Thread: Chase Freedom with no credit history?

My brother is looking to get his first card, and as the title says he has no history at all. I figured the Freedom card would be a good card to start with since it is a Visa and therefore accepted nearly everywhere credit cards are accepted, and the 5% categories are nice. Plus, the $200 signup bonus won't hurt either. I just have a feeling though that he will be denied because of his lack of history. I remember getting the occasional offer for the Paypal credit card, and months later (after said offer expired) I went to their site and applied for the card and was denied. I ended up getting my first card through the bank that I had accounts with since I was an infant.

So what do you guys think? I'm also curious how that first denial affects a person with no history. When I got my first card it was maybe a couple weeks after the denial, would that have even appeared on my credit report at the time I applied for a card at my bank?

Hmm those are some good questions actually. As far as the chase freedom, I hate to say it but I highly doubt he'll get accepted on limited credit history. Try for a college card, maybe the discover more student card, same rewards, just no sign up bonus and a little higher apr. Worth a shot. Good luck!

Im actually in the same boat here...
Really wanting the Chase Freedom for my first card but am lacking credit history. I’ve also heard about Discover being a bit harder to get than other cards in the student card realm.

After telling him about it today he decided he wanted to apply. No instant decision, so we will see in the next few weeks.

Originally Posted by DGenerateKane

After telling him about it today he decided he wanted to apply. No instant decision, so we will see in the next few weeks.

Call them up. They should be able to give you an answer, and if approved, a credit limit.

I can almost guarantee you he won't be approved for the Chase Freedom. Any card you apply for that has a "student" card title would be the best choice for his first card. As long as you can prove you're enrolled in college and you have some sort of income, you will be approved. Also most student cards offer the exact same benefits as the regular non-student cards.

Originally Posted by DGenerateKane

After telling him about it today he decided he wanted to apply. No instant decision, so we will see in the next few weeks.

Post the decision here!

Originally Posted by DGenerateKane

After telling him about it today he decided he wanted to apply. No instant decision, so we will see in the next few weeks.

He'll have an easier time than the Discover card.

But thats just my opinion.

Well as expected he was denied. Oh well.

You should tell him to recon it.

When it comes to Chase, a recon with them will maybe nab him a small cl to start plus most people (even mediocre credit) get the Chase card after one phone call. Persistence also helps.

Heck, he has the inquiry, may as well make the best of it.