Credit Cards to Build or Rebuild Credit
If your credit is bad, limited or brand new, these guides help you choose a card that builds your credit without overpaying. In most cases, a no-annual-fee secured card is the cheapest path. Unsecured cards for bad credit skip the deposit but charge much higher fees.
Which Credit Builder Card Fits You?
| Your situation | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| You can put down $200+ | No-fee secured card (Discover it Secured, Capital One Platinum Secured) |
| You can't pass a credit check | No-credit-check card (OpenSky, Chime Credit Builder) |
| You bank with Chime | Chime Credit Builder (no interest, no fee) |
| You can't afford any deposit | Unsecured card for bad credit (compare fees carefully) |
| You're brand new to credit | Student or starter card |
Start with our full comparison: best credit cards for bad credit.
Your 12-Month Credit Rebuilding Plan
- Month 1: open one card that fits your budget and put a small bill on it.
- Months 1–6: pay the full balance on time; keep utilization under 10%–30%.
- Month 6: check your credit reports for errors at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Months 7–12: ask about an upgrade or credit line increase.
- Month 12: consider a second card only if your score has improved.
Watch Out for High-Fee Cards
Cards like Milestone, Indigo, Aspire and Fortiva approve people with bad credit, but fees can reach $175–$250 in the first year plus monthly fees. Always read the pricing information in your offer and compare it with a secured card first.
All Credit Builder Card Reviews
New guides are published every day. Check back soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest way to rebuild credit?
On-time payments and low balances on one or two cards, plus fixing any errors on your reports.
Do secured cards build credit as well as regular cards?
Yes. Credit reports and scores don't treat them differently.
Can I get a credit card after bankruptcy?
Yes, usually a secured or no-credit-check card. See credit card after bankruptcy.