Credit Cards

Applying for a credit card with no credit history

Oddly enough, not only will bad credit work against you when applying for a loan or a credit card, but no credit history will too. Even though this doesn't seem fair, it is the way things work in the complicated world of consumer credit. Lenders are leery about opening accounts for people with no credit history because they simply have nothing to base your reliability on.

So, if you can't build a credit history without credit and you can't get credit without a credit history, just what has a person to do? It's nearly impossible to rent a car, stay in a hotel, or shop online without a credit card, so let's explore a few of the options that can eliminate this Catch-22.

Available Credit Options

Although many of the major credit card companies won't give you a card without a credit history, some smaller ones, like department stores, will. Find a department store that will issue you a card and apply for it. You can try getting a gas station card also. Either way, use your card but be sure to make all payments on time. Your goal is to build a good credit history, not just get a credit card.

Find a credit card company that will review your overall financial situation and not just your credit history. Some lenders will look at your employment history, your housing situation, and how often you have moved. If this is all on the up and up, they may approve your application. Again, use this card wisely.

Credit Unions

Credit unions are like banks, only more local. They are co-operative, owned by their members and run by the community, and are a great place to borrow money. This is because there are limits in law on how much interest credit unions can charge, and they don't need to make a profit for owners or shareholders, because they don't have any. It's well worth checking if there's one in your area.

If you are a credit union member, or are eligible for membership, see what their card issuing terms are. Although they are no giving out cards with their eyes closed, they will often have more relaxed conditions for members.

You no longer have to work for a specific company to be eligible to join a credit union. Look for credit unions in your community and see what their membership options are.

Secured Credit Cards

Secured credit cards require you to make a cash deposit before you can start using them. In exchange you get a line of credit that either matches, or is slightly higher than your cash deposit. It's worth saving up the deposit and using the card for a while, though, as you'll usually be offered a normal card quite quickly, as long as you don't do anything terrible with the secured one.

When you do manage to get a credit card, remember that you are establishing a credit history. Show that you are a good financial risk by paying the bill on time. Don't go crazy with the spending. It will only cause you problems in the future.







 

 
 

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