
‘Debt-Proof’ Credit Cards Lower Some Barriers but Raise Their Own
These new cards promise no credit checks, fees, deposits or even interest rates. But in exchange for those guardrails, you'll have to make some compromises.

These new cards promise no credit checks, fees, deposits or even interest rates. But in exchange for those guardrails, you'll have to make some compromises.

High fees and poor benefits should have you looking elsewhere for a card to help build your credit.

With 5% back on REI purchases and 1.5% back on everything else, it's a rewarding option for outdoor enthusiasts.


Some credit cards are expressly designed to encourage saving for college or paying off student loans. They can help on both fronts, but think of them primarily as supplemental tools.

It’s meant to help you build credit, but with so many needless fees, there are plenty of better cards available.

A 5% discount on most Academy purchases is valuable and surprisingly simple for a store card. But most people will still do better with a general cash-back card.

It encourages responsible credit use and keeps penalties pretty light if you happen to slip up — which with this card is hard to do.

NerdWallet's annual study finds credit card debt surging with the cost of living. And many Americans have financial concerns about the year to come.

This card will pay the biggest dividends for users who can plan ahead and monitor their spending all year round.

Savor cardholders can earn 3% cash back on common student expenses from a pre-study session coffee run to an off-campus dinner date.

Many issuers allow you to redeem points for Apple merchandise and gift cards. While it might not offer the best value, using points could help you save some cash.

Many college students may find other credit cards more appealing — and easier to get — than any one of Bank of America’s student cards.

However you define wellness, there's a card that can reward you for taking care of mind, body and soul.

Not all cards make you wait until the end of a billing cycle.

It doesn't earn traditional rewards. Instead, each purchase improves your odds of getting a prize. Other unique features include no credit check and no risk of overspending.

Both let you pick your own bonus categories and will require similar maintenance. So the better fit depends on where, specifically, you shop and how much flexibility you want.

FNBO issues multiple cards for varying kinds of credit files. But whether you’re looking for rewards, a 0% APR offer or a way to help your credit, you can likely do better elsewhere.

See how much you could save by moving debt from a high-interest credit card to a new card with a 0% intro rate.

The AT&T Points Plus card can be your ticket to saving money on your monthly cell phone and internet bill.