If you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to recover from past credit issues, having the right credit card can make all the difference. In 2025, there are more options than ever to help you build or rebuild your credit, but not all credit cards are created equal. Some offer low fees and flexible approval requirements, while others provide valuable perks like rewards, free credit monitoring, and automatic credit line increases.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the 10 best credit cards for building your credit in 2025. These cards are selected based on ease of approval, low fees, responsible credit-building features, and overall user experience.
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card continues to dominate the space for credit-building cards in 2025. What sets this card apart is that it’s one of the few secured cards that offer cashback rewards. You’ll earn 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% on all other purchases. Even better, Discover matches all the cashback you earn at the end of your first year.
To get started, you’ll need to provide a refundable security deposit starting at $200, which becomes your credit line. Unlike many secured cards, Discover reports to all three major credit bureaus, and they even review your account starting at seven months to see if you qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured card.
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a top pick for those who want a flexible security deposit and a reputable bank. What makes this card unique is that your initial deposit could be as low as $49, $99, or $200 based on your creditworthiness, and that amount determines your initial credit line. Over time, Capital One may increase your limit without requiring an additional deposit.
There are no annual fees, and the card has access to Capital One’s CreditWise, which allows you to monitor your credit for free. This is an excellent card for anyone who may not have a large amount of money to deposit upfront but still wants a way to responsibly build credit.
3. Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card
Unlike many starter cards, the Petal 1 card is unsecured and doesn’t require a security deposit. Petal uses a unique underwriting process that considers factors beyond just your credit score, such as your banking history, making it an ideal option for those with limited or no credit history.
With no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and up to 10% cash back at select merchants, the Petal 1 card offers value while helping you establish credit. They also report to all three major bureaus and offer an intuitive mobile app to track your spending and credit health.
4. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
For those who want full control over their spending and credit-building, the Chime Credit Builder Visa® is one of the most flexible and fee-free options in 2025. This card requires you to have a Chime Checking Account and direct deposit, but it doesn’t require a traditional credit check or a minimum security deposit.
What makes Chime unique is that your spending limit is based on the amount you move to your secured account. Since you can’t spend more than what you load, there’s no risk of falling into debt. Best of all, there’s no annual fee, no interest, and no credit check to apply.
5. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
The OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card is a solid option for those who’ve had trouble getting approved elsewhere. Unlike most credit cards, OpenSky does not require a credit check, which is ideal for applicants with poor or no credit history.
You’ll need to provide a refundable security deposit starting at $200, and you can increase your limit up to $3,000 based on your deposit. The annual fee is $35, which is reasonable given the low barrier to entry. OpenSky reports to all three major bureaus and gives users a chance to build or rebuild credit without being judged by their past.
6. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
If you’re looking for a secured card that also offers rewards, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured card might be the perfect match. This card provides 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no rotating categories or spending limits.
It also comes with no annual fee and automatic consideration for a higher credit line after six months of on-time payments. The Quicksilver Secured card is ideal for those who want to earn rewards while working on their credit. Plus, Capital One’s mobile app and account alerts make managing your finances easier than ever.
7. Self Visa® Credit Card
The Self Visa® Credit Card is an innovative way to build credit, especially if you don’t have the upfront cash for a security deposit. To qualify, you first need to open a Self Credit Builder Account and make at least three on-time payments. Once you’ve saved $100 or more in that account, you can use those funds to secure the Self Visa Credit Card.
This setup allows you to build credit in two ways at once—through a credit builder loan and a credit card. There’s no hard credit check required, and Self reports to all three major credit bureaus, making it a powerful tool for long-term credit improvement.
8. Mission Lane® Visa® Credit Card
Mission Lane offers an unsecured credit card option that’s great for those with fair credit or limited credit history. Approval is relatively straightforward, and they provide pre-qualification with no impact on your credit score. The card doesn’t require a security deposit, making it accessible to those without extra cash on hand.
While the interest rates can be high, responsible users who pay in full each month won’t be affected. Mission Lane reports to all major bureaus and offers a sleek mobile app to manage your account and track your credit growth.
9. Grow Credit Mastercard®
Grow Credit takes a different approach to credit-building by allowing you to pay for subscription services like Netflix, Spotify, or Disney+ through a virtual credit card that reports to credit bureaus. It’s a great entry point for those who are completely new to credit and want a no-risk way to start building a positive payment history.
There’s no credit check, no interest, and no deposit required. Plans range from free to premium versions, with higher limits available on paid plans. It’s ideal for young adults, students, or anyone starting their credit journey with limited income.
10. Avant Credit Card
The Avant Credit Card is an unsecured credit card designed for those with fair to poor credit. While it comes with an annual fee (usually around $39), it doesn’t require a security deposit and often has more favorable terms than traditional secured cards.
Avant offers a streamlined application process with quick approval decisions. They also report to all three major credit bureaus and provide customers with educational tools and resources to help manage their finances better. It’s a worthy choice for those looking for a middle ground between high-end cards and basic secured ones.
Bottom line
Building credit doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With so many user-friendly and low-cost credit cards available in 2025, there’s never been a better time to take control of your financial future. Whether you opt for a secured card like the Discover it® Secured or a no-deposit option like the Petal 1, the most important thing is to use your card wisely and consistently. Over time, these good habits will open the door to better financial opportunities, including lower interest rates, higher credit limits, and access to premium credit products.
Start with the card that fits your current financial situation best, and let your credit journey begin on the right foot.
