What if you don't have a score?

Amy Miller

A credit card can help you build credit when you have no or limited credit. The best starter credit card depends on your situation. The types of credit cards you can get if you have no credit are usually secured credit cards, student credit cards and credit cards with less strict requirements for applicants' creditworthiness and credit scores.

If you're a student, you might want to consider student credit cards designed for individuals of 18 and older who don't yet have a credit history or credit card in their name. They can offer a variety of benefits, including cash back rewards, 0% introductory rates, and a way to build credit.

Another option you might want to consider is the Surge® Platinum Mastercard®. Those with a limited credit history or who are working on building their credit may benefit from the Surge Platinum Mastercard. Since it’s not a secured card, it can be a suitable option for establishing or improving credit without requiring a security deposit. A great feature of the Surge® Mastercard® is the ability to pre-qualify. This simple form allows you to quickly find out your likely approval status.

Moreover, the ideal starter credit card should report payments to all three credit bureaus — TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. They record your payment history, which is a key factor in your credit scores. Therefore, with a card that reports your activity to all three credit bureaus, you can further boost your overall credit score.

Secured credit cards can be a good choice to start building credit with a credit line from a major issuer. These cards require an upfront refundable deposit, usually equal to the card's limit. Some of these cards also offer the opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured account. In this case, the cash collateral is returned to you.

If you make on-time payments and stay below your credit limit, you can get progressively closer to a good credit score. Your payment history makes up 35% of your FICO credit score, while the amount of available credit used accounts for 30% of it. Those are the two most important factors on your way to building credit.