You can get a credit card without a credit history by using a secured card, becoming an authorized user, or explore for a card designed for people building credit
A credit card company has no way to know whether you will pay them back if you have never borrowed money before. The three main routes around this are: put down cash as collateral (a secured card), have someone with established credit add you to their account (authorized user), or explore for a card specifically designed for people with no history. Each works differently and carries different costs and timelines.
The fastest route is usually becoming an authorized user on someone else's card — you can use it when ready and their payment history helps your credit score. The cheapest route is a secured card if you have cash to deposit. The easiest to get approved for is a student card if you are enrolled in college. Which one makes sense depends on your situation and how quickly you need the card.
Key Takeaways
- A secured credit card requires you to deposit cash as collateral, typically $200 to $2,500, which becomes your credit limit.
- Becoming an authorized user on someone else's card lets you use their established credit history, though you are not responsible for paying the bill.
- Student credit cards are designed for people with no credit history and often have lower limits and higher interest rates than standard cards.
- Your first card will likely have a higher interest rate and lower credit limit than cards offered to people with established credit.
- Using your card and paying the full balance on time each month builds credit history that opens better card options within 6 to 12 months.
Secured Credit Cards: Putting Down a Deposit to Build Credit
A secured credit card requires you to deposit money into a savings account held by the card issuer. That deposit becomes your credit limit — if you deposit $500, your limit is $500. You use the card like any other credit card, and the deposit sits untouched as long as you pay your bills on time. The card issuer reports your payments to the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which builds your credit score.
The deposit is not a fee — it is your money, held in reserve. You can withdraw it once the issuer decides you have built enough credit history, usually after 6 to 18 months of on-time payments. At that point, many issuers convert the secured card to a regular unsecured card and return your deposit. Some cards charge an annual fee ($25 to $95) on top of the deposit requirement, so compare before you choose.
Secured cards work best if you have cash available and can commit to paying the balance in full each month. The interest rate on secured cards is typically 18% to 24%, so carrying a balance is expensive. If you cannot pay in full, the interest charges will outweigh the credit-building benefit.
Becoming an Authorized User on Someone Else's Card
An authorized user is someone added to another person's credit card account. You get your own card with your name on it and can use it to make purchases, but the primary cardholder is responsible for paying the bill. The card issuer reports the account's payment history to all three credit bureaus under your name, which means their good payment history becomes part of your credit record.
This is the fastest way to build credit if you have a family member or close friend with a card in good standing. You can start using the card when ready — there is no process process for you, no deposit, and no waiting. Within one or two billing cycles, the account should appear on your credit report and begin raising your credit score.
The risk is that if the primary cardholder misses a payment or carries a high balance, that damage shows up on your credit report too. You also have no control over the account — you cannot change the limit, close it, or dispute charges without the primary cardholder's permission. Ask the cardholder to keep the balance low and pay on time, and consider asking them to remove you if they run into payment trouble.
Student Credit Cards for People Enrolled in College
Most major card issuers offer student credit cards designed for people with no credit history who are enrolled full-time at a college or university. These cards typically have lower credit limits ($500 to $2,500) and higher interest rates (18% to 24%) than standard cards, but they are easier to get approved for without a credit history. You will need to provide proof of enrollment — usually a student ID or a letter from the registrar.
Student cards often come with rewards on categories like groceries or gas, though the rewards rate is usually lower than cards for people with established credit. Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year or waive it entirely. The main advantage is that you can build credit on your own without relying on someone else's account or putting down a deposit.
Once you graduate or are no longer enrolled, the card issuer may convert your card to a standard card or close the account. Check the terms before you explore so you understand what happens after graduation.
Credit-Builder Loans as an Alternative to Credit Cards
A credit-builder loan is not a credit card, but it works similarly to a secured card for building credit. You borrow a small amount of money (typically $300 to $1,000) from a bank or credit union, and the lender deposits it into a savings account you cannot touch. You make monthly payments on the loan, and once you have paid it off, you get the money back. The lender reports your payments to the credit bureaus, building your credit history.
Credit-builder loans are often cheaper than secured cards because they do not charge annual fees, and the interest rate is usually lower (5% to 10% instead of 18% to 24%). However, you cannot use the money while you are paying off the loan, so it is less flexible than a credit card. If you need to use credit when ready, a credit card is the better choice. If you can wait a few months and want to minimize costs, a credit-builder loan may be worth exploring.
Many credit unions offer credit-builder loans to members, so check with your bank or credit union first before explore elsewhere.
What Happens After You Get Your First Card
Your first card is a tool for building credit, not a tool for spending. The goal is to use it regularly and pay the full balance on time every month. This shows lenders that you can manage credit responsibly. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you will likely may have access to for better cards with lower interest rates, higher limits, and better rewards.
Do not carry a balance to build credit faster — that is a myth. Paying interest does not help your score; paying on time does. Set up automatic payments for the full balance each month so you never miss a due date. A single late payment can set back your credit score by 100 points or more.
Once your credit score reaches the mid-600s (usually after 6 to 12 months), you can explore for a standard card from a major issuer. At that point, you can close your first card or keep it open — keeping it open helps your credit score because it shows a longer credit history and a lower overall credit utilization ratio.
Comparing Your Options: Secured Card vs. Authorized User vs. Student Card
| Option | Deposit Required | Time to Use | Best For | Main Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secured Card | $200–$2,500 | 1–2 weeks | Building credit independently with cash on hand | High interest rate if you carry a balance |
| Authorized User | None | when ready | Fast credit building with a trusted family member or friend | Depends on primary cardholder's payment behavior |
| Student Card | None | 1–2 weeks | College students building credit on their own | Card may close after graduation |
| Credit-Builder Loan | None (money locked away) | 1–2 months | Building credit cheaply without spending ability | Cannot access the borrowed money during repayment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to get a credit card?
Yes, all U.S. credit card issuers require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you cannot get a credit card. You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS if you are not a U.S. citizen but have a reason to file taxes.
Will being an authorized user hurt the primary cardholder's credit?
No. Adding an authorized user does not change the primary cardholder's credit score or credit report. Their account history appears on your report, but your use of the card does not appear on theirs. The only risk to them is if you make purchases they cannot afford to pay.
How long does it take to build enough credit to get a regular credit card?
Most people can may have access to for a standard credit card after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments on a secured card or as an authorized user. Your credit score needs to reach the mid-600s, which typically takes that long if you have no negative marks. Timelines vary by issuer.
What if I cannot pay my credit card bill on time?
Contact your card issuer when ready and ask about a payment plan or hardship program. A late payment will damage your credit score and may trigger a higher interest rate. If you cannot pay the full balance, paying something is better than paying nothing, but your goal should be to pay in full each month.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card to build credit?
No. Debit card use is not reported to credit bureaus, so it does not build credit history. You need a credit card, secured card, credit-builder loan, or authorized user status to build a credit score.