How to Get a Credit Card Without Credit

Getting a credit card is a good way to build a credit history when you have nothing on your record already. The problem is, many credit card companies want proof of some sort of credit history before they'll give you a credit card, but it's a bit difficult to establish a credit history without a credit card to begin with! There are ways to get a credit card without a credit history, as long as you know where to look; here is how to get a credit card without credit:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look for Special Credit Card Offers
   
   Many times, credit card companies will advertise offers for credit cards to individuals who have no credit history. They can often be found in college textbooks, in mailers, and other offers directed at the younger crowd who is just beginning to enter to world without their parents' financial support. Keep a keen eye out for companies trying to gouge you, though; just because you have no credit, doesn't mean you have to pay a “maintenance fee” or a “sign-up fee” to get a card. Never, ever pay money to sign up with a credit card money and never pay a maintenance fee just to have a credit card. Plenty of legitimate offers are out there for free credit cards that don't require any money up front.

2. Go for Low-Limit Cards from Major Companies
   
   A great way to start building your credit is with a low-limit credit card. In fact, that's how most individuals get a credit card without credit. Capital One and Chase Bank both offer low-limit cards, starting between $150 and $300, for those who are looking to begin building credit. Take a trip to the bank or visit their websites to find out more about the card and how to apply.
   
   A good way to raise your credit card limit quickly is by using the card for your every day purchases, and then paying the card off immediately when you get back from the store. While this doesn't necessarily help you build good credit – banks want to see you carry a balance for a few months before they'll give you a positive rating – it does help you increase the card's low limits in a short amount of time. If you continue to make purchases and pay them of that day on a regular basis, you can quadruple your credit card's limit in a matter of two or three months. Once you're carrying a credit card with a $1000 to $1500 balance, more credit card companies will be interested in signing you up for their cards, and with similar limits.

3. Apply Online With Major Banks
   
   You can go directly to a bank's website to find offers to get a credit card without credit. Compare the different interest rates, rewards, and offers available for each company's credit card offers for those with no credit, and pick one card that best meets your needs. When you apply online, you can usually get an approval or denial instantly, which means you can always go to the next bank if the first one says no. Just be wary of how many times you apply for credit cards in one day; too many applications can put a ding in your non-existent credit, and if you think it's hard to get a credit card without credit, you'll soon find out how hard it is to get a card with a dinged credit history.