You can only get a credit card with no money if you have a co-signer or you become an authorized user on someone else's account. Credit card issuers consider your income, assets, and financial obligations, and they need to be sure you can pay back what you borrow before approving you for your own account.
How to Get a Credit Card with Little to No Money
-
Apply with a co-signer
If you can find an issuer that still allows it, you can open a credit card account with a co-signer who is at least 21 years old and meets the card’s income and approval requirements. The co-signer agrees to assume payments on the account if you are unable to pay.
-
Become an authorized user on someone else's credit card
You may be able to build credit with no money if a friend or family member adds you to their credit card account as an authorized user. How much money you have won’t be an issue because the primary accountholder is responsible for paying the bill. If they pay on time, it should add positive information to your credit reports and improve your credit score.
-
Report any shared income if you’re over 21 years old
You may still be able to get a credit card despite not having any money personally if you’re at least 21 years old and have reasonable access to another person’s income, such as a spouse or household member. For example, funds deposited into a joint bank account that you’re able to access may qualify.
-
Report regular allowances from someone else if you’re under 21
Applicants under 21 years old are not allowed to report shared income on their credit card application, but an allowance given to the applicant on a regular basis by someone else is permitted. Excess scholarship money deposited into an applicant’s bank account is also allowed, but student loans are not, as those funds are not considered income.
-
Submit a joint application
While this option is becoming more and more uncommon, you might still be able to sign up for a joint credit card account, as long as one of the co-applicants has enough income to make the monthly payment. Both parties will have shared access to the account, and both will be liable for all charges.
Learn more about getting a credit card.
This answer was last updated on 07/25/24 and it was first published on 05/30/23. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
