What is the easiest unsecured card to get approved for, if no credit history?

[Anonymous]

Denied from Capital One Platinum, this is getting really annoying. You would think having no credit would be better than having bad credit but apparantly not. 

[jesseh]

I think the easiest card to get approved for would have been the Cap1 Journey.

As it didn't work out.

I do suggest doing the secured route. Even with a small deposit of $250, handle it well and in a 6mo/1yr you have a great fico score.

[jesseh]

Please note, I started with two low-limit secured cards a year and a half ago, never paid late, now I get approved for basically any card I want..

Read some topics on your situation

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Overcoming-a-Thin-File/m-p/2896810#M822599

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Add-a-second-secured-credit-card/td-p/3033446

[SouthJamaica]

---

@povertybrah wrote:

Denied from Capital One Platinum, this is getting really annoying. You would think having no credit would be better than having bad credit but apparantly not. 

---

Then just chill out and apply for one store card at some site or store you actually use.  If you get turned down for that than just do a good job with secured card(s), and be patient.

[crrredit]

I got a Cap One secured early on in my rebuilding process. There's no annual fee and doesn't report as secured. You'll have to pay either $49 or $99 for a $200 limit at first. You can add more if you want.  I got a small unsecured increase after 5 months. It's helped me build up to the point I can get unsecured cards. If you want a store card (don't get too many of these) you can research the shopping card trick--it's a way to pick up a card with no hard pull. 

[Anonymous]

 I hate to say it, I would probably receive a smack on the head from some other members here. But I think at this point you should try Credit One. They are a subprime lender and have their share of fees, but in my opinion they're not as bad as first premier bank. Treat it well and you'll be sitting good after 6-12 months. 

[Anonymous]

---

@povertybrah wrote:

I am a student and I just recently turned 21. I decided I should look into credit cards. First, I applied for Chase freedom because that is my bank. Denied. So I figured since I am a student that I would be approved for student credit cards. Nope. Denied from Discover IT for students and denied from capital one journey for students. Stupid companies shouldn't advertise these card as "for building credit" and "for students" if they're going to deny students that are trying to build credit. 

So what is the easiest card to get approved for if I am a student with no credit history. I would rather not go the secured route. 

---

There are a few things you could do. One just don't start applying for cards just like that hoping for approval, like capital one does the 3 pull not pretty on any report. Like Capital One they do have Pre-Qualify form as do many other Fill those out and see what your chances are which won't affect your score. Yes some Lenders like Credit One, etc etc offer unsecured credit card for those with no history or bad credit BUT they do have high interest and Fees which can be painful. 

Best Suggestion is as a student to start off with a Secured card but don't think that is the last resort. Also try Pre-Qual with Discover if there is a chance to get a Discover student card or even a Discover secured it is a great start and a foot in the door. As a Store card they only have limited benifits or non.

[SouthJamaica]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

 I hate to say it, I would probably receive a smack on the head from some other members here. But I think at this point you should try Credit One. They are a subprime lender and have their share of fees, but in my opinion they're not as bad as first premier bank. Treat it well and you'll be sitting good after 6-12 months. 

---

Yes I'm smacking you upside your head right now.

Credit One should be avoided. The terms are ridiculous.

[jesseh]

I think it's better to deposit $250 for a no-AF secured card at a CU, then to pay $99 annually for a terrible card.

[CreditDunce]

1) Do you have a co-signer?  If so your local credit union/bank may be willing to give you an unsecured card.

2) Open a $500 shared secured installment loan with as long of a term as your CU will allow.  They will give you back your $500 the next day.  Then pay off all but $50.  Keep track to make sure you are never late with a payment (most likely the next due date will be next year).  Occasionally, pay a little to make sure it keeps reporting.

3) Open a secured credit card.  Most have annual fees and/or do not graduate.  Be sure to do some research before deciding on a secured credit card.  I would look at the BoA secured card (graduates and you can earn a little cash back) and/or the US Bank HD secured card.

4) Deposit 10k with Chase.   Wait a month and see if they are willing to give you an unsecured card.  May work with some other banks, too.

#1 will get you a unsecured card tomorrow.  #2 and #3 will take 6+ months.   There isn't any reason why you can't do #2 and #3 together.

Store cards may also be an option.  However, be warned having store cards may increase your auto insurance cost.