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: September 14, 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.
Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card
Last reviewed: September 21, 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.
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Last reviewed: September 21, 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.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Last reviewed: September 21, 2021
Despite the lack of a rewards program, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card stands out for its low security deposit, reasonable fees and shorter pathway to a higher credit line, making it a good option for users looking to build credit with responsible use.
U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card
Last reviewed: September 21, 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.
Amazon Credit Builder
Last reviewed: September 21, 2021
The Amazon Credit Builder’s $0 annual fee, low minimum deposit requirement and Prime member rewards make it a decent option for regular Amazon customers looking to build or rebuild their credit, but its restrictions, sky-high APR and low maximum credit limit hold it back.
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Last reviewed: September 21, 2021
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.
Credit One Bank® Wander™ Card
Last reviewed: August 23, 2021
While it’s far from the best travel card out there, the Credit One Wander card could be a good option for road-trippers who want to build credit without missing out on rewards. See rates & fees
Self - Credit Builder Account + Secured Visa® Credit Card
Last reviewed: September 21, 2021
This combination of a loan and secured credit card could prove useful as a one-two credit-building punch, but since you’ll essentially have to pay interest charges on your own money, it’s unlikely to be the most cost-effective credit-building option.
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
Last reviewed: September 22, 2021
The Mission Lane Visa card carries a lower cost than most unsecured cards for people with bad credit, so it could make sense if you want to build credit but can’t afford to tie up hundreds in a security deposit.
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Last reviewed: September 22, 2021
Despite its high cost, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit is a decent option if you want to improve your bad to fair credit without sacrificing rewards or tying up money in a security deposit. See rates and fees
Reflex Mastercard® Credit Card
Last reviewed: September 22, 2021
Riddled with fees, including an extremely high variable APR, the Reflex Mastercard is best seen as a last resort and stopgap for credit-builders.