By Ben Luthi
Edited by Samuel MountjoyEasiest Credit Cards to Get Approved for With No Credit
By Ben LuthiEdited by Samuel Mountjoy
Quick Answer
- Secured credit cards are often the easiest to get with no credit because a refundable deposit backs the account.
- Student, store and alternative starter cards also have lenient requirements.
- Get prequalified to evaluate your approval odds.
If you want to start building your credit history, a credit card can be a great way to accomplish your goal. However, your options will be somewhat limited when you're starting from scratch, so it's important to know where to look.
The easiest credit cards to get with no credit history are often secured credit cards and cards that use alternative data to evaluate your eligibility. Here's what you need to know about your options and how to improve your approval odds.
Can You Get a Credit Card With No Credit History?
It's possible to get a credit card with no credit history. In fact, some credit cards are designed specifically for people who are new to credit, so being new to credit or having a thin credit report won't automatically disqualify you.
Card issuers that work with first-time borrowers typically manage their risk in other ways. Some require a refundable security deposit, while others focus on your income, banking activity or other alternative data instead of your credit history.
In exchange, these cards tend to come with higher interest rates, lower credit limits and fewer perks than cards aimed at established borrowers. Once you build credit with a starter card, you can work your way up to cards with better rates, rewards and benefits.
Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved for With No Credit
The easiest credit cards to get approved for with no credit history are typically secured cards, student cards, store cards and alternative credit cards. Each option works a little differently, so it helps to compare them before you apply.
Secured Credit Cards
Secured credit cards require an upfront security deposit—usually equal to your credit limit—to act as collateral for any debt you incur with the card. That deposit is held in a separate account and can be seized if you fail to pay off charges you make with the card.
Because the deposit protects the card issuer if you stop paying your bill, secured cards are less risky for lenders to offer. As a result, many secured card issuers approve applicants with poor credit or no credit history at all.
Other than the deposit, a secured credit card works much like any other credit card. You make purchases, receive a monthly statement and build credit as the issuer reports your payments to the credit bureaus. If you use the card responsibly, some issuers may return your deposit after a period of several months and convert your account to an unsecured card. In other cases, you'll need to close the account in good standing to get your deposit back.
Best secured cards of 2026
Compare secured cards from our partners that can help you build or rebuild your credit and earn cash back while you spend.
Offers from our partners
Opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Builder
Ongoing APR:23.89% Variable
Rewards:
10% (cash back)
Earn up to 10% cash back on purchases made with your opensky Secured Visa Credit Card at 40,000+ retailers. Visit opensky Rewards in the opensky app for participating retailers. Learn more at openskycc.com. See Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information.
Annual Fee:$35
Credit One Bank® Secured Card
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:
1% (cash back)
Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services. Terms apply.
Annual Fee:$0
First Latitude Secured Mastercard® Cash Back Rewards
Ongoing APR:27.74% Variable
Rewards:
1% - 10% (cash back)
Earn up to 10% Cash Back on purchases at participating merchants that fit your lifestyle—from dining and grocery to retail and more—plus 1% Cash Back on payments made to your First Latitude Card.^^
Annual Fee:$0
First Progress Prestige Secured Mastercard® Cash Back Rewards
Ongoing APR:13.74% Variable
Rewards:
1% - 10% (cash back)
Earn up to 10% Cash Back on everyday purchases at participating dining, grocery, retail, and other eligible merchants, plus 1% Cash Back on payments made to your First Progress Card.^^
Annual Fee:$49
First Progress Select Secured Mastercard® Cash Back Rewards
Ongoing APR:17.74% Variable
Rewards:
1% - 10% (cash back)
Earn up to 10% Cash Back on everyday purchases at participating dining, grocery, retail, and other eligible merchants, plus 1% Cash Back on payments made to your First Progress Card.^^
Annual Fee:$39
See all our best secured credit cards for 2026.
Student Credit Cards
Student credit cards are unsecured cards designed for college students who are new to credit. Because issuers expect student applicants to have little or no credit history, these cards tend to have more lenient approval requirements than traditional unsecured cards.
That said, you'll typically need to show proof of enrollment to qualify for a student credit card. Federal regulations also require applicants under 21 to show independent income or apply with a cosigner who is 21 or older. Credit limits are often low to start, but some issuers will increase your limit after you make a series of on-time payments.
Store Credit Cards
Store credit cards offered by retailers and gas stations typically have less stringent credit requirements than traditional credit cards. If you shop regularly with a specific retailer, you can also take advantage of rewards, discounts, free shipping and other perks.
That said, credit limits are usually low, so it can be easy to rack up a high credit utilization rate, which can hurt your credit. Additionally, many store credit cards restrict you to using them only with the co-branded retailer, limiting your spending options. If you have issues with overspending, the extra perks could make it difficult to stay within your budget.
Alternative Credit Cards
In recent years, financial technology companies and even some major card issuers have begun to offer unsecured starter credit cards with nontraditional underwriting processes that make it easier to get approved without a credit history. Instead of focusing on your credit report, these issuers may review your income, employment or bank account activity to evaluate your application.
Debit-credit hybrid cards may be another option, as they generally don't require a credit check when you apply. These cards draw on money you hold with the issuer in a linked account, then report your activity to the credit bureaus to help you build a payment history.
How to Improve Your Odds of Approval
Even an application for a "beginner" credit card can be turned down, so it pays to put your best foot forward before you apply. These steps can boost your approval odds.
Fix Credit Report Errors
If you have a thin credit file, a single mistake can carry a lot of weight. Review your credit reports before you apply and take note of anything you don't recognize. If you find inaccurate information, you have the right to file a dispute with the credit bureaus.
Become an Authorized User
If a loved one uses their credit card responsibly, consider asking them to add you as an authorized user on their account. The account history can appear on your credit reports and help you establish a positive record, which may improve your standing when you apply for your own card.
Apply Selectively
Every credit application typically triggers a hard inquiry, which can ding your credit scores, and a string of denials won't get you any closer to approval. Focus on cards designed for people with no credit history rather than cards aimed at established borrowers.
Report Your Income Accurately
Card issuers must consider your ability to make payments when they review your application. Include all the income you're allowed to claim so the issuer gets a complete picture of your finances.
Tip: Many card issuers let you check whether you prequalify for a card using a soft inquiry, which doesn't affect your credit scores. Prequalification isn't a guarantee, but it can help you gauge your approval odds before you formally apply.
How to Build Credit With a Credit Card
If you get approved for a credit card, it's important to develop good credit habits as quickly as possible to ensure a positive credit history. Here are some steps you can take:
- Spend on a budget. If you don't already have one, create a budget to ensure that you don't spend more than you can afford to pay in full each month. Paying your balance off every month not only helps you avoid interest charges but can also prevent your credit card debt from getting out of hand.
- Keep your utilization rate low. Because starter credit cards often offer a lower credit limit, it can be easy to use up a significant portion of your available credit with just a few purchases. Consider using your card infrequently or making multiple payments throughout the month to keep your utilization rate low.
- Always pay on time. Your payment history is the most important factor in your credit scores, so it's imperative that you always pay your bill on time. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, it could cause significant, lasting damage to your credit scores. To ensure on-time payment, consider setting up autopay on your account. If you'd rather pay manually, set up an alert for your due date.
- Keep the account active. While you may think that not using your credit card is a good thing, the card issuer may choose to close the account if you stop using it. Each issuer has its own criteria for what counts as an inactive account, but it's generally best to use your card at least once every three to six months. If you don't plan on using it regularly, consider putting one of your monthly subscriptions on the card and paying it off every month.
Other Ways to Build Credit
A credit card isn't the only path to a strong credit history. These alternatives can help you build credit alongside a card or on their own:
- Consider a credit-builder loan. With a credit-builder loan, the lender holds the loan proceeds—usually $300 to $1,000—in a savings account while you make payments over a period of six to 24 months. The lender reports your payments to the credit bureaus, then disburses the funds to you once you complete your repayment term.
- Pay rent and utilities on time. Monthly obligations like rent, utility bills, phone bills, insurance premiums and streaming subscriptions traditionally haven't appeared in consumer credit reports. Experian Boost®ø makes it possible to add these bills to your Experian credit file, which could raise your credit scores instantly.
- Make loan payments on time. If you have student loans or another loan in your name, your payment history is already helping or hurting your credit. Paying every bill on time builds a positive track record without opening any new accounts.
- Establish your credit file with Experian Go™. If you don't have a credit report at all, Experian Go can help you create one for free and start building your credit profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Build Credit Now to Set Yourself Up for the Future
Being new to credit can limit your options, but many card issuers are willing to work with people who are building credit for the first time. Take your time to research and compare credit cards based on your situation, weighing deposit requirements, fees, rewards and interest rates before you apply.
As you work toward your first card and beyond, you can check your Experian credit report and FICO® ScoreΘ for free to track your progress and catch potential problems early.
Looking to build credit?
Discover secured credit card offers matched to you, so you can apply with confidence. Get started with your FICO® Score for free.
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About the author
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi has worked in financial planning, banking and auto finance, and writes about all aspects of money. His work has appeared in Time, Success, USA Today, Credit Karma, NerdWallet, Wirecutter and more.
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