Credit Building Credit Cards - Reviews
Credit building credit cards are an ideal starting point if you’re looking to build or improve your credit score and expand your purchasing power down the road. The best credit cards to build credit regularly report on-time payments to the credit bureaus and offer value-adding incentives like cash back rewards, welcome offers and low APRs on purchases.
To make the most of your credit building card, look for one that fits your spending habits and payment management needs. Cash back credit-builder cards can help you save money by paying you back on the things you buy the most. Low interest cards with flex-pay and balance transfer options help you pay off debt and save on interest. Managed correctly, any of these credit building credit cards will help boost your credit score.
Our CreditCards.com experts reviewed hundreds of credit building card offers based on several factors. Annual fees, deposit and credit score requirements, interest rates, cash back rewards, flexible payment options, late payment forgiveness and credit reporting features are the criteria we used. In the reviews below, you can compare the best credit builder credit cards for 2021 and find expert recommendations based on your specific needs.
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Last reviewed: April 5, 2021
The Petal 2 offers a low entry barrier and the opportunity to earn cash back and avoid fees while building your credit, but you could face a high APR.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Last reviewed: November 17, 2020
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.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Last reviewed: March 19, 2021
The Discover it Secured Credit Card is one of your best bets if you’re looking for a card to help you build 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.
Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card
Last reviewed: April 5, 2021
The Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card rolls up savory features like low fees, unlimited flat-rate rewards and credit line upgrade reviews into one secured card for NFCU accountholders.
Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa with No Annual Fee
Last reviewed: October 28, 2020
Despite its higher-than-average APR, the Credit One Bank Platinum Rewards Visa with No Annual Fee is a solid starter card for people with fairly good credit scores. See rates and fees
Credit One Bank American Express® Card
Last reviewed: April 5, 2021
Despite its low cash back earning rate, the Credit One Bank American Express Card is a solid low-cost credit building option with relatively low fees and impressive cardholder perks. See rates and fees
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Last reviewed: February 1, 2021
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 with responsible use.
Harley-Davidson Visa Secured Card
Last reviewed: June 24, 2020
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.
Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card
Last reviewed: April 5, 2021
Though it offers lackluster rewards, the Petal 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa Credit Card is a solid option for credit-builders looking to minimize costs and get a chance at a higher than average credit limit.
U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card
Last reviewed: March 19, 2021
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.
USAA® Secured American Express® Card
Last reviewed: February 1, 2021
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.
USAA® Secured Visa Platinum® Card
Last reviewed: February 1, 2021
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.