Can I Get A Credit Card Without A Job?

Maybe—but it’s not guaranteed, and it’s not always the smartest move.

Credit card issuers care less about whether you have a job and more about whether you have a way to repay what you borrow.

That can include:

• Employment income

• Government benefits

• A partner or household income

• Investments or other steady sources of money

If you have no income at all, many lenders will either decline you or give you a very low limit, and taking on new debt in that situation can be risky.

KOHO Essential Can Be a Better Option

If you’re between jobs or your income is unstable, the priority is usually to avoid digging deeper into debt while you get back on your feet.

With KOHO Essential Plan:

• It has a low monthly plan fee that can be waived when you set up direct deposit or add +$1,000.

• Use a prepaid Mastercard® for groceries, bills, subscriptions, and travel.

• Grow your savings with a 2% interest savings rate on your entire balance.

• Earn 1% cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation.

• You can add Credit Building for $10/month, it's an affordable way to build your credit history.

• Enjoy unlimited transactions and free e-transfers (never worry about fees when sending money to someone again).

When You Might Still Qualify for a Credit Card

You could still be approved in some situations, even without a traditional job, if you:

• Have other regular income (pension, benefits, support payments, etc.)

• Are a student applying for a student card with some support/income

• Apply with a co-signer or rely on household income, depending on the issuer’s rules

But even if you can get a card, ask yourself:

“If I lose this income or it drops, can I still pay everything off every month?”

If the honest answer is “not really,” it might be safer to wait.

A Safer Route If You’re Between Jobs

A practical path looks like this:

1. Use KOHO Essential as your everyday card so you’re not adding new credit card debt.

2. Build a small buffer or emergency fund.

3. Once your income is stable, consider a small, manageable credit product (like a low-limit or secured card) if you truly need it.

4. Layer on Credit Building through KOHO when you’re ready to improve your history more intentionally.

That way, you’re not saying “no” to credit forever—you’re just not rushing into it at the worst possible time.