Can I Get Credit Cards With No Deposit?
6 Min Read | Published: March 28, 2025
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
Discover how to get credit cards with no deposit, including options for unsecured cards. See alternatives to consider as well as tips for building credit.
At-A-Glance
- Unsecured credit cards require no deposit and may offer you higher spending limits and rewards if you already have solid credit.
- Pick a card that fits your goals, whether it’s a traditional credit card, a student card, or a secured card that doesn’t require a deposit. You can also become an authorized user to start building credit.
- Paying on time and keeping your credit utilization ratio low are healthy credit habits that could benefit your credit score.
What Are Credit Cards With No Deposit?
Getting approved for a secured credit card may require a deposit that also acts as your credit limit or the maximum you can borrow. Unsecured cards, on the other hand, are more common and may offer a higher credit limit. Here are some of the other differences between secured and no-deposit credit cards:
- Credit History
People approved to use credit cards with no deposit may have an eligible credit history, while a secured credit card may be more appropriate for applicants who have little or no credit history. - Rewards
Unsecured credit cards may include travel miles, cash back on certain purchases, points, or other rewards. Secured cards may not offer these benefits, although you may be able to work your way toward a higher credit limit if you pay monthly balances consistently. - Deposit Refund
Unsecured cards have no deposit to refund, but secured cards issuers may refund your deposit when you close the account with a $0 balance.
How to Choose a Credit Card With No Deposit
Before applying, check out the different types of no-deposit cards:
- Traditional Credit Cards
Unsecured credit cards can include traditional credit cards as well. These cards can take a variety of different forms including cash back cards, rewards cards, and more. Some traditional cards partner with certain airlines or hotel chains to enable you to earn specific rewards. - Student Cards
Student credit cards are best suited for students with limited credit history or alternative income sources like scholarships. They may offer minimal fees and rewards like cash back on groceries, gas, or streaming services. - Becoming an Authorized User
Another alternative is the authorized-user approach, where a trusted friend or family member with established credit adds you as a user to their card account. This allows you access to a credit line and can be a way to get started if you’re looking to build credit.
When applying for a credit card with no deposit, choose a card that aligns with your lifestyle and goals to maximize the rewards.
Can You Get a No-Deposit Credit Card Instantly to Use Immediately?
Upon approval, some issuers may offer credit cards with instant approval. With an instant credit card, once you’ve been approved for a credit card, and are waiting for your card to arrive in the mail, you may be able to receive an instant card number and spend right away through your virtual wallet.
Tips for Qualifying for No Deposit Credit Cards
Here are some tips to help improve both your credit score and your credit report:
- Don’t Apply for Too Many Credit Cards at Once
Credit card applications may trigger hard inquiries, where issuers check your credit report. Too many hard inquiries may lower your score and raise flags. - Pay Your Bills on Time
Staying disciplined with on-time payments shows your reliability and strengthens your credit score. - Keep Your Credit Utilization Ratio Low
Try to practice moderation when spending and keep your credit utilization ratio low. This is the portion of your credit limit that you’re using on your revolving credit accounts. - Check Your Credit Report Regularly
Review your credit report to catch and dispute any errors or signs of fraud that may lower your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Minimum credit score requirements vary, depending on the card issuer and the card in question. Practicing good credit habits could help you to build your credit over time.
Credit card requirements vary, but you may need to provide your Social Security number, address, phone number, employment status, and other personal financial information on the application. You may need to meet minimum credit score requirements as well, which may vary, depending on the credit card issuer.
The easiest card to get approved for depends on where you are at in your credit journey. Higher scores can help the approval process. If your credit score is lower or your credit history is short, secured or student cards may be more accessible.
The Takeaway
Unsecured credit cards may require no deposit and may offer higher credit limits and better rewards as well. But for those who are working to build credit, other options such as secured credit cards or becoming an authorized user, could be more accessible.
Liv Gillespie is a Philadelphia-based writer with a double M.A. in English Linguistics & Literature and Secondary Education. Her work focuses on personal finance.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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