Apply for a credit card (2024)

FAQs

What credit card is the easiest to get? ›

The Discover it^® Secured Credit Card is our top pick for easiest credit card to get because it's geared toward those with limited / poor credit. It offers great rewards and charges a $0 annual fee.

Requirements to get your first credit card account

You must show proof that you can make the payments. You must have an established credit history OR choose a student/secured card. For secured cards, you must put down a security deposit. You must understand the terms and benefits of your credit card.

A $1,000 credit card limit is good if you have fair, limited or bad credit, as cards in those categories have low minimum limits.

First Progress Platinum Elite Secured Mastercard: The First Progress Platinum Elite Secured Mastercard requires no credit history or minimum credit score for approval. Your security deposit is refundable, and the card is accepted nationwide.

The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card in 2024 gives about 1% back.

Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card

With minimal documentation, this card is apt for people trying to enhance their credit score.

Credit invisibility can make things like getting approved for a credit card or a loan more difficult or costly. It's possible to get a credit card with no credit. You might consider applying for a secured credit card, student credit card or retail store credit card to help establish and build your credit.

A credit score of about 700+ will likely qualify you for just about any credit card, including those with cash back rewards, lower annual percentage rates (APRs) and more. However, there are plenty of cards you can get with a score lower than this (more on that later).

Technically there is no minimum income, although credit card companies are legally required to ensure the applicant's income will be sufficient to support the card's monthly payments. They will also look at other factors like your credit score. Can you lie about your income on a credit card application?

What is the quickest way to get a credit card? ›

Applying for a credit card online is often the quickest option.

A single credit card can have a credit limit of anywhere from $500 to $10,000, depending on various factors like the type of card, your credit score and more. According to Experian™, one of the three main credit bureaus, the average total credit limit across multiple cards was about $30,000 in 2021.

Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator

If your credit limit is $300, you should ideally spend around $3 to $30 each month, then pay off your full statement balance by the due date.

How much should I spend on a $200 credit limit? The rule of thumb is to keep your credit utilization under 30%. That means if you have a $200 limit, you should aim to keep your total balance below $60.

You need a credit score of 550 to 750 to be approved for most unsecured credit cards. The higher your credit score is, the better your chances of getting approved for one of the best credit cards with no security deposit will be.

However, your options will be somewhat limited, so it's important to know where to look. In general, the easiest credit card to get with no credit history is a secured card or a card that uses a nontraditional underwriting process to review your application. Here's what you need to know about your options.