How to get your first credit card

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Key takeaways

Research and compare different credit cards to find one you qualify for that offers favorable terms like low fees, an introductory APR, or even rewards.
Look for cards that offer pre-approval so you will better understand your chances.
Manage your first card responsibly by making on time payments, keeping balances low, and monitoring your score.

Apply for a credit card for the first time with confidence. Credit cards are helpful tools. They are safer to use than debit cards and can help you improve your score when used responsibly.

Getting your first credit card is a big step, but it’s not difficult if you know what to expect. To qualify for most cards, you’ll have to have some credit history. If you don’t have any or you have a poor score, don’t worry. There are starter cards designed just for you.

In this article, we’ll go over how to apply for a credit card for the first time and the steps you can take to improve your odds of being approved.

Best credit cards for beginners
First-time credit cards in a nutshell
How to get a credit card for the first time
How to choose a credit card for the first time
Key points about applying for your first credit card
How to check your credit score for the first time
Requirements to get your first credit card account
Intro APR periods
Bottom line

Best credit cards for beginners

There are cards targeting people who haven’t achieved good scores yet. These cards have minimal score requirements making them easy to qualify for. Most are aimed at raising your rating so you can move on to even better cards.

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First-time credit cards in a nutshell

When you’re ready to apply for your first credit card, it’s important to approach the process with a clear understanding of what to expect and how to prepare. The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of card you want. There are three main options for beginners. You can get a secured card, unsecured card for low scores, or become an authorized user on someone else’s card.

Secured credit cards

Secured cards are an excellent starting point. They are easy to be approved for and often cost less than unsecured cards for poor scores. You do have to put down a security deposit – 100% refundable – that 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 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.

Become an authorized user

Becoming an authorized user on family member or friend’s card is another option. You get access to a card without having to qualify on your own. Be sure to choose someone with a good score since 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.

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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 score 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’re never had a card or loan before, you probably have a low score. Getting a card is one of the easiest ways to raise your rating.
Research your options: Research is key in figuring out how to get a credit card for the first time. Start by researching different 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.
Comparing offers: Spend time comparing different offers. Look for features that match your financial situation, such as low annual fees, reasonable interest rates, and perks or rewards. Understanding the benefits and costs associated with different cards can help you choose the one that fits your financial situation and may save you money in the long run.
Apply: 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. Whichever way 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.

How to choose a credit card for the first time

Understanding how to get your first credit card involves more than just filling out an application. You’ll want to find one that aligns with your financial needs and goals.

Before applying, consider why you want one. Are you looking to improve your score, do you need it to cover emergency expenses, or perhaps it’s for everyday purchases? Your financial goals will dictate the type of card that best suits your needs.

Next look at how much it costs. All of them come with fees and APRs (annual percentage 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 on using the card abroad, look for one without 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 important.

A lot of cards offer rewards, perks, or welcome bonuses. The best rewards will align with your spending habits. Maybe you want cash back on everyday purchases or perhaps travel points appeal to you.

Lastly, read online reviews and ask friends or family for recommendations, particularly if they were also first-time applicants. Sometimes the best insights come from current cardholders.

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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.

Get pre-approved: Credit card pre-approval is a helpful step in the application process. This is when the issuer does a preliminary check of your to see 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 gives a good indication of your chances and can help you choose a card you’ll likely qualify for.

Read the fine print: Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before applying. Pay special attention to fees, penalty charges, and the interest rates. Knowing these details can prevent surprise fees and help you manage your new credit line effectively.

Choose the right card: As a first-time applicant, look for cards that are tailored to beginners. 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 and a social security number. Your income typically can include part time jobs, government benefits, or spousal income.

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How to check your credit score for the first time

Your score is a key factor in determining if you’ll be approved. A higher score generally means you’re seen as a lower risk to lenders. 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.

Most cards have a minimum score requirement. It is important to only apply for 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 – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – or via the official website AnnualCreditReport.com. Check your credit reports and make sure that 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 inquires, and types of accounts you have – namely cards and loans. If your score is low, use your new card to build it up.

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Requirements to get your first credit card account

Applying for your first credit card is a significant financial step. To be eligible to apply, you generally need to be over 18 and have a Social Security Number. If you are under 21, you will need to provide proof of independent income or get a co-signer to qualify.

To make the application process go smoothly, gather what you’ll need before you apply. Routine information required includes:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Current address
Social Security Number
Gross annual income

You may also need to provide details like your employer’s address and phone number and your bank account information. The issuer may also want to know if you rent or own, how long you’ve lived at your current address, and how much you pay for housing per month. These details help them determine how much you can afford to spend each month.

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Intro APR periods

An introductory APR period is when the issuer charges a low or often 0% APR on purchases, balance transfers, or both for a set time frame. The promotional period usually lasts from 6 to 18 months but can go up to 21 months. During this time you will not have to pay any interest. It’s a good way to save money if you plan on carrying a balance or need to make a large purchase.

Once the promotional period ends, the regular APR will apply to any remaining balances or new transactions. To make the most of an intro APR period, plan to pay off your balance before this phase ends to avoid incurring high interest on your remaining balance.

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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, know your score to better understand your approval odds, and try to get pre-approved. The goal is to find a starter card with good terms that work for 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. 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 Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card issued by Choice Financial Group, and the Current Visa® secured charge card issued by Cross River Bank, are both pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required. 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.

2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. 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.

3. 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.

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. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. 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

6. 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.

7. 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 Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.

8. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending 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. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.

9. 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.

10. 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. 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%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

11. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.

12. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. 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.

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

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

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

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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.

38. 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.

* 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.

How to Apply for a Credit Card So You’ll Get Approved

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