Building strong credit requires strong management of your credit cards and other kinds of loans. Especially, in a country like the U.S.A., where the majority of common citizens are suffering from bad credit. In that regard, you should definitely follow the plan of responsible usage of credit cards to build a strong credit score. However, most of the citizens who are struggling financially do not have access to credit cards to build credit. This can be a huge problem as without these credit-building credit cards, there is no way you can follow the aforementioned plan.
So, it is very important that you look at all the available options of the best credit cards to build credit available in the market. It can play a huge role in your building of strong credit scores. In this article, we will enlist the best options available for people who require credit cards to build credit scores. You definitely have a lot of options available in this section but choosing the correct card is vital for your permanent solution.
Comparison Table
Name | APR | Fee | Initial Limit | Credit score range | Rewards & Bonuses | Overall Rating |
Petal 1 Visa Credit Card | 24.49%-33.99% | N/A | $300-$5000 | 300-719 | 10% cashback | 3.5 |
Discover it Credit Card | 27.24% | N/A | $200-$2500 | 300-629 | 2% cashback | 5.0 |
Capital One Platinum Credit Card | 29.74% | N/A | $49-$200 | 300-629 | N/A | 4.8 |
Discover it Student chrome | 17.24%-26.24% | N/A | $500 | 630-689 | 2% cashback | 5.0 |
American Express Blue Cash Everyday | 18.49%-29.49% | N/A | $1000 | 690-850 | 3% cash back at supermarkets | 4.9 |
Premier Bankcard Mastercard | 19.9%-36% | varies | $200-$700 | 640-680 | N/A | 4.8 |
Premier Bankcard Grey | Varies | $39 | $200-$700 | 300-600 | N/A | 4.8 |
Surge Platinum Mastercard | 29.99% | $0-$10 | $300-$1000 | 300-600 | N/A | 4.7 |
Indigo Mastercard | 24.9% | $75 | $200 | 300-639 | N/A | 4.6 |
Milestone Mastercard | 24.9% | $75 | $300 | 300-639 | N/A | 4.2 |
Credit Cards That Help You Build Strong Credit
The responsible management of your credit history can easily be achieved with the help of the best credit cards to build credit. This is where you should look at all the available options and select the best credit card to build credit for you. With the help of these cards at higher rates, you can exhibit good maintenance behavior and improve your track record. Through this process, you will be able to manage a pretty good financial credit history. The strong building of your credit clearly depends on your timely payment of bills and using these cards regularly. Here are some of the best card options available for the betterment of your credit history.
1. Petal 1 Visa Credit Card
If you have a mediocre credit score and are looking for credit cards to build credit, Petal No Annual Fee Card can be an amazing option for you. In this case, you do not have to worry about your available credit scores. This card’s algorithm will analyze your bank details without looking at your current scores thus making it the best credit card to build credit. According to your eligibility, you can easily get up to $5000. This is the highest amount you can get as a starter.
Petal also has a mobile application ready to use as this can make your card management much easier. With its $0 annual fee, Petal can be a good choice if you are looking for a strong alternative to combat your average credit numbers.
Features
- Petal 1 Visa Credit does not require any annual fee.
- The APR can fluctuate quite a bit between 24.49% to 33.99%.
- Offers credit limits up to $5000 thus making it one of the best credit cards to build credit.
- Offers increase in credit limit within just 6 months.
Pros
- You can get credit up to $5000 which is a pretty good option for the best credit cards for building credit.
- Offers up to 10% cashback on selected merchants.
- You are not required to pay any sort of transaction fee.
Cons
- You do not have the option to change your payment date.
- You will have to deal with variable APR.
2. Discover it Credit Card
In case you are looking for secured credit cards to build credit options then Discover it Credit Card can be the best card for you. It is also one of the best credit cards to build credit along with rewards and bonuses. Therefore it is definitely one of the best credit-building options available in the marketplace. Additionally, you do not require any sort of credit score for the application of this card. There are other perks available as well as you do not have to pay any sort of extra fee.
The availability of cash-back options is also one of its strong points, thus making Discover It one of the best credit cards to build credit. Thus for any starter like you who is looking for a strong tool to rebuild their credit history, this can be a perfect alternative. Your initial credit limit can go up to $500.
Features
- You can easily apply for this card without any credit score.
- Offers 2% cash back at restaurants and stations, which makes Petal one of the best credit cards for building credit.
- No sort of annual fee is required for this card.
- However, there is a requirement for a security deposit amount.
Pros
- You can easily earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations that can go up to $1000.
- Your personal information is properly protected from any kind of search websites.
- You cannot be charged any sort of annual fee for this build credit card.
Cons
- Due to Discover It being a secured credit card, you are required to pay a $200 deposit for security.
- The APR can be variable.
3. Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Capital One Platinum may be one of the very few options that are available for you where you do have the flexibility on your deposit limit. In the case of all the other secured card options, they will not give you the same kind of flexibility. This card also does not charge any extra annual fee thus making it one of the best credit cards rebuild credit. If you are struggling with pretty low credit scores then Capital One Platinum can be a good alternative for you. In this case no matter how low your credit score is you can still apply for it.
The regular APR of this card however can be quite variable. You can easily get into the higher credit line of users within six months through the usage of this card. Thus the credibility of this card is pretty high than the other alternatives.
Features
- This card does not require you to pay any additional fee.
- Your security deposit amount is flexible thus making it one of the best credit cards to build credit.
- You can easily monitor your credit score through CreditWise which is free of cost.
- You can easily get access to your account 7 days a week.
Pros
- Your security deposit can start from as low as $49.
- You can get a hike on your credit for responsible usage after just 6 months.
- Can offer you a higher credit limit.
Cons
- Unlike some other options, this card does not earn any sort of reward or cashback.
- Your initial credit can be only up to $200.
4. Discover it Student Chrome
In case you are a student looking for valuable credit cards to build credit options then Discover it Student Chrome can be the perfect choice for you. It is one of the few credit student cards which offers a signup bonus. With various introductory offers which are listed on the APR, this card can be a major solution for you as a student. This card can give you unlimited cashback match offers that can be helpful for your credit balance.
Moreover, you don’t require a high credit score for the application, which makes Discover It one of the best credit cards to build credit. With its 0% APR charges within the first six months, this card offers a lot of help for students with bad credit scores. So in case you are struggling with poor credit numbers you can definitely check out the Discover it Student Chrome Credit Card.
Features
- Through this card, you can get 2% cash back at restaurants and stations.
- You are not required to have a strong credit score for the application of this card.
- This card offers various intro cashback matches making it the best credit card to build credit in this segment.
- There is no requirement for an annual fee.
Pros
- You do not require any FICO score and security deposit history for qualification.
- Discover as a service also waives the first late fee charges for the betterment of credit in the future.
- Gives you cashback options at restaurants and gas stations making it a strong option for anyone who is looking for the best credit card to build credit.
Cons
- Discover’s Student Cashback card can offer you better value.
- In any international case, Discover might not be the best option for you.
5. American Express Blue Cash Everyday
For all the newcomers with good credit in the U.S. Blue Cash Card can be one of the best credit cards to build credit due to its 0% APR intro. It is a $1000 limits credit card. There is also no annual fee you need to pay. Additionally, there are also various cashback offers that are there in this card that can be beneficial for your future credit score. With strong rewards and bonuses, this card can be a good option for your building of credit. Moreover, you can also get various intro offers not only in APR but also a lot of cashback at online marketplaces, supermarkets, and gas stations.
If you have a good enough credit score you can definitely check out this Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express. With this best credit card to build credit and all the available bonuses and rewards, you can definitely upgrade your credit scores in the future.
Features
- These credit cards to rebuild credit and do not require any annual fee from the crest card holders.
- Offers various cashback opportunities at many places like online purchases and gas stations.
- You can get 0% APR on various purchases for the first 15 months.
Pros
- If you have a credit history in another country you can transfer all those reports from countries like India, Australia, Mexico, and the U.K.
- Can offer you solid bonus offers and rewards like cashback.
- Offers intro offer of 0% APR.
Cons
- This card is not suitable for any international purchase as it can charge a 2.7% fee.
- Acceptance can be restricted to certain countries.
6. Premier Bankcard Mastercard
Now in terms of unsecured credit cards for bad credit options, the Premier Bankcard Mastercard can be a good alternative. Additionally, this card also can give monthly consumer reports to rebuild your credit. So it can be really helpful for you to check your credit history on monthly terms. There are also no additional fees required for this card.
This card can also give you a hike in credit limit after the initial 12 months if you act responsibly as this makes it one of the best credit cards to build credit. For clients like you who are looking for a second chance, Premier Bankcard can be the best option for rebuilding your credit.
Features
- Anybody with even a low credit score can apply for these credit cards to build credit.
- Takes just 60 seconds for the approval of clients.
- Can provide you with an initial limit of $200-$700.
Pros
- Can give you quick access to its services.
- You can get approval even with a bad credit score.
- Highly reputed service providing one of the best credit cards to build credit.
Cons
- There are no rewards or bonuses available.
- Your credit score alone should not guarantee your approval of this service.
7. Premier Bankcard Grey
If you have average to bad credit scores, do not worry as Premier Bankcard Grey can be your best credit card to build credit. You just have to fill up a short application after your instant approval process. In this case, the FICO score does not matter at all as you can clearly apply for this card service.
With all the added facilities provided by this card, you can easily pay the bills on time. Additionally, you can also keep your balance low as on-time payments can definitely help you to keep a healthy credit score.
Features
- Any fair to bad credit holders can apply for this card.
- Can be the best credit card to build credit.
- Can apply for this service within minutes.
Pros
- This card can give you a credit limit of up to $700.
- Anyone even with a bad credit score can apply for this card making it one of the best credit cards for building credit.
- Short application process.
Cons
- Will charge an extra fee of $39.
- There are no rewards and bonuses available for the users.
8. Surge Platinum Mastercard
In case you are looking for another option in unsecured types of best credit cards to build credit then the Surge Platinum Mastercard can be a perfect tool. Surge Platinum Mastercard can offer you a double credit limit in case you qualify after their approval. With its fast and clear application process, you can get access to its services. Any type of credit is welcomed in this case as you can also fill up the form quickly.
This card can offer you an initial credit limit of $300 to $1000. However, this is very much dependent on your available credit. This credit limit can also be doubled by this service if you can pay your bills on time for the first 6 months. However, there are some terms and conditions also that you need to know as you do have to pay a maintenance fee of $0-$10 monthly. Even then, the Surge Mastercard can be a major solution for your rebuilding process. All these qualities push this card into the league of the best credit cards for building credit.
Features
- You can get an initial credit limit of up to $1000.
- Gives you free access to an online account 24/7.
- Reports on monthly terms to three credit bureaus.
Pros
- Any type of credit holder can apply for this card.
- The initial credit limit can reach up to $2000 after 6 months of on-time payments which makes it the best credit card to build credit.
- Easy and secure application procedure.
Cons
- The APR of this card is higher than others.
- Will charge an annual fee of $99.
9. Indigo Mastercard
Indigo Mastercard can be described as another valuable alternative in the segment of credit building credit cards for you if you have a less-than-perfect credit score. This kind of allowance does make it one of the best credit cards to build credit. One of the main benefits of using this card is that you do not have to worry about additional costs regarding its services. There are also no requirements for a security deposit thus making it an attractive option for people.
However, there is an interest rate that you have to keep track of as it is variable at 24.9%. Other than that this service also reports to all the major bureaus thus making it perfect for rebuilding your credit scores.
Features
- You can also apply even if you have a less-than-perfect score.
- Offers an easy qualification process to all.
- Gives online servicing options without any extra charge.
- Reports to three credit bureaus.
Pros
- As it reports to all the major bureaus it can be really helpful for your credit-rebuilding work making it one of the best credit cards to build credit.
- You do not have to pay any kind of security deposit.
- 24/7 online services are available for you.
Cons
- For the first year, you will have to pay an annual fee of $75 which can go up to $99.
- The APR interest rate is relatively higher at 24.9%.
10. Milestone Mastercard
If you are troubled by the deposit sums of security then Milestone Mastercard might be the right option for you. Unlike other credit cards to build credit, this card does not charge any security deposit from the holders. The usability of this card is one of its major benefits as it can be used anywhere where master cards are applicable, which makes it one of the best credit cards to build credit.
On the other hand, these Milestone Mastercards also report to all the major credit bureaus thus making it a valid option for you for your rebuilding of credit scores. The interest rates are also much lower than the other competitors in this section. So if you are looking for an easy solution for fixing your credit scores Milestone Mastercards can also be a valid alternative.
Features
- This card can give you an opportunity for easy pre-qualification thus making it one of the best credit cards rebuild credit.
- Even if you have a lesser than good credit you can still apply for this card.
- The interest rate stands at 24.9%.
Pros
- It is a valid option for rebuilding your credit score as this card reports all the major credit bureaus.
- You can get your account information 24/7.
- You can apply even if you have less than a good score.
Cons
- Your initial credit limit is very low at $300.
- Some of the variants of Milestone cards will have an annual fee of $75 which can go up to $99.
The Importance of Credit for U.S. Citizens
A decent credit score can be quite important for your financial stability in life. Especially if you are a U.S. citizen then the requirement of credit becomes even more vital for various things like qualifying for credit cards to build credit or a loan. Even in the case of more obvious requirements in life, you will need credit in the U.S. like getting a simple job or renting a car. Also by managing credit responsibly, you can get better benefits in interest rates. This can definitely improve your overall savings which in turn can leave you stress-free and attain financial freedom. Thus there is a requirement for the best credit cards for building credit.
In today’s age when economic stability is so crucial, your three-digit credit score plays a crucial role in getting your car loans or student loans. So anything less than great credit might pose a huge challenge for you, especially in getting better financial assistance. Moreover, it is not only for loans but also for your job. Various employers regularly check the credit histories of employees to ascertain how reliable they are. So, clearly bad credit can be a huge risk for you, not just financially but also socially. This brings us to some pointers to keep in mind while using credit cards to build credit. Read on to learn.
Prioritize the Right Features of a Credit Card
In case you want to find out how you can choose the best credit card to build credit then we are going to give you some points to remember. Firstly you should definitely check out the card’s cash value and simplicity before selecting it.
Cash Value
The cash value of credit cards to build credit can be summarized as all the rewards, bonuses, and the presence of annual fees. As for Discover credit cards, any household person getting 2% cash back at supermarkets can be much more beneficial than the other variants of cards. In this case for certain people these cards can be much more attractive.
Simplicity
The other area of the best credit card for building credit that you need to understand is the card’s simplicity factor. In this regard, the simplicity of a card depends on its overall usability. Like whether you can easily open and manage your account. Understanding the rewards and other benefits of cards are also part of their simplicity. This factor can be a crucial benchmark for all the best credit cards for building credit.
Availability
The availability for applying for credit cards to build credit is also another factor to remember. If you have a less-than-ideal credit score, you might not be able to apply for certain cards. In this case, you will score much less on the loan availability factor. If you can apply for cards with any kind of credit history, then the score for that card will be higher.
Using a Credit Card Properly to Build Credit
In case you have got the best credit cards that itself will not be enough for you to rebuild your credit score. You also have to properly use the card to get all the benefits of it. In this matter, you do require to understand how to effectively use these best credit cards to build credit so that it helps to boost your overall score.
Paying Bills on Time
You should always look to pay the bills on time every month. Not meeting this requirement can negatively impact your overall credit score. So this kind of healthy habit of paying the amount on time can definitely improve your chances of building a strong credit score.
Applying for Credit as Required
It is essential for you to understand that applying for multiple accounts in a short period of time can hamper your credit future. This can eventually take you toward a large amount of debt. You should always make sure to apply for the credit amount that is required. Things can cause harm to your credit scores.
Using Less Than Your Available Credit Limit
A tip you should note while using credit cards to build credit is to use 30% less than your available credit, as this leads to healthy credit management. Also, make sure that you keep the balance in your account lower than your credit limit, which also falls under good credit management.
Maintaining Good Credit Habits
In case you have to build a strong credit score you definitely need to manage a good credit habit for a long period of time. This will automatically result in your boosting of credit scores in the future.
FAQs
Q1. What type of credit card should I get to build credit?
In the case of the rebuilding procedure of your credit, there are various types of secured credit cards like Petal 1 No Annual Fee Credit Card, Discover it Credit Cards, and Discover it Student Chrome. Apart from these, there are some other unsecured options available as well like the Premier Mastercard or the Surge Platinum Mastercards even though these can come with extra fees.
Q2. How many credit cards are best for building credit?
You can definitely have a maximum of two or three credit cards as this can help you to mix your credit types. All the lenders can easily trust you if you have two or three credit accounts in your history. This kind of wide variety of types can be beneficial for your credit history.
Q3. How can I build my credit fast with a credit card?
You have to maintain healthy credit habits for the first few months, as this is the only way you can build your credit history by using the best credit cards to build credit. These habits include paying bills on time, using less than the available limit, and applying for exact credit when required.
Conclusion
Effectively building your credit history has become extremely crucial in today’s day and age. So choosing the correct credit building credit cards can be an important step for everyone. Therefore we have given you a proper list of the top ten options for the best credit cards rebuild credit both secured as well as unsecured. In this way, you can properly get the knowledge on why credit cards can be an essential tool in rebuilding your credit score. The areas you need to check before choosing any card are also important as described in this article. You can also check out the ways you can use your cards through which you can easily build a strong credit history as it is important for not only financial freedom but also for a secure lifestyle.