Credit Building Credit Cards - Reviews
If you’re in the process of rebuilding your credit history, or, if you’re a newbie looking to take the plunge into credit, a credit card can be a great tool for building up your score quickly. From secured cards to unsecured cards with annual fees – and even a few cards with rewards programs – there is an abundance of options for cardholders with poor, average and limited credit histories.
We’ve rated a selection of entry-level credit cards on their value for building credit – including rewards, APRs, benefits and credit-building features – to help you find the best card to help you quickly ramp up your credit score for the least expense possible.
Petal Visa® Credit Card
Last reviewed: October 16, 2019
The Petal Visa card offers a low entry barrier and the opportunity to earn cash back and avoid fees while building or rebuilding your credit history; however, you could face a high APR if you don’t pay off your balance in full by the due date each month.
Discover it® Secured
Last reviewed: October 1, 2019
The Discover it Secured card is one of your best bets for building credit – it doesn’t charge an annual fee, plus you can make a profit in the first year thanks to the card’s cash back program.
Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Last reviewed: October 1, 2019
The Capital One QuicksilverOne card is one of our top choices for consumers trying to bolster their credit scores, thanks to a generous rewards program that offers 1.5-percent cash back on every purchase and easily makes up for the card’s annual fee.
See if you’re prequalified for the Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards with CardMatch™
Capital One® Platinum Credit Card
Last reviewed: October 1, 2019
If you want to build credit without a secured credit card, the Capital One Platinum credit card is worth a look for its valuable perks and features that make building credit easy.
See if you’re prequalified for the Capital One® Platinum with CardMatch™
Harley-Davidson Visa Secured Card
Last reviewed: February 22, 2019
Chopper enthusiasts stand to benefit the most from the Harley Davidson Secured Visa credit card, which rewards cardholders with one point per dollar and the chance to win a motorcycle with every purchase.
Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card
Last reviewed: June 3, 2019
The Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card offers an unusually large credit line to cardholders who can afford to pay a steep deposit and a lower APR than some competitors; however, you need at least $300 just to open it.
View similar secured credit cards
USAA Secured American Express Card
Last reviewed: August 30, 2019
If you can afford to invest more than $250 into a security deposit, this military-friendly credit builder card offers a number of appealing perks, including a flexible credit limit, below average APR and consumer-friendly fee schedule. This offer is no longer available on our site.
U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card
Last reviewed: August 2, 2019
This plain vanilla secured card requires an extra large deposit and significant annual fee; but its APR is relatively low for a subprime credit card.
Capital One® Secured Mastercard®
Last reviewed: October 1, 2019
Despite the lack of a rewards program, the Capital One Secured Mastercard’s low security deposit, reasonable fees and shorter pathway to a higher credit line makes it a good option for credit-building consumers.
See if you’re prequalified for the Capital One® Secured Mastercard® with CardMatch™
USAA® Secured Visa Platinum® Card
Last reviewed: October 1, 2019
This affordable credit-builder card offers lower rates than many of its competitors and perks that are especially appealing to military families, including no foreign transaction fee and exclusive benefits for active duty service members. This offer is no longer available on our site.
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Last reviewed: September 25, 2019
A good starter card for those who are new to credit, the Citi Secured Mastercard allows cardholders to jumpstart their credit history without committing to a high annual fee.
OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
Last reviewed: October 4, 2019
With a relatively low APR and annual fee, the OpenSky Secured Visa credit card is a great card for those with bad to fair credit. You won’t earn any rewards, but you’ll keep additional charges to a minimum, and you can qualify for the card without a credit check.