Build Your Credit with Credit Cards for No Credit or Limited Credit History

If you’re a beginner in the credit world (and since you’re on this page, we have a feeling you might be), here are some tips on what to look for when applying for a credit card...

0% APR Intro Periods

From the moment you begin building your credit score with that first swipe, you’ll want to pay back that balance at the end of each month. However, if you’re, say, a student who plans on carrying a (hopefully small) balance, you’ll want to make sure you put off paying interest for as long as possible. In which case, you’ll want to apply to a card that has an extended 0% APR introductory period.

APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate, and it describes the amount of interest you’ll pay on a balance on a per year basis. So, the lower the APR, the lower the interest.

Many limited credit credit cards offer an introductory period in which the cardholder will pay 0% for a set number of months. If you plan on carrying a balance - or at the very least consider it a possibility - then we would recommend applying to a credit card with an extended 0% APR introductory period. It’s simple - the longer you put off paying interest, the more money you’ll save.

Cash Back Rewards

OK, we ALL love cash back rewards and, believe it or not, many credit cards for limited credit offer some great cash back rewards! And why do they call them rewards? Well essentially, your credit card is offering you a “reward” for using their card in the form of cash back bonuses, travel miles, points - stuff like that. However, you don’t want to get carried away with bonus programs since the risk of credit debt is not worth the possibility of rewards. Keep your spending responsible, earn cash back gradually and watch your credit score improve.

Since credit card companies want new consumers to A.) Build a relationship with them and B.) Learn how to use credit responsibly from the get-go, a number of our favorite no credit credit cards include cash back and rewards points programs for those hoping to build credit.

Student Credit Cards

Cash back student cards for no credit or limited credit consumers are also particularly rewarding since, let’s face it, any college student can appreciate getting something for “free”. (Aren’t most college apartments furnished with free futons, chairs and coffee tables? Free = good, especially when you’re in college.) Plus, most student cards are credit cards with no annual fee; again, FREE reigns supreme.

Anyways, the best student credit cards for limited credit are the ones that reward students even further on the things they’re purchasing anyway; books, groceries, movies, etc. If you’re a student, definitely consider one of the recommended no credit credit cards above designed specifically to help you build credit. Plus, take a look at our full list of student credit cards on Creditnet.com and take the first step towards building your credit today!