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Starting credit from scratch can feel tricky, especially if you’ve never had a credit card before. You might be wondering which card will help you build credit, but also give you some nice extras like rewards, low fees, or tips to manage your money better.
Choosing the right first card matters. It can set you up with good habits, help you qualify for better deals later, and keep you out of unnecessary debt.
We’re going to walk through the best beginner-friendly credit cards. You’ll see side-by-side details, things like yearly fees, credit score requirements, if you need to put down a deposit, and what perks come with each card.
Every option here has something going for it, so you can pick one that fits your life and start building credit the smart way.
- 1. Discover it Secured Credit Card
- 2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- 3. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
- 4. Petal 2 “Cash Back” Visa Credit Card
- 5. Chase Freedom Student Credit Card
- 6. Citi Secured Mastercard
- 7. First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured Credit Card
- 8. Green Dot Primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card
- 9. Merrick Bank Double Your Line Mastercard
- 10. Self Visa Credit Card
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recommended Reads
1. Discover it Secured Credit Card
Benefits:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 quarterly), 1% on other purchases
- Deposit: Minimum $200 secured deposit required
- Credit Monitoring: Free access to FICO® credit scores
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Why Choose It: Ideal for those who want to earn rewards while establishing credit, with no annual fee and the possibility of transitioning to an unsecured card over time.
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Benefits
- Annual Fee: $0
- Minimum Deposit: Starts as low as $49, $99, or $200, based on initial credit check
- Credit Limit Increase: Automatic consideration for higher limits with responsible use
- Credit Monitoring: Free CreditWise tools
Why Choose It: Provides a flexible entry point with low initial costs and opportunities for increased credit lines after demonstrating good payment behavior.
3. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
Benefits
- Annual Fee: $35
- Credit Check: No credit check required to apply
- Deposit Range: $200–$3,000
- Reports To: All three major credit bureaus
Why Choose It: Accessible to individuals starting from scratch or rebuilding credit, especially those who may not qualify elsewhere due to limited or poor credit history.
4. Petal 2 “Cash Back” Visa Credit Card
Benefits
- Annual Fee: $0
- Credit Check: Considers cash flow information instead of just credit score
- Rewards: 1%–1.5% cash back based on payment history
- Cosigner Required: No cosigner needed
Why Choose It: Innovative underwriting makes it perfect for applicants with little or no credit history, rewarding responsible spending with improved interest rates and cashback.
5. Chase Freedom Student Credit Card
Benefits
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases
- Educational Tools: Access to credit education resources
- Account Management: Easy-to-use online and mobile banking
Why Choose It: Tailored specifically for students, combining rewards with educational materials to help beginners develop good financial habits.
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6. Citi Secured Mastercard
Benefits
- Annual Fee: $0
- Deposit: $200 minimum refundable deposit
- Reports To: All three major credit bureaus
- Upgrade Potential: Eligible for unsecured product with responsible use
Why Choose It: A straightforward secured card offering budget-friendly entry into credit building with Citi’s trusted brand.
7. First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured Credit Card
Benefits
- Annual Fee: $29
- APR: Competitive APR compared to other secured cards
- Deposit Range: $200–$2,000
- Approval Odds: High, even with limited credit history
Why Choose It: Great option for those wanting to start with a secured card offering favorable interest rates and solid approval chances.
8. Green Dot Primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card
Benefits
- Annual Fee: $49
- Deposit Range: $200–$5,000
- Monthly Maintenance Fees: None
- Reports To: All major credit bureaus
Why Choose It: Offers flexible funding requirements and minimal ongoing costs, ideal for those prioritizing affordability.
9. Merrick Bank Double Your Line Mastercard
Benefits
- Annual Fee: Up to $72 first year, billed at $6/month afterward
- Credit Limit Increase: Doubles after seven on-time monthly payments
- Reports To: All major credit bureaus
Why Choose It: Automatic credit limit doubling can accelerate credit growth, making it attractive for users committed to responsible payment habits.
10. Self Visa Credit Card
Benefits
- Annual Fee: $25
- Special Feature: Connects with Self Credit Builder Account, allowing secured card access without a traditional security deposit
- Reports To: All major credit bureaus
Why Choose It: Especially helpful for those struggling to save a large upfront deposit, this card lets users build credit through incremental payments.
| Card | Annual Fee | Deposit Needed | Rewards | Approval Odds | Reports To Bureaus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it Secured | $0 | $200+ | 1-2% Cash Back | Good | Yes |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $0 | $49–$200 | None | Good | Yes |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | $35 | $200–$3,000 | None | Excellent | Yes |
| Petal 2 Visa | $0 | None | 1-1.5% Cash Back | Good | Yes |
| Chase Freedom Student | $0 | None | 1% Cash Back | Good | Yes |
| Citi Secured Mastercard | $0 | $200+ | None | Good | Yes |
| First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard | $29 | $200-$2,000 | None | Excellent | Yes |
| Green Dot Primor Visa Gold | $49 | $200-$5,000 | None | Good | Yes |
| Merrick Bank Double Your Line Mastercard | Up to $72 | None | None | Good | Yes |
| Self Visa | $25 | None (linked) | None | Good | Yes |
Conclusion
Picking the right first credit card is an important choice that will affect your financial future. First-time users can find cards that fit their budget, goals, and spending habits by comparing secured and unsecured beginner cards. These cards are useful for building credit and confidence in your finances, whether your main goal is to earn rewards, avoid fees, or get an unsecured card. Knowing the differences between products helps people make smart choices that will help their finances stay healthy in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a secured credit card?
A secured credit card requires a cash deposit that serves as collateral. The deposit usually determines the credit limit, and timely payments can help build credit.
How can someone with no credit get approved for a credit card?
Beginner-friendly cards often approve applicants with limited or no credit history by requiring a deposit (secured cards) or by using alternative underwriting methods, like income and cash flow analysis.
Do secured cards report to credit bureaus?
Yes. Most secured cards in this article report to all three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—helping users build or rebuild credit.
When can a secured card be upgraded to an unsecured card?
Typically, after six to twelve months of consistent on-time payments, some issuers review accounts for eligibility to graduate to an unsecured card.
What credit card is best for students?
The Chase Freedom Student Credit Card and Discover it Secured Credit Card are excellent options, offering rewards and educational tools designed specifically for students.
Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.
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Article Title: Best Credit Cards for Beginners With No Credit
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