What you need to get a credit card
To get a credit card, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number or ITIN, and provide proof of income or employment. Most card issuers also check your credit report — a record of your borrowing and payment history — to decide whether to approve you and what interest rate to offer. If you have no credit history or a low credit score, you may still get approved, but often at a higher interest rate or with a lower credit limit.
The actual approval process takes place online, by phone, or in person at a bank or credit union. You fill out an application with your personal information, income details, and employment status. The issuer then pulls your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and makes a decision within minutes to a few business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 or older with a valid Social Security number or ITIN to open a credit card account.
- Card issuers check your credit report to decide approval and interest rate, so your credit score affects what you are offered.
- You can apply online, by phone, or in person; most decisions come back within minutes to a few business days.
- If you are denied, you have the right to know why and can request a free copy of the credit report used in the decision.
- Starting with a secured card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account are common paths if you have no credit history.
Documents and information you will need to provide
Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready before you start. You will also need to provide your current address, date of birth, and phone number. Most issuers ask for your annual income — this can include salary, wages, self-employment income, retirement income, or income from investments. You do not need to prove it with tax returns at the application stage, though some issuers may ask for verification later.
If you are applying in person at a bank or credit union, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Online and phone applications typically do not require you to submit documents upfront, but the issuer may contact you to verify information before final approval.
How credit score affects your chances and what you are offered
Your credit score is a three-digit number (usually between 300 and 850) that summarizes your credit history. It is based on payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, credit mix, and recent credit inquiries. A higher score generally means lower interest rates and higher credit limits. A lower score may result in denial, a higher interest rate, or a lower credit limit.
If you have never borrowed money before, you have no credit score. In that case, issuers may look at other factors: whether you have a bank account with them, your income level, or your employment history. Some card companies offer cards specifically for people building credit, often with a lower credit limit and higher interest rate than standard cards.
What happens after you are approved
Once approved, your card is usually mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Some issuers offer instant digital card numbers you can use online right away while you wait for the physical card. When your card arrives, you will need to activate it — usually by calling a phone number on the card or using the issuer's website or app.
Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. It shows what you owe, the minimum payment due, and the due date. You have a grace period — typically 21 to 25 days from the statement date — to pay your balance in full without being charged interest. If you pay only part of the balance, interest starts accruing on the remaining amount at the rate listed in your card agreement.
What to do if you are denied
If your application is denied, the issuer must tell you why — usually because of your credit score, credit history, or income. By law, you have the right to request a free copy of the credit report used in the decision. You can get this report directly from the issuer or from the credit bureau that provided it.
If the report contains errors, you can dispute them with the credit bureau. Common errors include accounts that do not belong to you, incorrect payment history, or wrong account balances. Fixing errors can improve your score and increase your chances of approval on a future application. You can also try applying with a different issuer, as approval standards vary, or consider a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit and is easier to get approved for.
Secured cards and other options if you have limited or no credit
A secured credit card requires you to put down a cash deposit, usually between $200 and $2,500, which becomes your credit limit. You use the card like a regular card, and your payment history is reported to the credit bureaus. After 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, many issuers convert the card to a regular unsecured card and return your deposit.
Another option is to become an authorized user on someone else's credit card account. The primary cardholder adds you to their account, and you receive a card in your name. Their payment history on that account may be reported on your credit report, which can help build your credit. This works only if the primary cardholder pays on time consistently.
A third path is a credit-builder loan from a credit union or online lender. You borrow a small amount (often $500 to $1,000), which the lender holds in a savings account. You make monthly payments, and once you repay the loan, you get the money back. The payments are reported to credit bureaus and help establish a payment history.
Understanding interest rates, fees, and card terms
Before you apply, review the card's annual percentage rate (APR), which is the yearly cost of borrowing. The APR varies based on your creditworthiness; the issuer will show you a range (for example, 18% to 25% APR) at application. You will find out your actual rate after approval.
Cards also have fees: an annual fee (charged once per year, though many cards have no annual fee), a late payment fee (charged if you miss a due date), a cash advance fee (charged if you withdraw cash using the card), and a foreign transaction fee (charged if you use the card outside the United States). Read the card's terms and conditions — usually available on the issuer's website — to understand all fees before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card if I have no credit history?
Yes. You can apply for a regular card and be approved based on income and employment, though you may face a higher interest rate or lower credit limit. A secured card or becoming an authorized user are also common starting points for building credit from scratch.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most decisions come back within minutes to a few business days. If the issuer needs to verify information, approval may take longer. Once approved, the physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though many issuers provide a digital card number you can use immediately.
What if I am denied — can I reapply?
Yes, you can reapply after addressing the reason for denial. If it was a low credit score, wait a few months while building your credit, then try again. If it was insufficient income, reapply once your income has increased. Each application creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, so space applications out by at least a few months.
Do I have to use the card right away?
No. You can activate the card and hold it without using it. However, issuers may close inactive accounts after several months of no use. If you want to keep the card open, make a small purchase occasionally and pay it off in full.
What is the difference between a credit card and a debit card?
A debit card draws money directly from your bank account. A credit card borrows money from the issuer, which you repay later. Credit cards build your credit history when you use them responsibly; debit cards do not. Credit cards also offer fraud protection and rewards; debit cards typically do not.