How does one apply for a credit card with no credit history? (loans, union)

[RPIBuckHunter]

So here is an interesting situation...I am 23 years old and have no credit history. Not bad credit, but no credit.

So how can I apply for a credit card and start getting a credit history? I am no longer a student, so student credit cards are out, but I am full-time employed with a salary of 72K per year.

I did try to apply for one department store credit card which claimed an instant decision, but I got a message saying that they couldn't process my application instantly and would send me written notice about how to proceed within 30 days.

This is well and good and all, but I am moving next month and had been hoping to have the card by then in case of emergency/unforeseen costs come up during the move. I fear that by the time I receive the notice and furnish whatever additional information they require, it will be too late for them to send me the card by the time I move. I suppose it is my fault for waiting this long, but I also didn't think I'd have any trouble given my income. I guess a few irresponsible ruined it for the rest of us...

Any advice on how to proceed or how I might be able to get a card before I move?

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by RPIBuckHunter

I am 23 years old and have no credit history. Not bad credit, but no credit.
full-time employed with a salary of 72K per year.

Where do you go with your weekly paycheck?

From the basic checking and savings account at a major bank...
get a small limit or even a guaranteed VISA card.

Then use it for everything and pay it off immediately.
After 6 months... raise the limit.
Another 6 months... raise it again.

[Malloric]

Alternatively, you could try one the credit card "portals" for lack of a better word. Credit card dot com or credit karma, for example. I've never used either to try and get a credit card but they both have screen processes that attempt to match credit cards to your credit. Expect high interest rates and low credit limits. Then there's the pre-paid credit cards. They have fees, and I'm dubious about how much they actually do to give you a credit history seeing as how they're not actually credit.

[texdav]

When I was getting out of college most credit cards where restrictive and not many had them.my parents only has gasoline credit cards and account otherwise at store and car loans .My first credit card was a gasoline card that mu father co-sign for in college. it was transferred to my name only after college. Next I started a bank account and savings. After one year I had save enough to get a car with large down payment and got loan from that bank. I can eve remember when I first started getting mail offers for pre approved credit cards Still do. I got first Visa at same bank. Started Discover and to this day have visa and discover plus gasoline car. My advice is to start a accounts at bank or credit union then later apply with them.

[qdogfball]

I would join the RTP Federal or Coastal Federal Credit Union once you move to the RTP area.

They will be able to give a person starting out a better chance to build a credit history.

Start by having your paycheck direct deposited into your account there.

Once you have been saving money every month, and have a build up of around 1,000 sitting in your savings account, ask them about applying for a credit card.

You can then borrow a small amount and pay it back over time (even paying it off early). (their interest rates should be very good.)

[brocco]

i just got one through my bank. i had been banking with them for a few years and always kept a healthy balance. that plus proof of my salary was enough to get a card with a $3,000 limit despite no credit card history.

[Ceece]

Stay away from store credit cards, they are worthless as "emergency" anything. Just go online at whatever place you do your banking and apply or www.creditcards.com and pick the one that looks the best. My 22 year old son got his first card while shopping on Amazon and just clicking the button. He had no credit history and makes $9 an hour part time but still got instant approval. Terrible interest rate but it doesn't matter since he just pays off whatever he charges.

[NJBest]

My first credit card was a student credit card. I had no credit history at the time and was accepted.

[skinnayyy]

Just go to where ever you bank at and apply for one. I got my first one when I was 18 and no credit either. Walked in, said I want to apply for a credit card. they handed me the application. I filled it out. Few days later they called me to come get my credit card.

[RPIBuckHunter]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I got a call from the bank of the card I applied to, and after verifying some information they were able to approve me for the credit card.