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Best Starter Credit Cards for No Credit of September 2026

Written by

Paul Soucy

Reviewed by

Caitlin Mims

Edited by

Kenley Young

Last updated on September 17, 2026

Fact Checked

Written by

Paul Soucy

+ 2 more

Last updated on September 17, 2026

Reviewed by

Caitlin Mims

Edited by

Kenley Young

Fact Checked

The best starter credit cards are easy to get, have no annual fee and report your payments to the three major credit bureaus. The right card for you depends on your situation. Options include secured credit cards — which require refundable upfront deposits — student credit cards and alternative credit cards from smaller issuers that evaluate applicants' creditworthiness on factors other than credit scores.

What matters most in a starter credit card for no credit

Pay special attention to the word starter in the term starter credit card. This is probably not a credit card you're going to be using for the rest of your life. Rather, it's one you'll carry for a little while as you learn how to use credit responsibly and build a good credit profile. Once you've done that, it will be time to move up or move on from your starter card. With that in mind, the most important features of a starter card are:

Accessibility. How easy is it to get approved for the card? Look for an issuer that welcomes applicants who are new to credit. Some card issuers specifically say that you do not need a credit history to qualify. Some do not require a credit check. And some use alternative methods to evaluate applications, looking at factors beyond credit scores.
Affordability. What out-of-pocket costs are involved? Some predatory cards boast easy approval but pile on outrageous fees. But there are many options with a low annual fee, or none at all. Secured credit cards require you to provide a cash deposit, but you are able to get this money back later when you close or upgrade the card. The best cards have annual fees of less than $50 (although $0 is ideal) and, in the case of secured cards, minimum deposits of $200 or less.
Credit-building features. How does the card set you up for success? A card should report your payments to all three major credit bureaus. Look for one that also provides free access to a credit score, so you can monitor your progress. And the ability to set up autopay can ensure you're never late with a payment.

Beyond that, you can consider whether a card offers cash back or points, but don't get too distracted by it. Credit limits on starter cards are typically low, and good credit-building practices involve keeping balances low, so you're unlikely to be racking up much in the way of rewards. Another consideration is whether the card offers an upgrade path — a way to transition your account to a better card with more robust benefits. When an issuer has both starter cards an "regular" cards, it can streamline your upgrade process, but there are still good issuers that focus only on the new-to-credit audience.

If you have bad credit rather than no credit — meaning you have low credit scores because of past issues with missed payments or other missteps — then "starter cards" aren't for you. See our roundup of the best cards for bad credit instead. Although some cards are available to people with either bad credit or no credit, many are tailored only to credit newcomers.

How NerdWallet chose these starter cards for no credit

"Starter credit cards" is an umbrella term that covers several different types of cards, and we've chosen good options from each of those categories. Student cards are designed for people in college or other post-secondary education; for this page, we chose cards that don't necessarily require a credit history. Secured cards require a cash deposit, which protects the issuer in case of default and therefore makes the card easier to qualify for; for this page, we prioritized with no annual fee. No-deposit starter cards free you from that deposit obligation, although they may have other requirements. Learn more about our picks or see more about our methodology.

Expert tip: Have a plan for when you outgrow your starter card

Melissa Lambarena, senior credit cards writer: “The ideal starter card should be easy to keep around for the long term. If possible, choose an option that eventually allows you to upgrade to a better credit card with the same issuer and maintain the same line of credit. Having this option may give you access to a card with better rewards or features once you work your way up to a better credit score. Before applying, investigate issuers' options to upgrade. It’s not a deal-breaker if an issuer doesn’t have a path to upgrade, but it can make your credit-building journey easier to stick with one card as you're learning to manage credit."

Compare the Best No Credit Credit Cards

Credit card	Rating	Annual fee	Minimum deposit	Rec. credit score Rec. credit score	Learn more
2026 Best credit card for college students Discover it® Student Chrome Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website Rates & Fees	5.0/5 Best for Student card: Simplicity and value	$0	N/A	630-689 (Fair)	Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website Rates & Fees
Discover it® Student Cash Back Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website Rates & Fees	4.6/5 Best for Student card: Bonus category cash-back rewards	$0	N/A	630-689 (Fair)	Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website Rates & Fees
Chase Freedom Rise® Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website Rates & Fees	4.8/5 Best for No-deposit starter card: Solid rewards on everything	$0	N/A	690-850 (Good - Excellent)	Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website Rates & Fees
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website Rates & Fees	4.8/5 Best for Secured card: Low deposit	$0	$49, $99 or $200	300-629 (Poor)	Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website Rates & Fees
Zolve Classic Credit Card Apply Nowon Zolve's website on Zolve's website	4.1/5 Best for No-deposit starter card: International students and immigrants	$0	N/A	350-850 (Poor - Excellent)	Apply Nowon Zolve's website on Zolve's website
Arro Card Apply Nowon Arro's website on Arro's website	3.5/5 Best for No-deposit starter card: High accessibility	Up to $60	N/A	300-850 (Poor - Excellent)	Apply Nowon Arro's website on Arro's website
2026 Best credit card for building credit Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website Rates & Fees	4.9/5 Best for Secured card: Rewards and upgrading	$0	$200	300-629 (Poor)	Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website Rates & Fees
Neu Card 2 Apply Nowon Neu's website on Neu's website	3.6/5 Best for No-deposit starter card: Accessibility + travel rewards	$0	N/A	350-850 (Poor - Excellent)	Apply Nowon Neu's website on Neu's website
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Apply Nowon Capital Bank's website on Capital Bank's website Rates & Fees	4.3/5 Best for Secured card: No credit check	$35	$200	300-689 (Poor - Fair)	Apply Nowon Capital Bank's website on Capital Bank's website Rates & Fees
Brex Card Read Review	5.0/5 Best for Small-business card: Startups	$0	N/A	300-850 (Poor - Excellent)	Read Review

More about our picks

Because "starter cards" has such a broad definition, no single card is going to be the objectively "best" card for everyone. A college student looking for their first card has different priorities and needs from, say, someone who needs a card they can qualify for without a bank account or a Social Security number. That's why you should look at this page not as a ranked list ordered from best to worst, but rather as a collection of the best options for a range of needs.

Below, we dive a little deeper on the cards featured on this page — what makes them stand out and what kind of cardholder would benefit most from them. If you're still unsure about your decision, this additional context may help. For additional choices, see our best secured cards and our best student cards.

BEST STARTER CARDS FOR NO CREDIT OF SEPTEMBER 2026

Secured cards

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Our pick for low deposit
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Our pick for rewards & upgrading
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: No credit check

Student cards

Discover it® Student Chrome: Our pick for simplicity and value
Discover it® Student Cash Back: Our pick for bonus category cash back

No-deposit starter cards

Chase Freedom Rise®: Our pick for solid rewards and an upgrade path
Arro Card: Our pick for high accessibility
Neu Card 2: Our pick for accessibility + travel rewards
Zolve Classic Credit Card: Our pick for international students and immigrants

Business card

Zolve Classic Credit Card: Our pick for startups

Secured cards

Secured credit cards can be a good option for those with no credit who want a starter card from a major issuer or without a credit check. These cards require an upfront refundable deposit, usually equal to the card's limit. That cash collateral is returned to you if the card is upgraded to an unsecured account or closed in good standing.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Our pick for: Secured card — low deposit

A secured credit card is one of the quickest ways to build credit, but pulling together hundreds of dollars for a security deposit can be a tall order for some people. The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card offers a potential solution. Depending on your credit profile, you could get a $200 credit limit with a deposit of only $49 or $99 (see rates and fees). With most other secured cards, your initial credit limit is equal to whatever deposit you put down. Capital One also gives you 35 days from card approval to fully fund the security deposit, and you can pay it in increments of at least $20. If you show good credit habits, you could be automatically considered for a higher credit limit without needed to deposit more money. As with all secured cards, the deposit is fully refundable if you close the account in good standing, or if Capital One upgrades you to an unsecured card. The main downside of this card is that it doesn't earn any rewards, unlike many competing cards (including from Capital One). But keep in mind that a secured card isn't a long-term proposition, so the rewards you'd ultimately earn would likely be small. The goal is to use it to boost your credit, then move on to better cards. Read our review of the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card.

» For a secured card with rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Secured card — rewards and upgrading

For building credit as quickly and efficiently as possible, a secured card from a major issuer is often the way to go, and the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the best available. It earns the same 1.5% cash back as the regular Quicksilver card, and the annual fee is $0 (see rates and fees). If you're financially stressed, the biggest obstacle might be pulling together the security deposit, which determines your initial credit limit on the card. The minimum is $200. But Capital One does let you pay that in increments and gives you 35 days from card approval to fully fund it. Admittedly, $200 isn’t a ton of spending power, but if you demonstrate responsible credit habits, you could be considered for a credit limit increase, without depositing any additional money, within six months. (You also have the option of simply depositing more money, and getting a higher initial credit line, when you open the card.) As with all secured cards, you can get your deposit back if you close the account in good standing or if Capital One upgrades you to an unsecured card. Read our review of the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.

» For no minimum security deposit: Secured Chime Visa® Credit Card

opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Our pick for: Secured card — no credit check

The fact that the opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card charges an annual fee might be a turn-off. After all, there's a fairly long list of secured cards that don't cost anything to carry (aside from the refundable deposit). But a lot of people will still want to take a look at it for two reasons. First, there's no credit check required. Anyone with bad credit or no credit who has struggled to qualify for a credit card can tell you what an obstacle the credit check can be; paying $35 a year to go around that barrier might well be worth it. Second, unlike with most credit cards, you don't need to have a traditional bank account, making this a decent option for the "unbanked." You can fund the deposit or pay your bill with a money order or Western Union payment. As for drawbacks beyond the annual fee, this card doesn't present you with good upgrade options. If you want a better card down the road, you'll probably have to move on. Read our review of the opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.

» For no-annual-fee version (but a higher deposit): opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card

Student cards

Student credit cards are ideal for working college students. Unlike secured cards, they don't require upfront deposits. If you're under 21, however, you have to have an independent income to qualify.

Discover it® Student Chrome

Our pick for: Student card — simplicity and value

The Discover it® Student Chrome checks so many boxes for a starter credit card that it was named the best college student card in NerdWallet's annual Best-Of Awards for every year but one from 2020 to 2026. You don't need a FICO credit history to apply, it has a $0 annual fee so you can keep it open long after graduation, it reports payments to all three major credit bureaus, and it has a simple rewards structure that doesn't require management. There are incentives rarely found on student cards, such as an intro APR period and a bonus offer for new cardholders. The card even waives your first late fee, a welcome spot of forgiveness for those just getting started with credit. The downsides of the card are minor, but still worth taking into account. One is the rewards, which are fairly meager compared with what you can get on other student cards, including from Discover. Another is Discover's limited acceptance outside the U.S., which can be an issue if you plan to study abroad. Read our review of the Discover it® Student Chrome.

» For broader acceptance abroad: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Our pick for: Student card — bonus category cash-back rewards

The Discover it® Student Cash Back comes with all the essentials for beginners learning to manage credit and and build a strong credit file. There's no credit history requirement to apply. There's no annual fee, which which makes it easy to keep open after graduation. It reports payments to all three major credit bureaus. It even waives the first late fee — a nice benefit to have in your back pocket while learning how to use credit but hopefully not something you'll ever use. It offers the same ongoing rewards as Discover's flagship card, including bonus cash back in rotating categories that you must activate. While this structure can be more rewarding than the simpler cash back of Discover's other student card, the categories might not always align with a student's spending. Having to activate and track categories also adds a level of complexity that many students may not be ready to bother with. Other standout perks for a student card include an intro APR period and a bonus offer. There's no foreign transaction fees, but Discover's limited acceptance abroad makes it an iffy proposition for studying abroad. Read our review Discover it® Student Cash Back.

» For broader acceptance outside the U.S.: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

No-deposit starter cards

It's possible to qualify for these cards without a U.S. credit history if you meet other criteria.

Chase Freedom Rise®

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card — solid rewards and an upgrade path

The Chase Freedom Rise® is ideal for those just starting out with credit because it doesn’t require a security deposit and you don't need a credit history to qualify. It has essential credit-building features, including reporting to major credit bureaus, periodic reviews for credit limit increases and annual reviews for a potential upgrade to a better Chase card. It also has a $0 annual fee, which makes it easy to keep open over the long term. Although it doesn't require a deposit like a secured card, you can strengthen your odds of approval by opening a Chase checking or savings account and depositing at least $250. There are rewards, too, as the card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. That matches what you'll find on many cards for people with good credit, although it's possible to find elevated rewards in specific categories, even on cards for beginners. Note, however, that while this is a great card for building credit, it's not for rebuilding credit. If your credit has been damaged from missed payments, defaults or a bankruptcy, you'll need to look elsewhere. Read our review of the Chase Freedom Rise®.

» For a rewards option for bad credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Arro Card

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card: High accessibility

The strength of the Arro Card is its accessibility for those with poor, thin or no credit. It doesn't require a security deposit, and there's no credit check. Instead, the card considers other data points like your income and bank account information. (As such, you'll have to connect a bank account to apply.) The card reports to all three major U.S. credit bureaus, which is a must-have for those seeking to build or rebuild credit. It's not free to hold, though. There's technically no annual fee, but to get the card you'll need an Arro membership, which comes at a yearly cost of Up to $60 — not as pricey as some other unsecured credit cards, but also not refundable, as a security deposit would be. The good news is that you may be able to offset that cost thanks to the Arro Card's modest rewards on gas and groceries, two major line items in most household budgets. The card even offers ways to increase your credit limit over time, if you don't mind taking part in certain gamified tasks. Just note that as with many other "alternative cards," there's no upgrade path to a better product from Arro once you're ready. Read our review of the Arro Card.

» For a less expensive unsecured option for bad credit: AvantCard Credit Card

Neu Card 2

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card: Accessibility + travel rewards

The primary selling point of the Neu Card 2 is accessibility. It doesn't require a security deposit; it doesn't charge annual fees or monthly fees; there's no security deposit; and the issuer says you don't need a credit history to apply. In fact, you might even be able to get it without a Social Security number. (If you don't have a tax ID, you can apply with other documents, including a passport and a visa that's valid for a minimum of six months.) It's also a sneaky-good (or at least sneaky-not-bad) travel card: It earns 3% cash back on air travel, including airfare purchased directly from airlines, as well as incidentals like checked bags and upgrades. It has no foreign transaction fees, and because it runs on the Visa network, it's widely accepted abroad. You don't have good upgrade options once your credit improves, but with a $0 annual fee, it's not like it costs you anything to hold onto it. Read our review of the Neu Card 2.

» For cash back on all purchases with similar accessibility: Zolve Classic Credit Card

Zolve Classic Credit Card

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card: International students and immigrants

The Zolve Classic Credit Card boasts a lot of desirable features in a card for beginners to credit, especially those who are new to the U.S. For one thing, it's possible to qualify without a Social Security number. (The card allows you to apply with a passport, visa or alternative documents to determine eligibility.) In addition, it doesn't require a credit history or a security deposit, the annual fee is $0, and it reports to all three major credit bureaus. It even earns modest rewards. For those who aren't starting completely from scratch, though, other options offer higher rewards and better upgrade possibilities. It's not a great card for everyone, but it might be the perfect card for some. Read our review of the Zolve Classic Credit Card.

» For no credit check or bank account required: opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Business card

Brex Card

Our pick for: Startups

Unlike most cards designed for entrepreneurs, the Brex Card doesn't require the cardholder to personally guarantee the debt on the card. Instead, Brex determines creditworthiness by evaluating a company's cash balance, spending patterns and investors. It's a good option when a business owner has a thin credit file but is well capitalized. The card earns rewards, too. Learn more and apply.

What do you need to get a credit card without credit?

By Melissa Lambarena, NerdWallet

You don't need a credit history to get a starter card. In some cases, you won't need a Social Security number. But generally, you'll need:

A U.S. mailing address.
Income.
A checking or savings account.

Depending on your age, you might have to meet stricter income requirements to qualify:

If you’re under 21: To qualify for a credit card, you'll need to show that you can make payments on the account independently or get a co-signer, someone 21 or older who assumes the responsibility of your debt if you can’t pay the bill.

If you’re over 21: You’re still required to report your income if you’re over 21, but you have the option to list any income to which you have “reasonable expectation of access.”

Other requirements can vary depending on the type of starter card. Some examples:

Secured cards for no credit. These require a cash deposit as collateral to reduce the risk to the issuer, which may present an obstacle for some applicants. The amount deposited usually determines your credit limit. With a good payment history, you eventually get your deposit back when you close the account or upgrade to a regular credit card.
Student cards for no credit. These may require you to be an enrolled college student. You might have to provide information like the name of your school, your major and your expected graduation year.
No-deposit starter cards for no credit. Applications for these cards may require government-issued documents, bank account information, employment verification requirements and other details. That's because they assess creditworthiness in alternative ways, such as looking at employment, income, spending, savings or your credit history from a different country.
Small-business cards for no credit. At least one issuer offers small-business cards without taking personal credit history into account, but to qualify, you'll have to have plenty of cash in the bank.

» MORE: NerdWallet’s guide to your first credit card

How can a credit card help me build credit fast?

A credit card can help you build credit when you have none.

As you’re making payments on your credit card, that history is being recorded in your credit report, which compiles the information used to calculate your credit scores.

As long as you make on-time payments and stay well below your credit limit, you can work your way up to a good credit score of 690 or higher. Your payment history makes up 35% of your FICO credit score; the amount of available credit used will account for 30% of it. Those are the two most important factors, but there are others.

How long you keep the account open also impacts your credit. Once you work your way up to good credit, it's helpful to keep the starter credit card open or maintain the original line of credit by upgrading to a regular credit card with the same issuer. This way, you preserve the length of your credit history, which accounts for 15% of your credit score. Closing your account could have negative consequences.

» MORE: Using a credit card to build your credit

What to look for in a starter credit card

When you’re new to credit, you generally can't qualify for the best credit card offers. Among starter cards, ongoing interest rates are often steep and credit limits are low.

Don’t waste time looking for a credit card without a credit limit because issuers are required by federal law to determine your ability to pay. As a result, they offer a credit limit within your means. You also don’t need to look for credit cards that don’t run a credit check. These cards typically target those with bad credit, and they often come with an annual fee. There are plenty of starter cards that spare you that cost.

In some cases, you can be choosy. Here are a few things to look for in a starter credit card:

No annual fee. A starter credit card that doesn’t charge an annual fee makes it easier to preserve the length of your credit history and your credit score because you can keep it open for a long time at no cost.

A path to a better credit card with the same issuer. Look for this option during your initial search. Once you establish a good credit history, you could upgrade to a better credit card with the same issuer and keep your original line of credit. This way, you're not stuck with the lower credit limits and lower rewards rates typically found on starter cards.

A report to all three credit bureaus. The ideal starter credit should report payments to all three credit bureaus — TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. These companies record your payment history, which again is a key factor in your credit scores. If your card reports to all three bureaus, then all your possible bases will be covered when a lender pulls your credit report. The lender will have all of the information it needs to make a decision.

Here are some features that are less important but could still prove valuable:

Travel-friendly features. If travel is in your future, consider getting a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees — a percentage assessed on every international purchase, typically between 1% and 3% of the amount charged. You can also choose a credit card that belongs to a Visa or Mastercard network, which has broad international merchant acceptance.

Rewards. On a starter card, these aren't a top priority, but many cards offer them. If you're deciding among multiple rewards cards, consider your spending habits and how well they match up with the bonus categories.

» MORE: What really matters for your first credit card

Making the most of your starter credit card

With a starter card, your goal should be to hit or exceed the 690 credit score target necessary to establish good credit. Here's what you can do to work toward that:

Pay on time and in full every month to avoid interest (or at least pay more than the minimum).
Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit limit at all times. The lower your balance, the better.
Keep the account open and active.
Check your statement for mistakes.
Monitor your credit score through your issuer’s app.
Get your free annual credit report.

You can track your credit score for free through NerdWallet, certain banks and other third-party apps.

This page includes information about the Discover it® Secured Credit Card which is no longer available, and the offer details may be out of date.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a credit card without a credit history?

One of the easiest ways to build credit with no credit history is with a credit card. You can get a credit card without credit, but your options are mostly limited to alternative credit cards and secured credit cards. Credit cards outside of these options typically require good credit (FICO scores of 690 or higher), and some will accept only excellent credit (720 or higher). Understand that “no credit” doesn’t mean that you have “good credit.” And “no credit” is not worse than “bad credit,” though, you may experience similar obstacles in getting a credit card application approved. No credit means that you don’t have a credit score at the moment. You’re “credit invisible” for the time being until a lender approves you for credit and gives you the chance to prove you can manage credit responsibly.

Can I get a credit card with no credit limit?

You cannot get a credit card without a credit limit. Federal law prohibits credit card issuers from offering credit cards without a credit limit. They have to evaluate your ability to pay and offer credit accordingly. Otherwise, it would be like someone writing you a blank check. Credit limits are speed bumps that force you to slow down when you might be spending more than you can afford. Credit limits are determined by your issuer, and they take into account factors like your credit scores, payment history, income, credit utilization and large expenses.

Where can I find a credit card without a credit check?

Decent, non-predatory cards with no credit check are hard to come by, but there are some out there, like the opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. These cards are better suited for applicants with bad credit who don’t want to further ding their credit score with a “hard inquiry” on their credit report. The drawback to these credit cards is that they generally charge annual fees. There’s no point in paying an annual fee for a credit card if you have no credit because there are plenty of other starter cards for no credit that don’t charge it. (Many credit cards offer a preapproval process that doesn’t involve an hard pull, though once you officially apply, your credit report will be pulled.)

How do I fix insufficient credit history?

It’s not necessarily bad to get denied a credit card due to insufficient credit history. It just means you have some work to do to establish a credit history. One option that can help you: secured credit cards for no credit. These cards typically require that you put down a security deposit of several hundred dollars, though some options are cheaper or more flexible than others. If that’s not in your budget, you might consider becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card or getting a co-signer. When those options aren’t available, you can still build credit if you can’t get a credit card by having your rent payments or other bills reported to credit bureaus. If you’ve been denied a credit card, you’ll want to wait about six months until your next application.

What is the fastest way to build credit when you have no credit history?

The fastest and easiest way to build credit when you have none is with a credit card. A credit card issuer reports your payments to the credit bureaus about once in the ballpark of a month or longer, depending on the issuer. Once you activate your card and start using it, you’ll be on the path to building credit. By practicing healthy habits, you can have a positive impact on your credit score over time.

How we choose the best credit cards

Our team of credit card experts has developed a rigorous methodology to determine how much value a card delivers and how it stacks up against its competitors.

400+

Cards reviewed

NerdWallet’s experts have reviewed more than 400 cards, from the most popular options at the biggest banks to store cards to niche cards from startups and small issuers.

Categories scored

Credit cards are so diverse that properly rating them with a single formula is impossible. We’ve built eight rubrics, plus variations, so we can score each card on what matters.

50+

Data points analyzed

Our ratings consider not just a card’s rates, fees, rewards and perks, but also how easy or hard it is to get that card, manage it and enjoy its advertised benefits.

Star rating categories

What you want out of, say, a cash back credit card is fundamentally different from what you’re looking for in a balance transfer card or a card for building credit. That’s why we have different scoring models that put weight on different features.

Cash back cards

Our formula looks at how much cash back you could expect to earn from typical household spending. We consider rewards rates and categories, bonus offers and the cash value of other benefits, as well as any annual fee. The rating is also influenced by the complexity of the rewards structure.

General travel cards

We consider how many points you could expect to earn from typical household spending, along with per-point values and redemption options. We add in the cash value of bonus offers and other benefits, subtract annual fees and other costs, and take into account the complexity of the rewards structure.

Balance transfer cards

Our balance transfer rubric calculates how much money a card could save you with a low or 0% interest rate. Primary factors include the length and structure of the introductory APR period and the balance transfer fee. We also consider long-term value, such as whether the card offers rewards.

Branded airline cards

We calculate how many miles you could expect to earn from typical household spending and what those miles are worth based on our valuations. We add in the cash value of bonus offers and perks such as free checked bags and lounge access, and we subtract annual fees and other costs.

Branded hotel cards

We calculate how many points you could expect to earn from typical household spending and what those points are worth based on our valuations. We add in the cash value of bonus offers and perks such as free nights and automatic elite status, and we subtract annual fees and other costs

Credit builder cards

Our rubric focuses on accessibility (such as whether a credit check is required), out-of-pocket costs (such as annual fees or minimum security deposits), credit-building features (such as bureau reporting and access to a free credit score) and upgrade options when you’re ready to move on.

College student cards

Our formula calculates the rewards you could expect to earn on spending typical for a college student and takes into account the cash value of bonus offers and other benefits. Accessibility to students without established credit is a key consideration, as is the effort required to manage the card.

Small business cards

Our star ratings criteria for small business credit cards are similar to those for consumer cards, although they account for potentially higher spending levels and higher credit limits, as well as rewards structures and bonus categories tailored specifically to entrepreneurs and business operators.

Cash back cards

General travel cards

Balance transfer cards

Branded airline cards

Branded hotel cards

Credit builder cards

College student cards

Small business cards

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best credit cards in various categories based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluations include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. Because different consumers can have markedly different needs, preferences and spending habits, we recognize that there is rarely a single credit card that is "best" for everyone. That's why this page includes a variety of options to suit an array of circumstances. Also, a single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories.

Our star ratings provide a quick way to compare credit cards. We assess the features of a card, score those features according to how they compare with other options on the market, and assign the card a rating of 1 to 5 stars based on those features. In general, a card that rates 4.5 stars will be a better value for more people than a card that rates 4.0 stars. However, the 4.0 card might be better than the 4.5 card for an individual consumer depending on that person’s circumstances. Further, ratings are only comparable within categories. If you're looking for rewards, for example, a 3.5-star cash back card will be of greater value than a 5.0-star balance transfer card or a 4.5-star credit-builder card. Star ratings are an important consideration in which cards appear on our "best" pages, but they are not the sole determining factor. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

About the author

Paul Soucy

Director of Content

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Paul has been the lead editor for NerdWallet's credit cards team since 2015 and for the travel rewards team since 2023. Previously, he worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register, then built a freelance writing and editing business focused on personal finance topics. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA.

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About the reviewer

Caitlin Mims

Editor & Content Strategist

Caitlin Mims is an editor at NerdWallet covering credit cards. Previously, she was an editor at CreditCards.com.

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About the editor

Kenley Young

Managing Editor

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Kenley is an assigning editor at NerdWallet covering credit cards. He has worked for Yahoo and FoxSports.com as an editor and producer.

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Best Starter Credit Cards for No Credit of September 2026

What matters most in a starter credit card for no credit

How NerdWallet chose these starter cards for no credit

Expert tip: Have a plan for when you outgrow your starter card

2026 Best credit card for college students

Our pick for: Student card: Bonus category cash-back rewards

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card: Solid rewards on everything

Our pick for: Secured card: Low deposit

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card: International students and immigrants

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card: High accessibility

2026 Best credit card for building credit

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card: Accessibility + travel rewards

Our pick for: Secured card: No credit check

Our pick for: Small-business card: Startups

Compare the Best No Credit Credit Cards

More about our picks

BEST STARTER CARDS FOR NO CREDIT OF SEPTEMBER 2026

Secured cards

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Student cards

Discover it® Student Chrome

Discover it® Student Cash Back

No-deposit starter cards

Chase Freedom Rise®

Arro Card

Neu Card 2

Zolve Classic Credit Card

Business card

Brex Card

What do you need to get a credit card without credit?

How can a credit card help me build credit fast?

What to look for in a starter credit card

Making the most of your starter credit card

Frequently asked questions

How we choose the best credit cards