Limited or No Credit History Credit Cards

To apply for a credit card when your credit is bad, you must have sufficient income that exceeds your expenses (including mortgage or rental payments). Having a checking or savings account is also important because many cards require the applicants to have an active bank account. When you choose a credit card look for cards with prequalification, secured credit card and store credit cards. These three types of credit cards are good for people with no credit. Since you want to build your own credit, make sure a card is reported to the consumer credit bureaus and only then apply for it.

When you have no credit at all, you actually have several options to start with. But before you start, make sure you have stable income that exceeds your expenses and have a bank account. Now you can apply for a secured credit card. To get a card you will need to make a security deposit right away or during a given period of time. If you have a relative with good credit, there is another option for you – you can become an authorized user or have him/her as a co-signer on your card. If you do not have anyone to help you, you can go with a store credit card or with a student credit card, if you are a student. Think which option will be the best for you and avoid applying for too many credit cards in a short period of time. When you are turned down, call the credit card issuer and ask for reconsideration.

Even if you have no credit at all, you can get an unsecured or secured credit card. Be ready that credit cards will have high interest rates and an annual fee. However, there are secured credit cards that have rather low interest rates or no annual fee. Another type of credit cards you can get is a store credit card. This card will be good for you if you have your favorite retailer you often shop with because chances are you will be approved for the card without a Visa or MasterCard logo. Such store credit card is good for in-store use only.