Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in November 2023

Best Credit Cards to Build Credit –

There are strategies to improve your position whether you have a short credit history, no credit at all, or damaged credit from prior mistakes. However, when your present situation makes it difficult for you to get approved for a loan or the finest credit card, developing credit might be difficult. This list of credit-building cards will help you get started as you search for ways to establish the credit necessary to be eligible for a loan, such as a mortgage, or to obtain one of the finest credit cards.

That’s where using credit cards to establish credit becomes relevant. Credit-building cards are intended for those who have no credit history at all or credit problems that they are attempting to resolve, while the greatest rewards and travel credit cards are meant for those with good to exceptional credit. Certain credit cards intended for credit development are secured, requiring an initial cash deposit as security. There are other unsecured credit cards available, but to start the procedure, most of them charge a fee or demand a fair credit score or higher (a FICO score of 580+).

This list of credit-building cards will help you get started as you search for ways to establish the credit necessary to be eligible for a loan, such as a mortgage, or to obtain one of the finest credit cards.

Best credit cards for building credit compared 2023

Credit Card	Best for	Regular APR	Rewards	Annual fee	Minimum credit required
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card	Best for no security deposit	26.99% – 29.99% Variable. (If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $0.50)	None	$0-59	Limited, Fair, Poor, Bad
Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card	Low APR	9.99% (Fixed)	None	$48	Bad, None
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card	Secured card with rewards	30.74% (Variable)	Earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back	$0	Limited, Bad
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card	Low-security deposit	30.74% (Variable)	None	$0	Limited, Bad
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card	Fair credit	30.74% (Variable)	Earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back	$39	Average, Fair, Limited
First Latitude Secured Platinum Mastercard® Credit Card	No credit history	24.24% variable APR	Earn an unlimited 1% cash back on payments	$25 the first year, then $35	No credit or limited credit
First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card	Fast processing	25.24% variable APR	None	$29	Poor/Limited/No Credit
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card	No credit check	22.64% variable APR	None	$35	No credit or limited credit
Total Visa® Credit Card	Unsecured card for imperfect credit	35.99% variable APR	Earn an unlimited 1% cash back on payments	$75 the first year, then $48	Imperfect credit
First Access Visa® Credit Card	Easy approvals	35.99% variable APR	Earn an unlimited 1% cash back on payments	$75 the first year, then $48	Poor credit or no credit
Citi® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card	Credit-building	27.49% variable APR	None	$0	No credit or limited credit

Our recommendations for the best credit card for building credit for November 2023

Best for no security deposit: Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card.

Why we like it: There is no security deposit needed, and the Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card enables those with really poor credit to start establishing credit for the future. Additionally, cardholders can assess their chances of acceptance by using the online prequalification checker, which can be done without placing a hard query on their credit reports.

Along with automatic credit line reviews, the Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card allows users to gradually raise their credit limit from a relatively modest starting point via responsible use. Having said that, prospective candidates should be aware that this card has an annual cost ranging from $0 to $59; the yearly price for which you are eligible will only be revealed upon application.

Best for low APR: Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card.

Why we find it appealing: The Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card requires collateral in the form of a refundable cash deposit. On the other hand, this makes it simple to get accepted for the card. Even better, it has a fixed 9.99% variable annual percentage yield (APR).

There is an annual charge of $48 for this card, but there is no credit check required to be authorized. Moreover, you can obtain a line of credit between $200 to $5,000, deducted from your initial security deposit.

Best secured card with rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Why we like it: The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card has several benefits, one of which is that it has no annual fee and gives 1.5% cash back on all transactions. Additionally secured, this card requires a $200 minimum deposit to be used as collateral. However, with responsible use, you might be eligible for an increase in your credit limit in as little as six months, and you might even be asked to switch to an unsecured card.

You must have some credit history and maybe a credit score of at least Limited, or Bad to be accepted for this secured card, which is intended for those with fair credit. (Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in November 2023)

Best for low-security deposit: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card appeals to us since it is designed for those who are repairing their credit. A person with this credit category, according to Capital One, has recently been refused a credit card or has experienced many loan defaults.

This indicates that the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card application process is straightforward. We also like that although the minimum credit limit on this card is $200, the initial security deposit can be as little as $49. (Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in November 2023)

Best for fair credit: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why we like it: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is an unsecured credit card geared to people with fair credit. We like it because it earns 1.5% cash back for all purchases and helps build credit over time.

This card doesn’t charge any hidden fees, and it even includes a six-month Uber One membership. While the initial credit limit may be low to start, Capital One says it reviews credit lines after six months to see if customers are eligible for a higher limit. (Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in November 2023)

Best for no credit history: First Latitude Secured Platinum Mastercard® Credit Card

Why we find it appealing: Customers with no credit history at all may apply for the First Latitude Secured Platinum Mastercard® Credit Card. In essence, to apply for the card, candidates must pay a $19.95 program fee. After that, they must pay a $25 yearly cost the first year and a $35 annual fee each year after that. After that, users may use their card to establish credit and get 1% cash back on every purchase as long as they make payments.

In the end, being authorized for this card is simple, and it contributes to credit building by informing the three credit agencies about your payments and balances. (Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in November 2023)

Best for fast processing: First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

Why we like it: The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is what we picked since it offers quick processing without requiring a credit check. The bank claims that its new accelerated procedure lets you receive your card more quickly, and you may apply online in a couple of minutes.

Customers with bad credit can apply for this secured credit card. A $200 minimum refundable deposit is required to secure it. Additionally, according to First Progress, you might be able to get approved for this card even if you have credit problems of any type, such as a recent bankruptcy discharge. ( Best Credit Cards to Build Credit )

Best for no credit check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Why we find it appealing: Because it doesn’t need any form of credit check, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card made our list of the top credit-building cards. The card issuer boasts an average approval rate of 87% as a result.

Since it’s a secured credit card, you must first deposit a minimum of $200 in security. The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card then notifies the credit bureaus of your credit balances and payments, which helps to enhance your credit score and create a more comprehensive credit profile. ( Best Credit Cards to Build Credit )

Best unsecured card for imperfect credit: Total Visa® Credit Card

Why we like it: The Total Visa® Credit Card ought to be on your list if you’re looking for an unsecured credit card and are prepared to pay a higher interest rate. With regular payments, you may receive 1% cash back on your purchases with this card, which does not need a deposit as collateral.

Having said that, the Total Visa® Credit Card is more costly than secured credit cards when it comes to establishing credit. It features an upfront program cost, an annual fee, and a monthly maintenance fee beyond the first year in addition to its high variable APR of 35.99%. ( Best Credit Cards to Build Credit )

Best for easy approvals: First Access Visa® Credit Card

Why we like it: Because the First Access Visa® Credit Card was created for those with poor credit, it is the ideal option for quick approvals. Furthermore, the card issuer claims that you may submit an application in a matter of minutes and receive a response in as little as sixty seconds.

Additionally, since this card is unsecured, no security deposit is required as collateral. Having said that, cardholders are charged a number of costs, such as an annual fee, a one-time program fee, and after the first year, a monthly service charge. ( Best Credit Cards to Build Credit )

Best for credit-building: Citi® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card

Why we find it appealing: A straightforward credit card for establishing credit is the Citi® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card. To start establishing credit with this card, a minimum security deposit is needed; however, there is no annual charge to be concerned about. Over time, Citi will record your payments to the three credit agencies, which contributes to the development of future credit.

A $200 to $2,500 security deposit is needed, and this sum will serve as your first credit limit. In order to accommodate their monthly budget and other necessary obligations, Citi also allows its clients to select the day on which their payments are due. ( Best Credit Cards to Build Credit )

Our Methodology

To select the best credit cards for building credit, we compared more than 60 credit cards geared to consumers with imperfect credit scores or beginners with no credit history at all. Factors we compared across card products include annual fees, monthly fees, program fees, interest rates, and rewards programs (if applicable).

While some of the credit-building cards in our ranking do charge fees, we also considered the approval odds for applicants and their ability to begin building credit with the product. We also looked at the application process for each card, security deposit requirements, and added features such as free credit scores or the ability to select one’s payment due date. ( Best Credit Cards to Build Credit )

How to choose the best credit card to build credit for you

The credit-building cards on our list have quite a few overlapping features, but their deposit requirements, fees, and rewards programs vary widely. To find the best cards from this list for your personal needs and goals, consider the following tips: ( Best Credit Cards to Build Credit )

Examine fees thoroughly. After the first year, a few of the cards we looked at even imposed monthly maintenance costs. Other cards include yearly or program fees. Make sure you’re getting some extra benefits or features if you’re paying fees to obtain a credit card in order to establish credit.
Select if you wish to get prizes. While not all credit-building cards offer benefits, some do. In light of this, you should choose if obtaining cash back is more important to you or whether you would want to concentrate entirely on establishing credit.
Select choices that are secured or unsecured. Additionally, determine if you’re prepared to use a refundable cash deposit as security to establish credit. If so, you have access to a wider selection of credit-building credit cards that come with lower annual fees.
Check for credit-building tools. Finally, see if the cards you’re interested in offer perks such as a free credit score, credit-tracking tools, or a mobile app that can help you oversee your credit progress in real-time.

Durbeen Media: Credit-building cards can help brighten your financial future.

Improving your quality of life might be challenging if you have bad credit or restricted credit in several ways. With bad credit, you could find it difficult to qualify for an apartment or a mortgage on your own. Getting authorized for other forms of finance without a cosigner can also be challenging.

You may strive toward the future you truly desire by using a credit card to raise your credit score. Even if the credit-building cards in our list aren’t flawless, they can nonetheless assist you in getting started when other cards can’t. ( Best Credit Cards to Build Credit )

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I use a credit card to build credit?

Once your credit card application has been accepted, you may start making monthly purchases with it. To get the greatest outcomes, you must use your credit card sensibly and handle it carefully.

Start by keeping your revolving debt to a minimum and paying your credit card bills on time or early each month. For example, to get the greatest outcomes, most experts advise maintaining your credit use below 30% of your potential credit limits.

What are the pros and cons of credit cards to build credit?

When used responsibly, credit cards may be a great tool for establishing credit. Credit cards do, after all, disclose your payments to the three credit reporting agencies. Paying your bills on time and consistently will help you establish a stronger credit profile and credit history over time.

The temptation to overspend, the different fees credit cards can impose, and the high-interest rates you may incur if you carry a debt from one month to the next are some of the drawbacks of using them to establish credit. high-interest

What are the different types of credit cards to build credit?

There are two main types of credit cards you can use to build credit—secured credit cards and unsecured credit cards. Where secured credit cards require a refundable cash deposit as collateral, unsecured credit cards do not have this requirement.

What are the different ways to build credit without a credit card?

There are alternative choices to think about if you’re hesitant to use a credit card to establish credit. For instance, you may use free software like Experian Boost to establish credit by paying your bills on time, such as utilities and subscription fees.
Consider looking at loans that boost credit as well. In order to help you establish credit over time, this kind of loan requires you to make monthly payments into a savings account or certificate of deposit (CD) in your name. The payments are then reported to the credit agencies. With a credit-builder loan, you receive your money back after making the last payment less a nominal amount that is deducted for fees and interest.

Are there any specific credit cards that report to all credit bureaus?

Credit bureaus receive reports from all credit card issuers, including rewards credit cards, credit cards issued by Visa and Mastercard, credit cards issued by American Express, and credit cards for those with weak credit. Make sure the credit cards you are thinking about have this feature if you want to use them to establish credit.

What is the recommended credit utilization ratio for building credit?

For the purpose of establishing or preserving a good credit score, the majority of experts advise keeping your credit use ratio below 30%. This implies, for instance, that you should never have more debt than $900 for every $3,000 in credit limits, or more debt than $300 for credit limitations of $1,000.

This website features a large number of offers from businesses that TIME Stamped is compensated by. The way and where products appear (including, for example, the order in which they appear) may be influenced by this compensation. While TIME Stamped offers a wide range of incentives, not all financial services providers or products are included in these offers. ( Best Credit Cards to Build Credit )

No credit card issuer has contributed any of the editorial information on this page, including the pros and cons. No credit card issuer has reviewed, authorized, or otherwise supported any of the thoughts, analyses, evaluations, or recommendations presented here; they are the author’s alone. ( Best Credit Cards to Build Credit )