The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is our top pick among the best credit cards for no credit — it requires no credit score to apply, charges a $0 annual fee and allows you to earn rewards while building or rebuilding your credit.
| 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*
|
Easy to get
|
1% - 10% cash back
| N/A | 28.99% - 30.99% | |
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 Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
College students
|
1% - 8% cash back
| $100 Cash Back
Earn $100 Cash Back when you spend $300 in the first three months
| 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | |
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Secured card
|
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 |
Amazon Secured Card*
|
Store card
|
2% cash back
2% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
| N/A | 10.00% non-variable | |
Capital One Spark Classic for Business*
|
Businesses
|
1% - 5% cash back
| N/A | 29.74% (Variable) |
To bring you the list of credit cards for limited credit, 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.
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 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’s. 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.No credit history required
The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is our top pick due to a simple rewards program and solid earnings rate not always found on cards for limited or no credit history. Unlike many rewards cards in this category, this card doesn’t require a security deposit and offers valuable perks like travel insurance and purchase protection. With all of these pluses, this card will feel and work more like a traditional rewards credit card than many cards designed for building or rebuilding credit.
Another major plus for current Chase customers: Having a Chase bank account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for this card.
Keep in mind that although there is no annual fee, the card does charge hefty late fees, so you’ll want to stay on top of using it responsibly.
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.No fees of any kind
The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is one of the easiest credit cards to get with no credit because it uses your bill payment history rather than your credit score. When you apply, the bank creates a CashScore to determine your approval — meaning you can apply even if you don’t have a credit score but do have a good record of paying your regular bills.
The card reports to all three major credit bureaus, so even though you can get approved without a credit score, your use of the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is reported. With regular, responsible use, you can expect to build credit. Additionally, you may be able to raise your credit limit in six months if you qualify for on-time payments.
You can earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants. Plus, earn up to 1.25% cash back on most purchases after six months of timely payments and up to 1.5% cash back on most purchases after 12 months of timely payments while building credit. Plus, this card doesn’t charge an annual fee, a late fee, a returned payment fee or a foreign transaction fee.
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 credit check required
The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is one of the most affordable no credit check credit cards you can find. It doesn’t charge interest* or standard credit card fees like annual fees.
To apply, you need to open a Chime checking account and make a direct deposit of $200 or more to qualify and secure your credit line. Since it’s a secured card, you can only spend as much money as you have in your Chime account, but you can always add funds if you want to increase your credit limit.
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: Earn 1% - 8% cash back
For students with fair credit who want a great cash back rewards card, the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is one to consider. It costs nothing to own and offers a sign-up bonus as well as cash back rewards on par with some of the best cash back cards.
It also includes several travel and shopping benefits and protections, which are rare among credit cards for students.
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
Requires a minimum $200 refundable security deposit
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for beginners with credit scores that are low, as it has a $0 annual fee and offers a solid cash back rewards program. You’ll earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
You will need to submit a minimum $200 security deposit to fund your line of credit, but you can increase it if you’d like a larger limit. Discover does regular account reviews starting at seven months to determine if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured Discover credit card and have your deposit returned.
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: Earn 2% cash back
Earn 2% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
The Amazon Secured Card is easier to qualify for than most store cards because it’s a secured card. You can put down a deposit as low as $100 to qualify. With responsible use, the card may be eligible to convert to an unsecured credit card after a year, getting you a higher rewards rate and a refund of your deposit. It earns a solid rewards rate on Amazon purchases (though a Prime membership is required). It also features an exceptionally low 10.00% non-variable APR.
This card is one of the best beginner credit cards with no credit for those who frequently shop at Amazon.com, but keep in mind that it only allows purchases on Amazon.com or at Amazon physical stores.
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.Free employee cards
Business owners with fair credit can apply for the Capital One Spark Classic for Business, as it is one of the rare business credit cards that accepts fair credit, is unsecured and has a rewards program.
It even offers free employee cards, letting you earn points on all business expenses, and $0 fraud protection. It does have a high 29.74% (Variable) APR, so you’ll want to use it responsibly to avoid carrying a balance.
After you have built your credit, you may consider applying for another business credit card that offers better rewards and perks.
A limited credit file means that you don’t have many entries on your credit report. Sometimes, this is called a “thin credit file” or “no credit.”
This is not necessarily bad — it just means you’re new to using credit or you don’t use it much. Everyone starts out with no credit when they become an adult or, in the case of newcomers to the United States, when they get their Social Security number.
If this describes you, a beginner credit card for no credit is a good choice because its designed for those who haven’t established credit yet.
When searching for a beginner credit card for individuals with no credit, you should look for the following features:
It’s important that the credit card reports your credit activity to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — on a monthly basis. That way, your responsible card usage (including paying your bill on time and keeping your credit utilization low) will help improve your credit score.
The average credit card interest rate in America is close to 25%, but it can be even higher for people with bad credit. The best way to avoid interest is to pay off your credit card balance in full each month. But if you can’t, having a credit card with a low APR minimizes the amount of interest you’ll pay.
Avoiding fees is key to improving your finances. However, some credit cards for limited history (usually unsecured cards) have expensive fees. If you can, choose a credit card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
If you do choose a card with fees, make sure you know how much they are. Some cards charge late fees of $40 or more, which can hit your wallet hard. Just to be on the safe side, set up automatic payments to make sure your bill will be paid on time every time.
→ Learn about 9 common credit card fees
Many credit cards for people with no credit offer free credit-building tools, such as free access to your credit score and information like the number of recent inquiries on your credit report. These tools can help you monitor your progress as you build credit and detect fraud or any other issues.
→ Get free credit-building tips from LendingTree Spring
Many credit cards automatically review your credit history to determine if you’re eligible for an increase in your credit limit. A few of the cards on our list do an automatic review six or seven months after you open the account.
Higher limits allow you to make larger purchases and can lower your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your total credit limit being used), as long as your spending stays the same. This can improve your credit score.
Earning rewards on your purchases is an added bonus as you build your credit. You may be able to earn cash back from your credit card, points or miles that can help offset the cost of everyday purchases. Rewards programs on starter credit cards really run the gamut, with some offering rewards programs that rival those on standard credit cards and others offering none at all. Most cards in this category focus on cash back rewards.
Credit card perks vary widely, but they can be even more valuable than earning rewards. Look for purchase and extended warranty protection, travel insurance, credit monitoring tools and other benefits that add value to your card.
If you can only qualify for a secured credit card, you might want to look for a card that states you can be upgraded to an unsecured credit card with responsible use. Just like with credit limit reviews, some card issuers do automatic reviews to see if you qualify to convert your card. This is a big plus, because you’ll get your deposit back and likely have a better, more flexible card.
Follow these steps when you’re ready to apply for a credit card designed for those with limited or no credit history.
“After moving to the United States and obtaining a Social Security number, my husband became an authorized user on my credit cards. Within six months, he had a 798 credit score. After a year, he applied for an unsecured card but was denied for “insufficient credit history.” Even though his credit score is “very good”, the amount of data to back up that number (two credit cards belonging to a spouse) was not enough for an approval.
We opted to get him a secured card, since his approval odds were much better with a secured card, and in the future, the deposit will be returned to us. We use it regularly, taking advantage of its cash back rewards for restaurants and utilities. After a year, he’ll ask about transitioning to the unsecured version of the card to continue his credit-building journey.“
– Charlotte Zhang, credit card writer
The easiest credit cards to get are often secured credit cards or starter credit cards that can help you build your credit history. After you’ve shown that you can use credit responsibly, you can eventually get cards with more attractive rewards, benefits and interest rates.
Here are some of the best types of starter credit cards:
Secured credit cards
Secured credit cards require a refundable security deposit, which is typically equal to your line of credit. These cards are a great credit-building option, especially if you can’t qualify for an unsecured credit card.
Student credit cards
Many student credit cards offer rewards and other perks that are similar to standard credit cards, though they’re usually easier to get since they’re designed for people starting out on their credit journeys. Just keep in mind that you’ll probably need to show proof that you’re a college student to qualify.
Gas credit cards
Some gas credit cards are fairly easy to get, and they can help offset the cost of fuel by offering rewards or discounts on gas purchases.
Store cards
Store credit cards are often easy to qualify for since they tend to have lower credit limits, and they offer discounts and perks. However, store credit cards tend to have high APRs, so you should avoid getting a store card if it might tempt you to spend more than you can pay in full each month.
Keep in mind that some of the easy credit cards for no credit may charge annual fees and other fees, such as late fees, and secured credit cards will require a deposit. Make sure you’re clear on the fees and other costs before you apply for a credit card.
If you have no credit and want to build your credit from scratch, there are several steps that you can take. Some of these actions impact your credit right away, while others will take more time to pay off.
You can get a credit card with no job if you can show that you have the ability to pay your credit card bill. This typically means you have to prove you have an income or access to one — this can include your spouse’s salary, unemployment assistance, investments or Social Security payments. If you’re under 21, money regularly deposited into your account also qualifies. Student loans don’t count as income, but grants and scholarships may.
You’ll typically need some source of income to get a credit card, though this doesn’t mean you’ll need to have a job. For example, student credit cards may allow you to count certain student grants as income. Other options include becoming an authorized user on a credit card owned by someone else, like a parent or another trusted relative with good credit who always pays their bill on time.
If you want a no-credit credit card, your options include secured cards, credit cards for bad credit and student credit cards designed for building credit. If you can’t get a credit card for no credit score, you can also ask a trusted friend or family member with good credit to add you as an authorized user on an older credit card account that’s been managed responsibly.
*Out of network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply. See here for details. (https://www.chime.com/chime-credit-builder-visa-credit-card-agreement/)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.
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, Amazon Secured Card and Capital One Spark Classic for Business 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.
