I’ve been searching online, and it seems like starting with a secured credit card is my only option. A buddy of mine, who worked at the same place last year, said he signed up for Capital One and got a $500 credit card easily. We were both 20 applying with ITIN numbers, but I can’t find anything that approves me without starting with a secured credit card. Was my buddy mistaken or is there something different I should be doing? Thanks!
You don’t have to start with a secured card. Bank of America will approve you for one: A Beginner's Guide To The Credit Card Rewards Game (2019 Update) - US Credit Card Guide
I wouldn’t recommend starting with a secured card. Instead, try a bank card from the institution where your checking account is.
I know several people who received unsecured Capital One cards without any credit history.
@Voss
That’s my problem, though. I have an ITIN, not a Social Security number, and it keeps prompting me to enter a valid SSN, whereas my buddy had no issues applying with his.
@Voss
Exactly!
Discover, Capital One, U.S. Bank, etc., all offer secured cards. Check out Discover’s Secured Card here: Discover Secured Credit Card | Build Your Credit History
You don’t have to start with a secured card; it’s just that you’re more likely to get approved for one. I’d recommend checking for pre-approval with Discover, as they are great for credit newbies.
Ashwin said:
You don’t have to start with a secured card; it’s just that you’re more likely to get approved for one. I’d recommend checking for pre-approval with Discover, as they are great for credit newbies.
I tried, but it doesn’t let me use my ITIN online, even though they say they work with it.
@finn
Do you have an SSN you could use? Generally, that’s the easiest route.
I got the Student Discover last year as my first card without any previous credit history, and my limit was $2,000 right off the bat.
Maris said:
I got the Student Discover last year as my first card without any previous credit history, and my limit was $2,000 right off the bat.
How did you do that? My first (and only) card started at $500, and I’ve only managed to raise it to $1,400 after almost 2 years.
@Payne
Everyone I know who got the Student Discover started with $1,500–$2,000. It also increases quickly if you get another card. Mine is currently at $8,000 after a year.
Maris said:
@Payne
Everyone I know who got the Student Discover started with $1,500–$2,000. It also increases quickly if you get another card. Mine is currently at $8,000 after a year.
Color me impressed. It has taken me nearly 2 years to get to $1,400.
@Payne
You should consider applying for another card.
@Payne
I just applied for Chase Freedom Rise, my first ever credit card with no history. I opened a checking account with them and deposited $1,500 to avoid fees, then applied for the Freedom Rise and was approved instantly with a $1,500 limit.
This surprised me since I expected it would start at $500. I guess since I had an account with them, they offered me $1,500 right away.
It’s wild that you’re only at $1,400 after so long.
@philip
More technically, it’s closer to 2 years of history now.