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6 Excellent Credit Cards for Building Credit

Credit cards can be an effective tool to build credit whether you’re starting out or seeking a second chance, but they aren't always easy to get. Some of our selections for the best cards for building credit can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for some of the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet.

NerdWallet's Excellent Credit Cards for Building Credit

Excellent Credit Cards for Building Credit From Our Partners

Excellent for: Easy Account Management

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on Chime's website

Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

4.6

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Chime's website

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

N/A

Recommended Credit Score
  • The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

  • No credit check to apply, no annual fees or interest, and no minimum security deposit required. No stress! Additional terms apply.

  • Use your secured Credit Builder card everywhere VISA is accepted, including on everyday purchases, such as gas and groceries.

  • Help build your credit history with your own money. The money you move into the Credit Builder secured account is the amount you can spend on your card (no minimum deposit required!). Turn on Safer Credit Building and have your monthly balance automatically paid on time. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®.

  • Increase your credit score by an average of 30 points, with regular, on-time payments.¹

  • Turn on transaction notifications to receive real-time transaction alerts. Then, use Chime’s instant in-app disable card feature to help prevent unauthorized activities.

  • Live support 24/7 to assist you around the clock.

  • Now you can use your Credit Builder card fee-free at over 60K+ in-network ATMs at retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and more! Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at Moneypass ATMs in 7-Eleven locations, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATMs.

  • Apply for a secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card once you sign up for a Chime Spending Account and receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more. See www.chime.com to learn more.

Apply Now

on Chime's website

  • The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

  • No credit check to apply, no annual fees or interest, and no minimum security deposit required. No stress! Additional terms apply.

  • Use your secured Credit Builder card everywhere VISA is accepted, including on everyday purchases, such as gas and groceries.

  • Help build your credit history with your own money. The money you move into the Credit Builder secured account is the amount you can spend on your card (no minimum deposit required!). Turn on Safer Credit Building and have your monthly balance automatically paid on time. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®.

  • Increase your credit score by an average of 30 points, with regular, on-time payments.¹

  • Turn on transaction notifications to receive real-time transaction alerts. Then, use Chime’s instant in-app disable card feature to help prevent unauthorized activities.

  • Live support 24/7 to assist you around the clock.

  • Now you can use your Credit Builder card fee-free at over 60K+ in-network ATMs at retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and more! Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at Moneypass ATMs in 7-Eleven locations, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATMs.

  • Apply for a secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card once you sign up for a Chime Spending Account and receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more. See www.chime.com to learn more.

Apply Now

on Chime's website

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • No credit check

  • No APR

  • Adjustable credit limit

Cons

  • Must open a Chime account

  • No rewards

  • No upgrade path

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Excellent for: No Security Deposit Required

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on Mission Lane's website

Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card

4.4

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Mission Lane's website

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

26.99%-29.99% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as few as 7 months.

  • Free, online credit score access for cardholders.

  • Instant decision on your application.

  • No interest on purchases when you pay in full and on time each month.

  • No security deposit required – get started today!

  • The coverage of Visa®.

  • Access your account anytime, anywhere with our mobile app.

  • If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $0.50.

Apply Now

on Mission Lane's website

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Excellent for: No Security Deposit Required

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on Prosper's website

Prosper® Card

3.4

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Prosper's website

Annual fee

$0 intro with auto pay, then $39 after first year

Intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

23.49%-34.49% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score
  • No security deposit required.

  • $0 first year annual fee with AutoPay.

  • Instantly access 50% of your credit while your card ships to you.

  • $0 ATM cash withdrawal fee.

  • You’ll be reviewed for regular credit line increases.

  • Zero fraud liability (which offers protection against unauthorized purchases).

  • Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases: 23.49% - 34.49% variable based on Prime Rate.

  • APR for cash advances: 34.49% variable based on Prime Rate.

  • Annual Fee: $39 (waived for the first year if you sign up for AutoPay before your first statement).

  • Minimum interest charge: no less than $1.00 (ME residents no more than $0.50).

  • Foreign transaction fee: 1% of the transaction amount.

  • Issued by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC pursuant to a license by Mastercard® International.

  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now

on Prosper's website

Pros

  • Qualify with limited credit

  • No security deposit

  • Automatic credit-limit reviews

Cons

  • Annual fee

  • No rewards

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Excellent for: Instant Decision On Your Application

Apply now

on Mission Lane's website

Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

3.4

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Mission Lane's website

Annual fee

$0-$59

Intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

26.99%-29.99% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as few as 7 months.

  • Free, online credit score access for cardholders.

  • Instant decision on your application.

  • No interest on purchases when you pay in full and on time each month.

  • No security deposit required – get started today!

  • The coverage of Visa®.

  • Access your account anytime, anywhere with our mobile app.

  • If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $0.50.

Apply Now

on Mission Lane's website

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Excellent for: No Credit Score Required

Apply now

on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months

Regular APR

27.49% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score
  • No credit score required to apply.

  • No Annual Fee.

  • Use your tax refund to fund your security deposit and start building your credit history. Your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.

  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.

  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

  • 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. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.

  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.

  • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.

  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now

on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus

  • Qualify with limited/bad credit

  • Earns rewards

  • New cardholder bonus offer

Cons

  • Requires minimum deposit

  • High APR

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Excellent for: No Annual or Hidden Fees

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.9

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

29.74% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score
  • No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you're approved in seconds

  • Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line

  • Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help

  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges

  • You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time

  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed

  • 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

  • Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024

Apply Now

on Capital One's website

Pros

  • Qualify with limited/bad credit

  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus

  • Earns rewards

  • No minimum redemption amount

  • Rewards don't expire

  • No annual fee

Cons

  • High APR

  • No new cardholder bonus offer

  • No bonus categories

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