Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in the U.S. (Editorial Picks & Expert Guide)
Building credit from scratch—or repairing a damaged credit profile—can feel overwhelming. Many people run into the same frustrating problem: you need credit to build credit, but you can’t get approved without it. Fortunately, the U.S. credit card market offers several cards designed specifically to help beginners, students, immigrants, and people with less-than-perfect credit establish a strong financial foundation.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards for building credit, explain how credit building works, and show you exactly how to use a card responsibly to improve your credit score over time.
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Editorial Picks: Best Credit Cards for Building Credit
Chase Freedom Rise®
Best for: No-deposit, no-annual-fee card with rewards
The Chase Freedom Rise® is a strong entry-level option for people who are new to credit. It’s unsecured, meaning there’s no security deposit required, and it charges no annual fee. Cardholders earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is rare for a starter card.
One standout feature is Chase’s automatic account review process, which evaluates your eligibility for an upgrade over time. This makes it a practical stepping stone to more advanced Chase credit cards.
Current Build Card
Best for: No credit check and no minimum deposit
The Current Build Card removes many traditional barriers to entry. There’s no credit check, no APR, and no required security deposit. You also earn rewards, which is uncommon for credit-building products.
Because it’s designed for people with no credit or bad credit, it’s a useful option for those who want to establish payment history without worrying about interest charges.
Chime Card™
Best for: Simple management and built-in safeguards
The Chime Credit Builder Card has no annual fee, no interest, and no minimum deposit requirement. Payments can be automated, which helps prevent late payments—one of the most common credit mistakes.
To qualify, you must have a Chime checking account, which adds an extra step. However, for users who prefer mobile-first banking and simple budgeting tools, this card can be very effective.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for: Secured card with a clear upgrade path
This card requires a refundable security deposit, but it stands out by offering cash-back rewards—something most secured cards don’t provide. Discover also reviews accounts automatically and may transition you to an unsecured card after responsible use.
For people who can afford a deposit and want long-term growth, this card is a popular choice.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Best for: Flexible security deposit options
Unlike many secured cards that require a deposit equal to your credit limit, Capital One may approve some applicants for a $200 credit line with a deposit as low as $49. The issuer also reviews accounts for credit limit increases without additional deposits.
This flexibility makes it appealing to people who want to minimize upfront costs.
OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
Best for: No credit check secured option
This card does not require a credit check or bank account. It has no annual fee, but it comes with a higher minimum deposit and higher interest rate compared to some competitors.
It can be useful for individuals who have been repeatedly denied elsewhere and need a guaranteed way to build credit.
Prosper® Card
Best for: Fair-to-poor credit without a deposit
The Prosper® Card is unsecured and marketed toward people with “less than perfect credit.” While it charges an annual fee and does not offer rewards, it provides access to credit for users who may not qualify for better options yet.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Best for: Flexibility with fair credit
This card blends features of a credit card and a personal loan, offering predictable monthly payments. It has no annual fee and earns cash back, while also allowing applicants to check potential terms before formally applying.
Discover it® Student Chrome
Best for: College students
Designed for students with limited or no credit history, this card offers cash back on dining and gas purchases. There’s no annual fee, and Discover provides tools that help students track their credit progress.
Grow Credit Mastercard
Best for: Building credit with subscriptions
This card allows you to build credit by paying for qualifying subscriptions such as streaming services. There’s no interest and no hard credit check, but a monthly membership fee applies.
Zolve Classic Credit Card
Best for: International students and new U.S. immigrants
Zolve is designed for people new to the U.S. credit system. You may qualify without a Social Security number, and the card reports to all three major credit bureaus. It also offers modest rewards with no annual fee.
Tilt Motion
Best for: Accessibility and alternative approval models
Tilt Motion uses nontraditional underwriting methods, making it more accessible to people with limited or damaged credit. It has no annual fee, doesn’t require a deposit, and reports to all major credit bureaus.
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What Does “Building Credit” Mean?
Building credit means creating a positive credit history that shows lenders you can borrow money and repay it responsibly. This history is summarized in your credit score, which typically ranges from 300 to 850.
People building credit usually fall into one of three groups:
- No credit: No credit history or score
- Bad credit: Scores generally below the mid-500s
- Fair credit: Scores in the low-to-mid 600s
Why Building Credit Matters
Good credit affects far more than just credit cards. It can influence:
- Mortgage and auto loan approval
- Interest rates on loans
- Apartment rental applications
- Employment background checks in some industries
Because credit takes time to build, the best moment to start is before you actually need it.
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Types of Credit Cards for Building Credit
- Secured credit cards: Require a refundable deposit
- Student credit cards: Designed for enrolled college students
- Alternative underwriting cards: Use income or employment data
- Store credit cards: Easier approval but limited use
- Fair-credit cards: For average credit scores
- Subprime unsecured cards: Easier approval but high fees
What to Look for in a Credit-Building Card
Reports to all major credit bureaus
Without reporting, your activity won’t help your credit score.
Prequalification options
These allow you to check eligibility without hurting your score.
Reasonable fees
Avoid cards with excessive annual or monthly fees unless necessary.
Upgrade potential
The best credit-building cards offer a path to better cards later.
Flexible deposits (for secured cards)
Lower or adjustable deposits can make building credit more affordable.
Easy payments and autopay
On-time payments are the single most important factor in building credit.
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How to Use a Credit Card to Build Credit Effectively
- Use less than 30% of your credit limit (under 10% is ideal)
- Pay your bill in full and on time every month
- Monitor your credit score regularly
- Request an upgrade once your credit improves
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build credit?
Most people begin seeing improvements within 3–6 months of responsible use.
Do I need to carry a balance to build credit?
No. Paying your balance in full every month is better for your score and avoids interest.
Are secured cards bad?
No. Secured cards are often the easiest and safest way to build or rebuild credit.
Can beginners earn rewards while building credit?
Yes, but rewards should be secondary to responsible usage and low balances.
Final Thoughts
Credit cards designed for building credit are tools—not long-term solutions. The goal is to start small, use credit responsibly, and move up to better financial products as your score improves. With the right card and disciplined habits, building strong credit in the U.S. is absolutely achievable.
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