You can get a credit card with no credit history, but your options are limited to secured cards, student cards, or cards for people building credit
If you have never borrowed money, never had a credit card, and have no credit score, most mainstream credit card issuers will turn you down. Banks want to see a track record of paying bills on time. But you can still get approved for a card designed for people in your situation — you just need to know which ones exist and what each one requires.
The three main routes are a secured credit card (you put down a cash deposit), a student credit card (if you are enrolled in college), or a credit card for people building credit (designed for people with thin or no credit history). Each has different requirements and different costs. The card you choose now will affect what you can borrow later, so it matters which one you pick.
Key Takeaways
- Secured credit cards require a cash deposit — usually $200 to $2,500 — that becomes your credit limit, and they charge annual fees of $0 to $95.
- Student credit cards are only available if you are currently enrolled in a degree program and have a valid student ID.
- Cards designed for people building credit have no deposit requirement but typically charge higher interest rates and annual fees than mainstream cards.
- Every card you open reports to the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), so using one responsibly will build a credit score you can use to move to better cards later.
- The card issuer will run a hard inquiry on your credit report when you explore, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points — but only if you have a score to begin with.
How secured credit cards work
A secured credit card is the most straightforward option if you have no credit history. You deposit cash with the card issuer — typically $200 to $2,500 — and that amount becomes your credit limit. You use the card like any other card, pay your bill each month, and the deposit stays in a separate account at the bank.
The deposit is not a fee; it is collateral. If you stop paying your bill, the bank can take the money from the deposit. But if you pay on time every month, the deposit stays yours. After 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, many issuers will convert your secured card to a regular unsecured card and return your deposit. Some will do it sooner if you ask.
Secured cards do charge annual fees, usually $25 to $95. Some charge no annual fee at all. They also charge interest on balances you carry month to month — the rate varies by issuer but is typically 18% to 24% for people with no credit history. If you pay your full balance each month, you pay no interest.
Banks that offer secured cards include Capital One, Discover, and U.S. Bank. Compare the annual fee, the interest rate, and the minimum deposit before you choose. Some issuers also offer a higher credit limit if you deposit more money.
Student credit cards and who can get them
If you are enrolled full-time in a college or university degree program, you may be able to get a student credit card. These cards are designed for people with no credit history and typically have lower annual fees and interest rates than secured cards. Some have no annual fee at all.
To explore, you will need to provide proof of enrollment — usually a valid student ID or a letter from your school's registrar. The card issuer will verify your enrollment directly with your school. You do not need a deposit, and your credit limit is usually $500 to $2,500 depending on the issuer and your income.
Student cards are offered by Capital One, Discover, Chase, and Bank of America, among others. The terms vary widely, so compare the annual fee, interest rate, and any rewards or benefits before you explore. Some cards offer cash back on certain purchases or waive the annual fee for the first year.
Once you graduate or stop being a full-time student, the issuer may convert your card to a regular card or close the account. Check the terms when you explore to understand what happens after you leave school.
Credit cards designed for people building credit
Some card issuers offer cards specifically for people with no credit history or very limited credit history. These cards have no deposit requirement, but they typically charge higher annual fees and interest rates than student or mainstream cards. The tradeoff is that you do not have to put down cash upfront.
These cards are offered by Capital One, Credit One Bank, Milestone, and others. Annual fees range from $0 to $95, and interest rates are typically 20% to 29%. Credit limits are usually $300 to $1,000. Like secured cards, these cards report to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments will build your credit score.
Be cautious of cards that charge very high annual fees or require you to buy add-on products like credit monitoring or identity theft protection. These cards are designed to make money from fees rather than help you build credit. Stick to cards with transparent terms and no hidden costs.
What happens when you explore
When you explore for any credit card, the issuer will run a hard inquiry on your credit report. This is a formal check of your credit history. If you have no credit history, the inquiry will not lower your score because you do not have a score yet. But if you explore for multiple cards in a short time, each inquiry can lower your score by a few points.
The issuer will also verify your income and identity. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. If you are explore for a student card, you will need to prove enrollment. If you are explore for a secured card, you will need to fund the deposit account.
Most issuers will tell you whether you are approved, denied, or need more information within minutes of explore online. If you are approved, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a PIN and instructions for setting up your online account.
How to use your first credit card responsibly
Getting approved is only the first step. How you use the card determines whether it helps or hurts your credit score. The most important rule is to pay your full balance on time, every month. Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score, so even one late payment can damage your score significantly.
Set up automatic payments if your card issuer offers it. This way, you will never miss a due date. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay at least the minimum payment on time. Carrying a balance will cost you interest, but it will not hurt your score as long as you pay on time.
Keep your credit utilization low — that is, do not use more than 30% of your credit limit. If your limit is $500, try to keep your balance below $150. This shows lenders that you can manage credit responsibly. Once you have built a score of 620 or higher, you can move to a better card with lower fees and interest rates.
Do not close your first card once you move to a better one. Keeping old accounts open helps your credit score because it shows a longer history of responsible borrowing. You can straightforward stop using the card and let it sit in a drawer.
Comparing your options side by side
| Card Type | Deposit Required | Annual Fee | Interest Rate | Credit Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secured Card | $200–$2,500 | $0–$95 | 18%–24% | Equal to deposit | People with no credit history who can afford a deposit |
| Student Card | None | $0–$50 | 15%–22% | $500–$2,500 | Full-time college students |
| Building Credit Card | None | $0–$95 | 20%–29% | $300–$1,000 | People who cannot afford a deposit and are not students |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will getting a credit card hurt my credit score if I have no score yet?
No. A hard inquiry only lowers your score if you already have one. Since you have no credit history, the inquiry will not affect you. Once you open the card and start using it, your score will begin to build based on your payment history and credit utilization.
Can I get a credit card if I have a very low income?
Yes. Card issuers do not require a minimum income, but they will verify that you have some income to show you can pay your bills. If you are a student with no income, you may still be able to get a student card. If you have no income at all, a secured card is your best option because the deposit reduces the issuer's risk.
How long does it take to build a credit score?
You need at least six months of credit history before a credit score is calculated. After six months of on-time payments, you should have a score of 600 or higher. After one to two years of responsible use, you can move to a better card with lower fees and interest rates.
What if I am denied for a credit card?
If you are denied, ask the issuer why. Common reasons include insufficient income, too many recent inquiries, or an error on your credit report. You can check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com. If you find an error, dispute it with the credit bureau. Then wait a few months and try again.
Should I get a secured card or a building credit card?
If you can afford the deposit, a secured card is usually the better choice because it has lower interest rates and fees. If you cannot afford a deposit, a building credit card is your option. Either way, the key is to pay on time every month and keep your balance low.