Easiest Credit Cards to Get of December 2024
Updated: Dec 2, 2024
+ 2 more+ 2 more
Some credit cards are easier to get approved for than others. Some require a security deposit. Some use a special process to evaluate applications that doesn't rely so much on established credit history. And some charge fees to compensate for the risk of extending credit to consumers whom other issuers won't serve. Approval is never guaranteed for any card, however. Even if the issuer has a fairly low bar for approval, your income and other factors can affect your application.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Some credit cards are easier to get approved for than others. Some require a security deposit. Some use a special process to evaluate applications that doesn't rely so much on established credit history. And some charge fees to compensate for the risk of extending credit to consumers whom other issuers won't serve. Approval is never guaranteed for any card, however. Even if the issuer has a fairly low bar for approval, your income and other factors can affect your application.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Show More
Some credit cards are easier to get approved for than others. Some require a security deposit. Some use a special process to evaluate applications that doesn't rely so much on established credit history. And some charge fees to compensate for the risk of extending credit to consumers whom other issuers won't serve. Approval is never guaranteed for any card, however. Even if the issuer has a fairly low bar for approval, your income and other factors can affect your application.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Some credit cards are easier to get approved for than others. Some require a security deposit. Some use a special process to evaluate applications that doesn't rely so much on established credit history. And some charge fees to compensate for the risk of extending credit to consumers whom other issuers won't serve. Approval is never guaranteed for any card, however. Even if the issuer has a fairly low bar for approval, your income and other factors can affect your application.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Easiest Credit Cards to Get of December 2024
OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for No credit check and no bank account required
Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card: Best for No credit check + flexibility and guardrails
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card: Best for Unsecured card for bad credit
Secured Self Visa® Credit Card: Best for No upfront deposit or hard credit check
Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for College students
Grow Credit Mastercard: Best for Building credit with subscriptions
Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card: Best for International students and immigrants
Show SummaryHide Summary
Easiest Credit Cards to Get
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Intro APR | Regular APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Discover it® Student ChromeApply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for College students | $0 | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months | 17.49%-26.49% Variable APR | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
 Secured Self Visa® Credit CardApply Now on Self's website on Self's website | Best for No upfront deposit or hard credit check | $25 | N/A | 28.74% Variable | Apply Now on Self's website on Self's website |
 Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit CardApply Now on Chime's website on Chime's website | Best for No credit check + flexibility and guardrails | $0 | N/A | N/A | Apply Now on Chime's website on Chime's website |
 Mission Lane Visa® Credit CardApply Now on Mission Lane's website on Mission Lane's website | Best for Unsecured card for bad credit | $0 | N/A | 29.99%-33.99% Variable APR | Apply Now on Mission Lane's website on Mission Lane's website |
 OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit CardApply Now on Capital Bank's website on Capital Bank's website | Best for No credit check and no bank account required | $0 | N/A | 29.24% Variable APR | Apply Now on Capital Bank's website on Capital Bank's website |
 Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder CardApply Now on Firstcard's website on Firstcard's website | Best for International students and immigrants | $4.99-$12.99 monthly or $48-$120/year depending on subscription plan | N/A | N/A | Apply Now on Firstcard's website on Firstcard's website |
 Grow Credit Mastercard | Best for Building credit with subscriptions | $0 | N/A | None |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
College students
College students don't need a FICO score history to apply for this card.
Discover offers two fine cards for college students. The Discover it® Student Chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure and student-friendly bonus categories. Plus, Discover says there's no FICO history requirement for this card.
Our Take
You earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. (Unlike with Discover's other student card, you don't have to "activate" your bonus rewards.) The annual fee is $0. There's also Discover's signature bonus for new cardholders, free access to your FICO credit score, low fees, and forgiveness for your first late payment.
Unlike some other cards on this list, there's a credit check involved. And you must be a college student to be eligible for the card.
Discover offers two fine cards for college students. The Discover it® Student Chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure and student-friendly bonus categories. Plus, Discover says there's no FICO history requirement for this card.
No upfront deposit or hard credit check
With this card "easy to get" refers to the ability to qualify. Opening the card account itself involves a couple of extra steps.
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card offers those with no credit or poor credit a unique path to establishing a credit history. Unlike typical secured cards, it doesn't require an upfront security deposit or a hard credit check. But it does make you jump through some hoops that other secured cards don't.
Product Details
- One of the lowest deposit in the industry ($100).
- Users can micro-pay their way to a deposit (as low as $25/mo). Sample loans: $25/mo, 24 mos, 15.92% APR; $35/mo, 24 mos, 15.69% APR; $48/mo, 24 mos, 15.51% APR; $150/mo, 24 mos, 15.82% APR. See self.inc/pricing.
- $25 annual fee.
- Monthly credit limit increases.
- Applying won't impact your credit.
- Reports to all three bureaus.
- Start with a Credit Builder Account**.
- Make at least 3 monthly payments on time, have $100 or more in savings progress in your CreditBuilder Account, satisfy income requirements, and be in good standing. Then, you’ll be eligible for the Secured Self Visa® Credit Card.
- Card eligibility: Active Credit Builder Account in good standing, 3 on time payments, $100 or more in savings progress and satisfying income requirements. Criteria subject to change.
- Your savings progress from your Credit Builder Account acts as your security deposit for your secured Credit Card.
- *The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.
- **Credit Builder Accounts & Certificates of Deposit made/held by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval.
Our Take
Instead of requiring a traditional deposit, this card has you open a Self Credit Builder Account and make regular payments on a secured installment loan. (See our review for more detail on how it works.) Your payments essentially go into a certificate of deposit; once you have enough saved up with Self, you can use that money as a deposit on the card. The minimum deposit is just $100, lower than on most secured cards. There's no hard credit check, either.
You'll owe an annual fee of $25. And there's no sugar-coating it: The process of opening the Credit Builder Account, making payments and then funding the card deposit is complicated. But for those struggling to establish credit, it can be worth the effort.
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card offers those with no credit or poor credit a unique path to establishing a credit history. Unlike typical secured cards, it doesn't require an upfront security deposit or a hard credit check. But it does make you jump through some hoops that other secured cards don't.
No credit check + flexibility and guardrails
To get this card, you need to be a Chime banking customer. The money in a linked account acts as your security deposit.
The Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card overcomes many of the limitations of traditional secured cards. To get it, you must be a Chime® banking customer.
Product Details
- The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
- No credit check to apply, no annual fees or interest⁴, and no minimum security deposit required.³ No stress! Additional terms apply.
- Use your secured Credit Builder card everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted, including on everyday purchases, such as gas and groceries.
- Help build your credit history with your own money. The money you move into the Credit Builder secured account is the amount you can spend on your card (no minimum deposit required!).³ Turn on Safer Credit Building² and have your monthly balance automatically paid on time. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®.
- Increase your credit scores by an average of 30 points, with regular, on-time payments.¹
- Turn on transaction notifications to receive real-time transaction alerts. Then, use Chime’s instant in-app disable card feature to help prevent unauthorized activities.
- Live support 24/7 to assist you around the clock.
- Now you can use your Credit Builder card fee-free at over 60K+ in-network ATMs at retailers like Walgreens®, CVS®, and more! Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at Moneypass ATMs in 7-Eleven® locations, or any Allpoint® or Visa Plus Alliance ATMs.
- Apply for a secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card once you have an active Chime Checking Account. See www.chime.com to learn more.
Our Take
Instead of a security deposit, the card is backed by the money in a linked account, which you can add to at any time. The card won't let you spend any more than you have in the account, and when your payment is due, you can have the money taken from the account automatically. In a way, it works like a prepaid debit card, but unlike a prepaid card, it helps build credit. No credit check required to apply.
The safety precautions that make it an excellent tool for building credit can also get in the way of learning how to handle credit responsibly. Any card you graduate to will work quite differently. Chime has been the subject of multiple complaints related to the way it freezes customers' funds.
The Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card overcomes many of the limitations of traditional secured cards. To get it, you must be a Chime® banking customer.
Unsecured card for bad credit
This card does not require a cash security deposit, but it also doesn't earn rewards.
The Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card could be a reasonable option for someone building or rebuilding credit who doesn't want to tie up money in a security deposit. Not everyone will qualify, but the issuer lets you see whether you do before you apply.
Product Details
- $0 Annual Fee. Clear terms and transparent pricing.
- See if you qualify instantly without harming your credit score.
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as few as 7 months.
- Free, online credit score access for cardholders.
- No interest on purchases when you pay in full and on time each month.
- No security deposit required – get started today!
- Enjoy coverage from Visa®.
- Access your account anytime, anywhere with our mobile app.
- If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $0.50.
Our Take
The issuer's prequalification process shows you what offer you're eligible for without a "hard" credit check that affects your credit scores. (If you choose to apply after seeing the offer, then a hard check takes place.) That's important if you're working hard to build credit and don't want to run the risk of a hard check only to be rejected. After approval, the issuer automatically reviews your account for potential credit line increases. And the annual fee range is lower than what you'd be charged on many competing no-deposit cards.
You won't earn rewards with this card. Rewards shouldn't be the main priority when building your credit, but it is a nice perk you'll get with some other credit-building cards.
The Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card could be a reasonable option for someone building or rebuilding credit who doesn't want to tie up money in a security deposit. Not everyone will qualify, but the issuer lets you see whether you do before you apply.
No credit check and no bank account required
This is a secured credit card, which requires an upfront cash security deposit.
The OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn't run a credit check, doesn't require a bank account and doesn't charge an annual fee.
Product Details
- New feature! Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- No annual fee
- No credit check to apply. Find out instantly if you are approved- Zero credit risk to apply!
- Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2/3 of cardholders receive a 48+ point improvement after making 3 on-time payments
- Monitor your credit progress with free access to your FICO Credit Score.
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus monthly to establish and build credit history.
- Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
- Secure your credit line with a refundable security deposit - as low as $300.
- Easy application, apply in less than 5 minutes right from your mobile device
- Offers flexible payment due dates which allow you to choose any available due date that fits your payment schedule
- Now you can make smaller partial payments towards funding your security deposit over 60 days
- Over 1.4 Million Cardholders Have Used OpenSky Secured Credit Card To Improve Their Credit
Our Take
Because the issuer doesn't conduct a hard credit inquiry, you can apply for this card without any effect on your credit scores, which is definitely a plus when you're trying to build credit. You don't need a bank account — you can fund your deposit and pay your bill with a money order, for example — so this is a decent option for the unbanked. After six months, the issuer may increase your credit limit with no additional deposit. And the annual fee is $0.
Usually, the minimum security deposit is $300, which is 50% higher than the minimum on most comparable secured cards and can be a barrier for many. However, you have the option of paying the deposit in installments of at least $25. (You must fully fund the deposit within 60 days). The card also doesn't have great upgrade options.
The OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn't run a credit check, doesn't require a bank account and doesn't charge an annual fee.
International students and immigrants
The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card has extremely low barriers to entry and also earns rewards.
Product Details
- Build credit faster, cheaper, and safer
- No credit checks and no credit history are required to open a credit card
- Accepts immigrants and internationals without an SSN - apply with a passport and visa.
- 0% APR. Don’t worry about overspending. What you deposit is what you can spend.
- No account minimum, no interest, and no overdraft fee
- Get up to 15% Merchant Cashback at 29,000 partner merchants
- Get up to 10% Random Cashback on all qualifying transactions
- Earn 4.00% APY with Firstcard Premium, 2.00% APY with Firstcard+, or 0.75% APY with Firstcard Standard on the money in your Firstcard
- Earn an additional 1% Unlimited Cashback with Firstcard Premium on all qualifying transactions on top of the two cashback offerings (Merchant Cashback and Random Cashback)
- Monitor your credit score right in the app
- Get an in-depth monthly credit report with Firstcard+ and Firstcard Premium
- Instant access to your virtual card once your account is approved and you add your virtual card to your phone’s digital wallet
- Your money is protected with Firstcard — automatically insured up to $250,000 by FDIC (backed by the U.S. government)
Our Take
The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card doesn't require a credit check, and it's even possible to get it without a Social Security number. Unlike other secured credit cards, there's no minimum required deposit amount, nor are there any interest charges.
There's an annual fee: $4.99-$12.99 monthly or $48-$120/year depending on subscription plan. And if you want a higher-end version of the card, you'll have to pay for that.
The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card has extremely low barriers to entry and also earns rewards.
Building credit with subscriptions
The Grow Credit Mastercard helps you build credit through qualifying subscriptions and bill payments you're already making. There's no hard credit check and no interest charges.
Product Details
- Connect a bank account to apply for a Grow Credit interest-free Mastercard.
- Signing up is easy and completely free.
- Use your Grow Credit Mastercard to pay for your existing subscriptions or browse for new ones.
- Just sit back, relax and watch your credit score grow!
- Grow Credit is not taking new applications at this time.
Our Take
You can use the card to pay for qualifying monthly subscriptions and/or bill payments, though your spending limit on the card will depend on your membership tier with Grow Credit. Eligible payments include streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, as well as certain wireless phone providers. Your bill must be paid in full each month, so you can't carry a balance and therefore won't pay interest. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus.
This card rates lower than other options on this page because of its limited usability. It can help you build credit, but beyond subscriptions, you can't put so much as a pack of gum on it. There are multiple membership tiers, but all of them charge a monthly fee.
The Grow Credit Mastercard helps you build credit through qualifying subscriptions and bill payments you're already making. There's no hard credit check and no interest charges.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: EASIEST CREDIT CARDS TO GET
Before applying, verify details on issuer's website.
OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: No credit check and no bank account required
Like the regular OpenSky card, the OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn't require a credit check or a bank account. This card, however, charges an annual fee of $0 — at the cost of a higher minimum deposit and a higher interest rate. Read our review.
Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: No credit check + flexibility and guardrails
This card has no minimum deposit requirement, charges neither an annual fee nor interest, and doesn't require a credit check, and you can automate your payments so you're never late. But to get it, you must be a Chime® banking customer, which is an extra hoop to jump through — and which comes with its own considerations when it comes to customer service. Read our review.
See more from Chime®
Chime says the following:
The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime® Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2022 and October 2022 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: Unsecured card for newcomers to credit
The issuer of the Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card doesn’t only rely on credit scores to determine eligibility. Instead, it assesses your creditworthiness based on your income, expenses, savings and debts. You can earn a decent rate of up to 1.5% cash back, depending on your on-time payments. And there's no annual fee, late fees or foreign transaction fees. (The card is issued by WebBank, Member FDIC.) Read our review.
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: Unsecured card for bad credit
The Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card could be a reasonable option for someone building or rebuilding credit who doesn't want to tie up money in a security deposit. Not everyone will qualify, but the issuer lets you see whether you do before you apply. Read our review.
Discover it® Student Chrome
Our pick for: College students
Simplicity makes the Discover it® Student Chrome a standout for students searching for their first credit card. You'll earn bonus cash back at restaurants and gas stations with no activation required and no rotating categories to keep track of. Read our review.
Secured Self Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: No upfront deposit or credit check
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card offers a unique path to building credit. Unlike typical secured cards, it doesn't require an upfront security deposit or a hard credit check. But it does make you jump through some hoops that other secured cards don't. You start by making payments on a secured loan, which become savings that you can use for your deposit. It's complicated, but for those struggling to establish a credit history, it can be efficient and effective. Read our review.
Grow Credit Mastercard
Our pick for: Building credit with subscription payments
The Grow Credit Mastercard doesn’t require a security deposit or a hard credit check. It allows you to establish a credit history by paying for qualifying subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify, and it doesn’t charge any interest because you can't carry a balance on the card. You will owe a membership fee, however. Read our review.
Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card
Our pick for: International students and immigrants
The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card doesn't require a credit check, doesn't charge interest, and even pays interest on your deposit. You can earn cash back on purchases. International students can even apply without a Social Security number (though they must provide visa or passport information). The only drawback: an annual fee. Read our review.
• • •
OTHER RESOURCES
Unsecured credit cards from subprime specialist issuers
There's a segment of the credit card industry that specializes in unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit. "Unsecured" means there is no security deposit. Cards from these so-called subprime specialist issuers are famously easy to get, but the fees on them are often outrageous. It's not uncommon to see an annual fee of, say, $99 for a $300 credit line, with monthly maintenance fees of up to $10 on top of that — and maybe a $75 "program fee" just for applying.
The fees on subprime specialist cards can easily (and quickly) add up to more than the cost of a deposit on a traditional secured card. And unlike a security deposit, which is refunded to you when you close or upgrade your secured card, you never get these fees back. This is why NerdWallet generally recommends secured cards for building credit and recommends avoiding the subprime specialists.
That said, if you're interested in exploring these cards, here are some options.
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®. (You can apply for this card through NerdWallet at the link.)
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®. (You can apply for this card through NerdWallet at the link.)
• • •
Learn more: What’s the easiest credit card to get?
The easiest credit card to get will depend largely on your credit scores and history.
If you have excellent credit (FICO scores of 720 or higher), you needn't worry much. Your credit history shows card issuers that you're a trustworthy and responsible borrower, so you'll have a wide variety of rewarding and easy-to-get credit card options.
But if you have bad credit (FICO scores of 629 or below), thin credit or no credit at all, getting your first credit card can prove to be a much greater challenge. Here's where to start your search for easy credit cards to get.
Several credit cards offer a preapproval process, in which the issuer can look at some of your basic credit data and perform a "soft" check to determine your general approval odds.
Secured credit cards
Secured credit cards will likely be the easiest cards to get for those with either poor credit or no credit who want to avoid outlandish fees. That's because they require collateral upfront in the form of a security deposit, which is typically equal to the amount of your credit line and reduces the risk to the card issuer if you fail to pay your bill.
Scraping together a deposit can be its own hurdle, but that deposit is refundable when you close the account in good standing or upgrade to a regular "unsecured" product from that same issuer. The best secured credit cards feature such an upgrade path, while also reporting to all three credit bureaus. Ideally, they also skip an annual fee.
Student credit cards
Student credit cards are generally aimed at 18- to 21-year-olds who have little or no credit history. Being a student isn't enough by itself to qualify, though. You do have to meet certain other requirements.
For instance, if you're under 21, you'll either have to show proof that you have an independent income or find a co-signer. These can still be difficult barriers to overcome — for one, it's rare these days to even find credit card issuers that allow co-signers. And if you already have poor credit, you may still not be approved.
But the point is that many student cards are specifically designed for those who are just starting out with credit, meaning there may be no FICO history requirement at all, as is the case with the Discover it® Student Chrome card above.
Store credit cards
Store credit cards can be a bit of a double-edged sword: They tend to have lower credit rating requirements, which makes them among the best credit cards for fair credit or limited credit. But they also typically feature lower credit limits and higher interest rates, and some can be used only within the physical or virtual walls of that particular merchant.
Still, these co-branded store cards can help you build a credit history, and many have seriously upped their game in recent years in an attempt to become top-of-wallet options, with richer rewards and perks even on everyday spending outside of the brand.
Alternative credit cards
What if you can't afford a security deposit or annual fee and aren't sure whether you have a sufficient credit history? The good news is that certain alternative credit cards may require none of the above.
Instead of relying entirely on the traditional FICO scoring model, these alternative products can often use their own proprietary underwriting standards to help determine your creditworthiness. They may, for instance, evaluate things like your income, your employer, your bank account balances and more.
Authorized-user credit cards
Ultimately, if what you want is a credit card with your name on it that you can use, then becoming an authorized user of someone else's account is perhaps the easiest route.
That's because you don't need to open an account yourself. You just need to have a primary account holder add you to their existing account. If a parent, spouse or another loved one agrees to do so, you'll get your own card to use. Assuming that the primary user already has a good credit history — and assuming the card issuer reports authorized users' activity to the credit bureaus — your own credit scores may benefit as a result.
Just be aware that while you'll be authorized to make charges on the account, you are not liable for paying off those charges. That responsibility falls to the primary cardholder, regardless of how much debt you rack up.
• • •
NerdWallet's Kenley Young contributed to this article.
Last updated on December 2, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
About the author
