9 Best Credit Cards to Build Credit

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

Building credit takes the right tools, and choosing the right credit card can make the process faster and easier. The best credit cards to build credit offer simple approval requirements, responsible credit reporting, and features that help improve a credit score over time. This guide compares nine solid options, from secured cards to beginner-friendly rewards cards, so anyone can find the one that fits their needs and goals.

  • Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

    The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is designed for people who want to build or rebuild credit. It reports to all three major credit bureaus, which can help improve a credit score with responsible use.

    This card requires a refundable security deposit, which sets the credit limit. It works like a regular credit card for purchases and payments.

    Earning Structure:

    • This card does not offer rewards or cashback on purchases.

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Regular APR: 29.74% variable
    • Security deposit: $49, $99, or $200 minimum (refundable)
    • Credit limit: Equal to deposit amount or higher if eligible
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Refundable deposit starting at $49 for a $200 credit line (based on eligibility)
    • Automatic credit line review after six months
    • Reports to all three major credit bureaus
    • $0 Fraud Liability and free CreditWise monitoring

    Redemption Options:

    Not applicable, as this card does not earn rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Available to applicants with limited or poor credit history.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Does not earn rewards; initial credit limit depends on deposit amount.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It gives new credit users a way to build a positive payment history with minimal costs.

  • Discover it® Student Chrome

    The Discover it® Student Chrome is designed for students who want to start building credit while earning rewards. It offers a simple cashback program that works well for everyday spending.

    This card is aimed at those with limited credit history, making it easier for students to qualify. It also includes free access to credit monitoring tools.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter)
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will match all cash back earned at the end of the first year with no minimum spending or maximum rewards.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Regular APR: 17.24%–26.24% variable
    • Intro APR: 0% on purchases for 6 months, then variable APR
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Credit score needed: None required to apply

    Key Benefits:

    • No category activation required for bonus rewards
    • Forgiveness for the first late payment
    • Free FICO® Credit Score access
    • No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed for any amount as a statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, or at select retailers.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need a credit score between 630 and 689 (fair credit) for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Discover may have limited acceptance outside the U.S., so it’s less ideal for international travel.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The straightforward rewards, lack of fees, and no credit score requirement make it a low-barrier entry into responsible credit use.

  • Current Build Card

    The Current Build Card is a secured credit card that helps users establish or improve their credit history. It reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus, making it useful for consistent credit building.

    It works like a debit card but builds credit through responsible use. Users load funds to spend and avoid debt while still showing positive credit activity.

    Earning Structure:

    • This card does not offer rewards, points, or cash back

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: May apply
    • Security deposit: Not required
    • Network: Visa
    • Other perks: Get paid up to 2 days faster with direct deposit; earn up to 7x points at over 14,000 participating merchants; no credit check required for approval.

    Key Benefits:

    • No credit check required for approval
    • No minimum security deposit
    • Helps build credit history without the risk of debt
    • Mobile app with spending insights
    • Spending limited to the amount deposited, preventing overspending

    Redemption Options:

    Not applicable, as this card does not earn rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need a credit score between 350 and 850 (poor to excellent).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Spending is limited to the amount of the secured deposit.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It allows new credit users to build a positive history without interest charges or complex reward tracking.

  • Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

    The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® combines the flexibility of a credit card with the structure of a personal loan. It allows cardholders to pay down balances in equal monthly payments, which can help with budgeting.

    It is designed for people who want to build credit while earning a flat cash back rate. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which supports consistent credit history growth.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    You can earn a $200 bonus when you open a Rewards Checking Preferred account and make 3 debit card transactions.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Regular APR: 14.99%–29.99% APR
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Rewards rate: 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
    • Network: Visa Signature
    • Other perks: Access to Upgrade Shopping discounts, Visa Signature benefits like Roadside Dispatch and Extended Warranty Protection, contactless payments, mobile app access, and Visa’s Zero Liability Policy

    Key Benefits:

    • Simple flat-rate rewards on every purchase
    • No annual fee
    • Fixed monthly payment plans instead of revolving balances
    • Helps build credit through consistent reporting

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back is applied as a statement credit toward the balance.

    Credit Requirements:

    A credit score between 630 and 850 (fair to excellent) is recommended for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    No bonus categories or travel rewards for higher earners.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its flat cash back rate and structured payments make it easy for new cardholders to manage spending and build credit responsibly.

  • Chase Freedom Rise®

    The Chase Freedom Rise® is designed for people who are building or rebuilding credit. It offers a simple rewards program while helping cardholders establish a positive payment history.

    This card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which can help improve credit scores with responsible use. It also provides access to Chase’s online banking tools for easy account management.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1.5% cash back on all purchases
    • No rotating categories or activation required

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn a $25 statement credit after making a first purchase within the first 3 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0
    • APR: 25.99% Variable
    • Foreign Transaction Fee: Not specified
    • Minimum Credit Line: Not specified
    • Credit Limit Increase: Evaluated in as soon as 6 months
    • Rewards Expiration: None while account is open

    Key Benefits:

    • Flat-rate rewards on every purchase
    • Potential credit line increase after six months
    • Free access to Chase Credit Journey® for credit score tracking
    • No annual fee

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed with no minimum amount while the account is open.

    Credit Requirements:

    A credit score between 690 and 850 (good to excellent) is recommended for approval, though applicants with no credit history may also qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Applicants with poor credit may not qualify, and having a Chase deposit account can improve approval odds.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides rewards on every purchase, a pathway to a higher limit, and tools for credit monitoring without charging an annual fee.

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card

    The Discover it® Secured Credit Card helps people build or rebuild credit while earning rewards. It requires a refundable security deposit, which sets the credit limit.

    This card reports to all three major credit bureaus, making it useful for establishing a positive payment history. It also offers cash back rewards, which is uncommon for many secured cards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter)
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    You can earn unlimited Cashback Match at the end of your first year, where Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0
    • Security Deposit: $200 minimum (refundable)
    • Credit Limit: Equal to deposit amount
    • APR: 27.24% Variable
    • Foreign Transaction Fee: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Rewards program uncommon for secured cards
    • Free FICO® Credit Score access
    • Automatic account reviews starting at 7 months for potential upgrade to unsecured card
    • Dark Web monitoring for your Social Security number

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, or at select retailers.

    Credit Requirements:

    A credit score between 300 and 629 (poor) is recommended, but applicants with no credit history may also qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The minimum deposit requirement of $200 may be higher than some competitors, and credit limit is tied to deposit amount.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It combines accessible approval, a path to an unsecured card, and cash back rewards, making it appealing for those new to credit.

  • OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card

    The OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is designed for people who want to build or rebuild their credit history. It does not require a credit check, which makes it accessible to applicants with limited or damaged credit.

    This card reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping responsible users improve their credit score over time. It requires a refundable security deposit to open the account.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0
    • APR: 28.99% Variable
    • Security Deposit: Minimum $300 (refundable)
    • Credit Reporting: Reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No credit check required for approval
    • High approval rate for applicants with poor or no credit history
    • Flexible funding and payment options
    • Access to free FICO® score through the mobile app

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits.

    Credit Requirements:

    A credit score between 300 and 850 (poor to excellent) is accepted, with no credit check required for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The minimum deposit requirement is higher than some competitors, and the high APR makes carrying a balance costly.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides easy access to credit building without a credit check, making it ideal for those starting from scratch or repairing poor credit.

  • Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

    The Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is designed for people who want to build or improve their credit history. It works by using money the cardholder moves into a secured account as their spending limit.

    It reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus, helping users establish a positive payment record. The card has no interest charges since it requires a security deposit before spending.

    Earning Structure:

    • This card does not offer rewards, points, or cashback.

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0
    • APR: None
    • Security Deposit: Required; amount set by funds added to secured account
    • Reporting: Reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
    • Interest Rate: No APR (spending limited to deposited funds)

    Key Benefits:

    • No credit check required for approval
    • No interest charges or annual fees
    • Flexible spending limit based on deposited funds
    • Automatic payment option through Safer Credit Building
    • 24/7 customer support

    Redemption Options:

    Not applicable, as the card does not earn rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    A credit score between 300 and 669 (poor to fair) is accepted, with no credit check required.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The spending limit depends on the amount of money deposited, which may be too low for some users.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It allows people with no credit or poor credit to start building a history without the risk of debt from interest charges.

  • Grow Credit Mastercard

    The Grow Credit Mastercard helps people build credit by reporting monthly payments to the major credit bureaus. It links to a bank account and uses a subscription-based spending limit.

    It is designed for those with limited or no credit history. The card focuses on small recurring charges, such as streaming services, to help establish consistent payment history.

    Earning Structure:

    • This card does not offer rewards, points, or cashback.
    • Its main value is credit building through on-time payments.

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0 (membership tiers with monthly fees available)
    • APR: None
    • Credit Reporting: Reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
    • Credit Check: Not required
    • Usability: Limited to eligible subscriptions and bill payments

    Key Benefits:

    • No hard credit check required for approval
    • No interest charges
    • Helps build credit through recurring subscriptions
    • Works with popular services like Netflix, Spotify, and select wireless carriers

    Redemption Options:

    There are no points or cashback to redeem.

    Credit Requirements:

    A credit score between 300 and 850 (poor to excellent) is accepted, with no credit check required.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Usable only for subscription services and certain bills; monthly membership fees may apply.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a controlled way to build credit without the risk of debt, using payments you already make.

Earning Structure:

  • This card does not offer rewards, points, or cashback.
  • Its main value is credit building through on-time payments.

Welcome Bonus:

This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Card Details:

  • Annual Fee: $0 (membership tiers with monthly fees available)
  • APR: None
  • Credit Reporting: Reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Credit Check: Not required
  • Usability: Limited to eligible subscriptions and bill payments

Key Benefits:

  • No hard credit check required for approval
  • No interest charges
  • Helps build credit through recurring subscriptions
  • Works with popular services like Netflix, Spotify, and select wireless carriers

Redemption Options:

There are no points or cashback to redeem.

Credit Requirements:

A credit score between 300 and 850 (poor to excellent) is accepted, with no credit check required.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Usable only for subscription services and certain bills; monthly membership fees may apply.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers a controlled way to build credit without the risk of debt, using payments you already make.