How to Get a Credit Card with No Credit History

If you're new to the world of credit, welcome! We understand that the idea of applying for your first credit card can feel intimidating – especially if you have no credit history.

But being "credit invisible" doesn't mean you're completely out of luck or that you can’t get good credit terms. Whether you're a student, a recent immigrant or someone who’s simply never used a credit product before, you have plenty of options to help you get a credit card with no credit history – all while you build a solid financial foundation.

Let’s take a look at what kinds of credit cards are available, how to apply, and how to responsibly use your new credit so you can advance to more rewarding options in the future.

Credit Card Options for No Credit History

The good news? Many credit card issuers offer products designed specifically for people with limited or no credit history. These “starter” credit cards are designed to help you access credit and safely build your credit history, giving you a solid entry point into the financial system.

Here are a few examples:

Secured Credit Cards

Secured credit cards can be an good credit tool for beginners. These cards will ask you to pay a refundable security deposit, which usually also acts as your credit limit. For example, if you pay a $300 deposit, that will give you a $300 credit line. Your security deposit protects the credit card issuer and lets them provide flexible approval criteria.

With secured credit cards, you can build credit by using your card for everyday purchases, keeping your balance low, and making on-time payments. Many secured cards report to all three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, which is key for helping you build a positive credit history.

Over time, your responsible use gets you access to an unsecured credit card. Some cards, often designated as a platinum secured credit card, may even offer automatic consideration for credit line increases or upgrades after several months of on-time payments and good credit behavior.

Student Credit Cards

If you're enrolled in college, a student credit card can be a good choice. These cards don’t make you pay a deposit like secured cards do, and they work like regular unsecured credit cards. They're generally available to students with limited or no credit history, which makes them an easy option for college students.

Student credit cards usually feature low interest rates and no annual fee, and they may also offer rewards like student cash back or bonuses for maintaining good grades. Since these cards are tailored for young adults, they also tend to have forgiving policies and useful tools for learning responsible credit use. APR and fees vary by issuer; student cards may carry higher APRs. Review the card’s pricing and terms.

A student credit card may not require an existing credit score, and the process usually includes providing proof of income, a bank account and verification of student status. These cards are designed to help young borrowers build credit while developing good financial habits.

Under the Credit CARD Act, applicants under 21 must demonstrate independent ability to pay or apply with a qualified cosigner/joint applicant (if permitted by the issuer).

Starter/Entry-Level Credit Cards

Starter credit cards offer another avenue for those with poor credit, fair credit, or no credit at all. These cards are typically unsecured, though some may feature higher fees or lower initial credit limits. Still, they allow you to open a credit card account and begin building your credit profile.

These entry-level cards may come with fewer perks, but they can still serve as a valuable stepping stone for building a solid credit history. Over time, wisely using your starter card by keeping your balance low and making payments on time can help you qualify for future products with higher credit limits and better rewards.

The Juzt Digital Credit Card can be an effective starter card for many consumers who want to build or rebuild their credit histories. This card is an unsecured digital credit card designed to help users build their credit history. You can apply online, receive an instant decision ^[1]and begin using your digital credit card immediately. Once approved, Juzt allows you to access and use your digital credit card right away through the app, even before a physical card arrives.

And with its accompanying digital app, the Juzt Digital Credit Card allows you to monitor your progress and keep track of your credit-building journey. It also reports to Equifax, which helps you build your credit history over the long term.

Juzt Credit Card is issued by tbom®, Perryville, MO. Standard credit approval required. Terms, rates (APRs), and fees are subject to change. See the Juzt Credit Card Terms and Conditions for complete information, including APRs, fees, and repayment obligations. Approval is not guaranteed.

Researching and Comparing Credit Card Offers

It’s important to take your time and do some careful research when deciding on your first credit card. Comparing features and understanding various cards’ terms can help you dodge unnecessary fees and set yourself up for long-term success. Here’s what to look for:

Interest Rates and Fees

Cards designed for consumers with no credit history may carry higher interest rates, but that doesn’t mean you should accept just any offer. For example, pay special attention to interest charges, annual fees, cash advance fees and foreign transaction fees.

Avoid cards with high annual or hidden fees, especially when you're not earning rewards. For example, some cards may not charge an annual fee at all, while other starter options may skip the annual fee for the first year, but start charging you in year two. If you’re a student, a student-friendly card that also skips foreign transaction fees can be ideal if you're planning to study abroad or travel.

Credit Limits

Your first credit card is likely to come with a low credit limit, sometimes as low as $200. That’s typical when you have a limited credit history, and while it might feel restrictive at first, it’s important to remember that a low credit limit encourages you to be careful with your spending.

Over time, with consistent on-time payments and responsible use, your card issuer may increase your credit line. Keeping your credit utilization ratio low – using less than 30 percent of your available limit – can also improve your credit score and open more opportunities.

Rewards and Benefits

Not all starter cards are devoid of perks. While rewards programs are more common on cards for borrowers with good credit, some student and secured credit cards offer basic cash back on purchases.

Before applying, consider whether you’re looking for a no-frills tool to build credit or a card that provides additional value. Remember, it’s usually best to prioritize low fees and broad acceptance over flashy benefits when you're just getting started.

Steps to Apply for a Credit Card with No Credit History

Applying for your first credit card is a straightforward process, but good preparation is key. Following the right steps can improve your chances of approval and help you find the best card for your situation. Here are the steps you can expect to take:

Gathering Necessary Documentation

Most credit card applications will ask for the following information:

• Full legal name

• Social Security number or ITIN (NOTE: some starter cards, accept applicants with an ITIN, making them a viable option for newcomers to the U.S. without a credit file.)

• Gross annual income

• Employment status

• Current residential address and monthly housing cost

• Bank account information

• Phone number and email address

If you're under 21, you may also need to show proof of income or have a qualified co-signer. It’s a good idea to gather this information in advance so the process goes that much faster and more smoothly.

Choosing the Right Card and Lender

Not all cards are suitable for someone with no credit history. Look for credit card products marketed specifically to credit-invisible applicants, like secured, student or unsecured starter credit cards.

Some prequalification tools, like Bankrate’s CardMatch, let you check your eligibility without triggering a hard credit inquiry. These tools can help you avoid unnecessary denials and determine the best fit for your financial profile.

Here’s something to keep in mind: with the Juzt Digital Credit Card, you can prequalify with only a soft credit inquiry. While prequalification doesn’t guarantee approval, it can help you decide whether you should complete your application, which includes a hard credit inquiry. You’ll also receive an instant approval decision – so there’s no waiting before you can start using your digital credit card.

Completing the Application Process

Most credit card applications can be completed online in just a few minutes. After submitting your information, you may receive an instant decision. If approved, you can usually expect to receive your card by mail within a week to 10 business days.

If you're denied, don't panic. All is not lost. Review the reason for your denial, check your free credit report, and consider starting with a secured card or credit builder loan to strengthen your credit profile before reapplying.

Building Credit Responsibly

Getting approved for your first credit card is just the first step in building a healthy credit profile. Your credit journey truly begins with how you manage your card over time. Responsible habits will not only build your credit score but will also lay the groundwork for long-term financial health.

Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Making Timely Payments

Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score, so paying your bill on time – every time – is critical. Make sure to set up reminders or enroll in automatic payments to avoid late fees and potential dings to your credit report.

Keep in mind: even one late payment can cause your credit score to drop, especially early in your credit journey. If possible, pay your full statement balance each month to avoid interest charges and show strong repayment behavior.

Keeping Credit Utilization Low

Your credit utilization ratio measures how much of your available credit you're using. For example, if your credit limit is $300 and your balance is $90, your utilization is 30%.

Most financial experts recommend keeping this ratio below 30%, and the lower, the better. Paying down your balance frequently – not just at the end of your billing cycle – can help you maintain a healthy utilization rate and boost your score.

Monitoring Credit Reports

As you build credit, make sure to monitor your progress by reviewing your credit reports. You're entitled to one free credit report each week from each of the three credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – via AnnualCreditReport.com.

Look for any reporting errors, unfamiliar accounts, or incorrect balances. Monitoring tools like Credit Karma also can help you track your credit score over time.

Alternatives to Traditional Credit Cards

If you’re not quite ready for a credit card or don’t qualify on your first attempt, you still have options to start safely building credit. Here are some of the most effective:

Secured Loans

A secured loan requires you to provide collateral – for example, funds held in a savings account or certificate of deposit. Because the lender holds your collateral as a guarantee, secured loans are considered less risky than unsecured loans, which means they’re more accessible to borrowers with limited credit history or poor credit.

The amount you borrow is usually equal to the amount you deposit as collateral, and you’ll make fixed monthly payments over a predetermined loan term – usually six to 24 months.

What makes secured loans valuable for credit building is that lenders generally report your payment history to all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This means every on-time payment helps you build credit history and show your ability to responsibly manage debt. However, not every lender reports to all three bureaus, so it's important to confirm this before you apply.

Credit Builder Loans

Credit builder loans are specifically designed to help people establish or rebuild credit. With this type of loan, the bank sets aside a loan amount (usually under $1,000) in a savings account. You make monthly payments until the loan is paid in full, and you then receive access to the funds.

Unlike traditional loans, credit builder loans don’t give you any up-front access to cash. Instead, the loan amount is held in a locked savings account or certificate of deposit while you make fixed monthly payments. Once you've fully repaid your loan, you’ll receive the funds, often with a small amount of earned interest, depending on the lender.

Throughout the process, your lender reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus. These loans are a low-risk way to establish credit, even if you don’t qualify for a traditional card. Before applying, just make sure to carefully review the loan terms. Some loans may charge a small administrative fee or interest over the repayment period, so it’s worth comparing your options to find the best fit. Ideally, you should choose a loan that reports to all three credit bureaus and doesn’t come with a lot of fees.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Having no established credit history can make it harder to qualify for top-tier credit cards, but you have options for overcoming this challenge. Here are some common credit challenges and how to get past them:

• Limited Approval Odds: If you’re repeatedly denied, ask a family member to add you as an authorized user on their credit card account. If they make on time payments, their positive credit history will be reported to your file, which helps you passively build credit over time.

• Higher Fees and Interest Rates: Many beginner cards come with high interest charges and limited features. Focus on finding a low-fee, no-frills card with reasonable terms, even if it lacks rewards. Pro tip: the Juzt Digital Credit Card can be a strong fit for credit-invisible consumers who are looking for an unsecured, digital-first card without complex fee structures or deposit requirements.

• Temptation to Overspend: It's easy to treat a new credit card like extra income. But remember, all the cash you spend on your credit card account needs to be paid back. Spend only what you can afford to repay in full each month.

Tips for Establishing and Improving Credit History

Once you’ve received your new credit card, the most important thing you can do is use it wisely. Your actions in the first few months of using your card can set the tone for your long-term credit health. With consistent effort and smart habits, you’ll be on your way to qualifying for better rates, higher credit limits and more financial flexibility.

Here are some essential strategies to follow:

• Use your starter credit card consistently – and responsibly: Use your card regularly for small purchases – such as gas, groceries or even streaming subscriptions. This helps keep your account active and builds your payment history. But be careful – don’t overspend just to use your card. Instead, charge only what you can afford to pay off in full each month.
• Keep your balance low/keep a healthy credit utilization ratio: Your credit utilization ratio is the percentage of available credit that you’re using at any given time. For example, if your credit limit is $500 and you carry a $150 balance, your utilization is 30%. To protect your credit score, it’s best to keep this number below 30% – and ideally even lower. Paying off purchases as you go, instead of waiting until your statement closes, can help keep your ratio in check.
• Avoid applying for too many additional cards in a short timeframe: Every time you apply for a new credit card, the lender performs a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can cause your credit score to temporarily drop. And while a single inquiry isn’t a big deal, several within a short period may look like financial distress to future lenders. Be choosy about applications and focus on using your first card to show responsible credit use before opening new lines of credit.
• Pay your full balance each month to avoid interest charges: Carrying a balance from month to month means interest charges, which can quickly add up. Aim to pay your full statement balance by the due date to avoid interest and reduce your overall debt.
• Check your credit report often and promptly dispute any errors: As you begin to build credit, it’s smart to review your free credit report from all three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion – at least once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for inaccuracies like unfamiliar accounts, incorrect balances or payments marked late when you know they were on time. If you find an error, dispute it right away to protect your creditworthiness.
• Bonus Tip: Keep older credit accounts open: Length of credit history also plays a role in your credit score. If you open a starter credit card account and later graduate to a new one, consider keeping your original account open – especially if it doesn’t charge an annual fee. Maintaining older accounts in good standing can boost the average age of your accounts, which is a key part of your overall credit score.

When it comes to building a solid credit history, everyone has to start somewhere. But with the right tools and discipline, even someone who’s credit invisible today can become a prime borrower tomorrow. 
By choosing a smart entry point – like the Juzt Digital Credit Card – and following through with good credit habits, you’ll gain access to higher credit limits, and more financial freedom down the road.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Product availability, credit approval, APRs, fees, limits, rewards, reporting, and timelines vary by issuer and applicant; no outcome is guaranteed. Review the applicable cardmember agreement and program terms before applying or using any product.