You can get a credit card without a credit score by using a secured card, becoming an authorized user, or explore with a co-signer
A credit score requires a history of borrowing and repaying. If you have never had a loan, credit card, or payment account reported to the credit bureaus, you have no score at all — not a low score, but no score. Banks and card issuers treat "no score" differently than a bad score, and several real paths exist to get your first card.
The most straightforward route is a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. You use the card like any other card, make monthly payments, and after 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, the issuer converts it to a regular unsecured card and returns your deposit. A second option is to become an authorized user on someone else's account — usually a family member with established credit — which can add their payment history to your credit report. A third option is to explore with a co-signer, someone who agrees to pay the debt if you do not.
Key Takeaways
- Secured cards require a cash deposit ($200 to $2,500 is typical) that serves as your credit limit, and most convert to unsecured cards after 12 to 18 months of on-time payments.
- Becoming an authorized user on someone else's account can build your credit history without requiring a deposit or co-signer, though the primary account holder remains responsible for the debt.
- Co-signer cards let you borrow in your own name with someone else's creditworthiness backing the process, but the co-signer is legally liable if you miss payments.
- All three routes report to the credit bureaus and build your credit score, which you can then use to move to a regular unsecured card within one to two years.
How secured credit cards work and which banks offer them
A secured card is the most common entry point for someone with no credit history. You deposit money into a savings account held by the card issuer, and that deposit amount becomes your spending limit. If you deposit $500, your credit limit is $500. You then use the card for everyday purchases — gas, groceries, subscriptions — and pay the monthly bill just like a regular card.
The deposit stays in the bank's account and earns a small amount of interest (usually 0.01% to 0.5% annually, depending on the bank). You cannot touch it while the account is open. After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, the issuer reviews your account and converts it to a standard unsecured card. At that point, they return your deposit to you in full, and your credit limit may increase.
Major banks and credit unions that offer secured cards include Capital One, Discover, U.S. Bank, and many regional credit unions. Some cards charge an annual fee ($0 to $95); others do not. Compare the deposit requirement, annual fee, interest rate on the deposit, and whether the card reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Reporting to all three matters because it builds your score faster and gives you options when you explore for other credit later.
Becoming an authorized user on someone else's card
If a family member or trusted friend has a credit card with a good payment history, you can ask them to add you as an authorized user. The primary account holder calls the card issuer and requests to add you to their account. You receive a card in your name linked to their account, and you can use it to make purchases.
The key advantage is that you do not need a deposit or a co-signer, and the account history appears on your credit report. If the primary account holder has been paying on time for years, that history can boost your score significantly — sometimes within 30 to 60 days of being added. However, the primary account holder remains fully responsible for all charges and payments. If you overspend or miss a payment, it damages their credit, not just yours.
Before you ask someone to add you, make sure you understand the terms. Some cards allow authorized users to make charges without limits; others let the primary holder set a spending cap. Agree on how you will use the card and how you will reimburse the primary holder for any charges you make. If the primary account holder later removes you from the account, the history may stay on your credit report for several years, depending on the credit bureau.
Using a co-signer to get an unsecured card
A co-signer is someone with established credit who signs the credit card agreement alongside you. They promise to pay the debt if you do not. This allows you to get a regular unsecured card — no deposit required — because the issuer has recourse if you default.
The co-signer's credit is checked, and their creditworthiness is what gets you approved. However, the account appears on both your credit report and theirs. If you make on-time payments, both of you build credit. If you miss a payment, both of you are harmed. The co-signer is also legally liable for the full balance if you stop paying.
Co-signers are usually family members — a parent, spouse, or adult sibling. Before asking someone to co-sign, be honest about your financial situation and your ability to make payments. Co-signing is a significant commitment, and it can strain relationships if payments are missed. Some banks allow you to remove the co-signer after 12 to 24 months of on-time payments; others do not.
What documents and information you will need to provide
For a secured card, you will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your Social Security number, and proof of income or employment. Some issuers ask for a recent pay stub or tax return; others accept a letter from your employer. You will also need to provide your current address and phone number. The bank will perform a soft credit pull, which does not affect your credit score.
For an authorized user request, you typically do not need to provide anything yourself. The primary account holder contacts the card issuer and provides your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The issuer adds you to the account and mails a card in your name.
For a co-signer card, both you and the co-signer must provide identification, Social Security numbers, income documentation, and address information. The issuer will perform a hard credit pull on both of you, which does appear on your credit reports. This is normal and expected for a credit process.
Timeline from process to receiving your card
For a secured card, the process usually takes 5 to 10 business days from process to receiving the card in the mail. You can explore online, by phone, or in person at a bank branch. Once you are approved, you fund the deposit account (usually by transferring money from your bank account or mailing a check), and the card is mailed to you. Some issuers allow you to start using the card when ready through a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
For an authorized user, the process is faster. Once the primary account holder requests to add you, the card is usually mailed within 5 to 7 business days. You may be able to use the account when ready through online banking or a mobile app.
For a co-signer card, the timeline is similar to a regular credit card process: 5 to 10 business days from approval to receiving the card. Both you and the co-signer must sign the agreement, which can be done electronically or by mail.
How to move from a secured card to an unsecured card
After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments on a secured card, contact the issuer and ask about converting to an unsecured card. Some issuers automatically review your account and send you a conversion offer; others require you to request it. When you convert, the issuer closes the secured account, returns your deposit, and opens a new unsecured account in your name.
Your credit limit on the unsecured card may be the same as your deposit amount, or it may be higher if the issuer has seen strong payment behavior. At this point, you have a credit history and a credit score, which you can use to explore for other cards, loans, or credit products with better terms.
If the issuer denies your conversion request, you can explore for a different unsecured card from another bank. By this time, you have 12 to 18 months of payment history, which is enough for many issuers to approve you without a deposit or co-signer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a job to get a secured credit card?
Most issuers require proof of income, but it does not have to be from employment. Self-employment income, disability payments, Social Security, retirement income, or student loans all count. You will need to provide documentation — a tax return, bank statements, or a benefit letter — showing the income is regular and ongoing.
Will being an authorized user hurt the primary account holder's credit?
No. Adding an authorized user does not affect the primary account holder's credit score. However, if you make charges and the primary holder does not pay them, it will damage both your scores. Make sure you have a clear agreement about payment responsibility before you use the card.
Can I get a credit card if I have no Social Security number?
Most card issuers require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have an ITIN, some banks and credit unions will work with you. Call the issuer directly to ask whether they accept ITINs before you explore.
What happens if I miss a payment on a secured card?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus and damages your credit score, just like a missed payment on any other card. It also delays or prevents your conversion to an unsecured card. If you miss multiple payments, the issuer may close the account and keep your deposit to cover the debt.
How long does it take to build a credit score from zero?
Credit bureaus need at least one account with payment history to generate a score. Most scoring models require three to six months of payment history. After six months of on-time payments on a secured card or as an authorized user, you should have a measurable credit score that you can use to explore for other credit.