Written by: Brittney Mayer
Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro
If you’re searching for information on how to get a credit card, this article will walk you through some of the basics and provide information and recommendations for those with little to no credit history.
In the late 19th century, department stores and hotels began to issue charge coins to their loyal customers. These small coins, which could be slid onto key rings, allowed merchants to easily copy a customer’s store account number onto a sales slip.
While the modern plastic credit card looks little like its coin-shaped ancestor, its purpose remains remarkably similar: to make it easier to purchase items without cash.
Today’s cards have a number of improvements over those of yore, however, like the ability to be used just about anywhere. Getting a credit card can seem intimidating, especially if you have poor credit or lack an established credit history. Tons of great options are out there, though, and can be found with a little help. Let’s dive into the topic. We’ll look at how to increase your chances of being approved, concerns of consumers with bad credit or no credit, and some of our top choices for credit cards that may be helpful for those struggling with credit issues.
Get Approved | Bad Credit | No Credit | Secured Cards | Free Cards | How Long
1. How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Approved?
The approval process for any credit card can be made easier with a few simple steps. The first step is knowing where you stand. Pull your credit report and check your credit score. Lenders will be doing the same thing, and you’ll want to know what they will see.
If you find any errors on your credit report, such as an incorrect balance or unfamiliar account, now is the time to fix them. Don’t put this step off, as those errors could be dragging down your score. Use a good credit repair company to make the process as smooth as possible.
Once you know your situation, you can determine your credit card options. You’ll have the most success getting approved for a credit card when you already know you meet the criteria. If you aren’t sure if you’ll qualify, use the issuer’s website to check for pre-approval (also called pre-qualification) offers. This is an easy way to see which cards you’ll likely be approved for, without impacting your credit with a hard pull.
2. Can I Still Get a Credit Card with Bad Credit?
When your credit score dips below 650, most lenders will consider you to be a subprime borrower. Having bad credit is no reason to feel defeated before you’ve even begun, however. A lot of options are out there, including lenders who specialize in credit cards for those with poor credit.
While you’ll need to make peace with the higher-than-average interest rate that will likely come with your subprime card, you’ll still want to shop around for the best rates. Some cards will even come with perks, such as cash back rewards and free credit score tracking. Check out our top three credit cards for bad credit below.
- Don’t let a low FICO score stop you from applying – we approve applications others may not.
- You don’t need good credit to apply.
- Just complete the short application and find out in 60 seconds if you’re approved.
- When you need assistance our award-winning US-based Customer Service agents are there to help.
- FICO scores are used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any PREMIER Bankcard® product.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 minutes | See Provider Website | Yes | 9.0/10 |
- You don’t need good credit to apply.
- We help people with bad credit, every day.
- Just complete the short application and find out in 60 seconds if you’re approved.
- You can build* or rebuild your credit: apply for a PREMIER Bankcard credit card, keep your balance low, and pay all your monthly bills on time.
- Don’t let a low FICO score stop you from applying – we approve applications others may not.
- FICO scores are used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any PREMIER Bankcard® product.
- *Build credit by keeping your balance low and paying all your bills on time every month.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 minutes | See Provider Website | Yes | 9.0/10 |
- Brink’s gives you the peace of mind you deserve. Securing cash and valuables since 1859.
- With Brink’s Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster* than a paper check.
- No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card.
- Use the Brink’s Money Prepaid Mobile App to manage your account on the go and get text message or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply.)
- *Card issued by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Mastercard Debit cards are accepted. “Apply Now” for full details.
- See additional Brink’s Prepaid Mastercard® Details.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | N/A (Prepaid) | No | 7.5/10 |
+See More Credit Cards for Bad Credit
3. What Are My Options if I Have No Credit History?
Those who lack an established credit history will find it almost as difficult to get a new credit card as those whose credit histories are poor — but not quite. With no proof that you’ll be a bad borrower, some companies are willing to trust that you’ll be a good one, and offer you a good credit card deal.
Your First Credit Card
Getting your first credit card can be one of the hallmark occasions that mark your 21st birthday — assuming you did a little homework. Apply to carriers that advertise cards specifically for people with limited credit, or take advantage of the pre-qualification offers you see online or in the mail to increase your odds of approval.
If you’re having trouble getting approved for your first credit card, you may need to look to a parent or friend with good credit to help give your borrowing history a jump-start. Try becoming an authorized user on his or her account to establish yourself in the credit world, then reapply after a few months.
Student Credit Cards
Obtaining your first credit card can be easier if you are a college student who is actively enrolled in classes, as many of the major carriers will offer student credit cards aimed at first-timers heading off to school. The best student credit card deals will come with cash back offers and student-centered perks, such as bonus rewards for good grades.
Student credit cards are likely to come with relatively low limits, but should come with a competitive interest rate. Make sure to pay the card off every month, on time, to start developing a positive credit history.
4. Do I Need a Secured Credit Card?
When all else fails, you may need to try a secured credit card. Unlike a traditional unsecured credit card, a secured card requires you to put down collateral in the form of a cash deposit. Your deposit is kept in a secured account and is only used if you default on your debt. It will be returned to you if you close the account (with no balance) or upgrade to an unsecured card.
Secured credit cards are typically the easiest to qualify for because they’re backed by your deposit. The limit on your secured card will be equal to the amount you deposit, so if you plan to carry a balance, consider a larger deposit to keep your utilization rate low.
- Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards on payments made to your First Progress Secured credit card account.
- No minimum credit history or credit score required!
- Imagine being rewarded for simply paying your bill each month.
- Accepted wherever Mastercard® is accepted, online and worldwide!
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
- Manage your statements, transactions & rewards on-the-go with the First Progress Card Mobile App!
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 minutes | 18.74% (V) | Yes | 7.5/10 |
- No credit check to apply
- Adjustable credit limit based on what you transfer to the secured account
- No interest* or annual fees
- Chime Checking Account and qualifying direct deposit required to apply
- The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
- *Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply. See here for details.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | N/A | Yes | 9.5 |
- Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards on payments made to your First Latitude Secured credit card account.
- Building credit starts immediately when you open your account - just pay your bill on time to establish your credit.*
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
- First Latitude is accepted wherever Mastercard® is accepted, online and worldwide!
- Pay 6-months-on-time and apply to get a second credit card in your wallet!
*Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 23.99% (V) | Yes | 8.0/10 |
When comparing secured credit cards, make sure to look for the card offering the best interest rate. You’ll also want your provider to report to all three credit agencies so you can get the most out of your credit building.
5. Are There Any Free Credit Cards?
The old saying “nothing in life is free” certainly holds true for most credit cards. Whether it’s balance transfer fees, annual fees, cash-advance fees, or interest charges, just about everything you do with your credit card is going to cost something.
The only real way to achieve the dream of a no-cost credit card is to combine the right card with the right habits. To start, paying your card balance in full each month can eliminate the largest chunk of the cost of credit card ownership — interest charges. You’ll also want to avoid using pricey services like cash advances.
Next, you’ll want to use a card that does not charge an annual fee. These cards are available in a wide range of categories and for most credit scores. The flip side to no annual fee, though, is the card will likely come with fewer perks than those that charge for the privilege of ownership. Granted, cards with annual fees are mainly available to those with good to excellent credit because of the extra perks they offer.
Another type of credit card some people consider “free” is the 0% introductory APR card. Generally, for those with mid-prime credit scores (650+), these cards offer 0% interest on new purchases for some initial term length — typically 6-12 months, though some are longer. Watch out for high interest rates once the initial terms wear off.
6. How Long Does it Take to Get a Credit Card?
The time it takes to get a credit card will vary depending on your situation. In many instances, getting approval for a credit card when you apply online will take just a few minutes, as many companies use a computerized system.
If you are on the edge of qualifying for the card, or something in your application was questionable, the computer may indicate your application needs to be reviewed by a human. In this case, it may be several days or even upwards of a week before you know if you were approved.
Once you are approved for the credit card, it’s just a matter of waiting for the card to come in the mail. Unlike the 19th century shoppers awaiting a new credit coin, your card won’t take weeks or months, but mere days to reach your mailbox. Don’t forget to call the number provided to activate your card.
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