Discover the best credit cards to build credit in 2025. Learn how to improve your credit score with top cards designed to help you establish or rebuild credit with low fees and high rewards.
Building or rebuilding credit can be a daunting process, especially if you’re just starting out or have faced financial challenges in the past. But the good news is that there are plenty of best credit cards to build credit available today, tailored to help you improve your score while offering benefits like cashback, rewards, and low fees. Whether you’re looking to establish credit from scratch, repair a damaged score, or move past a bankruptcy, the right credit card can make all the difference.
Why Building Credit Matters
Before we jump into the best credit cards to build credit, it’s important to understand why credit building is crucial. A good credit score can unlock a wide range of financial opportunities, from lower interest rates on loans to better credit card offers. It can also impact your ability to secure housing, get a job, or even access insurance at affordable rates. By establishing or rebuilding your credit, you’re setting yourself up for long-term financial health.
Building credit takes time, but using the right credit card is one of the most effective ways to improve your score. The best part? Many credit cards designed for building credit offer rewards, so you’re earning while you’re improving your financial reputation.
What Makes the Best Credit Cards to Build Credit?
When searching for the best credit cards to build credit, there are a few key features to look out for:
- Low Fees: Many cards designed to help you build credit come with low or no annual fees. Avoiding excessive fees is important as you work on improving your score.
- Credit Limit: A reasonable credit limit that isn’t too high or too low will allow you to show responsible credit usage without risking overspending.
- Rewards or Cash Back: Some credit cards offer rewards or cash back for everyday purchases. These perks can help make the card more valuable while you’re rebuilding credit.
Let’s dive into the best credit cards to build credit that offer these features.
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best credit cards to build credit, especially for those with no credit history or looking to rebuild their score. With no annual fee and the ability to earn rewards on every purchase, this card is an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their credit while getting cashback in return.
Key Features:
- Cashback Rewards: 2% cashback on up to $1,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each quarter, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No Annual Fee.
- Secured Credit Card: A deposit is required, but your deposit amount becomes your credit limit.
- Credit Limit Increases: Discover may offer a credit limit increase after 7 months of responsible use.
- Free FICO® Credit Score: Access your credit score for free to track your progress.
This card offers an excellent rewards program and is a great option for someone starting out on their credit-building journey. With Discover’s automatic credit limit reviews, you may see your limit increase over time, which can further help your credit utilization ratio.
Why It’s Great for Building Credit:
- Cashback rewards while you build credit.
- No Annual Fee, making it affordable for everyone.
- Free FICO® Score to track your credit progress.
Website Link: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is another fantastic option for building credit. It’s a straightforward card with no rewards, but it helps you build a positive credit history with responsible use. Capital One has a reputation for working with consumers who have limited or damaged credit.
Key Features:
- Secured Credit Card: Your deposit becomes your credit limit, but the minimum deposit required can be as low as $49 for an initial credit limit of $200.
- No Annual Fee.
- Credit Limit Increases: Capital One may review your account after 6 months for a possible credit limit increase, based on your credit behavior.
- Access to CreditWise®: A free tool to help you track your credit score and credit report.
While this card doesn’t offer rewards, the opportunity to get a credit limit increase and monitor your credit score makes it a great choice for anyone serious about building credit.
Why It’s Great for Building Credit:
- Low Initial Deposit and No Annual Fee.
- Credit Limit Increase opportunities after just 6 months.
- Access to CreditWise® for credit monitoring.
Website Link: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
If you’re looking for a secured card with a straightforward application process and a reliable credit-building path, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is an excellent choice. Unlike many secured cards, this one doesn’t require a credit check to apply, making it a great option for those with limited credit history.
Key Features:
- Secured Credit Card: Your deposit determines your credit limit.
- No Credit Check: You can apply without a credit check, making it ideal for those with bad or no credit.
- No Annual Fee.
- Reports to All 3 Credit Bureaus: Ensures your responsible use helps build your credit score.
- Low APR: Competitive APR for a secured card, which is important if you carry a balance.
This card does come with a $200 minimum deposit requirement, and while it doesn’t offer any rewards, it provides a great way to establish or rebuild credit without the hassle of a credit check.
Why It’s Great for Building Credit:
- No Credit Check required for approval.
- Reports to All 3 Credit Bureaus, which is essential for building credit.
- Low APR compared to many other secured cards.
Website Link: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
4. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card is an excellent option for those who are looking to build credit without the hassle of fees. This card is unique in that it offers cashback rewards and doesn’t require a security deposit, making it a great option for individuals who want to build credit without putting down a large deposit.
Key Features:
- 1% Cash Back on all purchases, with the ability to earn up to 1.5% after making 12 on-time payments.
- No Fees: No annual fee, no late fee, no foreign transaction fee, and no APR fees.
- No Security Deposit: A great option for those who don’t want to put down a large deposit.
- Credit Limit Based on Your Financial History: Petal uses alternative data to evaluate your creditworthiness.
- Credit Reporting: Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
This card is great for anyone who wants to avoid the complexities of secured cards while still building credit and earning cashback.
Why It’s Great for Building Credit:
- Cashback rewards while you build credit.
- No Fees at all, making it a cost-effective way to build credit.
- No Security Deposit required.
Website Link: Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
5. Secured Mastercard® from Capital One
Another excellent option from Capital One is the Secured Mastercard®, which is designed to help you build credit with responsible usage. This card offers a low initial deposit and reports to all three credit bureaus, making it a solid choice for individuals looking to improve their credit score.
Key Features:
- Secured Credit Card: Your deposit becomes your credit limit.
- Reports to All 3 Credit Bureaus: Helps you build a positive credit history.
- No Annual Fee.
- Credit Limit Increase: Capital One reviews your account for a possible credit limit increase after 6 months of responsible use.
This card is ideal for people looking for a simple, no-frills card to help establish or rebuild credit. While it doesn’t offer rewards, its low fees and potential for a credit limit increase make it a solid option.
Why It’s Great for Building Credit:
- No Annual Fee.
- Credit Limit Increase opportunities after 6 months of responsible use.
- Reports to All 3 Credit Bureaus.
Website Link: Secured Mastercard® from Capital One
Conclusion: Choose the Best Credit Cards to Build Credit
Building your credit is a journey, and choosing the best credit cards to build credit can set you on the right path. Whether you prefer a secured card with cashback rewards or a simple, no-fee option, the cards listed above provide excellent opportunities to help you establish or rebuild your credit score in 2025.
When choosing the best credit card to build credit, make sure to consider factors like annual fees, credit limits, and whether the card reports to all three credit bureaus. By using the right card responsibly, you can watch your credit score grow, opening the door to better financial opportunities down the road. So, pick the card that best fits your needs, and start building your credit today.
