How I Got Approved for a Credit Card with No Credit or Low Income

If you’re struggling to get your first credit card because you don’t have credit history or a stable income, don’t worry—you’re not alone. I was in the exact same situation. In this post, I’ll share how I finally got approved, the exact steps I took, and the beginner-friendly credit cards that actually said yes when others said no.

Created for MDB by Guest writer Pilar Lucia on May 24, 2025

📌 Make sure to share this post with a friend or family member going through the same thing! Especially if you are starting to ask friends and family for money… Try not to do that, it did not work when I asked my boyfriend. It actually caused a little animosity.

Why It’s So Hard to Get a Credit Card with No Credit or Low Income

Most major credit card companies use automated approval systems that flag you if:

You don’t have a credit score
You have a low income or unstable job
You’re a student, freelancer, or new immigrant

It’s frustrating because you need credit to build credit—but without a credit history, you keep getting denied. That was me.

But here’s what changed everything.

Step 1: I Stopped Applying for the Wrong Cards

The first mistake I made? Applying for flashy credit cards that require good or excellent credit. I applied to Chase, Capital One Venture, and even Amex—and got denied every time.

Each denial hurt my credit a little more because of hard inquiries , which I did not know until after. That’s when I realized I needed to apply smarter, not harder.

Step 2: I Switched to Starter Cards That Accept No Credit History

After researching like crazy, I found out there are special cards for beginners, students, and low-income earners. These include:

🔑 Secured Credit Cards

A secured card requires a deposit (usually $200–$500), which acts as your credit limit. It’s not a prepaid card—it works just like a regular credit card and helps build your credit.

Cards I considered:

Discover it® Secured – Reports to all 3 credit bureaus, earns 1–2% cash back
Capital One Platinum Secured – Might approve you for a $200 limit with just $49 deposit
OpenSky® Secured Visa – No credit check required

I applied for Discover it® Secured and was approved within 24 hours.

Step 3: I Added My Rent and Bills to My Credit Report

Even though I didn’t have a credit card yet, I used credit-building tools that report rent and utilities to credit bureaus:

Experian Boost: Adds phone and utility payments to your credit file
Self Credit Builder Loan: You make small monthly payments that turn into savings while building credit

These helped me build a positive credit profile before my secured card even reported.

Step 4: I Used the Card Like a Pro (And Got Upgraded Fast)

Once approved, I:

Used less than 10% of my credit limit (very important!)
Paid off the balance before the due date every month
Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees

After six months, Discover reviewed my account and returned my deposit. I was upgraded to an unsecured credit card with a higher limit—and my credit score was over 700.

Bonus: The Cards That Are Easier to Get in 2025

Here are some beginner-friendly cards and apps that approve people with low income, no SSN, or limited history:

✅ Tomo Credit Card

No credit check
No fees or interest
Good for immigrants and students

✅ Petal® 1 Card

Approves people with thin or no credit files
Uses bank history instead of credit score

✅ Chime Credit Builder Card

No annual fee or credit check
Requires Chime account

All of these are worth applying to first before trying the major cards.

Tips for Immigrants and Spanish Speakers

If you’re new to the U.S. or don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN), there are options that accept an ITIN instead.

✅ Look for banks or fintech companies that support ITIN-based applications.
✅ Always check if they report to the credit bureaus—this is key to building your history.

➡️ ¿Hablas español? Muy pronto tendremos esta guía completa en español. ¡Comparte esta página con alguien que lo necesite!

Why This Journey Matters (And Why You Should Share It)

Getting approved for your first credit card when you have no credit or income isn’t just about money—it’s about:

Opening the door to financial independence
Qualifying for a car, apartment, or even a home loan
Getting better interest rates and loan approvals

If you know someone struggling to get started, share this post. It could literally change their financial future.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This

I used to think credit cards were only for people with jobs and perfect scores. But now I know the truth: anyone can build credit with the right tools and a little patience.

Start with a secured card, use it wisely, and in 6–12 months, you’ll be amazed at your progress.

📤 If this helped you, share it!
👉 Tag a friend, email it to your cousin, or post it on Facebook. Someone out there needs this info today.

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