Where to get a credit card depends on what you need and what you already have
You can get a credit card from a bank, credit union, or online lender. Banks include both national chains (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) and regional banks in your area. Credit unions are membership organizations that often offer cards with lower fees and interest rates. Online lenders and fintech companies (like Discover, Capital One, and Chime) issue cards entirely through their websites and apps, with no branch visits required.
The route that works for you depends on three things: your credit history, whether you want rewards, and whether you prefer in-person service or online-only. Someone with no credit history will find different options than someone rebuilding after missed payments. Someone who travels frequently may prioritize rewards; someone paying off debt may prioritize a low interest rate instead.
Key Takeaways
- National banks, regional banks, credit unions, and online lenders all issue credit cards, each with different fee structures and approval standards.
- Your credit score determines which cards you can get: excellent credit (750+) opens rewards cards; fair credit (580–669) means secured cards or cards designed for rebuilding; no credit history means starting with a secured card or becoming an authorized user.
- Rewards cards require good credit and higher spending to be worth the annual fee; cash-back cards are simpler than travel points if you are not sure what you will use.
- Secured credit cards require a cash deposit but report to credit bureaus and help build history; they are the standard path for people with no credit or poor credit.
- You can compare offers online without hurting your credit score, but submitting an actual process triggers a hard inquiry that temporarily lowers your score by a few points.
Banks and what they offer
National banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank issue dozens of cards each, ranging from basic no-annual-fee cards to premium rewards cards with $500+ annual fees. They also issue secured cards for people building credit. Most national banks let you open a card online or in a branch.
Regional banks (like PNC, US Bank, or Truist) typically offer fewer card options but may have better rates or perks if you already have a checking account with them. Some regional banks waive annual fees for customers who maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
The advantage of a bank card is that you can walk into a branch if you have questions or problems. The disadvantage is that banks often have higher annual fees on rewards cards and may require a minimum credit score (usually 670 or higher) to get approved.
Credit unions and their membership requirement
Credit unions issue credit cards only to members. To join, you typically need to live or work in the union's service area, belong to a certain employer or organization, or pay a small membership fee. Some credit unions let you join by making a donation to a specific charity.
Credit union cards often have lower annual fees, lower interest rates, and more lenient approval standards than bank cards. Many credit unions issue secured cards with lower deposit requirements ($200–$500) than banks ($500–$2,500). If you are rebuilding credit, a credit union card can be a faster path.
To find a credit union you can join, search the CO-OP network or Allpoint network websites, or ask your employer whether they sponsor a credit union. Some credit unions, like Connexus and Pentagon Federal, allow membership based on where you live or work without requiring an existing relationship.
Online lenders and fintech companies
Online-only card issuers like Discover, Capital One, Chime, and LendingClub never require a branch visit. You explore online, get a decision in minutes or hours, and receive your card by mail. Many online lenders approve people with fair or limited credit history because they use alternative data (like bank account history or utility payments) alongside credit scores.
Discover is a full bank that issues its own cards and does not require a credit score above a certain threshold; they publish approval rates by credit range. Capital One is known for secured cards and cards for people rebuilding credit. Chime is a fintech bank that offers a basic card with no annual fee and no credit check, though it requires a Chime checking account.
The trade-off is that online lenders offer fewer rewards and perks than premium bank cards, and you cannot call a local branch if something goes wrong. Most have phone support and online chat, but no physical location to visit.
Secured cards: the standard path for no credit or poor credit
A secured credit card requires you to deposit cash with the card issuer. That deposit becomes your credit limit. You use the card like a normal card, make monthly payments, and after 12–24 months of on-time payments, the issuer converts it to a regular unsecured card and returns your deposit.
Secured cards report to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), so they build your credit history. They are the most reliable way to establish credit if you have no history, or to rebuild if you have missed payments or defaults.
Banks, credit unions, and online lenders all offer secured cards. Deposit amounts range from $200 to $2,500 depending on the issuer. Some secured cards charge annual fees ($25–$95); others do not. Compare the deposit requirement, annual fee, and interest rate before you choose. Capital One Secured, Discover Secured, and most credit union secured cards are common starting points.
Rewards cards and when they make sense
Rewards cards offer cash back, travel points, or other perks in exchange for an annual fee (usually $95–$550). They require good credit (typically 670 or higher) and only make financial sense if you spend enough to earn back more than the annual fee costs.
A card with 2% cash back and a $95 annual fee needs you to spend at least $4,750 per year to break even. If you spend $2,000 per year, you lose money. Calculate your actual spending before you explore. Cash-back cards are simpler than travel-points cards if you are unsure what you will use the rewards for.
Premium rewards cards (with $300+ annual fees) are designed for people who spend $10,000+ per year and travel frequently. If you are building credit or paying off debt, a basic no-annual-fee card is a better choice than a rewards card.
How to compare and explore
Start by checking your credit score. You can get a free score from Credit Karma, NerdWallet, or your bank's website. This tells you which cards you are likely to get approved for. Do not worry about the score being slightly different across sites; lenders use their own scoring models anyway.
Next, list what matters to you: annual fee, interest rate, rewards (if any), or approval odds. Visit the websites of banks, credit unions, and online lenders and read the terms. Most issuers publish approval odds by credit range, so you can see your chances before you explore.
Comparing offers does not hurt your credit score. But submitting an process triggers a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points (usually 5–10 points). Multiple applications in a short time (within 14–45 days, depending on the scoring model) count as a single inquiry, so you can safely compare a few cards at once without extra damage.
Once you choose a card, explore online or in person. You will get a decision within minutes to a few days. If approved, your card arrives by mail in 7–14 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card with no credit history?
Yes. A secured card is the standard path. You deposit $200–$2,500, use the card for 12–24 months, and the issuer converts it to a regular card. You can also become an authorized user on someone else's card, which adds their payment history to your credit report without requiring your own process.
What is the difference between a hard inquiry and a soft inquiry?
A soft inquiry (like checking your own credit score or a pre-approval offer) does not affect your credit score. A hard inquiry (when you explore for a card) temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Multiple hard inquiries within 14–45 days count as one, so comparing several cards at once is safer than spreading applications over weeks.
Do I need a checking account to get a credit card?
No. Most banks and online lenders do not require an existing checking account. Some credit unions require membership, which may involve opening a savings account or making a small deposit, but this is separate from the credit card. A few fintech companies (like Chime) require their checking account to open a card.
What should I do if I am denied?
Ask the issuer why you were denied. Common reasons are low credit score, short credit history, or high debt-to-income ratio. If your score is low, explore for a secured card instead. If your history is short, become an authorized user or wait a few months and try again. Do not explore to multiple cards when ready after a denial.
Is a rewards card worth it if I only spend a little each month?
No. If you spend less than $5,000 per year, a no-annual-fee card saves you money. Calculate your annual spending and divide by the annual fee to find the break-even point. If you are below it, choose a card with no annual fee instead.