Easiest Credit Cards to Get in June 2024

What are the easiest types of credit cards to get?

Your eligibility for a credit card is determined by many factors, including your credit rating, income, employment history and housing situation.

Let’s explore the different credit cards that are easier to access.

Starter credit cards

You’ve just scored your first full-time job after college — congrats! Starter cards are a ticket to financial independence. They have lower credit limits and may not come with fancy perks, but they help you practice responsible spending and build your creditworthiness for the future. Young adult credit cards are a great option if you are looking to start your credit journey.

Student credit cards

Student credit cards are tailored to the realities of college life.

In many cases, they have more flexible requirements, understanding that students might have limited income or no credit history. A student card gives you breathing room while helping you establish a credit history.

Secured credit cards

Secured credit cards require a security deposit, which translates into your credit limit.

They’re easy-approval credit cards, even taking into account past financial mistakes. Think of them as money school. Many let you graduate to an unsecured card after a period of responsible use.

Store credit cards

Store credit cards, provided by specific retailers, are often easier to get than general-purpose credit cards.

They usually come with discounts or perks related to that particular store. But be smart: those high interest rates can bite you if you’re not careful.

For example, let’s say you’re shopping and see a pair of jeans for $80. The store has a credit card with a 20% discount today, but the card has a high interest rate of 29.99%. Tempted by the $16 savings, you buy the jeans and put a few extra items worth $50 on the card.

After the discount, your initial balance is $114. The bill arrives, and you make the $25 minimum payment. Due to the high interest, your new balance is around $123. See how easy it is to spend more than you intended?

Authorized-user credit cards

Perhaps your parents or a partner have an excellent credit history and are willing to add you as an authorized user on their card. This helps you piggyback on their good credit habits, bumping up your score without having to manage an account yourself.

Just keep in mind that the cardholder is ultimately responsible for all spending, so communication is key. What’s more, your credit score only benefits if they’re already a financial ninja.

What to look for in a credit card

Let’s break down the factors to look for in a credit card.

Credit score

Your credit score is like a financial GPA, showing how responsibly you’ve managed credit in the past.

Many banks have an online tool that lets you check your score for free. This helps you understand which cards you might qualify for — with starter or student cards being go-to first steps.

APR

APR, or annual percentage rate, is the interest charged if you don’t pay your balance in full each month. Think of it like a rental fee for borrowing money on the card.

Some credit cards, including starter cards, might have a higher APR. The key is to develop good habits and pay your balance in full to avoid those charges.

Fees

Sneaky fees can eat away at your hard-earned cash. Keep an eye out for:

• Annual fees: Some cards charge a yearly fee for the privilege of using them. As a newbie, focus on no-annual-fee options.
• Foreign transaction fees: If you’ve got wanderlust, these small fees add up fast.
• Cash advance fees: Withdrawing cash from your credit card usually comes with high fees and interest. Avoid it unless it’s an absolute emergency.

▶︎  See: Best no foreign transaction fee cards

Rewards

While high-end cards might offer extravagant rewards, even easy-to-get cards have perks. Common examples include:

• Cash back: Use cash-back rewards to invest in that new game everyone’s talking about as a pat on the back for your newfound independence!
• Welcome bonus: Some cards come with a bonus for signing up and meeting a spending requirement. This can be helpful for furnishing your first apartment or buying essential college textbooks.
• Student perks: Student cards tend to have rewards tailored to your specific needs, such as cash back on dining or subscriptions to streaming services.

Benefits

Beyond rewards, some cards offer benefits that provide peace of mind:

• Purchase protection: Picture accidentally dropping your new phone on the way to class. Purchase protection acts as a safety net.
• Travel insurance: Planning a celebratory road trip with pals? Some easy credit cards to get come with basic travel insurance, which help if things go wrong.
• Credit-building tools: Many easy-to-get cards understand you’re learning the ropes and have savings features, score tracking and educational resources to help you pump up those credit muscles.

When choosing a new card, prioritize features that fit your lifestyle and budget. This lays the groundwork for good credit habits that open doors down the line.

Credit card approval requirements

Easy credit card approval is reserved for those with strong financial habits.

Lenders look at several things before giving you the green light. Factors include income, debts, assets, credit score, credit history, credit utilization and credit mix.

What credit score do I need to get approved?

Some credit cards target individuals with good to excellent credit, while others cater to those rebuilding or starting from scratch. Check your score using a free online tool to get a sense of which cards to target.

How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?

Many online applications offer decisions within minutes. Others may take a few days if they need to review your info more closely.

How to make the most of your credit card once approved

Use your card wisely to build a solid financial foundation. Here’s how:

How do I get a credit card if no one will approve me?

Let’s look at options if traditional cards aren’t working for you:

• Secured credit cards: You put down a deposit, which acts as your credit limit. As you prove responsible usage, you might get your deposit back!
• Authorized user: If a loved one adds you to their card, their good credit habits can reflect positively on your credit report.

Struggling to get your first credit card with no credit history? A secured card could be your ticket to financial freedom.

Explore your options using the easy-to-use credit card comparison tool, CardMatch, and find the best credit card to launch your financial journey.