Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Amrita Das
Yes, you can get a credit card in the US without a credit score. Secured credit cards, student credit cards, and select store cards are all designed for people with no credit history. These products help you build credit from scratch, often requiring little more than a security deposit or proof of enrollment.
No credit history is one of the most common financial hurdles Americans face—especially young adults, recent immigrants, and anyone who has simply avoided borrowing in the past. The frustrating part? You often need credit to get credit. Lenders want proof that you can manage debt responsibly, but that proof only comes from having debt in the first place.
The good news is that several types of credit cards are specifically designed for people with no credit score, and getting approved is more achievable than most people assume. More importantly, the right card can set you on a path toward a strong credit profile in as little as six months.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from the types of cards available, to the features worth comparing, to the habits that will grow your score fastest.
Read More: Can I Get A Credit Card Without A Job In The USA?
What Does “No Credit Score” Actually Mean?
Before diving into card options, it helps to understand what no credit score actually means. Credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—calculate your score based on your borrowing history. If you’ve never opened a credit account, there simply isn’t enough data to generate a score.
This is meaningfully different from having a bad credit score. A poor score signals past financial missteps: missed payments, maxed-out cards, or defaults. No score, by contrast, signals a blank slate. Lenders are cautious either way, but the blank-slate situation is typically easier to recover from.
According to Bankrate, if you have no credit history at all, you likely have no score rather than a “zero.” The credit bureaus need at least one account reported over a minimum period—usually six months—before they can calculate a score.
What Types of Credit Cards Are Available With No Credit History?
Secured Credit Cards
Secured cards are the most accessible option for people with no credit score. They work by requiring a refundable cash deposit upfront, which typically becomes your credit limit. A $200 deposit gives you a $200 credit line.
The deposit reduces the lender’s risk, which makes approvals far more common. Once you’ve demonstrated responsible use—usually 12 to 18 months—many issuers will upgrade you to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
Popular options include(Credit Card With No Credit Score):
- Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card – No annual fee, accessible entry point
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card – No credit check required, 89% approval rate
- Varo Believe Secured Credit Card – No interest, no annual fee, no minimum deposit. According to Varo’s data (as of September 2025), more than 90% of customers with no credit score had one after just one month of use
Student Credit Cards
Student credit cards are designed specifically for college students who haven’t yet established credit. They typically come with lower credit limits, no annual fees, and student-focused rewards—like cash back on dining or streaming services.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card, for example, charges no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it useful for students who study abroad. These cards are worth considering if you’re currently enrolled, since issuers tend to have more flexible approval standards for student applicants.
Store or Retail Credit Cards
Store credit cards are another entry point with relatively low approval requirements. Retailers like Amazon, Target, and TJX often approve applicants with limited credit history.
The tradeoff: most store cards are “closed-loop,” meaning you can only use them at that specific retailer. That said, they can serve as a useful tool for building a payment history—provided the issuer reports to all three major credit bureaus.
Unsecured Cards for No Credit
Some issuers offer unsecured cards for applicants with no credit history. These don’t require a deposit but often come with lower credit limits and higher interest rates.
The Chase Freedom Rise® is one example, offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, available to applicants with no credit history. Having a Chase checking account with at least $250 can improve your approval odds.
What Features Should You Compare Before Applying?
Not all starter cards are created equal. Here’s what to evaluate before submitting an application:
- Annual Fees: Many secured and student cards carry no annual fee. Avoid paying unnecessary fees while you’re just starting out—there are strong no-fee options across every category.
- Interest Rates: Cards for people with no credit typically carry higher APRs. This matters less if you pay your balance in full every month (which you should), but it’s worth knowing before you apply. Some cards, like the Varo Believe Secured Credit Card, charge 0% APR entirely.
- Reporting to All Three Bureaus: This is non-negotiable. Your card only builds credit if the issuer reports your payments to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Some subprime lenders report to only one or two bureaus, which limits how quickly your score improves. Always confirm this before applying.
- Path to Upgrade: Choose a card that offers a clear route to a higher credit limit or an unsecured card. Some issuers automatically review accounts for upgrades after 6 to 18 months of responsible use.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: If you travel internationally or shop on foreign websites, look for cards that waive this fee.
How to Build Credit Quickly Once You Have a Card
Getting the card is only the first step. How you use it determines how fast your score grows.
Pay on Time, Every Time
Payment history is the single largest factor in your FICO® Score, accounting for 35% of the total. Every on-time payment is a positive mark. One payment that’s 30 days late can be reported to the bureaus and drag your score down noticeably—so set up autopay or calendar reminders.
Keep Your Credit Utilization Below 30%
Credit utilization—how much of your available credit you’re using—makes up 30% of your FICO® Score. If your limit is $500, try to keep your balance below $150. Paying in full each month not only keeps utilization low, it also means you pay zero interest.
Become an Authorized User
Ask a family member or trusted friend with good credit to add you as an authorized user on their account. Their positive payment history gets added to your credit report, which can give your score a meaningful boost without you needing to use the card yourself.
Keep the Account Open
Length of credit history is a factor in your score. Once you’ve built enough credit to qualify for a better card, resist the urge to close your first account. Keep it active with occasional small purchases to preserve your credit history length and total available credit.
Limit Hard Inquiries
Every time you apply for a new line of credit, a hard inquiry appears on your report. Multiple inquiries in a short period can signal financial instability to lenders. Apply for one card, use it well, and let your score grow before applying for anything else.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Credit Score From Scratch?
Most people can expect to see an initial score within six months of opening their first credit account—provided the issuer reports monthly to the credit bureaus. Reaching a “good” score (670–739 on the FICO scale) typically takes longer, depending on how consistently you manage your account.
According to Navy Federal Credit Union, cardholders with 12 to 18 months of responsible use on a secured card may become eligible to upgrade to an unsecured card. OpenSky® data shows that two out of three cardholders see an average credit score increase of 47 points after six months.
Patience matters here. Credit building is a long game, but the results—better loan rates, higher limits, and more card options—are well worth the effort.
Read More: How To Check Credit Card Eligibility Without A Hard Inquiry?
Bottom Line
No credit score doesn’t mean no options. Secured cards, student cards, and select unsecured products all give you a real path into the credit system. The key is choosing a card that reports to all three bureaus, keeps fees low, and offers a route to better terms over time.
Start small, spend within your means, and pay on time every month. Those habits, applied consistently, are what separate people who struggle to get approved from those who eventually qualify for premium rewards cards and favorable loan rates.
