Here's How to Get a Credit Card Without a Credit Check

A credit check is usually a standard part of getting a credit card, but there are a few ways around it.

When you apply for a credit card, the card issuer normally runs a credit check on you. That means it pulls and reviews your credit report. After all, a credit card is a way for you to borrow money and pay it back later. Before a card issuer agrees to that, it will want to see how you've used credit in the past.

But what if you want to get a credit card without a credit check? If you know you have some negative marks on your credit file, or you don't have any credit history yet, you may want to try to avoid that pesky credit check entirely. While there aren't that many ways to do this, you have a few potential options here.

Apply for a credit card that doesn't require a credit check

Although most credit card companies run credit checks on applicants, there are exceptions. Here are some credit cards that don't require a credit check:

• OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
• Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
• GO2bank™ Secured Visa® Credit Card
• Tomo Card

Most of these work a bit differently than other credit cards. The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is the most similar to traditional credit cards. It requires a security deposit and charges an annual fee, so it's not the cheapest option, but it's easy to get since it doesn't involve a credit check.

The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card requires you have a bank account with Chime. The GO2bank™ Secured Visa® Credit Card works the same way and requires a bank account with GO2bank. Each bank also requires that you meet small direct deposit requirements to get approved for their respective cards.

The Tomo Card is unique in that it doesn't let you carry a balance from month to month. You're required to pay in full, and if you don't, your card is frozen until you do. This is different from how credit cards work, but it can actually be helpful when building credit, since it keeps you out of credit card debt.

Be an authorized user on another person's credit card

Another way to get a credit card without a credit check is as an authorized user. This is when someone else adds you to their credit card account. As an authorized user, you get your own card tied to the account in your name.

Being an authorized user can help your credit score. All the activity on the credit card account will be reported on your credit file. For example, if the primary cardholder pays the bill on time, that on-time payment goes on both their credit file and your own.

To get a credit card this way, you'll need to know someone who's willing to add you to their credit card. That will probably need to be someone you're close to, such as a family member or a very good friend. Most people are hesitant to add others to their credit cards, and rightfully so.

The primary cardholder takes on significant risk by adding an authorized user. They're essentially agreeing to share their credit card account, and they're fully responsible for all charges the authorized user makes. If someone agrees to add you as an authorized user, they're putting a lot of trust in you. Make sure to pay them back for any purchases you make. Or, don't use the card at all. Even when you don't use your card as an authorized user, activity on the account can still help your credit score.

Don't rule out credit cards with a credit check

If you absolutely don't want to go through a credit check, apply for a card that doesn't require one, or ask someone you know to add you as an authorized user.

However, keep in mind that you may be able to qualify for some credit cards that have a credit check. Even if you have a low credit score, there are plenty of credit cards for bad credit available. Card issuers are flexible about the consumers they approve for these. If you don't have anything on your credit history yet, there are also lots of good starter credit cards worth exploring.

A credit check might not be as big a deal as you think. Explore all your options first to find the best card that fits your situation.