What is no credit score equal to?
Emma Miller
Updated on January 30, 2026
There’s no such thing as a zero score. Having “no score” simply means you don’t have any number tied to your credit profile. You can be absent from the scoring model if you’ve never had a credit card or loan, or if you haven’t used credit in a long time.
Does no credit mean bad credit?
No credit means you don’t have any credit record. If you have no credit, it means creditors don’t have a good way to predict how likely you are to pay your bills as agreed. It’s not the same as bad credit, which means you have a credit history with major blemishes.
What can I do with a credit card with no history?
Typically, lenders will try to entice your business by offering extra rewards points or cashback benefits for those that spend past a threshold point. Another great reason to apply for small business credit cards with no credit history is to take advantage of the limited-time 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) offers.
Can you get a credit card if you have no credit?
Yes you can get a credit card even if you have no credit history. But lacking credit history generally limits your options, so the card you get will likely cost more and have a lower credit limit. Still, if you use it wisely that card can help you establish and grow your credit history so that, ultimately, you can qualify for a better card.
What’s the best way to establish a credit history?
If you want to establish a credit history, first check your credit report to make sure you don’t already have one. To build your credit history, consider applying for a secured credit card or a store credit card. Debit cards won’t help.
What to do if you don’t have a credit score?
You may not have a credit score, but if you have a checking account with a bank, that could help you get approved for a card. At the very least, you could qualify for a secured credit card. A secured card requires you to keep a certain amount of money on deposit, which then serves as the credit limit on your card.