Best Unsecured Cards for Short Credit Histories of May 2025
Updated: May 8, 2025
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Most credit cards are "unsecured," meaning you don't have to put up any collateral in order to use them to borrow money for purchases. People with good or excellent credit don't have much trouble qualifying for unsecured cards. Those with short credit histories can have a harder time finding an unsecured card that will approve them without charging exorbitant fees. Even so, when it comes to getting approved for an unsecured credit card, a short credit history is better than none.
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and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
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Most credit cards are "unsecured," meaning you don't have to put up any collateral in order to use them to borrow money for purchases. People with good or excellent credit don't have much trouble qualifying for unsecured cards. Those with short credit histories can have a harder time finding an unsecured card that will approve them without charging exorbitant fees. Even so, when it comes to getting approved for an unsecured credit card, a short credit history is better than none.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Most credit cards are "unsecured," meaning you don't have to put up any collateral in order to use them to borrow money for purchases. People with good or excellent credit don't have much trouble qualifying for unsecured cards. Those with short credit histories can have a harder time finding an unsecured card that will approve them without charging exorbitant fees. Even so, when it comes to getting approved for an unsecured credit card, a short credit history is better than none.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Most credit cards are "unsecured," meaning you don't have to put up any collateral in order to use them to borrow money for purchases. People with good or excellent credit don't have much trouble qualifying for unsecured cards. Those with short credit histories can have a harder time finding an unsecured card that will approve them without charging exorbitant fees. Even so, when it comes to getting approved for an unsecured credit card, a short credit history is better than none.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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NerdWallet's Best Unsecured Cards for Short Credit Histories of May 2025
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Cash-back rewards
Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Best for No annual fee + boosting your credit limit
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®: Best for Cash back + flexibility
Prosper® Card: Best for Help for 'less than perfect credit'
Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for College students
AvantCard Credit Card: Best for Pre-qualification
Best Unsecured Cards for Short Credit Histories From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Intro APR | Regular APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Prosper® CardApply Now on Prosper's website on Prosper's website | Best for Help for 'less than perfect credit' | $59 (waived for the first year if you sign up for autopay before your first statement) | N/A | 23.24%-34.74% Variable APR | Apply Now on Prosper's website on Prosper's website |
 Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®Apply Now on Upgrade's website on Upgrade's website | Best for Cash back + flexibility | $0 | N/A | 14.99%-29.99% APR | Apply Now on Upgrade's website on Upgrade's website |
 Capital One Platinum Credit CardApply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for No annual fee + boosting your credit limit | $0 | N/A | 29.74% Variable APR | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit CardApply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Cash-back rewards | $39 | N/A | 29.74% Variable APR | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Discover it® Student ChromeApply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for College students | $0 | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months | 17.24%-26.24% Variable APR | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
 AvantCard Credit CardApply Now on Avant's website on Avant's website | Best for Pre-qualification | $39 | N/A | 35.99% | Apply Now on Avant's website on Avant's website |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Our pick for: Help for 'less than perfect credit'
Card details
- No annual fee for the first year if you sign up for AutoPay before your first statement
- No security deposit required
- We don't charge fees for ATM cash withdrawals. Third party fees may apply
- Initial credit limit up to $3,000
- We regularly report on your credit card performance to help you establish credit history
- Zero fraud liability (which offers protection against unauthorized purchases).
- While you wait for your Prosper® Card to ship, use a portion of your credit line instantly through Digital Wallet, MyProsperCard App, or Prosper.com
- Choose a monthly payment date that works for you
- Free mobile app—MyProsperCard
- Issued by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC pursuant to a license by Mastercard® International
NerdWallet's take
The Prosper® Card doesn't offer rewards, and it charges an annual fee, but the issuer goes out of its way to encourage people with "less than perfect credit" to apply. If you're looking to beef up your credit, it's a decent place to start.
The Prosper® Card has a prequalification process that lets you see the offer you're eligible for without a "hard" credit check that can ding your scores. (If you go through with applying, then there's a hard check.) Cardholders' accounts are reviewed for a potential credit line increase every three months. And if you're approved, you can begin using your credit line immediately — no need to wait for the physical card.
There's an annual fee, although you can avoid it in the first year by signing up for autopay before your first statement is issued. The fee is $59 (waived for the first year if you sign up for autopay before your first statement). Prosper also doesn't have other cards to upgrade to once your credit improves, so you either have to keep paying the fee or close the card.
Our pick for: Cash back + flexibility
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase
- No annual fee
- See if you qualify in seconds with no impact to your credit score
- Combine the flexibility of a card with the predictability of a personal loan
- Enjoy Visa Signature benefits, like Roadside Dispatch, Price Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, and more
- Up to 10% cash back from your favorite brands with Upgrade Shopping
- Contactless payments with Apple Pay® and Google Wallet™
- Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
- Use your card anywhere Visa is accepted
- Relax knowing that you are protected in case of unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The $0-annual-fee Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® can be an ideal choice if you plan to carry a balance, want the convenience of equal monthly debt repayments and can pre-qualify for a favorable interest rate. It also earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® earns rewards on par with cards for good or excellent credit. And unlike many of those cards, any unpaid balance is automatically converted into an installment loan with a fixed monthly payment. You can also borrow against your credit limit, much like a personal loan. See what terms you'd qualify for without a hard credit inquiry.
You may qualify for better terms with a traditional personal loan, depending on your financial situation. As of this writing, the card is unavailable to residents of Iowa, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
Our pick for: No annual fee + boosting your credit limit
Card details
- 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
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
For anyone who wants a no-fuss way to build their credit history and eventually increase their credit limit, the $0-annual-fee Capital One Platinum Credit Card keeps it simple.
As with the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, you can be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months. But unlike that card, this one doesn't cost you anything to keep in your wallet (assuming you don't carry a balance). There are also no foreign transaction fees.
There's no sign-up bonus, and the card earns no rewards. There's also no introductory 0% APR period for purchases or balance transfers. Use this card to build credit, then move on up.
Our pick for: Cash-back rewards
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- 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
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases. When you're relatively new to credit, that kind of rewards rate is hard to find. You can also be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
You'll get a solid flat rewards rate on all purchases, and you can redeem your rewards in any amount. If you tend to forget about your rewards, you can even set up auto-redemption, where cash back is automatically applied as a statement credit when it reaches a certain threshold. This card travels well, too, because there's no foreign transaction fee.
There's an annual fee of $39. That means you'd have to put at least $2,600 on this card each year to break even on rewards.
Our pick for: College students
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. 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. So 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. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Discover it® Student Chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure and student-friendly bonus categories. You also get a free FICO score, low fees, and forgiveness for your first late payment. Plus, Discover says there's no FICO history requirement for this card.
You earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. (Unlike with Discover's other student card, you don't have to "activate" your bonus rewards.) The annual fee is $0. There's also Discover's signature bonus for new cardholders.
Although there's no foreign transaction fee, Discover isn’t as widely accepted abroad as other cards. If you plan to travel internationally, make sure you have a backup plan.
Our pick for: Pre-qualification
Card details
- No deposit required.
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
- No penalty APR.
- No hidden fees.
- We may periodically review your account for credit line increases.
- Fast and easy application process.
- Cash Advance Fee: 3%, Min: $10.
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $25
- Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00.
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank.
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score.
- Zero Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The AvantCard Credit Card is an option for applicants with a thin credit file who don't want to risk hurting their credit scores by applying for multiple cards in search of approval. That's because you first complete a pre-qualification process that doesn't need a hard credit check.
The prequalification process gives you an idea of your likelihood of being accepted for the card, and the terms you'd be eligible for, without the ding to your credit. If you'd like to proceed from there, you can complete the application process with a hard credit pull. Avant's underwriting model takes into account other factors beyond applicants' credit histories, like income and other debt obligations. This can make it easier to qualify for the card without a long credit history.
The $39 annual fee, the relatively high interest rate and the lack of rewards drag down this card's rating. But it's not supposed to be a long-term solution: Get it, use it to build credit, and then move on.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST UNSECURED CARDS FOR SHORT CREDIT HISTORY
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Cash-back rewards
This card for people with fair or "average" credit pays the same cash-back rate as the regular Quicksilver card, which targets people with excellent credit. The key difference is that this version charges an annual fee while the regular one does not (see rates and fees). Read our review.
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Our pick for: No annual fee + boosting your credit limit
You don't get rewards with the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, or a sign-up bonus or a 0% period (see rates and fees). But if you've got fair credit and you need a card you can use to build credit without paying an annual fee, it's definitely worth a look. Read our review.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Our pick for: Cash back + flexibility
The $0-annual-fee Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is a cross between a credit card and a personal loan, and it can offer the best of both worlds: flexibility, but with predictable terms from month to month. The card also lets you see what terms you'd qualify for before officially applying. And on top of all that, it earns cash back, too. Read our review.
See more from Upgrade
Upgrade Select Visa®:
Credit Lines feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 14.99% - 29.99% and line amounts ranging from $500 - $25,000 based on creditworthiness. The lowest rates require Autopay and the majority of line amounts will be $15,000 or under. For example, a $1,000 card purchase with a 36 month term and a 19.99% APR has a monthly payment of $37.55. Optional cash transfers to your bank account and balance transfers are subject to a fee of up to 5% of each draw or transfer. Foreign transactions are subject to a fee of up to 3% per transaction. ATM withdrawal fees may apply. If incurred, these fees will increase your finance charge and APR. A late fee of up to $29 per late payment may apply. Your rate, line amount, and default term depend on maintaining a qualifying credit score, your credit usage history, requested amount, and other factors. The Upgrade Card is unique in that it allows you to obtain a series of closed-end loans which you may access through transactions such as card purchases up to your approved amount. As you repay your balance, additional credit may become available to you up to an approved amount subject to meeting our credit requirements, but your line will not replenish automatically.
Upgrade Life Rewards Card:
*By paying off your statement balance in full by the EarlyPay payment date, which is two calendar days after your statement closing date, you will avoid daily interest on any new transactions until the following EarlyPay payment date. Refer to your Personal Credit Line Agreement for EarlyPay terms and information. If the balance is not paid in full by the EarlyPay payment date, daily interest will begin to accrue after the Early Pay payment date for past and new transactions. To maintain good standing on your account, you must make at least the required monthly payment by the monthly payment due date, which is 22 calendar days after the statement closing date. You may pay down your full balance at any time to stop further interest charges.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®, Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®, Upgrade Life Rewards Card:
Credit Lines feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 14.99% - 29.99% and line amounts ranging from $500 - $25,000 based on creditworthiness. The lowest rates require Autopay and the majority of line amounts will be $15,000 or under. For example, a $1,000 card purchase with a 36 month term and a 19.99% APR has a monthly payment of $37.55. Optional cash transfers to your bank account and balance transfers are subject to a fee of up to 5% of each draw or transfer. Foreign transactions are subject to a fee of up to 3% per transaction. ATM withdrawal fees may apply. If incurred, these fees will increase your finance charge and APR. A late fee of up to $29 per late payment may apply. Your rate, line amount, and default term depend on maintaining a qualifying credit score, your credit usage history, requested amount, and other factors. The Upgrade Card is unique in that it allows you to obtain a series of closed-end loans which you may access through transactions such as card purchases up to your approved amount. As you repay your balance, additional credit may become available to you up to an approved amount subject to meeting our credit requirements, but your line will not replenish automatically.
All Upgrade cards:
To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions. This one-time bonus is available through this Upgrade Card offer and may not be available for other Upgrade Card offers.
Prosper® Card
Our pick for: Help for 'less than perfect credit'
The Prosper® Card doesn't offer rewards, and it charges an annual fee, but the issuer goes out of its way to encourage people with "less than perfect credit" to apply. If you're looking to beef up your credit, it's a decent place to start. Read our review.
Discover it® Student Chrome
Our pick for: College students
Simplicity makes the Discover it® Student Chrome a standout for students searching for their first credit card. You'll earn bonus cash back at restaurants and gas stations with no activation required and no rotating categories to keep track of. Read our review.
AvantCard Credit Card
Our pick for: Pre-qualification
The AvantCard Credit Card is an option for applicants with a thin credit file who don't want to risk hurting their credit scores by applying for multiple cards in search of approval. You first go through a pre-qualification process that doesn't require a hard credit check. That will give you an idea of your likelihood of being accepted. If you'd like to proceed from there, you can complete the application process with a full credit check. Read our review.
Last updated on May 8, 2025
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
About the author
Paul Soucy
Director of ContentAbout the reviewer
Caitlin Mims
Editor & Content StrategistAbout the editor
