- Build credit with on-time payments
- Reports to the three leading credit bureaus
- Credit limist between $200 and $3,000
- Visa benefits and protections
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.39% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 17.39% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $6 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Annual Fee: $35
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $38
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- Minimum Deposit Required: $200
- 20% off + Free Shipping on Fanatics.com orders of $49+ - Offer Expires on April 15, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on April 30, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on December 22, 2021 - See Details
- Save 10% on Select Regularly Priced Jewelry - Offer Expires on February 03, 2022 - See Details
- Save 10% and complimentary daily breakfast for two with Preferred Hotels - Offer Expires on March 31, 2022 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in Brooklyn - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in West Hollywood - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Save $25 in the US with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- Save 15%* off the Merchandise Value** of your purchase with promotion code VISA38 - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- View All Deals -
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required
- No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval
- Quick and Complete Online Application
- Full-Feature Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
- Monthly Reporting to all 3 Major Credit Bureaus to Establish Credit History
- 24/7 Online Access to Your Account
- Regular Purchase APR: 9.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 18.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $49
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $29
- Minimum Deposit Required: $200
- Credit lines available from $200 to $5,000. Low 13.99% variable interest rate on purchases - with no penalty rate
- No minimum credit score requirements. We invite all credit types to apply. No processing or application fees
- Helps strengthen your credit with responsible card use. Reports to three national bureaus
- Fast, easy application process. Choose your credit line and open your Personal Savings Deposit Account to secure your line
- Nationwide Program though not yet available in NY, IA, AR, or WI
- See website for additional Oakstone Gold Secured Mastercard® details
- Regular Purchase APR: 13.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 19.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $39
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $29
- Credit lines available from $200 to $5,000! Super Low 9.99% variable interest rate on purchases - with no penalty rate
- No minimum credit score requirements! We invite all credit types to apply. No processing or application fees
- Helps strengthen your credit with responsible card use. Reports to three national bureaus
- Fast, easy application process. Choose your credit line and open your Personal Savings Deposit Account to secure your line
- Nationwide Program though not yet available in NY, IA, AR, or W
- See website for additional Oakstone Platinum Secured Mastercard® details
- Regular Purchase APR: 9.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 18.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $49
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $29
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Showing 101 Cards
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2020
Comerica Secured Visa® Card
- No penalty APR
- Enjoy a fixed-rate APR on purchases, balance transfers,and cash advances
- Build a positive credit history with regular, on-time payments
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 23.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $35
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction in U.S. dollars; 3% of the transaction in foreign currency
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Minimum Deposit Required: $300
- 20% off + Free Shipping on Fanatics.com orders of $49+ - Offer Expires on April 15, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on April 30, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on December 22, 2021 - See Details
- Save 10% on Select Regularly Priced Jewelry - Offer Expires on February 03, 2022 - See Details
- Save 10% and complimentary daily breakfast for two with Preferred Hotels - Offer Expires on March 31, 2022 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in Brooklyn - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in West Hollywood - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Save $25 in the US with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- Save 15%* off the Merchandise Value** of your purchase with promotion code VISA38 - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- View All Deals -
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2020
Liberty Bank Secured Visa® Card
- Establish or rebuild your credit
- Earn interest on your secured deposit
- Receive a credit limit of up to $5,000
- Access Visa benefits, such as zero fraud liability, extended warranty coverage and auto rental insurance
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 23.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $35
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Minimum Deposit Required: $300
- 20% off + Free Shipping on Fanatics.com orders of $49+ - Offer Expires on April 15, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on April 30, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on December 22, 2021 - See Details
- Save 10% on Select Regularly Priced Jewelry - Offer Expires on February 03, 2022 - See Details
- Save 10% and complimentary daily breakfast for two with Preferred Hotels - Offer Expires on March 31, 2022 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in Brooklyn - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in West Hollywood - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Save $25 in the US with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- Save 15%* off the Merchandise Value** of your purchase with promotion code VISA38 - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- View All Deals -
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2020
Park National Bank Secured Visa® Card
- Build or repair your credit
- Earn interest on your secured savings account deposit
- Credit limit up to $5,000
- Cardholder protections including extended warranty, zero fraud liability, and auto rental collision damage waiver
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance APR: 23.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Annual Fee: $35
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Minimum Deposit Required: $300
- 20% off + Free Shipping on Fanatics.com orders of $49+ - Offer Expires on April 15, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on April 30, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on December 22, 2021 - See Details
- Save 10% on Select Regularly Priced Jewelry - Offer Expires on February 03, 2022 - See Details
- Save 10% and complimentary daily breakfast for two with Preferred Hotels - Offer Expires on March 31, 2022 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in Brooklyn - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in West Hollywood - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Save $25 in the US with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- Save 15%* off the Merchandise Value** of your purchase with promotion code VISA38 - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- View All Deals -
- No annual fee
- No guessing what your interest rate will be with a one-size-fits all APR
- Improve your credit history with built-in credit reporting
- Pay for purchases just like you would with a regular credit card
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.15% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 20.75% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: up to $35
- Minimum Deposit Required: $300
- 20% off + Free Shipping on Fanatics.com orders of $49+ - Offer Expires on April 15, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on April 30, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on December 22, 2021 - See Details
- Save 10% on Select Regularly Priced Jewelry - Offer Expires on February 03, 2022 - See Details
- Save 10% and complimentary daily breakfast for two with Preferred Hotels - Offer Expires on March 31, 2022 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in Brooklyn - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in West Hollywood - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Save $25 in the US with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- Save 15%* off the Merchandise Value** of your purchase with promotion code VISA38 - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- View All Deals -
- Build credit with on-time payments
- Reports to the three leading credit bureaus
- Credit limist between $200 and $3,000
- Visa benefits and protections
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.39% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 17.39% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $6 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Annual Fee: $35
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $38
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- Minimum Deposit Required: $200
- 20% off + Free Shipping on Fanatics.com orders of $49+ - Offer Expires on April 15, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on April 30, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on December 22, 2021 - See Details
- Save 10% on Select Regularly Priced Jewelry - Offer Expires on February 03, 2022 - See Details
- Save 10% and complimentary daily breakfast for two with Preferred Hotels - Offer Expires on March 31, 2022 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in Brooklyn - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in West Hollywood - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Save $25 in the US with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- Save 15%* off the Merchandise Value** of your purchase with promotion code VISA38 - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- View All Deals -
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2020
AmTrust Secured Card
- No annual fee
- Qualify for a credit line increase in as little as 7 months
- Get upgraded to the Platinum Edition unsecured card in as little as 11 months
- Credit limits between $300 and $5,000
- Regular Purchase APR: 24.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 24.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 25.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Minimum Deposit Required: $300
- 20% off + Free Shipping on Fanatics.com orders of $49+ - Offer Expires on April 15, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on April 30, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on December 22, 2021 - See Details
- Save 10% on Select Regularly Priced Jewelry - Offer Expires on February 03, 2022 - See Details
- Save 10% and complimentary daily breakfast for two with Preferred Hotels - Offer Expires on March 31, 2022 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in Brooklyn - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in West Hollywood - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Save $25 in the US with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- Save 15%* off the Merchandise Value** of your purchase with promotion code VISA38 - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- View All Deals -
Date Reviewed: January 09, 2020
NYCB Secured Card
- No annual fee
- Credit limits between $300 and $5,000
- Qualify for credit limit increases in as little as 7 months
- Possibility to upgrade to an unsecured card
- Regular Purchase APR: 24.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 24.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 25.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Minimum Deposit Required: $300
- 20% off + Free Shipping on Fanatics.com orders of $49+ - Offer Expires on April 15, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on April 30, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on December 22, 2021 - See Details
- Save 10% on Select Regularly Priced Jewelry - Offer Expires on February 03, 2022 - See Details
- Save 10% and complimentary daily breakfast for two with Preferred Hotels - Offer Expires on March 31, 2022 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in Brooklyn - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in West Hollywood - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Save $25 in the US with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- Save 15%* off the Merchandise Value** of your purchase with promotion code VISA38 - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- View All Deals -
- Check eligibility with no hard pull
- Elegant mobile interface for monitoring purchases
- Zero fraud liability
- No foreign transaction fee
- Regular Purchase APR: 23.99% to 25.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 23.99% to 25.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $0 to $39
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
Date Reviewed: January 08, 2020
BOK Financial Secured Visa® Card
- No credit or poor credit are okay to apply for this card
- Build your credit history
- Up to $5,000 credit limit
- Visa perks, like extended warranty coverage
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 23.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $35
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Minimum Deposit Required: $300
- 20% off + Free Shipping on Fanatics.com orders of $49+ - Offer Expires on April 15, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on April 30, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on December 22, 2021 - See Details
- Save 10% on Select Regularly Priced Jewelry - Offer Expires on February 03, 2022 - See Details
- Save 10% and complimentary daily breakfast for two with Preferred Hotels - Offer Expires on March 31, 2022 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in Brooklyn - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in West Hollywood - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Save $25 in the US with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- Save 15%* off the Merchandise Value** of your purchase with promotion code VISA38 - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- View All Deals -
Date Reviewed: January 03, 2020
Unity Visa Secured Credit Card
- Regular Purchase APR 17.99% fixed rate through the expiration date of the card.
- Balance Transfer APR 17.99% fixed rate through the expiration date of the card.
- Cash Advance APR 17.99% fixed rate through the expiration date of the card.
- Annual Fee $39
- Credit Needed Poor , No Credit Required
- Processing Network Visa
- Get a second chance at credit
- Support the nation's largest back-owned bank
- 9.95% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 6 months
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.99% fixed rate through the expiration date of the card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 9.95% for 6 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 17.99% fixed rate through the expiration date of the card.
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 17.99% fixed rate through the expiration date of the card.
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $39
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $10
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $37
- Minimum Deposit Required: $250
- 20% off + Free Shipping on Fanatics.com orders of $49+ - Offer Expires on April 15, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on April 30, 2021 - See Details
- Stay 3, Pay 2 - Offer Expires on December 22, 2021 - See Details
- Save 10% on Select Regularly Priced Jewelry - Offer Expires on February 03, 2022 - See Details
- Save 10% and complimentary daily breakfast for two with Preferred Hotels - Offer Expires on March 31, 2022 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in Brooklyn - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in New York - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Every 4th Night Free + Premium Benefits in West Hollywood - Offer Expires on February 28, 2021 - See Details
- Save $25 in the US with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- Save 15%* off the Merchandise Value** of your purchase with promotion code VISA38 - Offer Expires on December 31, 2021 - See Details
- View All Deals -
#
Does No Credit History Mean You’ve Never Had Any Credit?
Just because you don’t have a credit history does not mean you’ve never had credit. As confusing as it sounds, you can have experience with credit in the past, yet still have no credit history to FICO or VantageScore.
No credit means you have no recent credit history. Those without a past credit history (within the last seven to ten years, will find themselves lumped into the same “no credit” category as those who are entirely new to credit. So even if you have borrowed money in the past, you may have no score.
FICO, VantageScore and Credit History
Different credit scoring models have a different definition of no credit history.
FICO requires the following to establish a credit history:
- One tradeline reported within the previous six months. A tradeline is also known as a credit account.
- A tradeline at least six months old,
- Proof that the account holder is alive.
VantageScore, on the other hand, does not have as strict requirements for establishing a credit history. The VantageScore model only needs one month of credit activity to generate a credit score. This makes the scoring system popular with those who want to judge the recent credit activity of an applicant.
Regardless, if you don’t satisfy the requirements above, you might not have a credit score.
Is No Credit Score the Same as Bad Credit?
So, if you have no credit, what is your score? In the same vein, no credit history does not mean you have a bad credit score. It merely means the scoring models don’t have relevant enough, recent information from an accurate assessment of your risk.
You may have an excellent history of paying off your credit card or loan balances in the past. Maybe you even paid off all your student loans. You may also have a history of non-payments and defaults. Or, you might have no practical experience with credit at all.
According to Experian, one of the largest credit reporting agencies, very few people with a credit past have a score below 470. Around 99% of Americans with a credit score have one above 470, which is good news if there is a correlation between your lack of recent credit history and bad credit.
Why Credit Matters
There are approximately 45 million Americans with no credit history, according to recent statistics. With so many lacking a credit score, you might wonder why your credit score matters?
Credit influences many aspects of our daily financial and personal lives. People with excellent credit scores enjoy greater access to credit, higher credit limits, and lower interest rates. That’s because they have proven their financial responsibility and trustworthiness to lenders.
Those with poor credit, however, will struggle. Bad credit scores can impact every aspect of your life.
A poor or bad credit score can cause the following difficulties in life:
- Trouble Renting: With bad credit, you can struggle to find an apartment. Because landlords and rental agencies look at an applicant’s credit report, a bad score can indicate you are a potential risk for missing rent payments. This can lead to rejections when applying for accommodation.
- Loss of Job Opportunities: Employers can also access your credit report. While they won’t see your score, they can see past remarks on your credit report. These can make you a risk for employment, as they might deem you untrustworthy.
- Poor Credit Choices: People with bad credit struggle to find good credit products at reasonable rates.
Given the difficulties that those with poor credit experience, imagine how much more difficult it is with no credit.
Without a credit history, you will struggle to find many credit card issuers or lenders willing to take a chance on you. You likely won’t qualify for a mortgage, a personal loan, or possibly even a car loan. That’s why it is so critical to take steps to build your credit score quickly, so you can enjoy many of the benefits good credit scores offer.
How to Build Credit History
Building a credit score requires time and patience. There are, however, specific steps you can take right away to improve your score in as little as a few months.
Getting Started with Credit Repair
First, you need to establish a credit history. One option is to become an authorized user. The easiest way to build credit, however, is by getting a credit card. Getting a secured card is the most straightforward route and can make the approval process much easier. That’s because secured credit cards require a security deposit when applying for a credit card.
This deposit required, which usually starts as low as $200 and runs as high as $5,000, also acts as the credit limit. Examples of popular secured cards include the Discover It Secured Card, the Secured Mastercard from Capital One, and the Citi Secured Mastercard. These cards also have no annual fee.
Once you have a secured card, you can use that card to make small purchases. Then, once you receive your statement, you pay your bill in full. A few months of this practice can provide you a decent score (if new to credit) and increase a damaged score by several points.
Building Credit Takes Times
While short term improvement is possible, establishing a good credit score can take months – or even years. That’s because both VantageScore and FICO place significant weight on payment history with their respective scoring models.
FICO scoring places significant weight on payment history, as this is the largest sign of a person’s ability to repay any new credit. Nearly as significant is the amount of available credit that individual is currently utilization, or how much of the available credit line they use. VantageScore, on the other hand, emphasizes a variety of credit, though it also prioritizes payment history.
This means that it will take time to build a history of on-time payments. With patience, however, it is a very achievable goal.
Failing to keep up with payments, however, can cause serious harm to your score. With a young credit history, one missed payment can destroy your credit score. Even worse, late or missed payments stay on a credit report for seven years, meaning the harm carries on for some time.
The Best Credit Cards for No Credit History
Just because you have no credit history doesn’t mean you can’t build one. No credit score simply means you have a blank canvas on which to begin (or return) to your credit journey. If you find yourself wondering “I have no credit score, how do I get a credit card?” don’t worry – there are still options available.
The credit card options for no credit are limited, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great offers available. Here are some of our top credit cards for no credit score picks for 2020:
- Best Secured Card with a Low APR: First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Card
- Best Secured Card for Those Brand New to Credit: Oakstone Platinum Secured Mastercard
- Best Unsecured Card for No Credit: Group One Platinum Card
- Best Unsecured Card for Credit Limit Increases: Reflex Mastercard®
Find the Best Card for Establishing Credit Today
The team at BestCards.com knows how hard it can be to find the perfect credit card for rebuilding credit, especially without the right tools and knowledge. That’s why we strive to provide insightful credit card reviews, as well as informative articles and advice to guide you. Take advantage of these resources and more to find a trusty credit-building card today!