Can You Apply For A Credit Card Without A Job
Yes, you can definitely apply for a credit card without a job but youll usually need to have a source of income from somewhere else. Credit card issuers simply want to ensure you have the means to pay back any balance accrued on your card. So as long as you can prove that you have access to enough money to pay your card balance, you should be eligible to apply for cards.
What Do You Need The Credit Card For
Whether getting a credit card is right for you could also depend on what you need it for. If you need it for an essential purchase, like a boiler repair, a credit card may be a good short-term option. If youre looking to make a non-essential purchase, then consider whether the pros outweigh the cons.
If you are coming into money very soon , it may be a viable option. But be careful and consider the fact that your circumstances may change.
If you need the credit card to top up your income in the long run, then its unlikely that youll be able to afford the monthly repayments and you could quickly spiral into debt.
Why You Shouldnt Rule Out Secured Cards With A Credit Check
Before you apply for a secured credit card with no credit check, make sure you actually need it. Even secured cards that require a credit check are pretty easy to get. Theyre meant for people with bad credit, and the refundable security deposit you place reduces the risk for issuers.
Individual issuers may have specific requirements that rule some people out. For example, you cant get most secured cards with a non-discharged bankruptcy on your credit report. But there are plenty of other cards whose main requirement is that you have enough money to fund the security deposit. And while they may do a credit check, most applicants should still get approved.
The hard inquiry that comes with a credit check shouldnt be too big of a deal, either, if you end up opening an account. The score damage will be temporary. And you wont be able to qualify for any worthwhile loans until you improve your score anyway. So if you dont need the best possible score right now, taking a short-term hit to achieve long-term gains is the way to go.
Finally, if youre nervous about getting rejected, you can check for pre-approval before applying. Pre-approval doesnt mean youre guaranteed an account. But it is a sign that your odds of approval are extremely high. If after all that youre not confident in your ability to get approved, you can always go for a secured credit card with no credit check.
Can you get a credit card without a job?
Read Also: Applying For Unemployment In Tn
Become An Authorized User On Someones Credit Card
A friend or family member can make you an on their account. Youll get a card with your name on it thats linked to their account. They will be responsible for making the payments. You can work out an agreement with them to decide on a spending limit and payment plan. Stick to the plan to avoid hurting the primary cardholders credit score. You’re now tied to their credit score, so it could affect you, too. Some card issuers report an authorized user’s credit activity to credit bureaus.
» MORE:
Bogdan Roberts Credit Cards Moderator
The best credit cards for unemployed people are secured credit cards like Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card or Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. You dont need a job to get a credit card, but credit card companies are required to make sure you have enough income to pay your monthly bills. And most peoples incomes take a big hit when unemployed. So it makes sense to go for secured cards, since they offer the easiest approval of all credit cards.
Its important to note, though, that if youre receiving any kind of unemployment pay, you can report that as income on your credit card application. The same goes for money that comes from other non-job sources, like gifts, trust fund distributions and scholarships/grants. If youve built up good credit and still have a reliable source of income without a job, you can apply for a cash back credit card like Citi Double Cash Card.
Read Also: How To Apply For Unemployment In Tennessee
A Job Is Not A Prerequisite For A Credit Card
The good news is that most credit card applications typically will only ask for general information about your employment, this means youll have to choose from titles like student, homemaker, government worker, self-employed or unemployed. There will probably be a section that asks for your employers information but most will allow you to leave it blank if you do in fact have no employer. You may get lucky and your application wont require any information about your employer at all. Keep in mind though that you are legally required to be honest and fill in the application with all the correct information.
Can I Apply For An Unemployed Credit Card
Can I apply for an unemployed credit card? You certainly can. A job is not required for credit card approval, but you must have enough monthly income to cover your request for a credit limit. Numerous credit card options are available for unemployed people during this difficult time. Hanfincal provides you with the requirements and credit card options that facilitate applying for one.
Table of content
Also Check: Qualifications For Unemployment In Tn
Get A Credit Card With Someone Else
Another option for getting a credit card without a job is to get a credit card with another person either as an or as a joint account holder. As an authorized user, you have the right to use the credit card, but without the legal responsibility to pay. Your income and credit history are not considered when youre added as an authorized user.
Being a joint account holder gives you both the rights and responsibilities of using the credit card. When you apply jointly, your income and credit history are considered alongside that of the other applicant. However, if the other applicant has enough income, you can be approved for the credit card even if you dont personally have a job.
Should I Consider Bankruptcy If I Cant Pay My Credit Card Bills
If your unemployment persists and you are not able to pay your bills, bankruptcy may be a viable option for you. Bankruptcy is a serious step that can cause long-term damage to your credit. Before filing a petition for bankruptcy protection under Chapters 7 or 13, make sure you understand the consequences. Bankruptcy might relieve your immediate financial pain and might be the only viable option, but approach it cautiously.
Seeing a nonprofit credit-counseling firm like InCharge should prove very helpful in creating a plan to deal with disrupted finances. can help you design an emergency budget that helps you allocate your money to cover expenses. You will need to rank priorities and pay essential expenses first. If you had credit card debt before you lost your job, a counselor might recommend a debt management plan that consolidates debt into a single monthly payment. The plan will allow you to pay off debt in three to five years.
Recommended Reading: File For Unemployment Pennsylvania
Learn How Income And Employment Are Considered When You Apply For A Credit Card
If youâre not currently working, you might be wondering whether you can get a credit card. The short answer is, while you may not have to be employed, you do need to show you can cover your bills. So you may want to be cautious if you currently have limited income. Without a reliable source of cash, you could be at risk of missing payments and running up a high balanceâboth of which could impact your credit.
This article will help you understand what counts as income and ways you can find a credit card thatâs right for you.
What Qualifies As Income
Getting a credit card if youre unemployed is possible because most credit card companies care about income, not employment status. And many sources of income are acceptable in your credit card application. Basically, the law says that as long as you have a “reasonable expectation of access” to funds, they can be counted as income by the credit card company.
An important factor to note is that what qualifies as income varies depending on your age. If you’re under 21, only your personal employment income, scholarships, and grants usually qualify. If you’re over 21, the list is much longer and typically includes:
- Regular employment income
- Investment and/or retirement fund disbursals
- Allowances and/or gifts
- Workers’ compensation
- Military allowances
Funds gained from other types of debt, like debt consolidation loans, don’t count as income. If you find a credit card for unemployed applicants and are unsure if an income source counts, contact the issuer to verify. Never lie about your income on a credit card application.
Recommended Reading: Uia1020
What Happens If You Cannot Pay Credit Cards
Paying your credit card bills on time may lead to additional late fees, lower interest rates, and credit rating damage. Several options could be used by the collector, including garnishing wages if you fail to pay, freezing your card, pursuing collection agencies, and selling the debt to collection.
Enroll In Creditor Hardship Programs
are an option. Though credit card issuers dont advertise these, some companies are willing to lower your required minimum monthly payment if they think it will stop you from defaulting.
Be aware that entering a hardship agreement probably will be entered in your credit history and likely will lower your credit score. Seeking this kind of relief is typically a last resort, but worth considering if you cant afford minimum payment.
Mortgage lenders and auto lenders often have hardship programs as well. You can sometimes learn about which lenders offer hardship programs through online research.
Finally, if you have a student loan, contact the servicer to see if you can temporarily suspend payments.
Also Check: Tn Unemployment Qualifications
Communicate With Your Creditors
If you realize you might not be able to make the minimum payment on your credit card, call your issuer. The sooner you do this, the better. Many issuers offer hardship programs to those facing short-term money challenges say, because of a natural disaster, family emergency or a pay cut. But if you wait until your account is already in default, you could limit what types of relief you’re eligible for.
If you’re affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to mention it when you contact your issuer about a hardship program. It could help you qualify for accommodations and protect your credit, albeit in a limited way.
From Jan. 31, 2020, until 120 days after the end of the national state of emergency, if you are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and qualify for an accommodation, the issuer must report your payments as current as long as you live up to your side of the accommodation and your account was current previously. However, if the account was already delinquent, it will continue to be reported that way during your accommodation unless you bring it current.
Everything You Should Know When Applying For A Credit Card Online
You can typically apply for a credit card online in a few simple steps, but it’s important to get the facts about what is included in an online card application. To make the process easier, gather all the information you need before you get started.
- Who can apply online for a credit card
- What you need to submit a credit card application
- How to apply for a credit card online
- How credit card applications affect your credit
- Getting started: apply for a credit card online
Recommended Reading: Tennessee Unemployment Qualifications
Can I Get A Credit Card If I’m On Benefits
Being on benefits can be very challenging, and it can make it much harder for you to get credit. Try not to worry though, because receiving benefits doesnt necessarily mean you cant get a credit card.
With Vanquis, we have special credit cards you can apply for if youre on benefits. You can use our simple credit card Eligibility Checker to check online in just 60 seconds. Youll get an instant decision on your eligibility, with no trace of a search left on your credit file.
- If youre looking for a credit card while on benefits, many lenders will look at your credit file and consider whether you can afford to pay back what you borrow on the card.
- This means your application might be accepted if you can show that you can afford the repayments, even if youre on benefits.
Build or rebuild your credit with a Vanquis Credit Card
Check your eligibility with our quick and simple 4 step application and find the right card for you.
- Vanquis Chrome Card – 29.5% APR
- Vanquis Classic Card – 39.9% APR
- Vanquis Origin Card – 59.9% APR
How To Get A Credit Card Without A Job
To recap: You can find a credit card for unemployed applicants, but you generally still need an income to qualify. There are many qualifying income sources you can include, such as unemployment or Social Security payments. Getting a cosigner or becoming an authorized user may also be an option to get a credit card for unemployed consumers. Secured credit cards are another good choice for those struggling with bad credit.
Also Check: Uc Ticket Number
Get A Debit Card That Comes With Credit Card Perks
The Aspiration Spend & Save account offers the chance to earn cash back when you use your debit card, as well as an annual percentage yield of up to 1% .
With Aspiration Spend, you can receive up to 10% cash back when you use your debit card to pay with select merchants that belong to the banks Conscience Coalition. Examples of retailers in the coalition include Toms, Warby Parker, Blue Apron, Arcadia, Inc., and more.
Other valuable features of an Aspiration Spend & Save account include:
- You get unlimited fee-free ATM withdrawals at more than 55,000 ATMs.
- Your deposits arent used to fund fossil fuel exploration or production.
- You can opt to plant a tree every time you swipe your debit card.
- You can manage your account from the Aspiration mobile app, which is available for iOS and Android.
- Your first set of paper checks is free.
Whats more, if you open a Spend & Save account and make $1,000 in purchases with your debit card in the first 60 calendar days after opening, youll receive a $100 cash bonus. to make sure you qualify for the bonus offer.
- Earn cash back rewards – up to 10% – when you spend with your debit card
- Get $150 bonus when you spend $1000 in the first 60 days
- Up to 5.00% APY interest
- Unlimited fee-free withdrawals at 55,000+ ATMs
- Deposits are FDIC insured
Getting A Credit Card With A Co
You can also get a credit card with a cosigner from certain credit card companies, though it’s rare. A cosigner can supplement your application with their own credit and income. Thats because all credit cards require applicants to have an income to prove they can make payments. A cosigner promises to pay back the credit card balance if you cannot, so their credit and income matter much more on the application.
What are the best credit cards for unemployed people?
The best credit cards for unemployed people are secured credit cards like Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card or Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. You dont need a job to get a credit card, but credit card companies are required to make sure you have enough income to pay your monthly bills. And most peoples incomes take a big hit when unemployed. So it makes sense to go for secured cards, since they offer the easiest approval of all credit cards.read full answer
Its important to note, though, that if youre receiving any kind of unemployment pay, you can report that as income on your credit card application. The same goes for money that comes from other non-job sources, like gifts, trust fund distributions and scholarships/grants. If youve built up good credit and still have a reliable source of income without a job, you can apply for a cash back credit card like Citi Double Cash Card.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Maximum Unemployment Benefit In Minnesota
Is It A Good Idea To Get A Credit Card If Im Unemployed
While you can find a credit card for unemployed applicants, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should apply for it. If you’re having trouble paying bills, for instance, adding on yet another bill may not be ideal.
Plus, carrying a balance on a credit card from month to month means fees stack up pretty quickly. And if you fall behind, you’re hit with late payment fees and credit score damage.
On the other hand, sometimes credit cards can help without adding to the problem. For example, if your non-employment income only comes in once a month, but you need to make purchases in the meantime, a credit card for unemployed consumers could be useful.
The important thing is to make sure you can pay off the balance before the due date every month. If you’re unsure whether you’ll keep up with credit card payments, a card may not be a good decision. Only you can decide whether or not it’s a good idea for you to get a credit card without income.
