2% Cashback |
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Intro APR: Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
Intro APR: Purchases: n/a Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months |
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Regular APR: 29.99% (Variable) |
Regular APR: 28.24% Variable APR |
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Annual Fee: $0 |
Annual Fee: $0 |
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Apply Now for Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
On Capital One's Secure Website. |
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Choosing the best first credit card
Advertisers hawk enough credit cards to make the average American's head spin. It's a lot for first-time credit card users. Let's keep things simple: when shopping around, keep in mind these four factors:
- Zero annual fee: Cards with annual fees are best left for when you're a more experienced credit card user.
- Reasonable grace period: Make sure your first card offers a reasonable grace period so you don't get charged interest fees.
- Low annual percentage rate (APR): If you pay your balance in full each month, the APR shouldn't matter. In general, though, a lower APR is better.
- Relevant rewards: Rewards aren't the most important thing for first-timers, but they can help you choose between two great cards. Get the best return on your spending by choosing rewards that best match the purchases relevant to your lifestyle.
While choosing your first card, remember that it's just that: your first card. This isn't your forever card. Pick a card that helps you build credit responsibly without breaking the bank. Once you're ready to move on, you can upgrade to a better credit card.
Choosing a credit card
Don't you wish you could take a peek inside a credit card expert's wallet sometimes? Just to see the cards they carry? Well, you can't look in anybody's wallet, but you can check out our experts' favorite credit cards. Get started here:
How to use your first credit card the right way
So, you've been approved for a starter credit card. Now what? You can use a credit card to build a positive credit history that makes it easier to secure new loans or lines of credit. But only if you use that new card wisely.
The most important thing: Pay your credit card bills on time every single month. Late payments cost you fees, and if you fall more than 30 days behind, your credit score is in for some heavy damage -- especially when you only have a limited credit history.
The second most important thing: Pay your credit card bills in full. You can get away with only making minimum payments, but there's a catch. You pay interest fees, and if you're using 30% or more of your credit limit, your score could drop significantly. Pay in full to avoid that.
Limit how often you apply for a credit card. Each time you apply, the lender performs a hard credit inquiry that lowers your credit score a bit. Plus, new credit cards shorten your credit history. Stick to your first credit card for six months to a year to let your credit history grow.
Your first credit card is just the tip of the iceberg. The opportunity for cheaper borrowing grows as you build your credit score the right way. Perks include top-tier credit cards and lower mortgage payments when it comes time to buy a home -- and it all begins with your first credit card.
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FAQs
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You usually can't get a credit card in your own name unless you're a legal adult. Most credit card companies require you to build credit with a starter credit card before you can upgrade to the good stuff. But some companies may let underage applicants apply alongside a parent or guardian to get a card before they turn 18.
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Not typically. So long as you meet basic requirements, you can typically get approved for a student or a secured card designed for users with no credit. These may be more limited than non-starter cards, though, so be aware.
But if you've established a credit history without a credit card, and your credit score is spotty, then getting approval for a credit card may be hard. It may take time to build credit so you can more reliably qualify for a credit card.
Our Credit Cards Experts
Brittney started her writing career in the world of science, putting her physics degree to good use. Her journey into finance started with building her personal credit, but soon grew into a borderline obsession with credit cards and travel rewards. For the last 7 years, she has enjoyed the ability to share her expertise with readers, as well as the opportunity to interview companies and individuals making an impact on our financial lives. She wholly believe most problems can be solved with the right research -- and a good spreadsheet -- and she specializes in translating complex financial topics into actionable advice to help educate and empower readers.
Cole Tretheway is a full-time personal finance writer whose articles have been featured on The Ascent and The Motley Fool. He has a degree in English with a Certificate in Professional and Technical Communication from California Polytechnic University, SLO.
Fact Checked
Ashley Maready
Ashley Maready is a former history museum professional who made the leap to digital content writing and editing in 2021. She has a BA in History and Philosophy from Hood College and an MA in Applied History from Shippensburg University. Ashley loves creating content for the public and learning new things so she can teach others, whether it's information about salt mining, canal mules, or personal finance.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Cole Tretheway has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Mastercard, Target, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services and recommends the following options: long January 2025 $370 calls on Mastercard and short January 2025 $380 calls on Mastercard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.