Credit Cards (US)
Best credit building cards of 2021: top choices to rebuild your score
If you need a credit card and to rebuild your score, take a look at some of the best credit building cards of 2021!
Find out everything about the best credit building cards
Before granting you a loan or financing, companies, businesses, and financial institutions verify your credit score as a consumer (the well-known credit score). As a result, persons seeking credit cards with a known low credit score should be patient.
Your credit score is only one aspect of your financial health, but it can have a significant impact on your finances and in your life. When you seek credit, a low credit score can mean paying higher interest rates and fees or even not being approved at all.
With bad credit, you can get a credit card but it won’t be one of the ones that promote generous rewards or unique benefits. Instead, it will be a really basic card. And that is okay. You won’t have to rely on this card indefinitely. The goal is to use it to develop or rebuild your credit before moving on to a more suitable product.
If your credit score is poor or fair, taking measures to improve it can help you qualify for loans with better rates and terms. Fortunately, some credit cards can help you grow credit over time, either by making it easier to get approved or by providing particular credit-building benefits.
This list of the best credit building cards was produced by Forbes Advisor.
The best choices for credit building cards
Even if your credit score is low, you can discover the best credit card for your needs. Compare your options and seek the assistance you require to better your financial situation.
You will be redirected to another website
By submitting this form, I agree that I am 18+ years old and I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. I also provide my signature giving express consent to receive marketing communications via automated emails, SMS or MMS text messages and other forms of communication regarding financial products such as credit card and loans. Message frequency varies and represents our good faith effort to reach you regarding your inquiry. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for help or text STOP to cancel. I understand that my consent to receive communications is not a condition of purchase and I may revoke my consent at any time.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
For people who do not have a credit score, this can be a great card as it does not require a previous credit record. You can even get cash back rewards with this card, which is something that is not so common with other similar credit build credit cards.
Credit Score | No credit record required |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Regular APR | 22.99% variable APR |
Welcome bonus* | Cashback Match™ *Terms apply |
Rewards* | 1% cash back for every purchase 2% cash back for spendings made at gas stations and restaurants *Terms apply |
Secured Mastercard® from Capital One
The Secured Mastercard® from Capital One requires a refundable security deposit. Your credit limit will be equivalent to your deposit on most secured cards, but this card allows customers who qualify for a smaller deposit to apply.
Credit Score | Poor |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Regular APR | 26.99% variable APR |
Welcome bonus | No welcome offer |
Rewards | No rewards |
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
This card has no fees at all, no foreign transaction fees, annual fees, and others. So, this can be a great card for those who are building credit. Also, this card does not require that you have a credit score. And even with all of that, you can get cash back with this card.
Credit Score | Limited, poor, no credit record |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Regular APR | 12.99% to 26.99% variable APR |
Welcome bonus | No welcome bonus |
Rewards | After you make 12 monthly payments with no delay, get cash back of 1.5% on qualifying purchases 1% cash back on qualifying spendings *Terms apply |
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
With this card, you might get approved if you have average, limited, or no credit history at all. And also you can get cash back rewards of a 1.5% rate. And you can get more credit in up to 6 months after creating your account.
Credit Score | Average, limited, no credit score |
Annual Fee | $39 |
Regular APR | 26.99% variable APR |
Welcome bonus | No welcome offer |
Rewards* | Unlimited rewards in cash back of 1.5% *Terms apply |
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
This credit card is a great choice for people who need to rebuild their credit. Even though it has an annual fee, it has a lower variable APR in comparison with other similar cards. And also you can get this card even if you do not have a bank account.
Credit Score | Poor to average |
Annual Fee | $35 |
Regular APR | 20.39% (variable) on purchases 20.39% (variable) on cash advances |
Welcome bonus | No welcome bonus |
Rewards | No rewards |
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
This card can be great for those who have limited or fair credit scores. And this can be a great low-cost option for you if you want to rebuild credit.
Credit Score | Average, limited, no credit history |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Regular APR | 26.99% variable APR |
Welcome bonus | No welcome offer |
Rewards | No rewards program |
Discover it® Student Cash Back
For students who want to build solid credit while in college, we recommend the Discover it® Student Cash Back. To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen.
Credit Score | Fair, no credit record |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Regular APR | 12.99% – 21.99% variable APR |
Welcome bonus | Cashback Match™ |
Rewards* | 5% cash back on bonus categories Cash back match for the first year $20 in statement credit in every school year *Terms apply |
Avant Credit Card
Even though you will not earn rewards, you can get a credit line of $300 – $1,000. There is only one annual fee and no other.
Credit Score | Fair |
Annual Fee | $59 |
Regular APR* | 24.99% variable APR *Terms apply |
Welcome bonus | No welcome offer |
Rewards | No rewards available |
U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card
This card is also great for those with a poor credit score and it has a fair variable APR and a $0 annual fee. Even though you have some other relatively high fees, you can choose your due date.
Credit Score | Bad, poor |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Regular APR* | 23.99% variable APR *Terms apply |
Welcome bonus | No welcome bonus is available |
Rewards | No rewards available |
Our final thoughts
With the introduction of fintech to the market, consumers that have fewer credit points now have some banking options. Traditional institutions, also called banks, have also launched products aimed at this type of audience in order to compete with fintech.
It is feasible to determine the likelihood that you will be unable to pay any expenses over the following 12 months using the score. Around 700 points are the ideal score for registration to be accepted quickly by a credit card company. But, of course, it all depends on that company’s requirements.
5 best cards for low credit score
See throughout this article the best cards for low credit score, as well as information related. Find out which is the best for you!
About the author / Thais Daou
Reviewed by / Aline Barbosa
Senior Editor
Trending Topics
How to apply for the Nectar Credit Card?
Check out how to apply for a Nectar Credit Card and start earning up to 3X points on eligible purchases at no annual fee in the first year.
Keep ReadingExtra debit card full review
Extra debit card offers reward points and allows you to build back your credit. So, check out the Extra debit card review!
Keep ReadingDestiny™ Mastercard® Cashback Rewards review
Are you looking to build credit while earning rewards? If so, read our Destiny™ Mastercard® Cashback Rewards review to learn more!
Keep ReadingYou may also like
Solicitud para la Destiny Mastercard®: ¿cómo funciona?
El proceso de solicitud para la Destiny Mastercard® es sencillo. Quédate aquí y lee este artículo para aprender sobre la solicitud.
Keep ReadingSurge® Platinum Mastercard® credit card application: how does it work?
Do you want to build your credit score with the help of a credit card? If so, read our post to learn how to apply for the Surge® Platinum Mastercard® credit card!
Keep ReadingHow to budget for an apartment
Are you ready to live your best life in the perfect apartment? Make sure you learn how to budget for an apartment realistically. Keep reading and learn!
Keep Reading