Use a Starter Credit Card to Build Credit

If you’re just starting out with no credit history or limited credit history you can get a credit card often referred to as a starter credit card. Starter cards are designed to help you build credit history and can even be useful for rebuilding credit during Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

In this article

Choose the Right Starter Credit Card
Building Your Credit Score with a Starter Credit Card
Can a Second Credit Card Help Build Credit?
Frequently Asked Questions

Choose the Right Starter Credit Card

Secured Credit Cards

Secured credit cards are a great starting point if you have no credit, poor credit, have a limited credit history, or are trying to rebuild your credit. This type of starter card requires a refundable security deposit, which usually determines your credit limit. This refundable security deposit acts as a safety net for the issuer, reducing their risk and making these cards more accessible. An example of a secured card is the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. With responsible use and by making your monthly payments on time, you can build your credit and potentially transition to an unsecured card over time. If you’ve never had a credit card before, do some research to understand what you should know before getting a credit card.

Student Credit Cards

Student credit cards are designed with college students in mind. Unlike a secured card, student cards do not need you to put down a security deposit. This type of starter credit card often comes with lower credit limits and higher interest rates than other cards. They also offer perks such as rewards for good grades and no annual fee. The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is a great starter card that offers cash back rewards, no annual fee, CreditWise credit monitoring, and travel benefits.

Credit Cards for New Immigrants

If you are a new immigrant without a credit history in the United States, some credit card issuers offer cards that consider alternative data usually needed for most credit card applications. This can include income and bank account information, instead of relying solely on a traditional credit check. The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a good starter credit card for immigrants. It has a $0 annual fee, gives up to 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, and American Express can can use your credit history from other countries to support your application for a credit card. You may also be interested in the Capital One Venture Rewards card which has no foreign transaction fee.

Store Credit Cards

A store credit card can be a good starter card as they are often be easier to obtain than regular credit cards. They are typically limited to use at the issuing store or a group of affiliated stores. However, they often come with high interest rates, making it important to pay off your balance in full each month. An example of a store credit card is the Target RedCard™.

Credit Builder Loans

While not a credit card, a credit builder loan can be a useful tool for building credit. In this arrangement, you “borrow” money which is placed into a savings account. You then make payments over time, which are reported to the major credit bureaus, helping you build credit. Self is a company that offers credit builder loans.

No matter which type of card or loan you choose, the key to building credit is to make all of your payments on time and to keep your balance low relative to your credit limit. This responsible behavior will help you establish a strong credit history and set you up for financial success. When you submit your credit card application, be sure to follow these steps to increase your chances that your credit card application is approved.

Building Your Credit Score with a Starter Credit Card

Building a good credit score is a process that takes time and depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a general timeline and description of the process:

Opening a Credit Account (Day 1): When you open your first credit account, such as a secured card or a credit builder loan, you begin to establish a credit history. However, you won’t have a credit score right away.
After 6 Months: Most credit scoring models require at least six months of credit history to calculate a credit score. After six months of making on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization low, you should have a credit score. The exact score varies from person to person depending on their credit card activity.
After 1-2 Years: With continued responsible credit use and on-time payments, your credit score should continue to rise. Paying your bills on time, keeping your credit utilization low, and maintaining a mix of credit types can all contribute to a good credit score.
After 2+ Years: After a few years of responsible credit use, you could have a very good or even excellent credit score. However, remember that credit scores fluctuate based on your ongoing credit activity. Late payments, high balances, and other negative factors can cause your score to drop.

Can a Second Credit Card Help Build Credit?

Getting a second credit card can potentially help boost your credit score. You may want to consider applying for a second credit card after 6 months, but you should consider the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros of Getting a Second Credit Card:

Improved Credit Utilization Ratio: Your credit utilization ratio is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total available credit. If you get a second credit card and don’t increase your spending, you’ll have a lower credit utilization ratio, which can help improve your credit score.
Increased Credit Mix: Credit scoring models look at the types of credit you have. Having a mix of different types of credit, such as credit cards, student loans, or a mortgage, can positively impact your credit score.
More Opportunities for Rewards: Many credit cards offer rewards like cash back, points, or travel miles. Having more than one card could allow you to maximize your rewards by using different cards for different types of purchases.

Cons of Getting a Second Credit Card:

Potential for Increased Debt: If you’re not careful, having more available credit could lead to overspending and increased debt.
Impact on Credit Score: Applying for a new credit card will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score. Additionally, a new card will lower your average age of credit, which can also impact your score.
More to Manage: Having multiple credit cards means you’ll have more payments to keep track of. If you miss a payment, it could negatively impact your credit score, and you may be liable for late payment fees.

Getting a second credit card can be beneficial for your credit score if managed responsibly. If you’re confident in your ability to manage multiple cards and pay off your balances in full each month, a second card could be a good idea. If not, it might be better to stick with one card until you’re more comfortable with managing credit.

Building a good credit score is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes consistent, responsible credit behavior over time to build and maintain a good credit score. A starter credit card is a good way to build your credit responsibly, and with less risk of you going into debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a starter credit card?

A starter credit card is a type of credit card specifically designed for people who are new to the world of credit. These cards are typically easier to qualify for and are geared towards helping you establish a credit history. They often come with lower credit limits and may have higher interest rates compared to other types of credit cards. However, the primary benefit of a starter credit card is that it allows the cardholder to begin building a positive credit history through responsible use, such as making payments on time and keeping the balance low.

What is an easy first credit card to get?

Secured credit cards are often the easiest first credit cards to get. These cards require a security deposit which typically determines your credit limit. They function just like any other credit card, allowing you to make purchases and pay off your balance. The deposit is a safety net for the issuer in case you default on your payments. Over time, with responsible use, you can often upgrade to an unsecured card and get your deposit back. Some student credit cards and cards designed for people with no credit history can also be relatively easy to obtain.

How to open a credit card with no credit?

To open a credit card with no credit, consider a secured credit card. This requires a refundable deposit, which serves as your credit limit. You’ll also need to provide some basic information such as your name, date of birth, address, and social security number. By making regular, on-time payments, you build your credit history. Over time, responsible use can lead to qualification for an unsecured card, and your deposit will be returned.

What is the best credit card limit for beginners?

The best credit card limit for beginners can vary based on your specific circumstances, but it’s generally recommended to start with a lower limit, say, less than $500. This will help you manage your spending and prevent accruing debt that can’t be easily paid off. A lower limit also reduces the potential damage of any fraudulent activity. As you demonstrate responsible credit use over time, your credit card issuer may increase your limit. Remember, to build your credit history it’s not about having access to a lot of credit, but rather demonstrating responsible use and payment habits.

Author

Clay Jennings

Clay Jennings is a specialist writer in credit cards and travel rewards. He is fervently enthusiastic about leveraging credit card and loyalty rewards for global travel. Before joining Money Maver, Clay was the Director of Finance Editorial at a New York publishing firm. When Clay is not sharing his insights on MoneyMaver he is meticulously planning how to leverage his points and other travel rewards for his next global adventure with his family.