Get a Credit Card Without a Job

A credit card is a very important financial tool in today's world. Some business transactions, like renting a car or booking travel, are very difficult to manage without a credit card. Most banks require proof of employment before giving out a credit card, but it is possible to obtain a credit card without having a job. Keep reading to learn how to get a credit card even if you don’t have a job.

Steps

Using Collateral to Get a Credit Card

  1. Consider a secured credit card. If you have some funds available, you might want to consider a secured credit card. With a secured credit card, you pre-pay the amount of your credit line as a security deposit for your credit line. If you fail to make your payments, this deposit will be used to cover them. This type of credit card is a good option if you are trying to rebuild your credit or if you cannot obtain a credit card any other way.[1]
  2. Find a secured credit card offer that works for you. If you are a member of a credit union, you might want to check with them first because credit unions sometimes offer better interest rates than other lenders. If you are not a member of a credit union or would like to consider some other options, you look at a list of secured credit card offers.[1]
    • Pay attention to the interest rates and annual fees as you consider secured credit cards.
    • Keep in mind that interest rates are often higher on secured credit cards because people who apply for these types of credit cards are trying to rebuild their credit.
  3. Choose an offer. Once you have found a credit card that seems like a good fit for you, complete the application. You will also need to pay the minimum security deposit that is required to obtain the credit card, so make sure that you have the funds available to make this payment when you apply.

Using Student Status to Get a Credit Card

  1. Consider applying for a student credit card. If you are currently enrolled in college and you have assets, investments, or a trust fund, you may qualify for a student credit card. Review some student credit card offers to see if there is one that seems appealing to you.
  2. Apply online or in-person at your bank. In most cases, you can apply for a student credit card online. However, some banks offer special deals on student credit cards to their current account holders. If you would rather try to get a credit card through your bank, you will need to go to your bank with identification and your Social Security Number.
    • When you arrive at the bank, ask to speak to an account representative.
    • When you meet with the account representative, say “I would like a credit card application.”
    • If the account representative asks if you have a job, say “No, but I have assets and demonstrable income.”
  3. Complete the application. Once you have found a credit card that seems like a good fit for you, complete the application. Fill in each part of the application and review it to make sure that all of the information is correct. After you have completed the application, return the form to the account representative or submit the application if you are applying for a card online.

Using Community Property to Get a Credit Card

  1. Consider applying for a credit card using community property as a source of income. If you are married and your spouse works but you do not work, some states classify your spouse’s income as community property. This means that you are entitled to the credit that your spouse’s income provides because you are a member of the household.
    • Not all states allow you to get credit using community property. Check to see if your state is one of them before attempting to get a credit card using community property.[2]
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Idaho
      • Louisiana
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Texas
      • Washington
      • Wisconsin
  2. Apply online or in-person at your bank. In most cases, you will be able to apply for the credit card from your computer. If you prefer to go to your bank and complete the application in person, make sure that you bring all of the required documentation with you.
    • When you arrive, ask to speak to an account representative.
    • When you meet with the account representative, say “I would like a credit card application.”
  3. Fill out the application. When the form asks you to list your employment, write something that best describes you like “housewife,” “Stay-at-home dad,” or “homemaker.” Then, in the section labeled “other income,” you can list your spouse’s income.
    • Keep in mind that community property credit card applications do sometimes get rejected. To reduce the chances of a rejection, consider having your spouse co-sign your application or listing only half of your spouse’s income.[3]
  4. Review and submit the application. Go back over your answers to make sure that all of the information is correct. After you have reviewed the application, return the form to the account representative.

Using a Co-Signer to Get a Credit Card

  1. Find a co-signer. Before you can begin the process of getting a credit card with the help of a cosigner, you will need to find someone who is willing to put their credit on the line for you. A parent or guardian co-signer is the best choice for young adults, but some lender will allow you to use a cosigner who is not related to you.[4]
    • Keep in mind that whoever you use as your co-signer, that person is putting their credit on the line for you. Therefore, if you fail to make your credit card payments or use your card unwisely, that person will be liable for your debts and will probably not be too happy with you.
  2. Find a credit card that suits your needs. Not all lenders will give credit cards to people who need to use a co-signer, so you will have to check the lender’s policies to see if they will even grant a line of credit to an applicant who doesn’t have a job but does have a co-signer.
    • If you are planning to use your parent or guardian as a co-signer, check with your co-signer’s bank to learn about their policy on co-signer credit cards.
  3. Complete a credit card application. This application will require information from both you and your co-signer, so you may want to fill it out together. Fill in each part of the application and review it to make sure that all of the information is correct.

Asking a Parent or Guardian to Make You an Authorized User

  1. Consider asking your parent or guardian to add you as an authorized user until you are able to get your own credit card. Many banks will provide an authorized user card to the children of their cardholders. There are usually age limitations to these types of arrangements, so check with your parent or guardian’s bank to get the details.[4]
    • Keep in mind that as an authorized user you will not be building your own credit history because you will be using your parent or guardian’s account.
  2. Ask your parent or guardian to make you an authorized user. You cannot become an authorized user of your parent or guardian’s account without his or her consent, so you will have to ask first. Before you talk to your parent or guardian, think about your reasons for wanting to be made an authorized user.
    • Try saying something like, “I was hoping we could talk about the possibility of adding me as an authorized user to your account. I think it would be a good idea because _______. What do you think?”
    • If you parent or guardian says no, you may need to consider a different method to get a credit card. But if they say no but seem open to the idea, try to continue the conversation by explaining your reasons for making this request.
  3. Complete an additional signer form. If your parent or guardian agrees to add you as an authorized user on his or her bank card, you will need to go to the bank together to complete an additional signer form. When you go to the bank, you and your co-signer will need to present valid photo identification and you will need to know your Social Security Number.
  4. Talk to an account representative. When you arrive at the bank, your parent or guardian should ask to speak with an account representative. Your parent or guardian should ask the account representative for an “additional signer form” or say, “I would like to add an additional signer on my existing account.”
    • Your parent or guardian should not say “I want to get a credit card for my child.” This could mean something different to the account representative and it might take longer to get the form that you need.
  5. Complete the additional signer form. Fill out the additional signer form and ask the account representative if you have any questions. After you are finished and you have both signed the form, return the form to the account representative.

Tips

  • Do online research to find credit cards geared towards people with a limited credit record who are attempting to establish credit. Many sites are set up to quickly search for cards geared to your specific needs and will give you details about all that's involved, including interest rates and payment plans. For anyone needing to know how to get a credit card without a job, this type of research is critical.

Warnings

  • Pay off your credit card each month if possible to avoid paying interest. Some cards charge very high interest, which kicks in on any amount not paid off monthly.
  • Beware the lure of easy credit. Using a student credit card or any type of credit irresponsibly can lead to financial disaster, a situation that can lead to bankruptcy and serious legal problems.
  • Pay attention to the fine print. Many credit cards seem like good deals until the hidden fees kick in, which can vary dramatically between companies. Some companies charge outrageous membership fees, along with monthly "maintenance" fees that can really add up.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/10-questions-before-getting-a-secured-credit-card-1.aspx
  2. ↑ http://divorce.lovetoknow.com/List_Community_Property_States
  3. ↑ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-12-02/site/sc-cons-1201-karpspend-20111202_1_card-issuers-credit-card-nessa-feddis
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/which-credit-cards-allow-co-signers.aspx
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