Applying for a Credit Card? You'll Need This First

Credit cards are pretty popular with Americans -- a survey by Motley Fool Money found that 80% of us have at least one, and 13% have four or more. But even the biggest credit card fan had to start from zero. If you're hoping to apply for one of the best credit cards out there, you'll need an established credit history showing you're a responsible borrower.

Let's take a closer look at why, and see a few card options for young folks just getting started with credit or those who've struggled with credit in the past.

How risky are you as a borrower?

Why is your credit history important for getting approved for a credit card? In short: Credit card issuers need to assess the risk of lending to you. When you get a credit card, the issuer essentially loans you a pool of money (your credit limit) you can use and are expected to pay back.

Your credit score indicates how likely you are to pay the money back on time and in full. If your credit score is Good or better (FICO® Scores are considered Good if they're in the range of 670 to 739), the card issuer can feel pretty confident that you've demonstrated good credit behavior in the past. If your score is Fair or below (Fair is 580 to 669), you're less likely to qualify for the best card options out there.

Your credit score isn't the only factor considered -- your income, housing costs, and employment situation matter, too. But at a base level, having a credit history and a resulting credit score is pretty darn important if you're applying for a credit card.

No credit? These cards can still be an option

By now, you might be wondering how to build the credit history you need to access one of the best credit cards. Luckily, there are credit card options for you to start with.

Student credit cards

If you're a college student, you're at a pretty ideal age to start building credit with a credit card. And good news -- there are options geared toward your needs specifically.

Student credit cards come with looser credit requirements, smaller credit limits, and sometimes rewards programs that match typical student spending, like cash back for dining out. As you use the card and pay it off, ideally on time and in full every month, you'll build a credit history that will make future borrowing (such as for a car or a home) easier and cheaper.

We've rounded up the best student credit cards -- click here to find options from major issuers like Discover, Capital One, and more.

Note that you'll need an income source to open a student card -- but this doesn't mean you need to be holding down a full-time job alongside your studies. Income from a part-time job, an allowance from your family, or even grant or scholarship money qualifies.

Secured credit cards

Not a college student? That's OK! You can build a credit history (or rebuild it, if you've struggled in the past) with a secured credit card.

These cards work by requiring you to put down a security deposit when you open the account, which becomes your credit limit. Deposit $500 and you can spend up to that limit, pay it off, and spend again.

Ready to explore secured credit cards? Check out our top picks for secured cards and decide which is the best fit for you.

Keep in mind that the more exemplary your behavior with a secured card, the more your credit score will grow over time. Make every payment on time, and ideally pay off your charges every month.

And no matter the credit limit, it's worth keeping your usage of it under 30% for the most positive impact on your credit score. Credit utilization is responsible for 30% of your FICO® Score -- it's the second-largest piece of the puzzle.

The best secured credit cards come with the possibility of "graduating" to an unsecured card after a period of responsible usage, meaning you'll get your security deposit back and get a new credit limit that's based on your income and merits as a borrower.

Don't give up hope -- there's a card out there for you

You might need a credit history to get a traditional unsecured credit card of any kind -- and especially to get high-end travel rewards or other luxury cards. But even if your credit history is nonexistent or needs to be rebuilt from the ground up, you've got options. Consider student or secured cards and start creating a credit profile that will save you money in the future.