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Best Unsecured Cards for Short Credit Histories of March 2026

  1. Paul Soucy Author Avatar
  2. Caitlin Mims Author Avatar
  3. Kenley Young Author Avatar
Written by
Paul Soucy
,
Reviewed by
Caitlin Mims
,
Edited by
Kenley Young
Last updated on February 20, 2026
Fact Checked
Paul Soucy Author Avatar+2
Written by
Paul Soucy
Last updated on February 20, 2026
Caitlin Mims Author Avatar
Reviewed by
Caitlin Mims
Kenley Young Author Avatar
Edited by
Kenley Young
Fact Checked

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.

  • Our pick for: Cash-back rewards

    Purchase intro APR
    N/A
    Balance transfer intro APR
    N/A
    Regular APR
    28.99% Variable APR
    Annual fee
    $39
    Rewards rate
    1.5%-5%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    N/A
    Recommended credit score
    Rewards breakdown
    5%
    Cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    1.5%
    Cash back on every purchase, every day.
    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, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 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
    • Top rated mobile app
    • 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.

    Pros

    • 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.

    Cons

    • 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.

    Read full review

  • Our pick for: No annual fee + boosting your credit limit

    Purchase intro APR
    N/A
    Balance transfer intro APR
    N/A
    Regular APR
    28.99% Variable APR
    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    N/A
    Intro offer
    N/A
    Recommended credit score
    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
    • Top rated mobile app
    • 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.

    Pros

    • 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.

    Cons

    • 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.

    Read full review

  • Our pick for: Cash back + flexibility

    Purchase intro APR
    N/A
    Balance transfer intro APR
    N/A
    Regular APR
    14.99%-29.99% APR
    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1.5%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    $200 bonus when you also open a Rewards Checking Preferred account and make 3 debit card transactions.
    Recommended credit score
    Rewards breakdown
    1.5%
    Unlimited Cash Back on card purchases every time you make a payment.
    Card details
    • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred 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
    • Shop smarter with Upgrade Shopping! Get exclusive savings at stores, restaurants, and more
    • Enjoy Visa Signature benefits, like Roadside Dispatch, Price Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, and more
    • 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.

    Pros

    • 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, much like a personal loan. See what terms you'd qualify for without a hard credit inquiry.

    Cons

    • 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.

    Read full review

  • 2026 Best credit card for college students

    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
    Balance transfer intro APR
    10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months
    Regular APR
    16.49%-25.49% Variable APR
    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1%-2%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    Cashback Match™
    Recommended credit score
    Rewards breakdown
    2%
    Cash back at Gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
    2%
    Cash back at Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
    1%
    Cash back on all other purchases.
    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. 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. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Redeem cash back for any amount
    • No credit score required to apply.
    • No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
    • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% 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.

    Pros

    • 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.

    Cons

    • 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.

    Read full review

  • Our pick for: Pre-qualification

    Purchase intro APR
    N/A
    Balance transfer intro APR
    N/A
    Regular APR
    35.99%
    Annual fee
    $39
    Rewards rate
    N/A
    Intro offer
    N/A
    Recommended credit score
    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.

    Pros

    • 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.

    Cons

    • 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.

    Read full review

More about our picks

BACK TO TOP

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% 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% 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 Preferred account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Preferred account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Preferred account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Preferred account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Preferred 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 Preferred 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.

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.

8

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

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.

Cash back cards

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.

General travel cards

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.

Balance transfer cards

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 airline cards

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

Branded hotel cards

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.

Credit builder cards

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.

College student cards

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.

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.

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