How to Get a Credit Card for the First Time

Getting your first credit card can be an important step toward building a strong financial foundation. The process is simple once you know what to expect. Here’s a high-level overview of the steps to help you apply confidently and start using your card responsibly.

1. Check your eligibility and age requirement

2. Choose a secured or student credit card

3. Gather required documents (SSN, proof of income, etc.)

4. Submit your first time credit card application online or in person

5. Use your card responsibly to build credit

Before you start searching for good beginner credit cards and choose your first card, you’ll need to show the bank or credit card issuer that you’re trustworthy and ready to handle a line of credit.

What do you need to get a credit card? While the exact requirements can vary by credit card issuer, here’s what you typically need:

• Meet the eligibility requirements. In most U.S. states, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card.¹
• Identification. You’ll need to provide identifying information like your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), address, email address, and phone number.²
• Proof of income or a co-signer. If you’re under 21, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 requires either a co-signer or proof of independent income, like a pay stub.³

Starter credit cards typically have fewer options to choose from for newbies. Do your research and compare your choices rather than applying for the first card you find.

Here are common types of first time credit cards to build credit:

Secured credit cards

Secured credit cards are ideal if you have limited or no credit history or want to rebuild your credit. This type of card usually requires a refundable security deposit – typically at least $200 – that becomes your credit limit.⁴

Secured credit cards can help you build credit quickly. Plus, if you use the card responsibly, you may become eligible for an unsecured credit card upgrade within a few months.

Student credit cards

A student credit card is another fantastic option. These cards often don’t require security deposits and may accept applicants with little to no credit history.

However, they do tend to have lower credit limits than other cards. And while they may have similar perks to traditional credit cards, like rewards programs or cash back, they are often tailored toward students.

Alternative: Become an authorized user

Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s card – typically a parent or other adult family member with good credit – could help you build credit faster. Many financial institutions allow you to be an authorized user as a minor, so you can get your first credit card and start building credit before you even turn 18.⁵

If you choose this option, use the card responsibly. The card owner will be responsible for paying the balance, and you don’t want to lose their trust by being irresponsible with their finances.

With so many credit cards out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Selecting the right credit card can make a big difference in managing your finances and building credit effectively.

Whether you’re a student, a young adult, a first-time applicant, or looking to build credit, these tips will help you find a card that works for you.

Understand your goal

Start by identifying why you want a credit card. Are you looking to build credit, earn rewards, or finance large purchases?

• Build credit: Look for secured or student cards.

• Earn rewards: Choose a card with cash back or travel points that fit your spending habits.

• Finance purchases: Prioritize cards with a low introductory APR.

Check your credit score

Your credit score determines which cards you’re eligible for. A higher score opens access to cards with better rewards and lower interest rates. A limited, bad, or no credit history may mean starting with a secured or student card.

Many financial institutions let you check your credit score for free, or you can sign up for a free credit score service like Experian or myFICO.

Depending on the card issuer, you could prequalify before applying for the card. Prequalification uses a soft credit inquiry, which doesn’t affect your credit score, to determine whether you’re likely to be approved for the card. When you officially apply, the issuer will run a hard credit inquiry, which may negatively affect your credit score.

Consider annual fees, interest rates, rewards

Pay attention to the annual percentage rate (APR), which is the interest you’ll pay if you don’t pay your balance in full each month. Also, check whether a card charges an annual fee.

Before signing up for a credit card with an annual fee, make sure the potential rewards exceed the annual fee. Many great starter credit cards have no annual fee, which is perfect when you’re just starting out.

Other potential fees include:

• Late payment fees for failing to pay your bill by the due date.
• Foreign transaction fees for using your card overseas.
• Cash advance fees for borrowing cash against your credit card limit.
• Returned payment fees if your checking account balance doesn’t fully cover your credit card payment.

Some good credit cards for beginners have built-in rewards that can align with your lifestyle and spending habits. Shop around and consider access to perks like cash back, travel points, purchase protection, or rental insurance.

Factor in long-term planning

Your first credit card could be with you for years, and a long credit history is good for your credit score.⁶ Try to pick a card with good terms that you’ll be happy to keep open for a long time.

Alternatively, look for first time credit cards that offer upgrades after several months or years of responsible use. These upgrades might include:

• Switching from a secured to an unsecured credit card
• An increased credit limit
• A lower interest rate
• Higher rewards or better benefits

Applying for a credit card is pretty straightforward — but being prepared can make it even smoother.

Having the right information on hand helps you complete your application quickly and improves your chances of approval. What do you need to apply for a credit card?

• Personal information: Your full legal name, date of birth, and SSN or ITIN.
• Contact information: Your current mailing address, phone number, and email.
• Employment and income details: Your employment status and/or your annual gross income.
• Co-signer information: If applicable, your co-signer’s personal, contact, and employment information.

Depending on the credit card issuer, you may be able to submit your application online or in person. Most banks offer a quick digital application that takes just a few minutes, but you can also visit a branch if you prefer to speak with a representative or have questions about the card options.

So, you hit submit on your first time credit card application. Now what? Here’s what to expect after you apply:

• Decision time: You might get an instant decision, or the issuer may need a few days to a couple of weeks to review your application. Don’t panic if it’s not immediate!
• Follow-up requests: Before approving or rejecting your application, the credit card issuer may ask for additional information, like a bank statement or pay stub to confirm your income, additional personal information, or co-signer details. Responding to these requests promptly helps prevent your application from stalling.
• Approval or denial: If your application is approved, you’ll get your new card in the mail within a couple of weeks. If you’re denied, you’ll get a letter explaining why. Use that feedback and work on building your credit to increase your chances of approval next time.
• Activation: You’ll typically need to activate your card online or over the phone before you can start using it.

Use your credit card responsibly to help build your credit score. The following tips can help you build healthy financial habits:

• Pay your credit card bill on time each month
• Try to pay off your balance in full to avoid interest on your credit card
• Keep a low credit utilization ratio (for example, if you have $1,000 of available credit, keep your balance below $300 to maintain a 30% credit utilization ratio).⁷

Getting your first credit card is a big step, and now you’re ready to take it confidently. By choosing the right card and using it responsibly, you’re not just making purchases; you’re building a foundation for your financial future. You’ve got this!

Once you’ve started building your credit, learn how to make a budget so you can reach your financial goals faster.