What Are The Best Credit Cards For Building Credit?

Are you starting from scratch and need a credit card to build your credit score? Or perhaps you’re in the process of rebuilding after some financial hiccups. Either way, finding the right credit card can be a game-changer for your financial future. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best credit cards to help build credit and how to choose the right one for your needs. Let’s dive in and see how you can kick-start your credit journey.

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MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences. Start building your credit today with the right card for you.

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10 Best credit cards to help build credit

Here are the top 10 choices for credit cards that will help boost that credit score.

1. Best for cash back rewards: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a standout for those looking to build credit while earning cash back. This card requires a security deposit, which acts as your credit line and offers rewards on every purchase.

Credit score needed: 300-670	Purchases intro APR: 28.24% variable
Intro bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0	Balance transfer fee: 3%
Regular APR: 29.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants
• No annual fee
• Free FICO score access

Cons

• High APR
• Requires security deposit
• Limited initial credit line

2. Best for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is designed specifically for students. It offers rewards on purchases and tools to help you manage your credit responsibly.

Credit score needed: Fair to good (580-740)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for six months
Intro bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of your first year	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0	Balance transfer fee: 3%
Regular APR: 18.24% – 27.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• Cash back rewards
• No annual fee
• Good Grades Reward program

Cons

• High APR after intro period
• Requires full-time student status
• Limited initial credit line

3. Best for rebuilding credit: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is ideal for those with poor credit or no credit history. It doesn’t require a credit check, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants.

Credit score needed: No credit check	Purchases intro APR: 25.64% variable*
Intro bonus: N/A	Cash advance fee: $6 or 5% of the amount of each Cash Advance, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $35	Balance transfer fee: N/A
Regular APR: 25.64% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

*This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.

Pros

• No credit check required
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus
• Flexible credit limit

Cons

• Annual fee
• High APR
• No rewards program

4. Best for no annual fee: Capital One® Platinum Secured Credit Card

The Capital One® Platinum Secured Credit Card is perfect for those starting their credit journey with no annual fee and access to higher credit lines after making your first five monthly payments on time.

Credit score needed: 300-629	Purchases intro APR: 29.99% variable APR
Intro bonus: N/A	Cash advance fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0	Balance transfer fee: N/A
Regular APR: 29.99% variable APR	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• No annual fee
• Credit limit increase after 5 months
• Free credit monitoring

Cons

• High APR
• No rewards program
• Limited benefits

5. Best for building credit with rewards: Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

The Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card offers cash back on every purchase with no fees whatsoever, making it a great option for building credit while earning rewards.

Credit score needed: None	Purchases intro APR: None
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: None
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: None
Regular APR: 18.24% – 32.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• No fees
• Earn cash back
• No security deposit required

Cons

• High APR for some applicants
• No sign-up bonus
• Limited credit line

6. Best for secured card: Citi® Secured Mastercard®

The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is designed for those looking to establish or rebuild their credit. It requires a security deposit, which sets your credit limit.

Credit score needed: Not required; they will review your income and debt	Purchases intro APR: None
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0	Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Regular APR: 27.74% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each purchase transaction in U.S. dollars

Pros

• No annual fee
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus
• Opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card

Cons

• Requires security deposit
• High APR
• No rewards program

7. Best for credit monitoring: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit offers 1% cash back rewards on eligible purchases and free credit score access.

Credit score needed: 300-670	Purchases intro APR: 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness
Intro bonus: N/A	Cash advance fee: Either $5 or 8% of the amount of each Cash Advance, whichever is greater, or $10 or 5% of each Cash Advance, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0 to $95 for the first year, $0 to $99 after	Balance transfer fee: N/A
Regular APR: 29.74% variable	Foreign transaction fee: Either $1 or 3% of each purchase in U.S. dollars, whichever is greater

Pros

• Cash back rewards
• Free credit score access
• Potential for credit line increase

Cons

• High APR
• Potential annual fee
• Limited benefits

8. Best for low fees: AvantCard Credit Card

The AvantCard Credit Card offers a straightforward way to build credit with no hidden fees and a fast application process.

Credit score needed: 580 – 669	Purchases intro APR: None
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: Greater of $10 or 3% of the cash transaction
Annual fee: $0 – $99	Balance transfer fee: N/A
Regular APR: 29.24% – 35.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: N/A

Pros

• Simple fee structure
• Fast approval process
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus

Cons

• Annual fee
• High APR
• No rewards program

9. Best for flexible credit limits: First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® secured card offers one of the lowest APRs available for a secured credit card, making it a great option for those looking to minimize interest costs.

Credit score needed: Poor/Limited/No Credit	Purchases intro APR: N/A
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: N/A
Annual fee: $49	Balance transfer fee: N/A
Regular APR: 15.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: N/A

Pros

• Low APR
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus
• Flexible credit limit

Cons

• Annual fee
• No rewards program
• Requires security deposit

10. Best for credit building tools: Self-Credit Builder Account + Secured Visa® Credit Card

Self-Credit Builder Account+Secured Visa Credit Card® offers a unique combination of a credit builder loan and a secured credit card to help you build credit.

Credit score needed: Poor/Bad	Purchases intro APR: None
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: N/A
Annual fee: $25	Balance transfer fee: N/A
Regular APR: 15.69%	Foreign transaction fee: N/A

Pros

• Build credit with loan and card
• No credit check
• Free credit score monitoring

Cons

• Annual fee
• Requires loan account
• High APR

How to choose the right credit card for building credit

Choosing the right credit card to build credit can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

• Look for cards designed for building credit: Secured and student cards are typically easier to get approved for if you have no credit history.
• Compare annual fees: Opt for cards with no or low annual fees to avoid unnecessary costs.
• Check interest rates and APR: A lower APR can save you money if you carry a balance.
• Ensure the card reports to all three major credit bureaus: This is essential for building your credit history.
• Consider secured credit cards: These require a security deposit but can be a good starting point.
• If applicable, consider student credit cards. These often have lower fees and better terms for young adults.
• Evaluate rewards programs: Some cards offer cash back or points that can add value.
• Check for free credit score access: Monitoring your score can help you track your progress.
• Look for automatic credit limit increase features: This can help improve your credit utilization ratio.
• Read all terms and conditions carefully: Understand all fees, rates, and features before applying.
• Consider cards with upgrade paths to better cards: Some secured cards can be upgraded to unsecured cards over time.
• Avoid cards with high fees for basic services: These can negate any benefits you get from the card.

Choosing the best credit card for building credit

Building credit takes time and the right tools. With the credit cards listed above, you have plenty of options to start building or rebuilding your credit history. Remember to use your card responsibly, pay your balance on time, and monitor your credit score regularly. With patience and diligence, you’ll see your credit score improve.

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If you’d like to take further action to improve your credit, MoneyLion can help. MoneyLion offers a free and convenient way to find offers from our trusted partners to help you improve your credit — such as credit monitoring, credit report disputes, and getting credit by paying bills. A good credit score can lead to lower interest rates and increased borrowing power on loans and credit cards.

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