How to Be Eligible for a Credit Card

Eligibility for a credit card may vary depending on the type of card and the credit card company. For example, standards for department store credit cards with a $300 limit may vary greatly from eligibility guidelines for a full-featured credit card marketed to business travelers engaged in worldwide travel. However, all credit card companies share some general standards. For example, federal law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from receiving a credit card unless a parent, guardian or spouse co-signs, or the person under 21 shows has sufficient income to cover monthly payments.

Instructions

1

Get a job or develop income in some other way. It doesn't matter if you are 18 or 65 -- card companies want to know you have enough money coming in to pay your credit card bill. An applicant for a credit card at age 65 may rely on Social Security income and other retirement payments to qualify for an account. A young person just out of high school may rely on part-time earnings from a job in the mall. Increase your chances for approval on a card by working in the same job for more than a year before applying.

2

Establish a permanent place of residence. Credit card companies prefer issuing cards to people who show signs of stability, such as living in the same home or apartment for more than a year.

3

Fix mistakes or problems on your credit report. If you have recently defaulted on a student loan you may have to resolve that before receiving a new credit card. Review your credit report by ordering a free copy from AnnualCreditReport.com. The site has the endorsement of the Federal Trade Commission to offer free credit reports.