Woman carrying cardboard boxes in front of an open door to a house.

How to Get a Credit Card for the First Time

10 min read

Last Updated: March 19, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

You must be 18 or older to apply for a credit card.
Consider a student card or secured card as your first credit card.
First-time credit card users can build a credit history with the Discover it Secured Credit Card.¹

Your credit history begins when you open your first credit account. You should compare card issuers and card types to find the best first credit card for you. The following guide will introduce you to the process of getting a credit card and provide you with the best credit card options for beginners.

Requirements to get your first credit card account

If you’re interested in getting your first credit card, you’ll need to meet the following criteria from most credit card issuers:

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must show proof that you can make the payments.
You must have an established credit history OR choose a student/secured card.
For secured cards, you must put down a security deposit.

If you’re a first-time credit card applicant, you’ll want to learn more about concepts like APR (annual percentage rate) and reward points to find a card that aligns with your lifestyle and budget. And if you want a secured credit card to build credit history, you’ll have to put down a security deposit.

Choosing the best first credit card for beginners

When you research your first credit card, consider your chances of getting approved, what rewards you could earn, and if you need a credit history. These are important steps to find the right starter credit card for you. This is especially true if you have little or no credit history or a lower income.

1. Consider applying for a secured credit card or a student credit card

If you lack a lengthy credit history, a secured credit card or a student credit card might be a good first credit card option. These cards offer low interest rates and can help you build credit until you’re ready to transition to a different type of card.

With secured credit cards, your credit line will equal the amount of the required cash deposit after you're approved. The difference between secured credit cards and many debit cards is that on-time credit card payments may help build your credit history with responsible use.

If you’re a student, explore the benefits of student credit cards. With a low annual percentage rate (APR) and a rewards program that lets you earn cash back on purchases, you can earn rewards on necessities and all your everyday purchases.

Learn More

2. Learn about credit card rewards

First-time credit card applicants are still eligible for rewards. These rewards are based on the amount of your credit card purchases and can include anything from cash back to discounts on travel, shopping, and more.

In fact, there are so many different reward cards to choose from that you’ll need to do some homework to find which credit card fits your lifestyle. For example, with Discover it^® Chrome, you earn 2% cash back at Gas stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.²

When you evaluate credit card rewards, make sure to consider interest rates and annual fees. If you’re a first-time credit card applicant, you may want to consider a card with a lower APR and no annual fee to better manage your balance.

The APR (annual percentage rate) reflects the interest rate and fees associated with a credit card. Your APR is the cost of borrowing on your credit card, which is why it’s wise to seek out a low APR for your first credit card.

When you compare credit cards, you don’t usually have to worry about identifying both APR and interest rate—the two figures should mean the same thing. But you may have a different APR for things like balance transfers or cash advances. Many credit cards offer a low introductory APR during a specified time after you open your account. When that promotion ends, the APR could rise, so the credit card account begins to accrue interest if there’s an unpaid balance.

Did you know?

You can use the Discover pre-approval tool to see if you qualify for a Discover^® Card with a low introductory APR offer. Credit card companies may, however, charge different APRs for different types of transactions, so you should check the card’s terms and conditions for a complete list of APRs.

See If You’re Pre-Approved

3. Choose a credit card you won’t want to cancel

Did you know that your credit score is impacted by the average age of your credit card accounts? For example, imagine that you own two credit cards—one that’s a year old and another that’s 10 years old. If you cancel the credit card that’s 10 years old could, this could cause your credit score to dip since the average age of your credit card accounts only includes the card you’ve had for only a year. Because of this, you should choose a credit card you plan to use for a long period of time.

Many credit card issuers offer promotions that include no annual fees for the first year. You may want to apply for this promotional card only to close the account once the annual fee kicks in. However, you’ll benefit more if you select a no annual fee card for your first credit card and keep it open long-term. That way, you’ll avoid canceling a credit card, which can potentially impact your credit history.

4. Review the credit card terms

As a first-time applicant, it’s important to understand and review all the details of your first credit card. This means being aware of related fees, interest rates, and terms and conditions to reward programs so that you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.

The terms and conditions will explain any consequences (such as late fees, cancellation fees, etc.) if you do not use your credit card properly. Additionally, understanding the terms and conditions will ensure that you get the most out of your rewards credit card.

Improve the odds that your first credit card application will be approved

What can you do to ensure approval on your credit card application? When you apply for your first credit card, these tips will improve your chances of seamless, smooth approval.

5. Limit the number of applications

Be selective about the number of credit cards you apply for. Each time you apply for a credit card, a credit card issuer will check your credit score. These are “hard” inquiries, often known as a hard pull, which can have an impact on your credit score. If you apply for too many credit cards at once, it can cause your score to dip even more.

Additionally, if you apply for too many credit cards at once it can appear that you’re struggling to become accepted or that you’re preparing to take on more debt. Avoid this by only applying for the credit card that you’re most likely to qualify for, which might include an unsolicited credit card offer from a major credit card company. That’s another reason why those with little or no credit can take advantage of a student card or a secured credit card.

6. Try to get pre-approved for your card

When possible, seek pre-approval for your first-time credit card before you apply. Through the pre-approval process, the credit card issuer will request your credit history from a major credit bureau. They'll review criteria such as your credit history, income level, and payment history . This is considered a “soft” inquiry or soft pull, which can occur when you request your own credit report, employers check your background, and lenders look to pre-approve you for a credit card or personal loan. They do not have the same negative impact as a “hard” inquiry.

7. Prove you can make credit card payments

Before approving your application, a credit card issuer usually wants to determine how likely you are to pay your bills on time. To make that call, they typically ask for your credit history and income information.

When you apply for a credit card, you’ll need to provide your income. Credit card applications may also ask for your monthly housing expenses. This information helps credit card companies estimate your overall financial stability before they offer you a credit card.

Did you know?

If you haven’t had a credit card before or taken out a loan, a secured credit card could help you build your credit history.¹

Learn More

To open a student credit card, you may also need to provide information such as your college or university’s name, state and city, and proof that you’re currently enrolled. If you’re over 21, you could include a spouse’s income to help you qualify for student credit cards. If you’re under 21, however, you can usually only report your independent income. Your income is one factor in deciding your final credit limit.

How to apply for your first credit card

Ready to get your first credit card? Follow these simple steps to fill out your application:

Fill out the application form from the credit card company.
Enter your legal name.
Provide your Social Security number (SSN)
Enter your date of birth.
Give your address.
Report your income.

Credit card companies have different ways to apply—some are online, and some might require you mail in an application. But don't worry, the process is usually straightforward. Plus, if you're a student with not much credit history, there's also information on how to apply for a student credit card.

What to expect after you apply for your first credit card

If you have little or credit history, this might impact how quickly a credit card company will process your application. So, how long until you get your card? If the personal information in your application is correct, you could get approval for a student credit card in just minutes. Other types of cards might take a few days or even weeks. By law, credit card companies must let you know if you're approved or denied within 30 days.

After you're approved, your card will arrive by mail. While you wait, some issuers will allow you to manage the card via a website or mobile app. For example, with the Discover mobile app, first-time users can easily manage accounts, set up payments, customize mobile alerts, and explore card benefits and rewards. These tools help you make the most out of your new credit card right from the start.

What if you’re not ready to apply for your first credit card?

If you’re not ready for the responsibility of your own credit card, or if you’re under 18, you could become an authorized user on someone else’s card. For example, you might become an authorized user on your parent’s account if you meet the card’s age requirements.

Authorized user status can also help you build credit history with responsible use. However, keep in mind that the account’s credit history may appear on your credit report. If the primary account holder misses a lot of payments, it could affect your credit score.

Discover reports each account’s activity to the three major credit bureaus. Because of this, the Authorized User can build a credit history, with responsible use.³ It takes time and patience to build a good credit history, but it’s well worth it. Follow these first credit card tips and you’ll be on your way to establishing a good credit history and a solid financial future.

Make the most out of your first credit card

By now, you know how to get a credit card for the first time. Your first credit card will give you more ways to pay for purchases, plus an opportunity to build a strong credit score when you use it responsibly. Responsible credit card use means you pay your bill on time every month and only buy what you can afford to pay back. Having discipline with your credit card is key because it affects your ability to get loans for big purchases like a car or a house. Discipline and responsibility will help you build a stable financial foundation.

Important Information >

Five friends taking a selfie smiling together in the city.

Enter to win a $5,000 scholarship for school

Discover^® is giving away one $5,000 college scholarship every month until August 2025.⁴

Enter to Win

See Official Rules for sweepstakes eligibility and entry requirements, entry deadlines and drawing dates, details including odds, list of eligible colleges and universities, prize descriptions and an alternate method of entry.⁴

Next steps

See if you're pre-approved

Check Now

View all Discover credit cards

See rates, rewards and other info

Learn More