How to get your first credit card: 5 tips

Getting a credit card can make buying things more convenient and may even reward you with perks like cash back rewards. And when used responsibly, a credit card can be a tool for building your credit for the future.

But if you’ve never had one before, where do you start? Check out these five tips to help you get your first credit card.

Key takeaways

• Reviewing your credit scores and credit history can help you understand your financial status and what credit cards you may be eligible for. 

• Card issuers may use your employment status, income, credit scores and credit history to make a decision on your application.

• Becoming an authorized user is one alternative to consider if you’re not ready for your own card.

• Applying for a beginner card, like a secured credit card or student credit card, might be a good way to start your credit journey.

Before applying for your first credit card, it can be helpful to understand your credit scores and credit reports.

Credit scores reflect your creditworthiness and help predict how likely you are to pay your debts on time. They’re based, in part, on information found in credit reports. You can use credit scores to understand which cards you might qualify for. For instance, some credit cards are designed for people with fair credit scores—or even no credit scores. Others may require applicants to have a good credit score or even an excellent one.

You can check your TransUnion® credit report and VantageScore® 3.0 credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. CreditWise lets you monitor your credit without hurting your credit scores. And CreditWise is free and available to everyone—even if you’re not a Capital One cardholder.

AnnualCreditReport.com also offers free copies of credit reports from all three major credit bureaus. Credit reports don’t typically include credit scores, but they can help you understand how your credit history impacts your scores.

Once you know your credit scores, consider exploring cards geared toward your credit level. If you’re establishing credit, you might consider one of these credit cards for first-timers:

Student credit cards work like regular credit cards. They just usually have some features tailored to a college student’s lifestyle. These may include rewards for entertainment, streaming services, meal delivery services or travel purchases.

To learn more, explore Capital One’s student credit cards.

Like student credit cards, cards for fair or building credit may suit people with a thin credit file or those working to build healthy credit scores. Some beginner cards may come with rewards like cash back on purchases. For example, QuicksilverOne from Capital One is designed for users with fair credit scores and offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.

One thing to keep in mind: Like any credit card, you need to use a beginner credit card responsibly for it to be a credit-building tool. See where you can get started with one of Capital One’s credit cards for fair or building credit.

Secured credit cards are another option for people with little or no credit history. Unlike unsecured credit cards, secured credit cards typically require you to make a security deposit before opening an account. 

If you’re interested in a secured credit card, check out Platinum Secured from Capital One or Quicksilver Secured from Capital One.

You may also want to weigh the benefits and rewards that fit your lifestyle. That way, you can feel confident that you’ve found the best credit card for your needs—and are getting the most out of your new credit account.

For instance, you may prefer a credit card that offers cash back on everyday purchases. Or you may want a card with some type of introductory cash bonus.

Seeing whether you are pre-approved or pre-qualified for a card can be another way to improve your approval chances. It can also help avoid unnecessary hard inquiries, which can show up on your credit reports. 

Pre-approvals and pre-qualifications have some differences. But receiving one typically means you’ve met the initial criteria required to become a cardholder.

Credit card application steps may vary, depending on the issuer and your circumstances. You may be able to apply online, through the mail or in person. Whatever the method, keep your personally identifiable information and financial information on hand.

Credit card companies may ask for details like:

• Full legal name

• Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

• Date of birth

• Address

• Income

If you’re a first-time credit card user, you may not have much in the way of credit history. That means a bank may be careful about how much of a credit line it offers you or which perks you qualify for.

In some cases, this may mean that you aren’t able to get every cardholder benefit you want with your very first card. Even so, you may still find cards with low or no annual fees. And with responsible use, you could eventually get more credit or access additional card benefits.

Another thing to keep in mind: It might be wise to choose a credit card issuer that offers a range of credit cards. After making regular, on-time payments and building credit, you may be able to upgrade to a different card from the same issuer. This can help you access more benefits, a higher credit limit and/or lower interest rates.

Still curious about credit cards for first-timers? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help make it easier to find and apply for a beginner credit card:

For many, getting a first credit card can make it easier to shop and build credit for their long-term financial well-being. Not sure what to get? It can help to compare credit cards before applying.

Once you’re ready to get your first credit card, you can find out whether you’re pre-approved for some Capital One credit cards before you submit an application. It’s quick, only requires some basic info and won’t affect your credit scores.

New to credit or looking for your next credit card?

• Check for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit score.

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day with Quicksilver.

• Explore Capital One’s credit cards for building credit with responsible use.