12 Best Credit Cards for Building Credit (Sep. 2026)
Learn how student, secured, and unsecured cards can help you establish or rebuild credit and understand deposit and reporting basics.
Writer: Ashley Fricker
Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
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Finding the right cards for building credit is a crucial step on the journey to establishing, or re-establishing, good credit. People looking to build credit are starting their credit journey for the first time, while others may be resuming a journey derailed by a financial mistake (or three). Either way, building — or rebuilding — a positive credit history can have substantial benefits for your financial future.
Why? Because credit reports are used by everyone from potential lenders to potential landlords to get an idea about your financial habits, meaning the information housed within those reports will influence many important decisions throughout your life. Life events, such as qualifying for credit, seeking a new apartment, or even competing for a new job, could depend on the information in your credit report.
For most people, the easiest way to start building or rebuilding credit is with a credit card. You may be surprised by how many issuers are willing to help you get back on track, and the toughest part is often just sorting through the choices. Check out our category breakdown to begin your search.
Although colleges and universities are intended to be institutions of academic learning, the average college student likely obtains more than a basic education with that degree. Indeed, college is also the place where we learn many important life lessons — including the true cost of the goods we took for granted when living at home.
Additionally, those years as a student can be a great time to begin building credit and learning responsible credit behaviors. To help students get started on the right foot, most major credit card issuers offer student-centered cards designed to help credit students become credit masters. Our favorite student cards are annual-fee-free while still providing solid cash back rewards.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.74% - 25.74% applies
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. 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. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.6/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.74% - 25.74% applies
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. 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. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
One thing to note before applying for your first student credit card is the age restriction imposed on credit cards by the CARD Act of 2009. The CARD Act specifically states that those under the age of 21 may not apply for a credit card on their own, unless they can show proof of an individual income of a suitable amount.
For potential cardholders aged 18 to 20, the income restriction can be circumvented by applying with a qualified co-signer. To qualify, co-signers must be over the age of 21 and have a good credit history. The decision to become a co-signer should be considered carefully, as co-signers will be held responsible for any debt accumulated on the card should the primary cardholder become unable to (or chooses not to) repay the debt.
Best “No/Limited Credit” Cards for Building Credit
A common catch-22 in finance is the idea that you need to have credit to get credit. This is because creditors use your credit report to determine your credit risk. No credit history means there is no way to determine your actual risk — which makes you a risk by default. For instance, a consumer without any established credit history will likely find it quite difficult to secure a mortgage.
Luckily, that pesky catch-22 isn’t quite universal, and those who have yet to establish their credit can get started by applying for their first credit card. Many major credit card issuers offer easy-to-get cards designed especially for credit newbies, including options for earning cash back rewards as you learn. Start your search with our top-rated picks, which come without annual fees to hold you down.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
The secured Self Visa® Credit Card* requires no credit check or minimum score.
Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus to establish and build credit, with free access to your credit score.
Secure your credit line with a refundable security deposit as low as $100.**
Deposits are returned upon account closure after settling outstanding balances.
*The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.
**Qualification for the secured Self Visa® Credit Card is based on meeting eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements and establishment of security interest. Criteria subject to change.
Intro (Purchases)N/A
Intro (Transfers)N/A
Regular APRVariable APR of 27.49%
Annual Fee$0 annual fee for the first year only, $25 annual fee thereafter
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.6/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Before applying for your first credit card, of course, it can be extremely beneficial to research how credit cards actually work, including how credit card interest is calculated. Knowing what to expect before you run out and start making purchases can save you a lot of heartache (and expensive fees) in the long run.
Best “Bad Credit” Cards for Building Credit
While it can be difficult to obtain new credit without an established credit history, the opposite can also be true; sometimes, it’s your credit history that makes the job difficult. In fact, in many cases, it can be easier to obtain credit with no credit history than with a poor one.
On the plus side, bad credit doesn’t have to be forever. It’s possible to rebuild a positive credit history through the responsible use of credit, no matter how low your original score. A new credit card — such as those offered by our top-rated poor credit card issuers — can be a good way to start rebuilding a good payment history. Our picks include both unsecured and secured cards, providing options for almost any credit need.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get at least a $200 initial credit line
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Along with using new credit responsibly and paying down old debts, one of the biggest factors in improving your score is simply time. The newest information on your credit report carries the most weight, so as negative accounts get older, their effect on your credit score gradually fades.
Furthermore, according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most of the negative marks on your credit report, such as missed payments and defaulted accounts, have a set lifespan of seven years, after which time they should be removed from your report. The major exceptions to this rule are for hard credit inquiries, which only last two years, and bankruptcies, which can last up to 10 years.
Best “Secured” Cards for Building Credit
When exploring credit card options for building credit, you’ll likely come across two main card types: secured cards and unsecured cards. The primary difference between the two card types is that secured credit cards require an initial cash deposit to establish an account, while unsecured cards do not.
Whether you have yet to establish a credit history or have made a few mistakes in your credit past, secured credit cards will likely be the easiest card to obtain. The secured nature makes them less risky than unsecured cards, so issuer requirements tend to be less strict. Our top options are free of annual fees and will report to all three major credit bureaus.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
The secured Self Visa® Credit Card* requires no credit check or minimum score.
Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus to establish and build credit, with free access to your credit score.
Secure your credit line with a refundable security deposit as low as $100.**
Deposits are returned upon account closure after settling outstanding balances.
*The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.
**Qualification for the secured Self Visa® Credit Card is based on meeting eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements and establishment of security interest. Criteria subject to change.
Intro (Purchases)N/A
Intro (Transfers)N/A
Regular APRVariable APR of 27.49%
Annual Fee$0 annual fee for the first year only, $25 annual fee thereafter
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get at least a $200 initial credit line
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Another key difference between secured and unsecured credit cards is how the credit limit is set. With an unsecured card, your limit is based largely on your personal credit history. With a secured card, your limit usually depends on your initial deposit, though some issuers may also consider your creditworthiness.
It’s also worth knowing that secured credit cards don’t hold onto your deposit forever. You’ll get your full deposit back when you close the account, as long as it remains in good standing. If you still have a balance at closing, you’ll need to pay it off completely before your deposit is returned.
If at any time, you default on your secured credit card balance, the issuer will close your account and use your deposit to cover what you owe. If you owe more in balance and fees than your deposit can cover, you’ll be required to pay the difference.
In some cases, a secured credit card issuer may automatically upgrade you to an unsecured credit card and return your deposit after 12 to 24 months of responsible use and credit improvement. Not all secured cards offer upgrades, so be sure to research your chosen card carefully before applying.
You Can Benefit From Establishing Credit Early
Whether we like it or not, consumer credit reports play a significant role in many of the major events in our lives. Everything from getting your first job to buying your first home can involve an examination of your credit reports, so it’s in your best interest to make sure the information on those reports is positive.
It’s also a good idea to start building a good credit history as early as possible. A full 15% of your credit score is based on the length of your credit history and the average age of all of your credit accounts combined, so the earlier you start establishing credit, the better you will score in this area. So, having the best cards to help you along is an important part of this process.
