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: May 13, 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.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Last reviewed: May 13, 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: May 13, 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: May 13, 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.
Jasper Cash Back Mastercard®
Last reviewed: June 22, 2021
The Jasper Cash Back Mastercard charges no annual fee* and offers a chance at a high credit limit and decent baseline rewards. However, it doesn’t carry many distinguishing features that set it apart from other cards for people with fair credit.
Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa
Last reviewed: May 19, 2021
The Credit One Bank Platinum Rewards Visa is a practical credit building card with a better-than-most rewards program that offers several ways to earn cash back rewards and plenty of discounts. The high APR might give some pause, but if the balance is paid off in full each month, interest fees shouldn’t be a problem. See rates and fees
Secured Mastercard® from Capital One
Last reviewed: May 13, 2021
Despite the lack of a rewards program, the Secured Mastercard from Capital One 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.
Harley-Davidson Visa Secured Card
Last reviewed: May 13, 2021
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.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Last reviewed: May 13, 2021
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.
Credit One Bank American Express® Card
Last reviewed: May 13, 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
Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa with No Annual Fee
Last reviewed: May 13, 2021
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
Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card
Last reviewed: May 13, 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.
Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by CreditCards.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the bank's website for the most current information.