Thread: First credit card no credit history - where do I start?

I have no credit history and I'm a part time student. I'll be discontinuing school at the end of this semester (I'm not sure for how long) and I make about $3,500 a year at my part time job. Right now I live at home with my parents. I've applied for several cards over the past few weeks and have been declined for all of them. However I did pre-qualify for the Orchard bank secured mastercard. I was wondering if anyone could tell me my odds of being accepted for this card and if there are other cards which I could get accepted for? I intend on sending in my application for the orchard bank secured card tomorrow morning.

Thanks,
Matt

Anyone will be approved for a fully secured credit card. The best first credit card for no credit history would have been a student credit card but now approval for one may be more difficult with multiple recent credit inquiries on file.

Originally Posted by Matt

I have no credit history and I'm a part time student. I'll be discontinuing school at the end of this semester (I'm not sure for how long) and I make about $3,500 a year at my part time job. Right now I live at home with my parents. I've applied for several cards over the past few weeks and have been declined for all of them. However I did pre-qualify for the Orchard bank secured mastercard. I was wondering if anyone could tell me my odds of being accepted for this card and if there are other cards which I could get accepted for? I intend on sending in my application for the orchard bank secured card tomorrow morning.

Thanks,
Matt

Have you tried First Premier? It's an expensive card (several fees) but as a starter you don't have as many options. Keep it for a year, and you will be able to jump for a better card, then dump it.

Hello Matt,

For additional information about the Orchard Bank credit card and the approval process, please see this article: Orchard Bank Secured Card Card Review

The unique benefit of this bank is that you will be evaluated for both secured and unsecured credit cards and then notified for which ones you are pre-approved for all in one step.

Best,
CreditCardGuru

Would I possibly be approved for an unsecured credit card if I had a full time job?

Originally Posted by Matt

Would I possibly be approved for an unsecured credit card if I had a full time job?

Probably, but all will depend on your credit history.

I’ll be 18 soon and have been researching a few different credit cards...
I am mainly looking at 1)No annual fee 2)Best rewards. I will be paying off my balance in full every month, just looking for a rewards card that I can use for everyday things like gas/food.

I have it narrowed down to Chase Freedom, AE Blue, and Citi Forward but obviously will take any other suggestions.

Thanks!

I am seriously considering getting a credit card. What would you suggest for a first card?

Basic information: I am eighteen with steady work (paid an average of $9.33 an hour). I will be starting college in a month. I will be living away from my parents' house. I would only be using a credit card for small purchases that I cannot use my debit card, cash, or checks for. I have been using a debit card for almost five years.

For the both of you: I'd say you might want to start with your bank especially amy since you mentioned you used your debit card for 5 years, I'm almost positive they will give you a cc and it will be a way better credit limit then a different company whom you have no history with. If you want to a diff card, try for a Discover More Student card, similar to Chase Freedom but a little more linent. You definitely won't get an AE Blue as your first card, and Citi Forward is possible as well, and they also offer a student version. Once again, I'd start at my bank if it were me.