Credit cards that require no credit history

The Best First Credit Cards to Build Credit of 2022

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Best Overall For Prequalification

Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card

Up to 10% Cash Back

2%-10% cash back at select merchants

Regular APR

22.99% - 32.49% (Variable)

Why We Picked It

Those whose credit score is less than perfect may be able to build a stronger credit profile by using the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card responsibly. It’s one of a tiny batch of credit cards aimed at those without great credit that don’t require an upfront security deposit.

Pros & Cons

  • No security deposit required
  • No annual fee
  • Limited rewards program

  • Rewards only available at select merchants
  • No balance transfer option available

Card Details

  • $0 Annual Fee
  • Variable APRs range from 22.99% – 32.49%
  • $300 – $5,000 credit limits
  • Earn a credit limit increase in as little as 6 months. Terms and conditions apply.
  • No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we’ll create your Cash Score instead.
  • 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants
  • See if you’re pre-approved within minutes without impacting your credit score.
  • No annual or foreign transaction fees.
  • Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members.
  • Petal’s mobile app makes it easy to manage your money, track your spending, and automate payments.
  • Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
  • No deposits required
  • Card issued by WebBank

Best For Those With Solid Financial Standing

Tomo Credit Card

No Rewards

The Tomo Credit Card does not offer rewards on purchases.

Regular APR

No interest charges

Credit Score

No credit check or credit history required

Why We Picked It

The Tomo Credit Card considers alternative metrics when evaluating your application, so it's worth considering if you don't have prior credit history. And, since this card reports to the three major consumer credit bureaus, using it responsibly can help you build good credit.

Pros & Cons

  • No credit check required
  • No annual fee
  • No APR charges

  • Not all financial institutions can easily be linked to your account for approval
  • Other alternative credit cards may offer better rewards and other benefits
  • Have to be preapproved before getting an actual card application

Card Details

  • Up to $10,000 credit limit
  • No interest charges
  • No annual fee
  • Expedited autopay including weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payments
  • Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply
  • No security deposit
  • No credit check or credit history required
  • Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus

Best For No Security Deposit Requirement

Avant Credit Card

No Rewards

The Avant Credit Card does not offer rewards on purchases.

Regular APR

27.99%* Variable

Credit Score

Fair Credit (650 - 699)

Why We Picked It

Avant comes in with a reasonable offer for those with limited or weak credit. While they charge an annual fee of $59, there are no exploitative charges such as processing or application fees or monthly maintenance charges. It's an unsecured card, so no deposit is required, and they may offer to increase your credit limit with responsible use. The APR is on the high side, and there are no rewards, but that is normal for a card of this type.

Pros & Cons

  • Check to see if you pre-qualify for the card without affecting your credit
  • Aimed at those with fair credit
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus

  • Product terms may vary depending on where you receive your offer, making it hard to know if you’re getting the best terms
  • Balance transfers not allowed
  • No rewards or other meaningful perks

Card Details

  • No deposit required
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus
  • No penalty APR
  • No hidden fees
  • Late Fee up to $39
  • We may periodically review your account for credit line increases
  • Fast and easy application process
  • Help strengthen your credit history with responsible use
  • Zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges
  • Conveniently pay your card through our online portal, 24/7
  • Get Mastercard® ID Theft Protection by Mastercard
  • Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00. Cash Advance Fee 3%, Min: $10
  • Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
  • Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC

The Best First Secured Credit Cards to Build Credit of October 2022

Best For Dining Rewards On A Secured Card

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card

Credit cards that require no credit history

Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4x points on dining and takeout, 2x points at grocery stores, gas stations and on streaming services and 1xRead More

Regular APR

28.99% variable

Credit Score

Bad/Poor (0 - 649)

Why We Picked It

If your biggest expenses are on dining and takeout, this is one of the best secured card offers available.

Pros & Cons

  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus
  • No annual fee
  • Comes with a $15 annual streaming credit for eligible services

  • Minimum deposit of $300 is required
  • Non-bonus categories earn so-so rewards
  • Other secured cards may offer rewards that better align with your spending

Card Details

  • Earn 4x points on dining and takeout, 2x points at grocery stores, gas stations and on streaming services and 1x point on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a $15 streaming credit for annual streaming service purchases like Netflix and Spotify
  • $0 annual fee

Best Simple Rewards For Those With Some Credit History

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Regular APR

28.49% (Variable)

Credit Score

Limited, Bad

Why We Picked It

For those who don’t mind paying a security deposit to unlock access to rewards earning, this card may be worth considering.

Pros & Cons

  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back reward on all eligible purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees

  • High APR

Card Details

  • No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you’re approved in seconds
  • Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
  • Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone

Best For High Rewards On A Secured Card

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card

Credit cards that require no credit history

Up to 5X Reward Rate

5% cash back on on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories of choice, 2%Read More

Regular APR

28.99% variable

Credit Score

Bad/Poor (0 - 649)

Why We Picked It

Not only does it earn rewards, which is rare among secured cards but you can choose your own bonus adventure from a list of several everyday common spending areas.

Pros & Cons

  • High rewards potential for a secured card
  • $0 annual fee
  • Useful convenience benefits

  • Requires a deposit as any secured card does
  • High variable APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each foreign transaction

Card Details

  • Earn 5% cash back on on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose, 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants) and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
  • Choose payment due date
  • $0 annual fee

The Best Beginner Credit Cards for Students to Build Credit of October 2022

Best For Students Starting To Establish Credit

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants and gas stationsRead More

Welcome Bonus

Cashback Match™

Regular APR

15.99% - 24.99% Variable APR

Credit Score

Fair/New to Credit

Why We Picked It

Here's an excellent way for students with average or limited credit scores to gain experience managing credit. No annual fee, no penalty APR, plus up to 5% cashback rewards in rotating categories (up to a quarterly cap with enrollment, 1% back on other purchases) earn this card an "A" in our book.

Pros & Cons

  • 5% cashback on rotating bonus categories after enrollment
  • First-year cash-back match

  • 5% bonus cashback rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending
  • Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
  • Low 1% base reward rate

Card Details

  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 15.99% – 24.99% applies.
  • Click “Apply Now” to see terms and conditions.

Best For Students Who Mostly Spend On Gas And Dining

Discover it® Student chrome

Up to 2% Reward Rate

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earnRead More

Welcome Bonus

Cashback Match™

Regular APR

15.99% - 24.99% Variable APR

Credit Score

Fair/New to Credit

Why We Picked It

If you're a student building credit, the Discover it® Student chrome is an excellent starting point on your credit journey. You'll gain access to a respectable rewards program and reasonable APR, with no pesky annual fee.

Pros & Cons

  • No annual fee
  • Earn rewards while building credit
  • Cash back earned is automatically matched at the end of your first year as a cardholder
  • Introductory APR offer

  • Reward earning is capped in highest category to $1,000 in purchases per quarter
  • Rewards are less-than-stellar in comparison with other student cards

Card Details

  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 15.99% – 24.99% applies.
  • Click “Apply Now” to see terms and conditions.

Best For Students Without Any Credit History

Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

1% Reward Rate

Earn 1% cash back on all purchases

Welcome Bonus

One year of Amazon Prime Student

Regular APR

21.74% Variable

Credit Score

Limited/No Credit

Why We Picked It

For international students or students without a credit history, the Deserve EDU Mastercard is a compelling option with no annual fee and a flat 1% cash back reward. However, for those with a solid credit history, better student cards are out there.

Pros & Cons

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Useful benefits like cell phone protection
  • Doesn’t require a Social Security number to apply, allowing international students to qualify

  • Cash-back rewards don’t exceed 1%
  • Nontraditional welcome bonus

Card Details

  • Receive one year of Amazon Prime Student on Deserve after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles with your EDU card (Lifetime Value of $59).
  • Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
  • Feel secure with cell phone protection up to $600.
  • No deposit required. No annual fees.
  • No international transaction fees on purchases abroad so you can travel with confidence.
  • No Social Security Number required for international students to apply.
  • Refer A Friend Program: Refer anyone to Deserve using your personal referral code. Upon approval, card activation and use, you’ll receive $30 and so will your referral. Referral bonuses are unlimited!
  • Manage and track your spending, set automatic payments and securely freeze your card all through one easy to use app.
  • See if you prequalify with no impact to your credit score in minutes.
  • Deserve Mastercards are issued by Celtic Bank, Member FDIC.
  • Enjoy Mastercard Platinum Benefits intended to make your life easier like Mastercard ID Theft Prevention™ and Master Rental®.

The Best Credit Cards for Beginners


Methodology

Forbes Advisor analyzed dozens of cards aimed at both credit newbies and those just starting out with their first credit card in order to help you determine which might be a good fit for your needs. We focused primarily on cards that feature opportunities for building stronger credit by reporting to the major credit bureaus. Some cards are best for those with fair credit to average credit, while others are targeted for those with bad credit or those with no credit history. Bonus points were awarded to credit cards without an annual fee and for credit cards that earn rewards on spending.


Should I Get A Credit Card?

Whether or not credit cards will be useful tools for you largely depends on your lifestyle and financial habits. Credit cards can be great for people who regularly use them for purchases and pay off the balance in full every month. This builds a good credit history, which is important not only for approval for better cards but also for other big life expenses like renting an apartment or getting a car loan. Credit cards also provide some fraud protection, meaning cardholders are usually not liable for unauthorized charges made to their accounts.

When Should I Get a Credit Card?

The best time to apply for a new credit card depends on your financial position and goals. Generally speaking, the sooner you can start using a credit card to build stronger credit, the better. This being said, applying for a new card is a major financial decision and shouldn’t be done hastily. Though additional cards can be used for balance transfers and introductory APR periods can help finance larger purchases, credit cards have high interest rates and should be generally avoided as a means of borrowing large amounts for periods longer than a billing cycle.

Younger teenagers can become authorized users on parents’ or guardians’ cards in some cases, but must be 18 years old to become the primary account holder on a credit card. For those 18 to 20 years of age, a co-signer may be required if proof of independent income can’t be produced.

Is It Okay to Never Have a Credit Card?

While it is not necessary to carry a credit card, giving up on credit cards completely may forfeit a number of opportunities for financial growth and benefit. Credit cards provide a relatively easy way to build a credit history which in turn is a requirement for borrowing money to make large purchases (houses, cars, etc.).

By foregoing credit cards, consumers may also miss out on rewards programs, fraud protection and any service requiring you to have a credit card on file—for example, renting a car or booking some hotel rooms. (Debit cards can be used to do some of these things, but using a debit card comes with other disadvantages, such as tying up funds in your bank account). If you’re committed to living a life without credit cards you can certainly use a mix of cash, checks and debit cards and avoid the risks credit cards may pose.


Credit Card Requirements

You’ll need some key information to apply for a credit card. Your Social Security number will almost always be needed to run a credit check, which will more than likely make a hard inquiry on at least one of your credit reports. You’ll also need to provide your contact information, including your full name, address and phone number. Some issuers might also require you to provide your date of birth and employer or income information.

Your credit report might be a major deciding factor in the issuance of a credit card. The credit report document is issued by consumer credit reporting agencies, also known as credit bureaus, and contains all the borrowing history associated with your Social Security number. It’s important to note having a good credit score doesn’t guarantee approval for a credit card. Credit card issuers will also look at other factors such as your income and current debt levels.


What to Look For In a Credit Card

What makes a credit card a good credit card? First, ensure the card has a low interest rate. If you do ever have to carry a balance (we never recommend carrying a balance) you’ll want to have as low a rate as possible—and credit credit cards are notorious for high rates. Though in some cases you may want to trade a low rate for rewards options or other benefits, be sure you’re aware of the financial consequences if you can’t pay in full, on time, every time.

If you are looking for rewards, whether cash back, points or miles, there’s more than likely a card out there that will fit your needs. But don’t forget about benefits; a card with benefits like rental car insurance or trip cancellation coverage can come in handy if you ever need them and in some cases could save you much more money than you’d ever earn in rewards.

Most importantly, make sure you choose a credit card to meet your needs. If you need to build your credit, then applying for a fancy credit card with an extensive rewards program is unlikely to make much sense. You’re likely better off sticking to credit cards designed with credit score rebuilding in mind—think secured and student cards. If you’re a frequent traveler, you might prioritize travel benefits over cash rewards or interest rates. You can get started on finding the perfect credit card for you by checking out our list of the best credit cards, or any of our other best lists:

  • The Best Credit Cards
  • The Best Student Cards
  • The Best First Credit Cards to Build Credit
  • The Best Secured Cards
  • The Best Travel Rewards Cards
  • The Best Cash Back Cards
  • The Best 0% Intro APR Cards
  • The Best Balance Transfer Cards
  • The Best Airline Cards
  • The Best Hotel Cards
  • The Best Business Cards


How to Get a Credit Card With No Credit

One simple way to obtain a credit card despite a lack of credit is to become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. Becoming an authorized user involves finding a trusted and trusting friend or family member to add you to their credit card account as an authorized user. This usually gives you access to many of the same benefits as the primary cardholder, including your own card with your own name on it. Many banks report authorized user activity to the three major credit bureaus.

Another option is to find a co-signer to sign on your own credit card application. This person is a guarantee to the bank that if you aren’t able to make your credit card payments, they will. If you’re looking for a co-signer, make sure you choose someone with a good credit score and steady income who can help increase your chances of being approved for a credit card.

Why Is It Important To Establish Credit?

Good credit is a sign to vendors, banks and companies you are a trustworthy, low-risk leasee or borrower capable of paying off your bills or loans on time. Great credit makes up a major part of your financial identity and comes with many advantages. These advantages include benefiting from lower interest or insurance rates, receiving approval for large purchases or loans and earning more rewards on shopping and travel.

How To Build Credit When You Have None

Building excellent credit can take a long time, especially if you start from scratch. Luckily there are several ways to get started on building your credit history. Becoming an authorized user is a popular route—especially for teenagers trying to build financial history early. You can also apply for a secured credit card or for a credit-builder loan. Both of these latter approaches are specifically intended as low-risk, easy ways for an individual to establish or rebuild credit history.

Become an Authorized User

You can build credit by becoming an authorized user on someone else’s card. Once authorized, you will receive your own credit card attached to the primary account. From there, the process of building your credit history is straightforward: Simply use the credit card and make your payments on time. If you do this consistently and avoid other credit pitfalls, such as overusing your credit, you can quickly build a decent credit score for yourself.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Credit Card?

To become the primary account holder on a credit card, federal law requires you must be at least 18 years of age. If between the ages of 18 and 20, a co-signer will be required if proof of independent income isn’t provided with the application. Younger teenagers can become authorized users on parents’ or guardians’ cards in many cases and can present a way to help teens get a jumpstart on building credit and help teach your kids responsible financial habits.

What Is APR?

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the interest rate applied to the carried balance of a credit card. Your exact APR will depend on the bank, the type of credit card and your credit score at the time of application. It will also depend on something called the U.S. prime rate, which is a standard rate used by banks to establish a baseline APR. Though you will often see APR referred to as an annual rate, any interest being charged is actually calculated every month based on your current balance.

What Is a Good APR for a Credit Card?

APRs vary greatly from bank to bank and even from card to card. Many banks offer APRs ranging from 12% to 24% and some issuers will offer a 0% introductory APR to help new credit card holders start building credit. If you look for the lowest rates possible and stay on top of your credit card payments, you can usually avoid interest entirely. For more information on the ins-and-outs of how to evaluate credit card APR, check out our guide.

Why Can’t I Get a Credit Card?

Several factors may make it more difficult for you to obtain a credit card. If you do not have a steady job or provable source of income you are unlikely to receive approval for a credit card. Similarly if you have too much debt, a bad credit score and history, are under 18 or do not have a Social Security number getting a credit card in your name can be very difficult. While there are ways to work around these issues, including some—like becoming an authorized user or getting a secured card—it can take some persistence and patience while working through the process.


Alternatives to Credit Cards

Several alternatives to credit cards offer some of the benefits. Though having a credit card comes with clear advantages, it is by no means the only way to conveniently or safely handle your money.

Credit Card vs. Debit Cards

While there isn’t a big difference in how you use a credit card versus a debit card when making a purchase in a store, the money used to make transactions is drawn from two entirely separate sources. With a debit card, money is taken directly from your checking account. Purchasing a $20 book, for example, will lower your account balance by $20. On the plus side, you do not run any risk of going into debt: generally speaking once you run out of money in your account, you will not be able to make any more purchases. If you are making a big purchase or expect more money to arrive in the future (from a paycheck, for example), this limit can be much more of a hindrance.

Credit cards draw from a line of revolving credit extended to you by a card issuer. You will be able to make payments up to your credit card limit regardless of whether or not that money is available in your checking account. At the end of the monthly billing cycle all relevant charges will appear on your billing statement and you will need to make at least the minimum payment in order to keep using the card. While the obvious disadvantage is that you can go into debt by spending money you don’t have (or racking up astronomical interest if you cannot pay off your total bill), having a credit card allows you to still make purchases—from emergency to everyday to expensive—without the limitation of your current checking account balance.

Charge Cards vs. Credit Cards

Charge cards offer another alternative where credit is extended but the balance must be paid in full each month. Charge cards do not typically have interest rates in the same way a normal line of revolving credit on a credit card does and do not necessarily come with a preset spending limit. This makes them an adaptable, efficient type of credit card useful for a variety of purchases. Charge cards also come with a lot of risk: if you cannot pay off your balance at the end of the month, you can quickly get into some serious trouble with your issuer.

Due to this risk, charge cards are rarely offered by banks and always require a good to excellent credit score in order to be approved. These cards are also usually subject to high annual fees.

Personal Loan vs. Credit Cards

Personal loans and credit cards are both forms of credit, but the two vary in several significant ways. With a personal loan, you receive all your money at once in a lump sum. You then pay off this loan in steady installments over time, with a set end-date for your final payment. These payments include interest. Thanks to lower interest rates, these loans are useful for making large, one-time purchases or consolidating high-interest debt. For smaller and more frequent purchases—especially when building your credit score—a credit card remains the better choice.


Other Cards to Consider

Forbes Advisor also has curated a list of secured card recommendations and a list of best student credit cards. An option from one of those lists may be right for your particular circumstances.


Bottom Line

When used responsibly and correctly, credit cards offer huge advantages in terms of rewards, fraud protection, spending power and convenience. The wide variety of credit cards and credit card issuers means you’ll almost always be able to find a credit card to meet your specific needs so long as you are eligible for application and approval. By making regular payments, remaining vigilant about the risks of overspending and finding cards with low APRs, credit cards can help fund a comfortable and practical lifestyle.


Frequently Asked Questions

How does a credit card work?

A credit card allows its user to pay later for goods and services purchased now. A credit card is issued by a financial institution and allows, by means of a processing network, a cardholder to borrow money from the issuing financial institution in order to transact with a merchant. Approximately every 30 days—occasionally 60—the bank issues a credit card bill detailing the transactions charged to the card and the cardholder then pays off this balance. Credit cards can be leveraged for many purposes and come in many types for many goals

What do you need to qualify for a starter credit card?

At a minimum, if under 21 you will need either employment or proof of income. If you are 21 or older, employment is not technically required but it will be more difficult to get a credit card without a source of income. We offer a guide to what you need to have when you apply for a credit card to help you compile all the necessary information and materials.

How does a credit card affect my credit?

A credit card can help your credit score or hurt it depending on how you use it. If you pay your credit card bill on time and keep your credit utilization low, your credit score will rise and strengthen as your history is reported to the three major credit bureaus. If you don’t pay your bill on time, your negative behavior will be shared with the credit bureaus and drive your score down.

How long does it take to get a credit card?

Receiving approval for a credit card and having access to virtual card numbers can happen in minutes, but usually only for those applicants with great credit and income and with issuers who offer virtual card numbers. For everyone else, application processing may involve follow-up documentation and waiting to receive a card via snail mail. For a normal process, receiving approval for and then receiving a physical card can take anywhere between two and 14 days—perhaps even longer. Don’t rush into getting a first credit card.

Can you get a credit card with no income?

Yes, but it may be difficult. Credit card issuers want to make sure you’ll have the means to pay off charges you make on your card. Without income, you’ll likely need to provide substantial assets or otherwise demonstrate an ability or forthcoming ability to pay. Don’t expect the application process to go smoothly—you’ll likely be required to provide additional documentation if you don’t offer up adequate evidence of ability to pay from the beginning.

How much of my credit card should I use?

Opinions on where to keep your credit utilization vary, but the most widely agreed upon marker is 30%. You should keep your credit utilization below 30% to maintain your healthy credit score. For more information, see our guide to credit utilization.

How much will a secured credit card raise my score?

Increasing a credit score requires demonstrating healthy credit usage and spending habits. Using a secured card to build credit can help achieve this, but calculating its benefit in terms of a credit score is difficult because each individual’s credit and situation is different. If you’re brand new, establishing a credit score by opening a secured account is a great first step and takes you from not having any credit to having some credit. Repairing a credit score using a secured card following bankruptcy or other credit damage can look quite different, but since secured cards may be one of the only ways to use a credit card to rebuild credit, they’re often a worthwhile tool to start with—especially since many can be upgraded to unsecured accounts in a few short months.

Who invented the first credit card?

Credit systems have been around for centuries. The Code of Hammurabi established rules for lending money and charging interest back in 1792ish BCE, but the modern credit card system was pioneered by Frank McNamara and Ralph Schneider, who jointly launched the first Diners Club card in 1950. Other systems of credit, including John C. Biggins’ 1946 Charg-It card system experimented with the idea in the first part of the 20th century. To learn more about the history of credit cards, check out our guide.

What is the best first credit card?

The best first credit card for you will depend on your goals and circumstances. In any circumstance, it’s best to choose a card that will report to all three credit bureaus so your good payment behavior can help you lay the foundation for solid credit with all three bureaus.

For someone with some credit already, a card offering rewards may be a motivating way to get started with credit cards. Someone new to the country or without any credit at all may require a card tailored to those needs, like a secured or student card.

What to look for in a starter credit card?

The best starter credit card for you will provide a balance among benefits—such as reporting to the three major credit bureaus to help raise your credit score—and costs to carry—such as annual fees or any other maintenance costs. If you’re brand new to developing credit, look for a card designed for those without credit history with features to help strengthen credit and not designed only to charge money for access to credit.

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Can I get credit with no credit history?

Credit card issuers offer credit cards for consumers who have no credit history as a means to help people get started from scratch with building credit. If you have no credit or a limited credit history, it can be difficult to qualify for loans and other types of credit.

Which credit card can I get without credit score?

Secured credit card It has the easiest and most convenient process. Anyone with a low or no credit score can apply for a secured credit card.

Which bank give credit card easily?

Some of the most popular banks offering credit cards in India are HDFC, SBI Card, ICICI, Amex, Axis, Citibank, Standard Chartered Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank. However, the best credit card for you would be the one that matches your needs.