How to Apply for a Visa Card With No Credit History
Having no established credit history can be just as problematic as having bad credit. Without a credit history, creditors are unable to determine if you are a credit risk. If you are unable to obtain approval for an unsecured Visa credit card, there are other ways you can get a Visa card. The right type of Visa card can even help you establish your credit history.
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Instructions
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Open a checking account with a bank that offers Visa check (debit) cards. Request a Visa card with your checking account. This type of Visa card is not a credit card. However, it can be used wherever Visa credit cards are accepted. When you use the card, money is automatically deducted from your checking account to cover the cost of your purchase. If your bank doesn't use Visa check cards, try applying for a regular Visa credit card through your bank.
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Complete an application for a prepaid Visa card. A prepaid Visa card allows you to load money onto your card in advance. You don't have to worry about over spending, since you can only spend the amount of money that is available on the card. A prepaid Visa card can also be used in most places that Visa is accepted. Since a prepaid card is not considered to be a credit card, your account activity is not reported to the credit bureaus. Therefore, a prepaid card can not help build your credit history.
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Submit an application for a secured Visa credit card. A secured Visa requires you to add money to your Visa account. You are then offered a line of credit that is equivalent to the amount of money you add to your account. When you use a secured Visa, your credit card payments are reported to the credit bureau. Good payment history can help you establish your credit history. After consistently making your payments on time, you may be approved for an unsecured Visa.
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Apply for a student Visa credit card if you are enrolled in college. These type of credit cards are fairly easy to obtain. The credit limit generally starts out low, around $500. As you make your payments on time, your credit limit may increase.
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