
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated
Given the importance of credit for life’s big purchases, it’s always a good idea to carry plastic. If you don’t have a job, however, don’t worry – being unemployed shouldn’t get in the way of you acquiring a credit card.
With that said, qualifying for a credit card could prove a little trickier without a job. Here are a few things you should know if you don’t have a job and are trying to get a credit card.
Some card issuers won’t ask for employment details in the application form, while others will. In either case, issuers want to know how likely you are to make payments on your card. Some information that can help supply this includes:
Issuers look at your income on your credit card application, but that’s only part of the equation. Your debt-to-income ratio is what matters most to an issuer. This ratio tells the issuer how much of your income is currently invalidated by your outstanding debt. So even if you make $4,000 a month, the issuer is going to look at how much of that money goes to debt before deciding to approve your application.
Here are a few examples of the kinds of income an issuer will consider when you apply for a credit card. These forms of income are only considered if you have “reasonable access” to them:
Even without a job, if you have a solid income you could still get a decent credit card. But if you have limited or no accessible income, here are a few options for gaining credit card access:
Getting a credit card without a job may seem impossible, but you have several options at hand, including being an authorized user, applying for a joint account, applying with someone else’s income or applying for a secured card or a student card.
Whichever path you choose, it’s important that you compare your credit card options to find the right card for your situation.
You need to be a member to access this credit union’s high interest rate options.
Loans of up to $50,000 available from this well-established lender.
Ways to protect your assets and what you need to know about marital debt.
There are three Chase Mastercard credit cards, but all three are excellent options for frequent travelers.
Get the financial help you need as you search for a new job.
Learn how this online crowdfunding investing platform lets you invest in small businesses throughout the country.
Equifax launched a new product that lets you volunteer your bank account information when you apply for a loan. Here’s how you could benefit.
Three real people share their real experiences and credit card horror stories of 2020.
Pause repayments, look for low-cost relief to cover expenses and other tips to keep your finances healthy while unemployed.
Step banking accounts help teens learn to manage their money while building their credit scores.