How do I build credit with no credit history?

Start with one of: a secured card (Capital One Quicksilver Secured, Discover It Secured), Petal 2 (cash-flow underwriting), or becoming an authorized user on a parent or partner's well-managed card. Pay in full, every cycle. Wait 6 months and apply for one more card.

Three credit-building paths: (1) secured card with a $200 deposit — refundable on graduation, reports to all 3 bureaus; (2) Petal 2's cash-flow underwriting can approve no-credit applicants without a deposit; (3) authorized user status on a family member's old, well-managed card inherits that history into your file. Path 1 or 2 builds a personal credit identity faster than path 3, which is supplementary.

Reviewed by the ClearValue Editorial Team · Last updated 6/29/2026