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Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for the placement of sponsored products and services or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact what products appear and how, where, and in what order they appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Best credit cards for bad credit in March 2025


- • Business credit cards
- • Credit card debt


- • Building credit
- • Credit scores


- • Personal finance
- • Taxes


- • Building credit
- • Credit scores


- • Personal finance
- • Taxes
Advertiser Disclosure: Bankrate’s editorial team chooses and recommends the credit cards on this page. While we may receive compensation when users apply for cards through this page, our recommendations and card ratings are produced independently without influence by advertising partnerships with issuers.
- The secured Self Visa® Credit Card1: Best for building credit with savings
- Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best card with no interest
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Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best low-cost secured card
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Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card with Cashback: Best card for no credit check
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Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best cash back card for bad credit
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Nav Prime Card: Best for building business credit
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Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card: Best customized rewards for bad credit
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Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card: Best low-cost unsecured card
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Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
Compare Bankrate’s best cards for bad credit
Our picks for | Recommended Credit Score | Credit building features | Learn more | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Building credit with savings | No Credit History | No deposit required No hard pull on your credit report Reports to the three major credit bureaus | Apply now on Self's secure site | |
No interest | No Credit History | No credit check No min. security deposit SpotMe overdraft protection No annual fee | Apply now on Chime's secure site | |
Low-cost secured card | No Credit History | Access to CreditWise® credit alerts Reports to the three credit bureaus Automatic account review after six months | ||
No credit check | N/A | In-app credit monitoring No credit check | ||
Cash back card | No Credit History | Free access to FICO credit score Automatic account reviews after seven months Discover® Identity Alerts | ||
Building business credit | No Credit History | Reports two tradelines to credit bureaus Access detailed business and personal credit reports Access to Nav Business Checking account | Apply now on Nav's secure site | |
Customized rewards | No Credit History | Free access to FICO credit score No annual fee | ||
Low-cost unsecured card | Bad to Fair | Reports to all three credit bureaus |
Filter by
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Showing 8 results
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Best for building credit with savings
Cardholder rating
This rating reflects the average overall score given by real cardholders in response to questions about this card's benefits, rewards, customer service, and data security.
Bankrate score
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Self's secure site
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Self credit card.
N/A
Annual fee
$0 annual fee first year, $25 annual fee thereafter.
Regular APR
28.24% APR Variable
Why you'll like this: You can build credit on two fronts thanks to its combo of a secured loan and credit card.
Best card with no interest
Cardholder rating
This rating reflects the average overall score given by real cardholders in response to questions about this card's benefits, rewards, customer service, and data security.
Bankrate score
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Chime's secure site
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Chime credit card.
N/A
Annual fee
None
Regular APR
N/A
Why you'll like this: It doesn’t charge interest or require a traditional security deposit, making it an especially low-risk credit-building option.
Best low-cost secured card
Cardholder rating
This rating reflects the average overall score given by real cardholders in response to questions about this card's benefits, rewards, customer service, and data security.
Bankrate score
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Capital One's secure site
See Rates & FeesIntro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Capital One credit card.
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
29.74% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: You may be eligible to put down a security deposit as low as $49 and still get a $200 minimum credit line.
Best card for no credit check
Bankrate score
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Firstcard's secure site
See Rates & FeesIntro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Firstcard credit card.
N/A
Rewards Rate
Get up to 15% Merchant Cashback at 29,000 partner merchants, Get up to 10% Random Cashback on all qualifying transactions, Earn an additional 1% Unlimited Cashback with Firstcard Premium on all qualifying transactions on top of the two cashback offerings (Merchant Cashback and Random Cashback)
1% - Up to 15%
Annual fee
N/A
Regular APR
0% APR
Why you'll like this: It doesn’t require a Social Security number or credit check to apply, making it extremely accessible.
Best cash back card for bad credit
Cardholder rating
This rating reflects the average overall score given by real cardholders in response to questions about this card's benefits, rewards, customer service, and data security.
Bankrate score
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Discover's secure site
See Rates & FeesIntro offer
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Cashback Match™
Rewards Rate
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
1% - 2%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
27.24% Variable APR
Why you'll like this: It’s one of the only secured cards that offers solid rewards with no annual fee. You can even graduate to an unsecured card with responsible use.
Best for building business credit
Bankrate score
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Nav's secure site
Regular APR
N/A
Annual fee
Nav Prime is $49.99/month, which gets reported as a tradeline.
Why you'll like this: It’s available even with a low personal credit score and reports two tradelines to credit bureaus, helping you build credit more efficiently.
Best customized rewards for bad credit
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
*The information about the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Bankrate score
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Regular APR
28.24% Variable
Annual fee
None
Why you'll like this: Its rewards rates match the rates you’ll get on its unsecured version, so you won’t miss out while working on your score.
Best low-cost unsecured card
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
*The information about the Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Bankrate score
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. If you'd like to learn more about how we rank our cards, explore our ranking methodology here.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Mission Lane credit card.
N/A
Rewards Rate
N/A
Annual fee
$0 - $59
Regular APR
19.99% - 33.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Its fees are relatively low and you won’t have to tie up hundreds in a security deposit.

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Researching the best cards for bad credit
We thoroughly rate and research the best cards for bad credit based on key criteria to help you make confident decisions when choosing your next credit card. Learn more about our methodology below.
Secured vs. unsecured credit cards for bad credit
Two types of credit cards commonly available to people with bad credit are secured cards and unsecured cards. Both have notable advantages and disadvantages, so deciding which one is best for you may come down to a few key differences.
A secured credit card usually requires a security deposit, which determines and often matches your credit limit. Credit-building features can also include reporting your credit activity to credit bureaus, late fee forgiveness and credit monitoring.
These cards are ideal when you’re starting to build or need to repair your credit. Many of these cards offer preapproval, so it won’t hurt your credit to check your approval odds. Some don’t charge an annual fee, so you can focus on building credit without gaining any unnecessary debt.
Unsecured credit cards for bad credit differ slightly from secured cards. They do not require a security deposit, but sometimes charge annual fees. If you don’t want to — or can’t — provide the funds for a security deposit, unsecured cards for bad credit would be the better option, though they usually aren’t as common and don’t always have the best terms.
We typically advise people to avoid unsecured credit cards for bad credit whenever possible since they tend to have high APRs (even higher than on some secured cards) and can impose various fees. It’s also rare that these cards come with benefits like rewards despite being unsecured.
Features | Secured Credit Card | Unsecured Credit Card |
---|---|---|
Security deposit required | ✔️ | X |
Credit building features | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Offer preapproval | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Potentially high credit limit | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Offer rewards | ✔️ | X |
Likely low-cost to carry | ✔️ | X |
Cards for bad credit news & views
Interest rates are certainly at the forefront of peoples’ minds as they navigate credit credit card options. The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates steadily since September 2024, but did not cut rates at its January 2025 meeting. This puts a pause on lower APRs, but shouldn’t discourage you from trying to build your credit. While interest rates will continue to remain high, if you’re practicing good credit habits, you’ll never have to worry about paying interest.
Many people turn to sites like Reddit to find common ground and crowdsource solutions when they have bad credit and want to build or rebuild to a better score. One user who posted in the r/badcredit subreddit seems to summarize several stories about bad credit, sharing familiar themes of “some late payments and high credit utilization.” These are both habits that will result in interest payments at a time when credit card APRs are still staggeringly high.
There isn’t much good advice in threads about bad credit, and some users even offer to let the original posters become an authorized user on their own cards — but this is risky. You shouldn’t get financially involved with a stranger, so be careful of offers like this if you seek help. However, if you have someone in your life with a good credit score who you trust, ask if they’re willing to make you an authorized user on their credit card. This can boost your score and help you rebound from bad credit.
Other than becoming an authorized user, the staple strategies for building credit are paying your credit card bill on time, exercising responsibility with credit and patience. However, this is all only helpful if you can get your hands on a credit card.
Bankrate Insight
Bankrate editor and credit card expert Nouri Zarrugh recommends taking your time and watching your score rise with responsible credit card use.
“Start with a low-cost card, only use it for small purchases and pay it off on time and in full, every time,” Zarrugh says. “Just stick to that, and you can see your score rise considerably.”
We dug into our proprietary data and analyzed the approval rates for people who applied for credit cards on Bankrate in 2024 based on their credit tier: thin, bad, fair, good and excellent credit. Here’s what we found:
About 20 percent of people with bad credit who applied for cards on our site were approved. To compare, 32 percent of people with good credit were approved and 34 percent of people with fair/average credit were approved. When your credit score increases, so does your chance of approval for credit cards, so it’s important to continue working on your score and practicing positive credit habits.
If you’re worried about approval for your next credit card, advice on Reddit actually points some readers in the right direction. In a thread about rebuilding bad credit, a user comments that the “pre-approval applications for Discover and Capital One will let you know if you are likely to be approved for a basic no annual fee unsecured card or the secured option.” This is true, and features like this make cards like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card and Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card great cards for building or rebuilding your bad credit score.
*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up-to-date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.
Offer details: What makes a great card for bad credit?
A card for bad credit can be useful in providing credit if you can’t qualify for better options. However, it’s important to choose the best one that will help you reach your financial goals. Here are some features of the best cards for bad credit to keep in mind as you shop around:
- Credit-building tools: If you want to upgrade your card sooner rather than later, features like credit monitoring and automatic credit limit reviews can come in handy for boosting your credit score. And the best cards report to all three credit bureaus, so be sure to skip cards that only report to one or don't report card activity at all.
- Reasonable rates and fees: Don’t focus only on a card’s annual fee. It’s important to read a card’s Schumer Box, which covers information including APR; APR for cash advances; card fees (annual, transaction, cash advance and penalty); additional disclosures and terms and conditions; card information; legal notices; and billing rights. Be sure to also read a credit card’s fine print that explains the terms and conditions.
- Security deposit requirements: If you're considering a secured credit card, check the deposit requirements. A few cards have lower security deposits and higher starting credit limits to help people jump-start their credit building efforts without putting down hundreds of dollars.
- Upgrade opportunities: Some cards allow you to upgrade from a secured card to an unsecured card or increase your credit limit after you show good credit habits over a number of months. They include the Chase Freedom Rise® Card* and the Capital One Platinum Secured Card.
- Preapproval offers: Too many hard inquiries can cause your credit score to dip. Instead, get preapproval via a soft pull to show you your chances of being approved for a card so you can apply for cards with confidence. You can also try Bankrate’s CardMatch tool, which also uses a soft pull to match you with credit card options.
Another item to consider when searching for credit cards is perks. While cards for bad credit have fewer perks, benefits are usually different on secured and unsecured cards. Here’s what you should look for:
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- Minimum security deposits of $200 or less
- Credit monitoring
- $0 fraud liability
- Late payment forgiveness
- Reports to three main credit bureaus
- Automatic review for credit limit increases or card upgrades
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- Low or no annual fee
- Cash back or rewards
- Credit monitoring
- Late payment forgiveness
- Card protections (including $0 fraud liability)
- Reports to three main credit bureaus
When to use a credit card for bad credit
A credit card can still be a helpful tool for building credit, even when it’s bad. You can use a card to establish credit, boost your credit file or fix past credit mistakes. Here’s when it’s smart to use a credit card for bad credit:
- When you’re ready to repair your credit. If you’re ready to rebuild credit, a credit card for bad credit can help get you back on track. FICO determines your credit score based on payment history (35 percent), accounts owed (30 percent), length of credit history (15 percent), credit mix (10 percent) and new credit (10 percent). As long as you practice healthy credit habits, you can use a credit card to help repair your score.
- When you have a limited credit history. While you may not necessarily have bad credit, not having any credit can be just as restrictive. Many credit cards for bad credit are also some of the best for no credit history. People new to credit can try starter credit cards, and first-generation credit users can find cards that meet their needs in many of our featured cards.
- When you want options for an emergency. Credit cards for bad credit often don’t have a high credit limit. However, a little can go a long way when it comes to a last-minute expense or emergency. While it won’t replace an emergency fund, it can be useful when you’re in a bind.
- When you need to make purchases without cash. Some expenses can’t be paid with cash or check. Having a credit card can simplify and automate payments. It can also be a good payment alternative if you don’t have a bank account.
How to build your score if you have bad credit
While improving your credit score can feel like an uphill battle, cultivating good credit habits and exercising patience will pay off. Here are a few tips to remember when trying to boost your credit.
- Maintain responsible financial habits with a credit card. One of the most effective ways to build credit is by using a credit card. While a few factors are more important than others when calculating your score, consistent and positive credit management over time is the key to seeing results. Once you apply for a credit card, establish a budget to avoid overspending and risk further damaging your credit score. Take advantage of free credit management tools and monitor your progress closely.
- Use alternative options — but only if necessary. If using a credit card to build credit isn’t the best option for you and your needs, you can explore alternative ways to build credit without a credit card. Other financial tools, such as credit-builder loans and alternative reporting data are among the most popular ways to build credit without a credit card. If you need more help, you could explore credit repair options or pursue credit counseling.
- Seek professional assistance. Do your research while exploring credit repair or counseling. Some bad actors do exist, and scammers may be more inclined to target people with bad credit. Check with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or your local Financial Empowerment Center for help identifying legitimate credit counseling and repair services.
Bankrate Insight
Regularly checking for inaccuracies on your credit report can keep it tidy, making it easier to keep your credit score accurate. Luckily “cleaning” your credit report is a fairly easy process. Get copies of your credit reports from the major credit bureaus and check for errors or unfamiliar activity. If you find anything awry, contact your lender or the bureau to resolve the issue.
Ask the experts: What should you do if you get denied a credit card for bad credit?

Ana Staples
Lead writer, Credit cards
When you're denied credit, the lender is required by law to send you an adverse action notice listing the specific reasons your application was rejected. Don't automatically assume it was due to your credit score. Multiple other factors go into this decision, such as your income, recent credit applications and issuer-specific restrictions. Once you know exactly why you weren't approved, you can plan your course of action for future applications. Just don't apply again too soon, because card issuers may see multiple applications in a short period as a red flag.

John Ulzheimer
Credit reporting and scoring expert
If you've been denied a credit card because of bad credit, you can do a variety of things to help improve your chances of being approved. You can address the principal reasons for denial, such as making sure negative credit information is actually correct and beginning to properly manage your credit. Or, you can reset your credit card target to a card offering that is more tolerant of applicants who have bad credit. There is no shortage of credit cards designed for consumers with bad credit. Of course, the long-term goal is to earn solid credit scores, so you'll have more credit card options from which to choose.

Thomas Nitzsche
Financial Educator, Debt and Credit
There are a few things you should do if you’ve been denied a credit card for bad credit. In the short term, you may need to find an alternative solution for the reason you were applying for credit. Was it for an essential need that you must now find an alternative to finance? You might have better luck at a local bank, credit union or Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). CDFIs offer financial products and programs that support borrowers’ specific needs. They are also able to take more risk than a traditional bank. In the longer term, you should understand why you were denied and what you can do to improve your credit profile. This might mean reviewing your credit report, disputing any inaccuracies, making on-time payments on your credit accounts or opening a secured credit card or credit-builder loan (sometimes called a credit-builder CD) with a local bank or credit union to help improve your credit.
Still unsure if a credit card is right for you even if you have bad credit? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool, where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
*The information about the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card and the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Frequently asked questions about credit cards for bad credit
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A bad credit score is a FICO score of 579 or less or a VantageScore of 601 or less. You can end up with a bad credit score for various reasons, such as missing payments or declaring bankruptcy. Having a bad credit score can make it difficult to get credit cards, car loans and other lending products.
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Missed or late payments, high credit utilization ratio, delinquent accounts, foreclosure or and bankruptcy can all cause bad credit. And when you have bad credit, you typically have fewer options when applying to loans and credit cards — plus, your interest rates are usually higher. Having bad credit can even lead to physical and mental health issues.
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Cards that don't require a credit check when you apply are generally the easiest to get. Some examples of cards that don’t require a credit check include the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card and the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. However, it’s important to remember that these cards, along with many others, are most accessible to people with bad credit, and tend to have higher interest rates and annual fees in exchange for a line of credit.
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A card issuer will likely determine your credit limit based on your creditworthiness, so getting a high limit with a lower score could be tough — but it’s not impossible. The best way to get a higher credit limit with bad credit is to find a secured card that allows you to set your own credit limit based on the security deposit you can afford.
How we assess the best credit cards for people with bad credit
When evaluating the best cards for building credit, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that make it easy to build credit history while minimizing costs.
We analyzed over 50 of the most popular cards designed for people with no credit history, bad credit or a fair credit score and rated each based on its cost, APR, credit-building features and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.
Here are some of the key factors that we considered and how they’re factored into our card ratings:
- Cost + APR 50% Read more
- Ease of building credit 25% Read more
- Perks 15% Read more
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Customer experience 10%
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A credit-building card’s cost has a large influence on its overall score and our decision to include it in our best cards list. This is because cards in this category tend to be much pricier than traditional credit cards designed for people with a good or better credit score.
We compare a card’s total cost, including any annual fees, account activation fees, monthly fees and more against the total cost of other cards in the credit-building category and assign each card a score based on its affordability. We also factor rewards-earning potential into our assessment of a credit-building card’s total cost, subtracting expected earnings from the sum of its fees.
To get a sense of a credit-building card’s rewards-earning potential, we estimate its average annual rewards rate and average annual earnings based on the most popular spending categories (as covered in the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer spending report).
However, we use a slightly lower spending assumption ($300 per month or $3,600 per year) to estimate average earnings, assuming credit-builders will start out with a lower credit limit, will want to keep credit utilization low and will focus primarily on small purchases they can easily pay off.
While low-cost credit-building cards will always be at a major advantage in our scoring system and will likely earn a higher spot on our best cards list, no-annual-fee credit-building cards can be hard to come by, especially if you’re looking for an unsecured card. With this in mind, we may include unsecured cards with high fees in our list if they offer other benefits for credit-builders, like a high starting credit limit or useful perks.
A card’s APR is also a major factor in its credit-building score. Each card’s average APR is compared against the average APR of other cards in the category, and the cards with lower-than-average APRs receive a higher rating.
Given the many costs students face — from textbooks to laptops — the presence of an introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers also plays a role in a student card’s score and its inclusion on our list.
Though high APRs are hard to avoid when you’re just starting out or working on your score, credit-builders and students should strive for as low an APR as possible since they’re likely to either be new to managing cards or trying to establish better financial habits and avoid falling into debt.
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Along with a credit-building card’s cost, we consider how easy the card makes it to build credit. To assess this, we evaluate its credit limit potential and minimum deposit requirement.
Unsecured cards with a high starting credit limit and secured cards that let you put down a large deposit and get a matching high credit limit will score the highest according to our “Ease of building credit” rubric and are more likely to appear on our list.
This is because a high credit limit can make it much easier to keep your credit utilization low, a primary credit-building factor that makes up 30 percent of your FICO credit score.
Secured cards have a slight advantage in this category since the maximum credit limit on a secured card tends to be much higher than the typical starting credit limit on an unsecured card. However, unsecured cards have the upper hand in another key aspect of building credit: accessibility.
Cards that carry no or a low deposit requirement can also receive a high score according to our “Ease of building credit” rubric since these cards offer a lower barrier to entry than secured cards that require you to put up hundreds of dollars in an upfront deposit.
Indeed, some users may prefer to pay a non-refundable $50 annual fee while they work on their credit score than tie up hundreds in a refundable security deposit.
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We evaluate a student or credit-building card’s benefits based on how useful they are for someone looking to build a positive credit history or save money on everyday spending.
We consider the inclusion of a rewards program, student-centric perks, access to your credit score or a credit monitoring service of prime importance, along with the ability to prequalify for the card with only a soft credit pull and a clear path to increase your credit limit or graduate to an unsecured or full-fledged rewards card.
Cards that include these benefits are likely to score higher according to our credit-building card and student card scoring rubrics and are more likely to earn a place in our list.
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We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.
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Financial Empowerment Center. FEC Public. Accessed on Feb. 24, 2025.
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National Foundation of Credit Counseling. NFCC. Accessed on Feb. 24, 2025.
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* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.