See important terms, conditions, and disclosures, including rates and repayment terms, on Upstart's site. Not all applicants are approved.
Building credit from scratch feels like a catch-22: you need credit to get credit. But there are several well-established paths that break this cycle. The most reliable is a secured credit card — a product specifically designed for people with no credit history.
Always pay your statement balance in full each month — not just the minimum. Carrying a balance costs the average American over $1,200 per year in interest charges.
Option 1: Secured Credit Card (Best for Most People)
A secured card requires a refundable security deposit (usually $200–$500) that becomes your credit limit. You use it like a regular card, pay your bill on time, and the issuer reports your activity to all three credit bureaus. After 6–12 months, most issuers upgrade you to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
Best secured cards for no credit history:
- Discover it® Secured — Earns cash back rewards, automatic review for upgrade after 7 months
- Capital One Platinum Secured — Low deposit options ($49, $99, or $200)
- OpenSky® Secured Visa — No credit check required at all
Option 2: Become an Authorized User
Ask a parent, spouse, or trusted friend with good credit to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. Their positive payment history gets added to your credit report, which can establish a score quickly without you needing to apply for anything.
A credit card is not the right tool for every situation. Consider alternatives if any of the following apply to you:
- You carry a balance month-to-month: At an average APR of 21.76%, carrying a balance on a rewards card will cost more than the rewards are worth. A personal loan at a lower fixed rate is almost always cheaper for debt you cannot pay off monthly.
- You need cash, not credit: Credit card cash advances typically charge 25–30% APR with no grace period and a 3–5% transaction fee. A personal loan is significantly cheaper for cash needs.
- Your credit score is below 580: Most rewards and cashback cards require 670+. Below 580, a secured credit card or credit-builder loan is a more realistic path to building credit.
- You are rebuilding after bankruptcy: Most unsecured cards are unavailable for 1–2 years post-discharge. A secured card with a refundable deposit is the standard rebuilding tool.
See who actually approves your score range — and the APR to expect.
Option 3: Student Credit Card
If you’re currently enrolled in college, student credit cards are designed for people with limited credit history. They typically have low credit limits and no annual fee. The Discover it® Student Cash Back and Capital One SavorOne Student are popular options.
Option 4: Credit-Builder Loan
A credit-builder loan works in reverse — you make monthly payments into a savings account, and the lender reports those payments to the credit bureaus. At the end of the term, you receive the money. Self Financial is the most popular credit-builder loan provider.
How to Maximize Your Credit Score Growth
- Pay on time, every time — Payment history is 35% of your score
- Keep utilization below 10% — If your limit is $500, keep your balance below $50
- Don’t apply for multiple cards at once — Each application is a hard inquiry
- Check your credit report for errors — Free at AnnualCreditReport.com