It can be hard to start building credit, especially if you don’t know which credit cards are good for people with no credit history. There are many choices, so it can be hard to figure out which one is best for you. We will help you find your way through the different credit card options that are perfect for people who are just starting to build their credit. You will be able to make an informed choice by looking at different features like annual fees, rewards, and other ways to build credit responsibly.
Establishing a good credit score is one of the most important steps toward financial independence. Whether you’re looking to purchase a car, secure a home loan, or even rent an apartment, your credit score plays a significant role. For those just starting, building credit from scratch may seem like a daunting task. However, choosing the right credit card can make this process smoother and more manageable.
We’ll introduce you to seven credit cards that are ideal for individuals with no credit history. From cards with no annual fees to those offering rewards, these options will help you gradually build a positive credit profile. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to select a credit card that aligns with your financial goals and sets you on a strong path to financial security.
1. Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Best for No Annual Fee and Credit Limit Reviews
If you don’t have any credit history yet, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a good choice. It’s made for people who don’t have a credit history yet because it has a simple application process and a clear way to build credit. The way this card handles credit limits is one thing that makes it stand out. It starts with a small credit line, and Capital One automatically reviews your credit line, which could raise the limit as long as you keep using credit responsibly.
- Features:
- No annual fee
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Access to CreditWise, a free tool to track your credit score
- Mobile app for easy account management
2. Discover it® Secured Card
Best for Earning Cashback While Building Credit
With the Discover it® Secured Card, you can earn cash back rewards while also building your credit. It lets you earn 2% cash back on gas station and restaurant purchases and 1% on all other purchases, which is different from many secured cards. This encourages people to spend wisely and makes building credit more rewarding.
- Features:
- No annual fee
- Earn 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter)
- Earn 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Free access to your FICO® Credit Score
- Potential to transition to an unsecured card after 8 months
3. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card
Best for Fee-Free and Real-Time Credit Score Tracking
The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card is perfect for people who are new to credit and want a simple and clear experience. There are no fees for late payments, annual fees, or transactions made in other countries. You can also get up to 1.5% cash back on purchases with this card, which is a great way to earn rewards while you build your credit.
- Features:
- No annual, late, or foreign transaction fees
- Up to 1.5% cashback on purchases
- Real-time credit score monitoring via mobile app
- Approval based on banking history, not just credit scores
- Designed to help users build credit responsibly
4. Citi® Secured Mastercard
Best for Easy Transition to an Unsecured Card
If you want to build or rebuild your credit, the Citi® Secured Mastercard is a great choice. You need to pay a refundable security deposit of at least $200, which sets your credit limit. You can keep track of how well you’re building your credit with this card because it reports to all three major credit bureaus. You can get a higher credit line after 18 months of responsible use without having to put more money down.
- Features:
- No annual fee
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Access to a higher credit limit after 18 months of responsible use
5. OpenSky® Secured Visa Credit Card
Best for No Credit Check Approval
People who don’t have much credit history or who are trying to fix past credit problems should get the OpenSky® Secured Visa Credit Card. You don’t have to have a good credit score to get approved because you don’t have to have a credit check when you apply. The card needs a refundable security deposit, which limits how much you can spend.
- Features:
- No credit check required for approval
- No minimum credit score required
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Security deposit required for a credit line
- Available to individuals with no credit history
6. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Best for College Students with No Credit History
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard is made just for students who don’t have a credit history yet. It is easy to get approved for without a co-signer or a credit score, which is a big plus for college students just starting out. The card also gives you 1% cash back on all purchases with no limit, and it comes with Amazon Prime Student access.
- Features:
- No credit history required for approval
- 1% unlimited cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amazon Prime Student
7. Fingerhut Credit Account
Best for Store Credit with Credit Bureau Reporting
The Fingerhut Credit Account is not like a regular credit card; it works more like a catalog-buying account where you can buy things and pay for them over time. It tells credit bureaus how you pay your bills, which is important for people who want to build credit. But you should be aware that the interest rates can be high, so you should use it responsibly.
- Features:
- Reports to credit bureaus
- No annual fee
- Higher approval odds for individuals with no or poor credit
- Use to purchase items through the Fingerhut catalog
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be hard or stressful to build credit. You can start building a good credit history by using your credit card responsibly. The cards in this guide are great for people who are new to credit cards or want to improve their credit. These cards have many benefits that can help you build a strong financial future. For example, they don’t charge annual fees, give you cash back, and make it easy to get approved.
These options meet the needs of a wide range of people, including students, people who are trying to improve their credit, and people who are just starting to build credit. Make sure to look at the features of each card and choose the one that fits your financial goals the best. Getting credit is a process, and the right card will help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build credit with a beginner credit card?
It can take a few months to build credit. If you pay your bills on time and keep your balance low, you should start to see improvements in your credit score in three to six months.
What is a secured credit card?
You have to put down a deposit on a secured credit card, which is your credit limit. This deposit lowers the risk for the lender and helps you build or rebuild your credit by letting credit bureaus know when you make payments.
Can I qualify for a credit card with no credit history?
Yes, a lot of credit cards are made for people who don’t have any credit history. Some cards, like student cards or secured cards, don’t require a credit history to get approved, so they’re great for people who are just starting out.
Do all credit cards report to credit bureaus?
Most credit cards report to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. However, it’s important to check this when choosing a card because some cards, like the Fingerhut Credit Account, are made to help you build credit by reporting how you pay your bills.
What is the best credit card for someone with no credit history?
The best credit card for you will depend on your financial goals. The Discover it® Secured Card is a great choice for people who want cash back rewards. The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a good choice for people who want a card with no fees and simple features.
Updated by Albert Fang
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