The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is the best credit card for a beginner because it’s an exceptional value for an entry-level card. You’ll get a $0 annual fee and earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Plus, it’s a good entry point into Chase’s popular Ultimate Rewards program.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | Regular APR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
|
Winner
|
1.5% cash back
| $25 statement credit
Earn a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account and remain enrolled for at least 90 days.
| 25.99% Variable | |
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
|
No credit
|
1% - 10% cash back
| N/A | 28.99% - 30.99% | |
Discover it® Miles
 Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Travel
|
1.5X Miles
1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases.
| Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match
Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. You could turn 35,000 Miles into 70,000 Miles.
| 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
Apply Now
on Bilt Rewards's secure site Rates & Fees |
Airline
|
1X - 5X points
| 1,000 points
Bilt cardholders can earn double points on purchases made on the first of the month (excluding Rent) up to 1,000 bonus points. You must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.
| See rates & fees |
Apply Now
on Bilt Rewards's secure site Rates & Fees |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
|
Students
|
1.5X points
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases. | 25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
| 18.24% to 28.24% Variable APR | |
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now
on The Bancorp Bank's secure site |
No credit check
|
N/A | N/A | N/A |
Apply Now
on The Bancorp Bank's secure site |
Capital One Spark Classic for Business*
|
Business
|
1% - 5% cash back
| N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | |
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Secured
|
1% - 2% cash back
| Match all cash back
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
| 27.24% Variable APR |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Fair credit
|
1.5% - 5% Cash Back
| N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | |
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
|
Low deposit
|
N/A | N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Good credit
|
1% - 8% cash back
| $200 Cash Back
$200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
| 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | |
Amazon Secured Card*
|
Store credit card
|
2% cash back
2% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
| N/A | 10.00% non-variable |
To bring you the list of credit cards for beginners, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
For credit-building cards in particular, we devote a large part of the score to features that help build credit — we want to help you locate cards that don’t cost a lot to own and provide help so you can upgrade to better card offers.
We calculate how much the average cardholder can save with the card on a yearly basis. If it’s a rewards card, we use U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and $300 in monthly spend (the typical starting credit limit for an introductory card) to calculate how much the average cardholder can earn in rewards. We then subtract fees — including annual fees and maintenance fees — from this amount.
We give points for features that help build credit, including reports to all three credit bureaus, regular account reviews for card upgrades and free credit score access. We take away points for features that can be costly to cardholders trying to build credit, such as security deposits, penalty APRs and late payment fees.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best credit card for building credit. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1.5% cash back
Rewards rate details:
The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is the top choice for beginners because it features a $0 annual fee and a great rewards rate for a starter credit card. You’ll earn a straightforward rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Additionally, you can earn a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account and remain enrolled for at least 90 days.
This card also offers the best credit-building features of any card on our list. These include automatic annual reviews to potentially upgrade to the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates & fees) and the chance to increase your credit limit after just six months of responsible use.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1% - 10% cash back
Rewards rate details:
If you’re new to credit cards and concerned about approval due to a lack of credit history, the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is an excellent option. That’s because this card doesn’t require a credit score for approval. Instead, Petal will create a CashScore based on your bill payment history to determine your approval. Additionally, the card reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build credit over time through responsible use.
This card is highly affordable to carry, as it comes with no fees. There’s a $0 annual fee, no late fees, no foreign transaction fees and no returned payment fees. Petal also offers a Leap Program, allowing you to qualify for a higher credit limit in as little as six months.
→ See all of the top credit cards for no credit.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Rewards rate: 1.5X Miles
Rewards rate details: 1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases.
If you’re looking for your first travel credit card, the Discover it® Miles is an excellent option due to its simplicity and affordability, making it one of the easiest travel cards to use. The card offers flat-rate rewards on all purchases. Plus, you’ll get an Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. You could turn 35,000 Miles into 70,000 Miles.
This card also comes with a long intro APR offer for purchases and balance transfers, which is uncommon for a travel credit card. You’ll get a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers. Then, an 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR applies.
→ See all of the top travel credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Rewards rate: 1X - 5X points
Rewards rate details:
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is an excellent choice for beginners looking for airline perks because it allows you to earn points on travel that can be transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs at a mostly 1:1 ratio. With a $0 annual fee and $0 foreign transaction fees, it’s a budget-friendly option. Beyond travel, the card also offers elevated rewards on dining. Additionally, it’s the only card that lets you earn points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points per year) with no transaction fee. Just know that you must use the card five times each statement period to earn points.
→ See all of the top airline credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1.5X points
Rewards rate details: 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is the best student credit card because of its straightforward rewards, $0 annual fee and a generous sign-up bonus that surpasses most student credit cards. This card is especially valuable for frequent travelers or students studying abroad because there is a $0 foreign transaction fee.
You’ll get simple rewards that can be redeemed as statement credits toward eligible travel and dining expenses. The card also has a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, making it a smart option for financing larger purchases or consolidating debt.
→ See all of the top student credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
No annual fees or interest,** no credit check to apply, and no minimum security deposit required*
The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card gives you the chance to get your first credit card without having to deal with a credit check. It’s a great deal for a no-credit-check card because it comes with a $0 annual fee, no interest charges** and no minimum security deposit requirements***. By making monthly on-time payments, this card can help you build credit and eventually qualify for other credit cards.
Note that this card may not fully prepare you for owning an unsecured card, since it functions differently from a traditional credit card. Instead of billing you at the end of the month, Chime uses the balance in your Credit Builder account to pay your balance as you make charges (somewhat like a debit card). If you deplete the balance in your account, you’ll need to add additional funds to make more charges.
→ See all of the top no credit check credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1% - 5% cash back
Rewards rate details:
If you’re looking for your first credit card for your business, the Capital One Spark Classic for Business is a great choice. It’s one of a handful of business credit cards available to individuals with fair credit, has a $0 annual fee and lets you earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Also, there are additional benefits for your business, including complimentary employee cards, extended warranty, roadside assistance and expense tracking tools.
→ See all of the top business credit cards for startups.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Rewards rate: 1% - 2% cash back
Rewards rate details:
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is the best secured credit card and the best credit card for bad credit because it has a $0 annual fee and earns cash back on every purchase, which is rare for a card for limited / poor credit. It also offers an easy path to graduate to an unsecured credit card. Discover conducts monthly account reviews after you’ve had the card for seven months to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.
It provides an excellent opportunity to build credit because it reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus. Additionally, there’s no penalty APR.
→ See all of the top secured credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1.5% - 5% Cash Back
Rewards rate details:
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top choice for beginners with limited / fair credit because it doesn’t require a deposit and it has an easy-to-manage rewards program. You’ll earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). This is pretty solid for a credit-building card, but you’ll have to pay a $39 annual fee.
If you’d rather avoid an annual fee or have a lower credit score, you can opt for the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card operates similarly but requires a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit, and comes with a $0 annual fee (see rates & fees).
→ See all of the top rewards credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get at least a $200 initial credit line.
Although the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card requires a security deposit, it ranges from $49 to $200, to get a credit limit of at least $200. This is a great choice if you want to build your credit but don’t want to tie up too much into a security deposit. However, you’ll need to be approved first to determine your minimum deposit.
This card also reports to the three major credit bureaus, which can help you establish credit and work toward qualifying for an unsecured card. Additionally, it offers a path to a higher credit limit in as little as six months without requiring an additional deposit.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1% - 8% cash back
Rewards rate details:
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is the top credit card for beginners with good / excellent credit because it’s the best cash back credit card you can find with a $0 annual fee. The card offers excellent rewards on categories like grocery stores, dining, entertainment, streaming services and travel. Plus, you can earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
→ See all of the top cash back credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 2% cash back
Rewards rate details: 2% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
If you’re an Amazon enthusiast, the Amazon Secured Card might be the perfect beginner card for you. It offers 2% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. The card is available to those with limited / poor credit and requires a low minimum security deposit of $100. It also provides the chance to upgrade to the Amazon Prime Store Card after 12 months of responsible use. Amazon Prime members can earn 5% back at Amazon.com with the Amazon Prime Store Card.
Choosing your first credit card can feel overwhelming, but focusing on the right features can set you up for success. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a beginner credit card:
Minimal or no fees
The best beginner credit cards come with few or no fees. Fees to look out for include annual fees, foreign transaction fees, late payment fees and penalty APRs.
→ Learn more about the top credit card fees and how to avoid them.
Reports to the three major credit bureaus
Make sure the card will report your payment history to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. This ensures that your positive payment history will be visible to future creditors no matter which agency they use.
→ Learn more about how to build credit with a credit card.
Path to upgrade to a better credit card
Some issuers, like Discover, advertise a timeline to graduate to an unsecured card. This can save you from a hard inquiry that comes with applying for a new credit card. You’ll get your deposit back, and you may get better benefits with the new card.
Simple rewards structure
If you’re a beginner, choosing a straightforward rewards program can help you maximize card benefits without confusion. Look for rewards that don’t expire, have no earnings cap and are easily redeemable for things like cash back or statement credits.
Additional benefits
Some beginner credit cards offer additional perks that can add value, including credit monitoring tools, fraud protection and some travel benefits and purchase protections.
Tip: Read a card’s terms and conditions carefully before you apply. Some cards for beginners charge excessive fees. Keep an eye out for hidden details like high annual fees, monthly maintenance fees or setup fees that reduce your credit limit before you even start using the card.
→ Learn more about how credit cards work.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or have limited credit history, understanding the steps involved can help you pick the right card and set yourself up for success. Here’s what you need to know:
Checking your credit score is an important first step in determining which credit cards you’re eligible for and what terms you’ll get. You can check your credit score for free through LendingTree Spring, the credit bureau Experian or by using online credit score tools like annualcreditreport.com. You should also make sure that there aren’t any errors on your credit report and dispute any errors that you do find.
Figure out which credit card best fits your needs and financial situation. Look for cards targeted to your credit range. Also consider which type of card best fits you:
Student credit cards are a great option for college students with limited credit histories. They tend to be better than the typical cards geared for applicants with limited credit. They usually have no annual fee and don’t require a security deposit. Some, like the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, offer rewards and perks on par with cards geared toward applicants with established credit histories. Student cards report to the three major credit bureaus to help you build credit over time.
Secured credit cards are designed for those with poor or limited credit who want to build or rebuild their credit history. This type of card requires you to put down a refundable security deposit, which typically starts at around $200. However, many secured cards don’t charge an annual fee, which can save you money in the long run. Some, like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, even let you earn rewards. By demonstrating responsible credit card use, many issuers will allow you to transition to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
Business credit cards are designed for business owners who want to have a separate credit card strictly for business purchases. While many business credit cards require good to excellent credit, there are options available to beginners with limited credit scores that include rewards and additional perks.
→ Learn more about the different types of credit cards.
The next step is to fill out the application for your chosen card. It should be fairly straightforward, but having the right information on hand can boost your approval odds. Here are the steps to take:
→ Learn more about how to apply for a credit card.
Don’t panic if your credit score drops. The issuer will usually make a hard inquiry on your credit reports. This will lower your credit score by a few points and stay on your credit report for two years — however, the negative impact will lessen over time.
→ Learn more about how opening a new credit card can impact your credit score.
If you aren’t approved for a card, it’s not the end of the world. Credit card issuers are legally required to provide a reason for the denial. You can review the explanation to see if there’s an issue you need to address and call the reconsideration line to ask for your application to be reviewed again. Look for insights on how you can improve your odds the next time you apply. For example, you may need to make more on-time payments on existing accounts or pay down existing balances.
→ Learn more about how to raise your credit score quickly.
If you’re denied a credit card of your own, another option is to become an authorized user on another person’s credit card. This can help you piggyback off the positive credit history of the primary account holder, which builds your own credit history as they make on-time payments and use credit responsibly. The primary cardholder is also the only one legally responsible for repayment.
Tip: If you’re under the age of 21, it may be especially hard to obtain an unsecured card due to provisions in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009. You’ll have to show the issuer you have a steady source of income to be approved for your own card, typically from a job.
Consider a secured credit card or a credit card for teens.
Getting your first credit card is an important step to establishing credit. But you should watch out for potential red flags and common mistakes that can land you in debt:
Pay off your full balance every month
This is the best way to avoid credit card interest entirely. Carrying a balance from month to month can also potentially hurt your credit score.
Make your payments on time
If you don’t pay your bill on time, you’ll likely be charged a late payment fee, typically $30 for the first late payment and up to $41 for a second missed payment within the same six months. Also, if your payment is more than 30 days late, your credit score could take a big hit.
Use your card responsibly
This includes keeping your credit utilization ratio low, which accounts for 30% of your overall credit score. Your credit utilization ratio represents the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total available credit. As a general rule, it’s best to keep this ratio below 30%.
Don't close your credit card
Closing a credit card can negatively impact your credit score because it reduces the average age of your accounts and increases your credit utilization ratio, two major factors of your credit score. Consider keeping credit cards open and using them for a small recurring payment to ensure they remain active, rather than closing the account.
→ Learn more about how to use a credit card.
Many of the top credit card issuers offer easy-to-use credit cards specifically designed for beginners. But some issuers don’t have student credit cards or credit cards for lower credit scores like secured credit cards. For example, American Express, Chase and Wells Fargo don’t offer secured credit cards. Additionally, Chase doesn’t offer a student credit card.
| Issuer | Starter credit card | Annual Fee | Recommended Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best American Express credit card for beginners: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | $0 (see rates & fees) | Good / Excellent |
 | Best Bank of America credit card for beginners: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students | $0 | Good / Excellent |
 | Best Capital One credit card for beginners: Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 | Fair |
 | Best Chase credit cards for beginners: Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card | $0 | Good / Excellent |
 | Best Citibank credit card for beginners: Citi® Secured Mastercard® | $0 | Limited |
 | Best Discover credit card for beginners: Discover it® Secured Credit Card | $0 | Limited / Poor |
 | Best U.S. Bank credit card for beginners: U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card | $0 | Limited / Poor |
 | Best Wells Fargo credit card for beginners: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | $0 | Good / Excellent |
Understanding the terms in credit card agreements is essential to making informed decisions. Here are some of the most common credit card terms and their definitions:
A balance transfer involves moving a balance from one credit card to another. Some cards offer a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for a limited time. This allows you to put your entire monthly payment towards paying down the principal balance rather than paying interest each month.
A billing cycle is the time period between two statement closing dates on your credit card. This typically lasts about a month. At the end of a billing cycle (your statement closing date), your issuer adds all the transactions from the billing cycle to a statement along with any carryover balances to determine your statement balance. You then have to make a minimum payment on this balance — usually around three weeks later. The next billing cycle starts as soon as the previous one closes.
A cash advance allows you to borrow money against a line of credit. This gives you quick access to money, but it typically isn’t recommended because it comes with high fees and interest.
A credit limit is the maximum amount that a lender allows you to use on a credit card. For example, if you have a $5,000 credit limit, you can spend up to $5,000 before the lender will stop authorizing purchases. This number is determined when you apply for the card, but there are ways to increase your credit limit over time.
A credit utilization ratio is how much credit you’re currently using in relation to how much total credit you have available. This number is reflected as a percentage and makes up 30% of your credit score. Experts recommend that you keep this number between 1% and 30% to maintain a good credit score.
A grace period is the period between your statement closing date and your due date, typically between 21 and 25 days. If you pay your balance in full by the due date, you won’t owe interest. But if you carry a balance over to the next billing period, you’ll owe interest on the unpaid balance, and you’ll start building interest on new purchases.
A credit card minimum payment is the smallest amount you can pay each billing cycle without penalty.
A rewards rate on a credit card is the percentage of money you’ll get back in rewards for every dollar you spend.
A statement balance is the amount shown on your monthly credit card statement and includes all of the transactions you made in one billing cycle, as well as carryover balances.
A credit card APR or annual percentage rate is the amount of interest you’ll be charged by the credit card issuer for borrowing money if you don’t pay your balance in full on or before the due date. Since interest accumulates daily, you can divide the APR by 365 days to see the percentage of interest you’ll be charged on your daily balance.
See the average credit card interest rate.
An introductory APR is an offer for new cardholders where the APR is temporarily reduced — often as low as 0%. A card may offer an intro APR on purchases, balance transfers, or both. Depending on the credit card, this time frame can be as low as 0% and last anywhere from six to 21 months.
A penalty APR is an APR that’s much higher than your regular APR that’s triggered by a delinquent payment. An issuer may charge a penalty APR if you’re more than 60 days late on a credit card payment. You should check a card’s terms to see if it has a penalty APR before applying, since many cards don’t.
An annual fee is a fee that you pay once a year to use a credit card and its benefits. Most credit cards for beginners charge a $0 annual fee, but annual fees can range anywhere from $95 to $695.
A balance transfer fee is a fee charged each time you transfer an existing balance to another card. Most balance transfer credit cards charge this fee and it typically ranges from 3% to 5% of the amount of each transfer (with a minimum of $5 or $10).
Some credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee when you use your card to make purchases outside of the U.S. (including online purchases). Foreign transaction fees typically range from 1% to 3%.
A late payment fee is a fee that you’ll have to pay if you miss a credit card payment — even by just one day. Some credit cards don’t charge a late payment fee and some may waive it on your first late payment.
You can check your FICO Score for free through LendingTree Spring or Experian. You can also get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus through annualcreditreport.com. Checking your credit won’t negatively impact your score since it’s only a “soft pull” on your credit.
A good credit score is any FICO Score that falls between 670 and 739. Higher scores are correlated with lower risk for lenders, which means creditors are more likely to approve you for a credit card or a loan.
Yes, there are credit card options available if you don’t have a credit history. For example, the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is our top choice for beginners with no credit, as it doesn’t require a credit score for approval. Additionally, secured credit cards and student credit cards are often more accessible to those with limited credit history.
Many major banks offer credit card options tailored to beginners, but not all provide cards specifically designed for people with lower credit scores or students. If you’re looking for a credit card for limited credit, like a secured credit card, Capital One, Discover and U.S. Bank offer some of the top choices. For students, Bank of America, Capital One and Discover have some of the best options.
*Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.**Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over-the-counter advance fees may apply. See here for details.
**Out of network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply. See here for details.
***On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion, Experian, and Equifax. Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors, including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card, Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Capital One Spark Classic for Business, Amazon Secured Card, Amazon Prime Store Card, Citi® Secured Mastercard®, U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
