How to get your first credit card with no credit history
Most starter credit cards require an existing credit score to qualify, creating a frustrating loop for people trying to build credit for the first time. The intentionally confusing and oversaturated market leaves applicants stuck between getting rejected by traditional banks or risking predatory options.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Getting any no annual fee card to build a profileDid this help you?
- 2Using online pre-approval tools with a soft pullDid this help you?
- 3Applying for student cards or secured credit cardsDid this help you?
- 4Getting a low-limit, secured card like the Discover ItDid this help you?
- 5Looking into alternative credit cards or joining a local credit union.Did this help you?
- 6Asking for advice from others online or avoiding specific banks based on hearsay.Did this help you?
- 7Getting a credit builder or secured cardDid this help you?
- 8Prioritizing cards with the lowest interest ratesDid this help you?
- 9Looking at offers from existing banksDid this help you?
- 10Avoiding store credit cardsDid this help you?
- 11Getting a card through an existing bank where they already have a checking or savings account historyDid this help you?
- 12Looking for any Visa or Mastercard with no annual feesDid this help you?
- 13Checking pre-approval tools from major issuers like Discover, Capital One, or Bank of AmericaDid this help you?
- 14Going the secured credit card route by putting down a cash depositDid this help you?
- 15Checking pre-approval from major issuers like Discover, Capital One, or BofA student cardsDid this help you?
- 16Looking into local banks or credit unionsDid this help you?
- 17Opening a secured credit card by putting down a cash depositDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I’m 19 and planning to get my first credit card. I bank with chase and wondering if u should get there cc or go with another credit card? If anyone can help me choose it would be very helpful”source ↗
“I’m a young adult making about 900-1100/week with my 2 jobs, and have a Bank of America account. I’m looking to get a credit card but not sure which one to get?”source ↗
“Hi I just turned 18 in May and I’m looking to start building my credit”source ↗
“Should I go with another company, if so which?”source ↗
“Everywhere says get a credit card to build your credit but nowhere wants to be your first credit card used to build credit.”source ↗
“So I ask yall what credit card should I get first. For very general credit purchases, just to start building credit and not for anything like traveling or crazy expenses just everyday usage to start building credit.”source ↗
“hi! i have recently turned 18, and am looking to open my first credit card. i likely have no credit or really poor credit as my parents added me to a card once without my knowledge and their not great will bills”source ↗
“so what card should i try and see if i am approved for?”source ↗
“I never got a credit card or a loan in my life as I find credit can be a pretty big scam”source ↗
“I'd like to get a credit card so I can start building credit.”source ↗
“I find the market to be oversaturated and navigating getting a card feels very intentionally confusing”source ↗
“I am a full-time student with a job and I know I need to start building credit but I'm not sure which bank I should open a credit card with.”source ↗
“the amount of types of credit card types is very overwhelming and I’m not sure which would be the best type for credit building specifically.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 6How do I choose between multiple credit cards?
- 2Which debit card should I get for my kids?
- 2How did my credit card get hacked while traveling?
- 4Which US business bank account and suppliers should I use for a new LLC?
- 4Risks of adding someone as an authorized user on a credit card
- 2Should I use my personal phone number for a new business?