Best Credit Cards for Beginners to Build Credit Fast
✅ Credit Requirement: No credit history required
✅ Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter), 1% on all other purchases
✅ Annual Fee: $0
✅ Perks: Automatic account reviews for a credit line upgrade, free FICO score monitoring
Why It’s Great:
The Discover it® Secured is one of the best secured credit cards for beginners because it offers rewards while helping you build credit. Plus, Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year, making it even more rewarding.
Reliable
High Potency
Fast Shipping
Affordable Pricing
✅ Credit Requirement: Fair/limited credit history
✅ Rewards: No rewards, but helps build credit
✅ Annual Fee: $0
✅ Perks: Automatic credit limit reviews, no foreign transaction fees
Why It’s Great:
If you're new to credit and looking for a simple, no-frills card, the Capital One Platinum is a solid choice. It has no annual fee and offers automatic credit line increases with responsible use.
Reliable
High Potency
Fast Shipping
Affordable Pricing
✅ Credit Requirement: No credit history required
✅ Rewards: 1% cash back on purchases, up to 1.5% after on-time payments
✅ Annual Fee: $0
✅ Perks: No late fees, no foreign transaction fees, free credit score tracking
Why It’s Great:
The Petal 2 Visa is ideal for beginners because it doesn’t require a traditional credit history. Instead, it considers banking history to determine eligibility. It’s also a great choice for those who want rewards without fees.
Reliable
High Potency
Fast Shipping
Affordable Pricing
✅ Credit Requirement: Limited/no credit history
✅ Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases
✅ Annual Fee: $0
✅ Perks: $20 Good Standing Reward annually for the first five years, free credit score tracking
Why It’s Great:
Designed for students, this card offers consistent cash-back rewards while helping beginners establish credit. Plus, its Good Standing Reward encourages responsible credit use.
Reliable
High Potency
Fast Shipping
Affordable Pricing
✅ Credit Requirement: No credit check required
✅ Rewards: No rewards, designed to build credit
✅ Annual Fee: $35
✅ Perks: No credit check needed for approval, flexible security deposit
Why It’s Great:
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® is an excellent choice for those with no credit history or bad credit, as it doesn’t require a credit check for approval. A flexible security deposit allows users to set their own credit limit, making it a great option for credit-building.
Reliable
High Potency
Fast Shipping
Affordable Pricing
Building credit from scratch can be challenging, but the right credit card can make the process faster and easier. This guide highlights the best beginner-friendly credit cards designed to help users establish and improve their credit scores.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent option for those with no credit history, offering cash-back rewards and automatic credit reviews. The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a simple, no-annual-fee card that helps build credit responsibly with automatic credit limit increases. If you prefer a no-fee card with cash-back rewards, the Petal® 2 Visa is a great choice, as it doesn’t require a traditional credit check.
For students looking to start their credit journey, the Chase Freedom Student Credit Card provides cash-back rewards and a Good Standing Reward for responsible use. Meanwhile, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is ideal for those with no credit or poor credit, as it doesn’t require a credit check for approval and allows a flexible security deposit.
These beginner-friendly credit cards help establish a solid credit history while minimizing costs, making them great options for those looking to build credit fast. By using them responsibly—paying on time and keeping balances low—you can qualify for better cards and financial opportunities in the future.
Disclaimer: This website provides free online resources designed to deliver helpful content and comparison features. While we aim for objectivity, we may receive advertising compensation from certain service providers featured on our platform, which could influence the rating and ranking of these providers. It’s important to understand that our listings do not constitute endorsements. Our ranking and rating system is based on a combination of user experience, views, ratings, and comments. The information and site are provided “as is,” and your use of the site is at your own risk. We strive to keep information, including pricing and reviews, accurate and up-to-date, but may not cover all service providers worldwide, focusing instead on recommending top brands based on our research and expertise. Additionally, as a comparison site, we offer coupons and links to brands’ websites. Please note, we do not endorse or sell any products containing illegal substances or those that violate Google’s advertising policies.
