 TITLE: How to Get a Credit Card if You Don’t Have a Credit History CONTENT: Card Options for Those Without a Credit History\n-----------------------------------------------\nA secured credit card is a good option for building credit if you don't have a credit history because the criteria for opening an account are less strict than with a standard unsecured card. With a secured credit card, you put down a refundable deposit to guarantee your account. The amount you'll be required to deposit varies based on the card issuer and credit card.\nThe deposit reduces the card issuer's risk, because they can use your deposit to cover what you owe if you default on the account. If you manage the card responsibly by making your payments on time each month and keeping the balance low, you may build a credit history that will eventually qualify you for an unsecured card and a higher credit line.\nDepending on the secured card you choose, your deposit may serve as your credit line. For example, if your deposit is $350, that's how much credit you'll have available. Once the account is open, you can make purchases, pay down the credit line and repeat the cycle just as you would with any credit card.\nSecured credit card issuers offer varying credit lines, may or may not charge an annual fee and other fees, and may or may not report to all three credit bureaus. That's why it's important to research several cards before submitting an application.\nHere are a few secured credit cards that report to all three credit bureaus and can help you build your credit:\n*   **The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card**: This secured card offers two major perks to people with little financial and credit history: It doesn't require a credit check and doesn't even require you to have a bank account. The The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card allows you to set your own credit line based on your deposit, though there is a $200 minimum. The annual fee is on the lower end, at $35 per year.\n*   **Secured Mastercard® from Capital One**: The refundable security deposit for the Secured Mastercard® from Capital One starts at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line. You may be eligible for a credit line increase with no additional deposit in as little as six months based on your account activity.\nIf you're not sure which secured card to choose, Experian CreditMatch™ can give you recommendations to help you get started with building your credit history. END