Applying for a no credit credit card isn’t hard when you know where to look and how to apply.
When applying for a credit card or a loan, a lack of credit history might prove to be a problem just like the presence of bad credit. In fact, in the apparently strange world of credit, lenders are usually doubtful towards customers they have no information about. If you cannot provide evidence of your trustworthiness, your chances of opening a new account are likely to decrease.
Now, the question that might unsurprisingly come into your head is just what to do if you cannot receive credit without a credit history and cannot establish your history without previous credit. To overcome this vicious circle of contradicting terms, let’s take a look at a few alternatives that may allow you to have access to a variety of services through your card.
Available Credit Options
Even though you might be rejected by bigger organizations handling credit cards, it is a good idea to look for credit options offered by smaller companies or stores. As a matter of fact, several department stores will issue cards even to customers having no credit history. Whether you use your card for refueling or for any other service, make sure to be punctual in settling all relating payments, unless you are not interested in building a positive credit history.
When looking for a new card, try to turn to companies that instead of examining your credit history, will rather analyze your fiscal conditions in general, including details about your house, job, etc. The more encouraging information you can provide, the greater your chances of being granted a credit card.
Also check with financial institutions that offer cards especially for beginners like teens and college students. Parents can even co-sign for their student to get a credit card, this helps the student, and the parents can monitor the student charge card activity to be sure they don’t get into trouble with debt overload.
Credit Unions
Although there are always some conditions to fulfill, being a credit union member, or being at least qualified for becoming one, can frequently facilitate the process of getting a credit card. Before applying for a specific card, consider what the CU’s requirements and accessibility are. Do not be discouraged by the fact that you do not work for a particular organization anymore; your eligibility for membership can be still valid regardless of your current employment.
Secured Credit Cards
Another credit option is the so-called secured card, involving a specific line of credit granted in relation to the amount of cash deposited by customers. While at the beginning this limit is usually equivalent or somewhat higher than your deposit, as time goes by lenders are likely to boost your credit without increased deposit requirements. Furthermore, having an experience with secured cards can be very useful when applying for other cards as well.
Student Credit Cards for Teens and College Students
Knowing how difficult it can be to be granted a credit card without a credit history, starting to build this experience through a student card can prove to be a very wise approach. These cards are readily given to students by various banks, especially those located in close proximity to college and universities. Since a student card represents the beginning of your credit history, you should keep in mind that its irresponsible usage will significantly influence your reliability as a customer for further borrowing.
Once you finally get a credit card, you need to remember that you are trying to establish your credit history. So show that you are a good credit risk by paying on time, and paying more than the minimum balance. Oh, and don’t get “charge happy” … control your spending or it will cause problems with your financial future.
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