Best credit cards for no credit in October 2024

Discover it? Secured Credit Card

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The information for the Discover it? Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best card for no credit

Key takeaways

2%

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.

1%

Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically

4.9/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best card for no credit

Welcome bonus offer

Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match? – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Cashback Match?

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

27.74% Variable APR

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>New/rebuilding credit</div>

Why we picked it

The Discover it? Secured Credit Card * The information for the Discover it? Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. requires no credit history, charges no annual fee and its 27.74% Variable APR, while high, is a bit lower than many competing cards. Plus, you’ll get impressive rewards for a secured credit card: 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations (on up to $1,000 spent per quarter, then 1%), and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. For new-to-credit card holders, welcome bonuses are few and far between, but Discover will match all of the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year with the card.

You may also get your deposit back relatively quickly. After six months, Discover will start monthly reviews to decide when to return the deposit required to open the account (minimum $200) and upgrade you to an unsecured card.

+ Pros

• Discover matches your rewards in the first year
• Automatic consideration for upgrade after six months of on-time payments
• No annual fee

– Cons

• Above-average APR
• Cash back bonus at gas stations and restaurants is capped at $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter
• Maximum credit line of $2,500 (if you put down an equivalent security deposit)

Highlights

• No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
• Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
• Raise your credit score by 30+ points.
• Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
• Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for flat-rate cash back

Key takeaways

5%

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply.

1.5%

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

3.4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for flat-rate cash back

Learn More

On CardRatings’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

N/A

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

29.99% (Variable)

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Limited, Bad</div>

Why we picked it

The Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards card lets you earn rewards while building your credit. The beauty is in its simplicity. You’ll get a competitive 1.5% cash back on most purchases, plus 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and pay no annual fee. Capital One will also consider returning your deposit (minimum $200) and upgrading your card to the unsecured Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card if you use it responsibly over time. Even though this is a secured card, consumers with no credit at all may not qualify under Capital One’s credit level requirement for this card.

+ Pros

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back
• No annual fee
• Possible to be upgraded to an unsecured card with responsible use

– Cons

• Requires a security deposit
• High APR
• No welcome bonus

Highlights

• 1.5% cash back on most spending
• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Minimum security deposit of $200
• Could be eligible for a higher credit line in as few as six months

U.S. Bank Altitude? Go Secured Visa? Card

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The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude? Go Secured Visa? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for dining, groceries, streaming and gas

Key takeaways

4X

Earn 4x points on dining and takeout

2X

Earn 2x points at grocery stores, gas stations and on streaming services

1X

Earn 1x point on all other eligible purchases

3.9/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for dining, groceries, streaming and gas

Welcome bonus offer

N/A

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

29.99% variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Bad/Poor</div>

Why we picked it

You can earn points and other perks while you build your credit with the no annual fee Altitude Go Secured. You’ll earn 4 points per dollar spent on dining, 2 points per dollar on groceries, streaming services, gas station and EV charging purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. You’ll also get $15 to reimburse you for eligible streaming service subscriptions each year.

With responsible use over time, U.S. Bank will consider returning your deposit (minimum $300) and upgrading you to the unsecured U.S. Bank Altitude? Go Visa Signature? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude? Go Visa Signature? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. .

+ Pros

• Strong bonus rewards categories
• No annual fee
• $15 annual credit to cover eligible streaming expenses

– Cons

• Must provide a security deposit in order to use the card
• Low base rewards rate
• Above-average APR

Highlights

• Earn 4 points per dollar spent on dining and takeout, 2 points at grocery stores, gas stations and on streaming services and 1 point on all other eligible purchases
• Earn a $15 streaming credit for annual streaming service purchases like Netflix and Spotify
• $0 annual fee

Bank of America? Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

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The information for the Bank of America? Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for choosing your own bonus category

Key takeaways

3%

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores or home improvement and furnishings

2%

Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases

3%

You’ll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%

3.8/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for choosing your own bonus category

Welcome bonus offer

N/A

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

29.24% variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>New to Credit </div>

Why we picked it

With the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card you can earn rewards that fit your spending habits while you build your credit, all for no annual fee. You’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in an eligible category of your choice (options range from dining to home improvement and furnishings) and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 each quarter in combined spending in the 3% and 2% categories). Otherwise, all spending earns 1% cash back. Like other secured cards, you’ll need to provide a security deposit (minimum $200), but with responsible credit use over time, Bank of America will consider returning your deposit.

+ Pros

• Ability to qualify with less-than-good credit
• Earn up to 3% cash back in an eligible category you choose
• $0 annual fee

– Cons

• No welcome bonus or intro APR offer
• Charges a foreign transaction fee
• Requires a security deposit of at least $200

Highlights

• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement & furnishings
• Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
• Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
• You’ll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%
• A minimum refundable security deposit of $200 (maximum of $5,000) is required to open this account
• Now, you can access your FICO? Score updated monthly for free, within your Mobile Banking app or in Online Banking
• No annual fee

U.S. Bank Cash+? Secured Visa? Card

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The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+? Secured Visa? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for 5% cash back categories

Key takeaways

5%

5% cash back on on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories of choice

2%

2% cash back on eligible purchases in choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants)

1%

1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

3.8/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for 5% cash back categories

Welcome bonus offer

N/A

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

29.99% variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Bad/Poor</div>

Why we picked it

The no annual fee U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured Visa comes with the highest cash-back rate on this list with a generous 5% back in two categories of your choice on up to $2,000 spent each quarter, then 1% (options include home utilities, fast food and department stores). You also get unlimited 5% cash back on eligible travel booked through U.S. Bank’s travel portal, 2% cash back in an everyday spending category of your choice and 1% on all other eligible purchases. With responsible use over time, U.S. Bank will consider returning your deposit (minimum $300) and upgrading you to the unsecured version of the card.

+ Pros

• No annual fee
• Up to 5% cash back
• Credit limit up to $5,000 with matching security deposit

– Cons

• Spending caps that limit rewards earning potential
• No online preapproval option
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Highlights

• Earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose
• Earn 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants)
• Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
• Choose payment due date
• $0 annual fee

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

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The information for the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best if you don’t have a Social Security number

Key takeaways

1.5%

Up to 1.5% cash back on qualifying purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments

1%

1% cash back on eligible purchases right away

2%-10%

2% – 10% cash back on qualifying merchants

3.6/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best if you don’t have a Social Security number

Welcome bonus offer

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% – 32.24% (Variable)

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Limited/Fair/Good/Excellent</div>

Why we picked it

The Petal 2 is a great choice for those with limited or no credit history who don’t want to put down a security deposit for their card. Petal issues unsecured cards and considers your banking history alongside your credit score, if you have one, to determine your creditworthiness. If you’re a US resident, you can apply using your individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), making it a good option for consumers who don’t have a Social Security number (SSN).

While the cash back structure for this card is a little complicated, you’ll pay no annual fee and may get a better APR than you would with many secured cards.

+ Pros

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fee
• Earns up to 1.5% cash back on everyday spending

– Cons

• Maximum APR is well above average
• Everyday rewards rate starts at 1%
• No flexible rewards redemption options

Highlights

• No late, foreign transaction or annual fees
• Earn 1.5% cash back on qualifying purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments
• Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away
• Earn 2% – 10% cash back on qualifying merchants
• $300 – $10,000 credit limits

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for students

Key takeaways

10%

Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart? and Target?)

1%

1% on all other purchases

5%

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

8%

Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases

5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for students

Learn More

On CardRatings’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months

$50

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Average, fair, limited</div>

Why we picked it

Students looking to build their credit should consider the no annual fee SavorOne Student Cash Rewards, which earns unlimited 3% cash back in popular spending categories such as dining and grocery store expenses. Most other spending earns 1% cash back. New card holders can also earn $50 after spending $100 in the first three months with the card.

Once you graduate, you can keep your card with all the same rewards and benefits. Even though this is a student card, consumers with no credit score at all may not qualify under Capital One’s required credit level for this card.

+ Pros

• No annual fee
• Up to 3% cash back
• No security deposit requirement

– Cons

• Only available for students
• Certain merchants such as Target, Walmart and Prime Video are not included in the 3% cash back bonus
• Entertainment does not include college sporting events

Highlights

• 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store spending (not including superstores such as Target)
• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment
• 1% cash back on purchases outside of bonus categories
• $50 after spending $100 in the first three months
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fee

Chase Freedom Rise?

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The information for the Chase Freedom Rise? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for no security deposit

Key takeaways

1.5%

Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase

3.6/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for no security deposit

Welcome bonus offer

Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.

$25 statement credit

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

26.49%

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>New To Credit</div>

Why we picked it

The Freedom Rise is great for building credit without the strictures of a secured card. You’ll pay no annual fee and earn a straightforward 1.5% cash back on everything you buy. Since it is unsecured, you don’t need a security deposit, and you can even increase your odds of approval by opening a Chase checking account and depositing $250 before you apply (though you should research how to choose a bank before opening a Chase account). You can also earn a $25 statement credit if you set up automatic payments within 3 months after opening your account.

+ Pros

• Potential to qualify for a credit limit increase after six months
• $0 annual fee
• Earns 1.5% cash back on all spending

– Cons

• No significant welcome bonus
• Need an eligible Chase checking account to boost approval odds
• No bonus cash back categories
  

Highlights

• Increase your approval chances – Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
• Earn Cash Back – With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
• Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
• Credit Limit Increase – As a Freedom Rise cardmember, you’ll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
• Free Credit Score – Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
• No Annual Fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® card.
• Member FDIC

Amazon Secured Card

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The information for the Amazon Secured Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for Amazon

Key takeaways

2%

Eligible Prime members earn 2% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and more

3.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for Amazon

Welcome bonus offer

N/A

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

10% fixed APR

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Fair/Poor/No Credit</div>

Why we picked it

The Amazon Secured is a great choice for those who do a lot of shopping with Amazon. This no annual fee card can help you build credit with a low 10% non-variable APR — well below that of other secured cards — and Prime members earn 2% cash back on purchases. You’ll need to provide a security deposit, which will determine your credit limit (minimum $100), but after a year of responsible use, Synchrony Bank (the card’s issuer) will consider returning your deposit and giving you the option to upgrade to the Amazon Prime Store Card * The information for the Amazon Prime Store Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . One major drawback with the Amazon Secured is you can only use it on Amazon purchases.

+ Pros

• Can help you build credit
• Low APR
• No annual fee

– Cons

• Can only be used on Amazon purchases
• Requires a security deposit
• Limited rewards

Highlights

• Low fixed APR
• No annual fee
• Access to TransUnion CreditView Dashboard to track your credit score
• Earn 2% back on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and more, with an eligible Prime membership
• After 12 months of responsible use, you may be eligible to get your deposit back (less an amount to pay off your existing Secured Card balance per the account terms) and choose to convert to the Store Card features

Capital One Spark Classic for Business

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The information for the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best small-business card

Key takeaways

1%

Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase

5%

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best small-business card

Welcome bonus offer

None

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

29.99% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Average, Fair, Limited</div>

Why we picked it

The Spark Classic for Business is a solid option if you’re a small business owner looking to build or rebuild credit. Business owners with limited credit histories, including those new to the US, could potentially qualify for this card. This no annual fee card offers unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1% back on all other purchases. Using this card responsibly will help build credit, but beware of the steep purchase APR and try to avoid carrying a balance.

+ Pros

• Available to applicants with fair credit
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fee

– Cons

• High variable APR of 29.99% Variable
• No welcome bonus
• Low base rewards rate (1%)

Highlights

• Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
• No annual fee
• Build and strengthen credit for your business by using this credit card responsibly
• $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges if your card is lost or stolen
• Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
• Rewards won’t expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
• No foreign transaction fees

Our picks at a glance

?	Annual fee	Welcome bonus	Best for	Notable feature
Discover it? Secured Credit Card * The information for the Discover it? Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	Cashback Match?: Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year	No credit	Up to 2% cash back on spending
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card	$0	None	Flat-rate cash back	Competitive 1.5% base rewards rate
U.S. Bank Altitude? Go Secured Visa? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude? Go Secured Visa? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	None	Dining, groceries, streaming and gas	$15 per year to cover eligible streaming service subscriptions
Bank of America? Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card * The information for the Bank of America? Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	None	Choosing your own bonus category	Flexible top rewards category
U.S. Bank Cash+? Secured Visa? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+? Secured Visa? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	None	5% cash back categories	Flexible bonus rewards categories
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	None	If you don’t have a Social Security number	No security deposit
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card	$0	$50 after spending $100 in the first three months	Students	3% cash back in several everyday categories
Chase Freedom Rise? * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	$25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of account opening	No security deposit	Solid flat-rate rewards
Amazon Secured Card * The information for the Amazon Secured Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	None	Amazon	2% back on Amazon spending
Capital One Spark Classic for Business * The information for the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	None	Small businesses	Can help build business credit

See MoreSee Less

How to build good credit

Building a good credit score takes time, and the steps below can put you on the right track.

• Use reputable credit-building products. Secured credit cards and credit builder loans are good options for those building their credit from the ground up.
• Pay on time. Don’t fall behind on any debt payments. Your payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score.
• Keep debt minimal. Don’t borrow more than you need and pay down your debts quickly. Make sure you maintain a low credit utilization ratio (your credit utilization ratio is the balance(s) on your credit account(s) divided by your available credit).
• Maintain your established credit accounts. The age of your credit history is another factor in your credit score, so think hard before closing a credit card.

How do credit cards work?

Credit cards provide a revolving line of credit you can use to make purchases at your discretion. Your card issuer assigns a credit limit, which you can borrow against, but you must pay back however much credit you use. Whatever you pay toward your balance becomes available credit again.

Unlike with an installment loan, you won’t have a fixed repayment term for your credit card. Instead, your card issuer will provide a statement detailing your spending each billing cycle (typically about a month), and set a minimum required payment for that cycle. If you don’t repay your full balance, you’ll start incurring costly interest charges on your balance (the average credit card APR for accounts with a balance was 22.75% as of November 2023). While nothing is stopping you from carrying over your balance month after month, it’s wise to pay it down as quickly as possible.

What do we mean by “no credit”?

To have “no credit” means you don’t have a credit score or record of credit activity. This is different from having “bad credit,” which means your credit score is low and reflects poorly on your creditworthiness.

That being said, there is some overlap in the credit card options for consumers with no credit and consumers with bad credit. It’s difficult to find credit cards for bad credit with no deposit, just as you’re more likely to qualify for secured credit cards with no credit.

The types of credit cards available for no credit

The best credit cards for those with no credit history are those that will not only extend you credit, but also give you tools to build it and reasonable terms. Desirable features include, but aren’t limited to:

• Reporting to all three major credit bureaus
• Preapproval
• Credit score monitoring
• Low fees
• Automatic upgrades (for secured or student cards)

Secured vs. unsecured credit cards

Many issuers offer secured credit cards specifically for those who are building or rebuilding their credit. These cards require a cash deposit as collateral and your credit limit is often based on the amount you have put down.

You can use a secured card just like you would any credit card, and your deposit reduces the risk to the issuer if you fail to make payments. With responsible use of these cards over time you will build credit, so long as the issuer reports your activity to the credit bureaus.

Unsecured cards don’t require collateral and may come with lower interest rates, higher credit limits and better perks. Most credit cards are unsecured.

Credit cards for recent immigrants

Secured credit cards or unsecured cards that consider alternative information, rather than the traditional credit score and reports, can be a way for those without a US credit history to start building one. Before pursuing any credit cards, though, you’ll want to apply for an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) from the IRS if you’re not eligible for an SSN. You can do this when you file your taxes or have another reporting requirement. Applicants who don’t have SSNs may be able to use ITINs on credit card applications instead.

Credit cards for students

Some starter cards are offered exclusively to students. These cards are designed for building credit and may not require a credit score to qualify. Exact requirements may differ across issuers, but you need to be at least 18 years old and show proof of enrollment as a student to be eligible.

How to apply for a credit card

Before applying for a credit card with little or no credit, you should do a bit of homework. You don’t want to apply for any type of credit unless you have a good chance of getting approved.

1. Check your credit. If you’re seeking a starter card because your credit is limited or you’re trying to rebuild it, make sure you know exactly where you stand. You can likely check your score with your bank or card issuer.
2. Research your options. Research a variety of starter credit cards to determine which ones fit your needs. If you’re seeking a secured credit card, make sure you have the cash needed to provide a security deposit. Keep in mind you may have unsecured card options as well.
3. See if you’re preapproved. Some starter card issuers offer preapproval, which lets you see if you’re likely to qualify before you actually apply, which can affect your credit score.
4. Complete the application. If you’ve been preapproved or have done enough research to feel confident in your approval chances, complete the application.

How to upgrade your credit card

You may be able to have your secured credit card upgraded to an unsecured card with responsible use over time, opening you up to bigger credit limits and more favorable terms.

Some secured card issuers automatically start considering you for an upgrade after a predetermined period. You may be offered a new card — often the unsecured version of whatever secured card you have — without having to do another credit application, which helps preserve your hard-earned credit score.

However, these policies vary by issuer and, in some cases, you may have to request an upgrade or seek out a new card on your own. In either case, you can expect your security deposit to be returned when your secured card account is closed.

Some student credit cards also come with automatic upgrade options after you graduate from school.

Methodology

Our money and data analytics teams evaluated more than a dozen credit cards. We then narrowed down our list of the best cards for no credit by giving them a star rating out of five, based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:

Pricing and fees (40%)

Cards with lower annual fees, foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees and APRs received a boost compared to cards with higher fees and rates.

Low credit threshold (35%)

Cards available to consumers with credit below fair or average received higher scores in this category.

Sign-up bonus and rewards value (10%)

You’re not likely to earn top rewards with no credit score, but some card options do come with rewards programs and sign-up bonuses. We used spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and estimates of rewards values from The Points Guy to determine which cards dole out the best rewards and sign-up bonus value.

Benefits (10%)

Cards that offer benefits such as cell phone protection, purchase protection and extended warranty received a boost.

Annual credits and bonuses (5%)

We also looked for credits and bonuses for spending in categories including groceries, dining, entertainment and gas.

What didn’t make the cut

• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This student card offers a straightforward unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, but you could probably earn more with the SavorOne Student Cash Rewards card or a Discover student card.
• Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students * The information for the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : This card’s unlimited 1.5% cash back is appealing, but you’ll get the same rate and some better perks with the Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards card, including no foreign transaction fee.
• OpenSky? Secured Visa? Credit Card: This card doesn’t require a credit check and its $35 annual fee is modest, but there’s no shortage of other starter cards that don’t charge an annual fee and offer rewards.
• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: This is a basic, no-frills card that can help you build or rebuild your credit without paying an annual fee (terms apply, see ), but you won’t earn rewards on your spending like you would with many of the other cards on this list.
• Citi? Secured Mastercard? * The information for the Citi? Secured Mastercard? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : This is another bare-bones card that can help you build or rebuild your credit with no annual fee, but you won’t earn rewards on your spending. A cash back card like the Discover it? Secured Credit Card * The information for the Discover it? Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. could help put more of your spending back in your pocket, especially with the first-year Cashback Match.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)