Ways to Get Your First Credit Card (2024)

Make sure you're ready for your first credit card.

Being old enough to qualify for a credit carddoes not mean you’re ready for one. You need to be responsible enough to charge only what you can afford and to pay your bill every month without being reminded. Getting your first credit card before being fully prepared can spell disaster for your credit. Once your credit is damaged, it can be difficult getting it back on track.

Don’t set yourself up for failure; learn all you can about credit cards before getting one. If you're not ready, there are steps you can take to get there.

Understand the credit card landscape for young adults.

Getting approved for a first credit card can be tough, especially if you're younger than 21 and more so if you don't have a job.

Federal law requires adults younger than 21 to have verifiable income before they can be approved for a credit card without a cosigner. Income must be from a job. However, child support or government benefits may allow you to be approved.

If you don’t have income, then you’ll have to find someone who’s willing to opena joint credit card with you or make you an authorized user on one of their credit cards.

Another thing that makes it tough to get a first credit card is insufficientcredit history.

Know where to go to get your first credit card.

If you're enrolled in college, you have a good chance of getting approved for a student credit card from a major credit card issuer. However, some student credit cards have high interest rates and annual fees, both bad options for a first credit card.

If you've been responsible with a checking or savings account, try applying for your first credit card at your bank. An existing banking relationship can improve your chances of getting a credit card application approved, especially if you’ve handled your account responsibly. You can apply online, but visiting a bank branch would put you face-to-face with a representative who may have more authority to get your application approved.

Retail and department stores typically have more favorable approval odds.On the downside, they have high interest rates that make it expensive to carry a balance from one month to the next. Another downside of these cards is they aren't versatile—you can use them only in that store. However, retailers often encourage spending by offering discounts for using the card, and having a retail store credit card as your first credit card can help you build up a good enough credit history to apply for a major credit card within a few months.

Look for cards that target moderate or limited credit.

Certain credit card websites list the type of credit history needed to get approved. For a first credit card, look for credit cards that accept applicants with moderate or no credit. Applying for cards that are geared toward your specific credit history improves your chances of getting approved. Avoid applications for credit cards requiring excellent credit, because you probably will get denied.

Ask someone for help.

You may have a relative—a parent, for example—who’s willing to help you get your first credit card by cosigning with you. Cosigning is risky—any mistakes you make will affect yours and the cosigner's credit—but it can be a good way to jumpstart your credit. Agree upfront that you’ll be responsible for making the payments on time each month and that you'll abide by all the credit card terms. Then, consider closing the joint account once you can qualify for a credit card on your own.

Don't be discouraged by denials.

Don't be surprised if you're denied for the first credit card you apply for—or the first few credit cards you apply for. Even people with established credit histories are sometimes denied. It may be helpful to know that you’ll get a letter,anadverse action notice, in the mailthat includes the specific reason you were denied. The information in this letter will be useful in planning your next step. You may need to apply for a different type of credit card or jumpstart your credit by using a secured credit card.

How old do I have to be to get a credit card?

You have to be at least 18 years old to get a credit card, and Chase Bank warns that it may be difficult before you reach at least age 21. It can depend on whether you have a reliable and dependable source of income.

What is a secured credit card?

You can apply for a secured credit card if your lack of a credit history keeps you from getting a standard card. You must make a deposit with the lender, usually equal to the credit limit on the account. The bank holds the deposit and can claim the money if you don't make your payments as agreed. You may have the chance to convert it to an unsecured credit card later on. Be sure that the card issuer reports payments to the credit bureaus so you can build a credit history and eventually get an unsecured credit card.