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® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Last reviewed: November 24, 2020
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
Last reviewed: November 17, 2020
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: 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.
Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card
Last reviewed: January 6, 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: January 6, 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: November 17, 2020
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.
Secured Mastercard® from Capital One
Last reviewed: November 19, 2020
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.
USAA® Secured Visa Platinum® Card
Last reviewed: January 14, 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.
Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card
Last reviewed: January 11, 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: November 17, 2020
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.