How to Get a Credit Card for the First Time

If you’re wondering how to get a credit card for the first time, here are some key steps to ensure you’re well-prepared and likely to be approved.

Understand the basics

Before you apply, it’s important to understand the basics of how credit cards work. Familiarize yourself with common terms like APR (annual percentage rate), credit limit, grace period, and fees. Know how interest works so that you can avoid paying it. Understanding these terms will help you compare different offers effectively.

Your credit score matters

Your credit score is important because it tells lenders how likely you are to repay what you owe. The higher your score, the better cards you’ll be eligible for. If you’ve never had a card or loan before, you probably have a low score or none at all. Obtaining a card is one of the easiest ways to establish and improve your credit rating.

Research your options

Begin by researching the various types of cards available to first-time applicants. Look for ones that are designed for beginners, such as secured cards and unsecured cards for low scores. These cards will have low credit score requirements and are easier to be approved for.

The best credit cards to build credit with no credit will report to all three credit bureaus and be inexpensive. Look for low mandatory fees, high limits, and reasonable interest rates.

Many cards offer rewards or other perks, even for first-time applicants. The best rewards will align with your spending habits.

Compare offers

All of them come with fees and interest rates. Basic fees include annual fees, late payment fees, and foreign transaction fees. Decide if an annual fee is worth it for you. If you plan to use the card abroad, look for one that does not charge a foreign transaction fee.

The APR is the amount of interest charged on your outstanding balance. If you plan on carrying a balance, a lower interest rate will be significant.

Apply for a credit card

When you’re ready to apply, you can typically do so online, over the phone, or in person. Online is usually preferred and is the fastest. A lot of companies offer instant decisions and/or instant access to a digital card if you apply online.

Regardless of how you apply, you’ll need to provide personal details, including your name, address, and basic financial information. Be honest and accurate in your application to avoid delays or denials.

Looking for a new card?

Discover our top $500 limit credit cards!

Best credit cards for beginners

When you’re searching for your first credit card, you will have three basic options. You can get a secured card, an unsecured card for low scores, or become an authorized user on someone else’s card. All of these options offer easy approval and low qualifications.

Secured credit cards

Secured cards are an excellent starting point. They are easy to be approved for and often cost less than subprime cards. When weighing a secured vs unsecured credit card, remember that secured cards require a refundable deposit. The cash deposit is 100% refundable and sets your limit. The cash deposit acts as collateral, minimizing the issuer’s risk. These cards are ideal for building or rebuilding your score, as they often report to the three major credit bureaus.

Unsecured credit cards

Unsecured credit cards for poor credit do not require a security deposit and provide a limit based on your score and income. For beginners with decent scores, these cards may offer better benefits and rewards than secured options. Look for cards with low fees and introductory APR offers to make the most out of your first unsecured card.

New

Turn easy tasks into real rewards –
worth up to $499/year!

Click here for credit cards with no deposit required!

Become an authorized user

A common tip for how to start building credit for the first time is to become an authorized user on a parent’s credit card. You get access to a card without having to qualify on your own. Be sure to choose someone with a good credit score, as your score will be affected by their financial habits. It’s also important that both the primary account holder and the authorized user understand and agree on how the card will be used to avoid potential financial disputes.

Want to increase your credit line?

Take a look at $5,000 credit limit cards.

Key points about applying for your first credit card

Applying for your first credit card is exciting. Before you go and submit a bunch of applications, you’ll want to consider these key points.

Choose the right card

As a first-time applicant, look for credit cards for bad credit or limited credit histories. These cards often have more lenient approval criteria.

Eligibility requirements

Most issuers require applicants to be at least 18 years old with a steady income. Your income typically can include part-time jobs, government benefits, or spousal income. If you are under 21, you may need to prove that you have enough independent income to afford the card or have a co-signer who is over 21.

Get pre-approved

Credit card pre-approval is a helpful step in the application process. This is when the issuer conducts a preliminary check to determine if you qualify. It only involves a soft pull, which does not affect your score.

Being pre-approved is not a guarantee of approval, but it provides a good indication of your chances and can help you choose a card for which you are likely to qualify.

Read the fine print

Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions before applying. Pay special attention to fees, penalty charges, and interest rates. Knowing these details can help you avoid unexpected fees and manage your new credit line more effectively.

How to check your credit score for the first time

Your score is a key factor in determining if you’ll be approved for loans and credit cards. When you have a higher score, lenders consider you lower risk. This makes it easier to qualify for a credit card with better terms. If it’s your first time, you likely have a low score and so will have to do a little more digging to find cards you qualify for.

What credit score do you need to get a credit card? Most cards have a minimum score requirement. A score of at least 690 is common, but you can find cards for a 600 credit score or even no credit at all.

Know your score so that you only apply for credit cards that accept your rating. Otherwise, you’re wasting an application (and each application temporarily lowers your score). Luckily, it’s easy to check your credit report and score to find out what cards you qualify for.

You can get your report for free once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus or via the official website AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your credit reports to ensure they are accurate. If you see any errors, dispute them with the issuing bureau.

Your report does not include your score, but it tells you the financial data that makes up your three-digit rating. Many financial services, banks, and credit card companies provide your score for free.

Credit scores range from 300 to 850. They are calculated based on factors like your payment history, the amounts you owe, the length of your credit history, new inquiries, and types of accounts you have – namely, cards and loans. If your score is low, use your new card to build it up.

Need fast cash in an emergency?

We've got instant emergency loans for you!

How to use a credit card for the first time

If you’re new to borrowing, learning how to use credit cards to build credit can set you up for long-term financial success. The key points to remember are to keep your spending low and pay your bills on time every month.

Start out with smaller, regular purchases that you can easily afford to pay off each month. Then set up autopay so that you never miss a payment.

Check your transactions regularly. Look out for any unauthorized charges or errors. If you find any, report them immediately. You also need to make sure that your spending remains below 30% of your credit limit. A lower credit limit will help you build credit.

Then, pay off your balance on time and in full every month to avoid interest charges. A low utilization rate and history of on-time payments will result in a good credit score.

Ready to apply for your first credit card?

Find 10 tips for getting your application approved!

What is the easiest credit card to get?

The easiest credit card to get is a secured card. If you have your heart set on a traditional credit card, you are not out of luck. Easy unsecured credit cards will have a low or no minimum credit score requirement. These cards will likely have higher APRs, additional fees, and lower credit limits. Look for cards you may qualify for, even with a 500 credit score, that are still affordable.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the best credit card for beginners?

The best credit card for beginners is one that is low-cost and reports to all three credit bureaus. Secured credit cards are a good choice. If you don’t want a secured card, consider applying for a starter credit card with your bank. Banks are most likely to approve applicants who have a positive banking history with them.

2. What is the best first-time credit card to build credit?

Start with a secured credit card or become an authorized user on someone else’s account. These are both easy ways to get your foot in the door and start to build credit.

3. How long does it take to build credit with a secured credit card?

It takes 6 to 12 months of responsible use to see a noticeable improvement in your credit score with a secured credit card. Always pay your bills on time and keep your credit utilization low, under 10%. Follow these two rules and you will build credit.

4. How do I get my first credit card with no credit?

Apply for a secured credit card and put down a security deposit. Secured cards are good starter cards to help you establish a positive credit history. You can also become an authorized user on a friend or family member’s account. That way you can access a card and build credit without applying.

Bottom line

Getting your first credit card is exciting, but the application process can be stressful. To alleviate some of the stress, do your research beforehand and check your credit to better understand your approval odds. Then, try to get pre-approved and compare potential offers. The goal is to find a starter card with favorable terms that suit your financial situation.

Once you have your card, practice good financial habits. Always pay on time and keep your balances low. These actions will improve your score so that you’ll qualify for even better cards in the future.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

2. Paycheck Advance is an earned wage access service and is not a loan or credit product.

3. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and/or Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card, which may be issued by Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, and the Current Visa® secured charge card, which is issued by Cross River Bank, are all issued pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. A Current debit account is required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Debit card: Fees may apply, including out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party fees, cash load fees, inactivity fees, account closure fees, international transaction fees, replacement card fees, express mail fees and escheatment fees. Build Card: Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

6. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

7. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

8. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

9. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC.

10. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 35-day period and fulfill other requirements subject to Current’s discretion. Negative balances must be repaid within 60 days of the first Eligible Transaction that caused the negative balance. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions. Individual Current Accounts only.

11. For eligible customers only. You may earn Points in connection with your Build Card purchases at retailers whose merchant code is classified as: Dining (e.g., restaurants) and Groceries (e.g., supermarkets) and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. Points will expire 365 days after they settle. For more information (including specific eligibility criteria), please refer to the Current Points Terms and Condition.

12. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

13. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. No minimum balance required. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. To earn a Boost rate of 4.00%, the sum of your Eligible Payroll Deposits over a rolling 35-day period must be $500 or more, with at least one Eligible Payroll Deposit equalling a minimum of $200. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

14. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

15. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

16. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

17. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

18. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

19. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

20. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

21. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

22. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

23. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

24. 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.

25. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

26. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

27. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

28. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

29. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

30. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

31. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

32. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

33. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

34. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

35. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

36. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

37. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

38. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

39. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

40. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

41. MyPay is only offered in select states

42. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply.

43. Not affiliated with Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (www.empower.com). Not everyone will qualify. Offers range from $10-$300 for first-time customers; $10-$400 for all others. Offers are based on our eligibility requirements and can go up with on-time payments. In Feb 2025, the average offer was $95 for first-time customers; $187 for all others. Instant delivery is optional—see fees in Empower’s Terms. Empower offers a 14-day trial for first-time customers followed by an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. Cancel anytime.

* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor's credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA.

Email Read more

How to Apply for a Credit Card for the First Time

Key takeaways

Jump to:

Requirements for a first-time credit card with no credit history