I have been unable to get a credit card because I have no credit. I need to start building my credit, but how can I do that if I get keep getting denied for insufficient history?

January 22, 2010
By: Curtis Arnold

Question: I have been unable to get a credit card because I have no credit.  I need to start building my credit, but how can I do that if I get keep getting denied for insufficient history?

Answer: A secured credit card can be a great tool for building credit if used responsibly and is typically a good choice for consumers that have not been able to qualify for an unsecured card.   Make sure to look for a card that reports to all three major credit reporting agencies.  It is also important to shop around for a secured card that is competitive and offers low rates and fees. You can browse credit card offers online at CardRatings.com.

For more tips and information on secured credit cards, check out our related articles: Tips for Finding the Best Secured Card and Benefits of Secured Credit Cards. 

Important Note! The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we can not guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.

About the Author

Curtis Arnold, a nationally recognized consumer educator and advocate, has been educating consumers about credit cards since 1998. New! Curtis is the author of "How You Can Profit from Credit Cards: Using Credit to Improve Your Financial Life and Bottom Line" (FT Press, 2008). He is also the co-author of the upcoming Complete Idiot's Guide to Person-to-Person Lending (Alpha Books/Pengiun Group USA, April 2009), a contribitor to The Ultimate Allowance (InnerWealth Publishing, 2008) and is extensively featured in 42 Rules^TM for Driving Success With Books (Super Star Press, January 2009).