How do I get my first credit card with no credit history?

With no history, your best entry points are a secured card, a student card if you're in school, or a starter card designed for thin files. A secured card requires a refundable deposit (often $200–$500) that becomes your credit limit, and because it reports to the bureaus like any card, it builds history fast. Becoming an authorized user on a trusted family member's old, well-managed card is another quick way to piggyback on their history. Once approved, the recipe is simple: charge a small recurring expense, pay it in full every month, and keep the reported balance low. After six to twelve months of clean use, you can usually upgrade to an unsecured card and get your deposit back. Don't apply for several cards at once hoping one sticks — too many applications hurt. Start with one and be patient.