By Rick
People entering the credit scene for the first time often wonder “do you need a job to get a credit card?” and the simple answer is that being employed makes it easier. There are a few ways to secure a credit card without a job but the card you’ll receive may come with a few conditions. Most lenders need to know you have the ability to pay back any credit they issue you though the card and if you can’t prove that you have a steady income, it may be enough for them to deny you a card. Even still, there are a few things you can do to secure a credit card without having a job.
Check with your bank first
Your local bank is a great place to answer the question “do you need a job to get a credit card?” If you have been banking with them regularly and have a checking or savings account, this history may be enough for them to offer you a credit card with a small limit. Banks are always looking for ways to expand their relationship with their customers and it’s an easy question to ask when you start your search for a card. Be sure to take the time to visit the local branch you use for your normal banking and sit down with a customer service representative to have the conversation. You might think a phone call is easier but taking the time and effort to actually visit the branch will improve your chances of securing a card.
Find a co-signer for the card
If you have been denied credit for not having full time employment, many lenders will issue you a card as long as you have someone else co-sign for the account. This is a big favor to ask someone since they will be jointly responsible for any debt you incur with the card. This should be someone you trust and know well since they are essentially providing a backup source of income for your card. In many cases this is how people new to the credit pool apply for a card and allows them to establish credit by using the card over time to apply to build a credit history. You can make this a temporary arrangement as well and cancel the card once you’ve established your credit history enough to qualify on your own. In fact, it’s always a good idea to come to an agreement with your co-signer about how long you’ll keep the card before actually applying. This way you both clearly understand the arrangement to avoid problems later on.
Consider a secure card
One final option for people looking for an answer to the question “do you need a job to get a credit card?” is a secured card. This type of credit card allows you to use it like a regular card but also requires you to deposit money into an account to cover any of the charges you make with the card. It operates very similar to a debit card but is accepted by merchants as if it were a credit card. Even though you technically don’t have any credit extended to you with this type of card, using it regularly will help you establish a credit history that you’ll need to have to apply for other more conventional cards in the future.
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