Best Starter Credit Cards for No Credit of October 2022 - NerdWallet Advertiser disclosure

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Best Starter Credit Cards for No Credit of October 2022

NerdWallet Oct 20, 2022 Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2022 Best secured credit cards Best unsecured cards for short credit histories Best credit cards for fair credit The best starter credit cards are easy to get, have no annual fee and report your payments to the three major credit bureaus. (Find out how to apply for a credit card online.) The right card for you depends on your situation. Options include secured credit cards — which require refundable upfront deposits — student credit cards and alternative credit cards from smaller issuers that evaluate applicants' creditworthiness on factors other than FICO credit scores. Many starter cards even offer rewards. ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2022 Best secured credit cards Best unsecured cards for short credit histories Best credit cards for fair credit The best starter credit cards are easy to get, have no annual fee and report your payments to the three major credit bureaus. (Find out how to apply for a credit card online.) The right card for you depends on your situation. Options include secured credit cards — which require refundable upfront deposits — student credit cards and alternative credit cards from smaller issuers that evaluate applicants' creditworthiness on factors other than FICO credit scores. Many starter cards even offer rewards.Show summary

NerdWallet' s Best Starter Credit Cards for No Credit of October 2022

Discover it Student chrome: Best for Student cards: Simplicity and valueDiscover it Secured Credit Card: Best for Secured cards: Rewards and upgradingBlue Cash Everyday Card from American Express: Best for No-deposit starter card: Foreign credit historiesDiscover it Student Cash Back: Best for Student cards: Bonus category cash-back rewardsCapital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best for Secured cards: Low depositPetal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card: Best for No-deposit starter card: No feesDeserve EDU Mastercard for Students: Best for Student cards: International studentsBrex Card: Best for Small-business card: Startups

Best Starter Credit Cards for No Credit From Our Partners

Credit cardNerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.Annual feeIntro APRRegular APRLearn more Discover it Student chromeApply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 5.0/5 Best for Student cards: Simplicity and value$00% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months15.99%-24.99% Variable APRApply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264Rates & Fees Discover it Secured Credit CardApply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 5.0/5 Best for Secured cards: Rewards and upgrading$010.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months25.99% Variable APRApply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264Rates & Fees Blue Cash Everyday Card from American ExpressApply now on American Express' website 4.9/5 Best for No-deposit starter card: Foreign credit histories$00% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers16.99%-27.99% Variable APRApply now on American Express' websiteRates & Fees Discover it Student Cash BackApply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 4.6/5 Best for Student cards: Bonus category cash-back rewards$00% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months15.99%-24.99% Variable APRApply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264Rates & Fees Capital One Platinum Secured Credit CardApply now on Capital One's website 4.8/5 Best for Secured cards: Low deposit$0N/A28.49% Variable APRApply now on Capital One's website Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit CardApply now on Petal's website 4.8/5 Best for No-deposit starter card: No fees$0N/A15.99%-29.99% Variable APRApply now on Petal's website Deserve EDU Mastercard for StudentsApply now on Deserve's website 4.5/5 Best for Student cards: International students$0N/A21.74% VariableApply now on Deserve's website Brex CardApply now on Brex's website 3.3/5 Best for Small-business card: Startups$0N/AN/AApply now on Brex's website Our pick for Student cards: Simplicity and value Student credit cards are ideal for working college students. Unlike secured cards, they don't require upfront deposits. If you're under 21, however, you have to have an independent income to qualify.Apply nowon Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264Rates & Fees

Discover it Student chrome

5.0NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264Rates & FeesAnnual fee $0Intro APR 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 monthsRegular APR 15.99%-24.99% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score630689averageSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details The Discover it Student chrome is a standout student credit card due to its no-frills rewards structure and student-friendly features. And, according to Discover, you don't need a FICO history to qualify. The Discover it Student chrome is a standout student credit card due to its no-frills rewards structure and student-friendly features. And, according to Discover, you don't need a FICO history to qualify. Pros This card features simple rewards: You earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter. All other purchases earn 1%. The annual fee is $0. It comes with a potentially generous sign-up offer: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. Cons Discover isn’t the most ideal payment method abroad, so this card isn't the best one to take on a study abroad trip. The network isn’t as widely accepted internationally by merchants as Visa or Mastercards. Read full review INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. 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. No credit score required to apply. NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free. No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use. 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 15.99% - 24.99% applies. Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.View Rates & Fees Our pick for Secured cards: Rewards and upgrading Secured credit cards can be a good option for those with no credit who want a starter card from a major issuer. These cards require an upfront refundable deposit, usually equal to the card's limit. That cash collateral is returned to you if the card is upgraded to an unsecured account or closed in good standing.Apply nowon Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264Rates & Fees

Discover it Secured Credit Card

5.0NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264Rates & FeesAnnual fee $0Intro APR 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 monthsRegular APR 25.99% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score300629poorSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details With the Discover it Secured Credit Card you have the chance to get automatically upgraded to an unsecured card and get your deposit back without having to close your account. It also earns rewards, nearly unheard-of for a secured card. Like almost all secured cards, you can qualify with no credit. With the Discover it Secured Credit Card you have the chance to get automatically upgraded to an unsecured card and get your deposit back without having to close your account. It also earns rewards, nearly unheard-of for a secured card. Like almost all secured cards, you can qualify with no credit. Pros You earn 2% cash-back on up to $1,000 in combined spending per quarter at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% on all other spending. INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. The annual fee is $0. And after seven months, Discover automatically begins evaluating your account to see if you qualify for getting your security deposit refunded. Cons For some, the $200 minimum deposit might be hard to pull together — especially since you need to have the funds ready upfront when you apply. Read full review No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use. Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit. 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. NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free. Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free. Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.View Rates & Fees Our pick for No-deposit starter card: Foreign credit histories Through a partnership between American Express and the international credit-reporting startup Nova Credit, immigrants and expats in the U.S. can instantly translate credit reports from certain countries to U.S.-equivalent credit reports when applying for AmEx consumer cards. This feature is integrated into AmEx's online applications. Currently, it can access credit histories from bureaus located in the following countries: Australia, Canada, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Kenya and Nigeria.Apply nowon American Express' websiteRates & Fees

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

4.9NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon American Express' websiteRates & FeesAnnual fee $0Intro APR 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfersRegular APR 16.99%-27.99% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score690850good - excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details For those who can use the AmEx and Nova Credit partnership to translate their credit reports from different countries, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a good first credit card. Its annual fee is $0 and it comes with solid cash-back rewards, a welcome offer and an introductory 0% APR period. For those who can use the AmEx and Nova Credit partnership to translate their credit reports from different countries, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a good first credit card. Its annual fee is $0 and it comes with solid cash-back rewards, a welcome offer and an introductory 0% APR period. Pros This card earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in spending in each category). Other purchases earn 1% back. Because it’s not necessarily a “starter card,” it has a decent bonus offer: Earn up to $250 – Here’s How: Earn up to $150 back when you shop with PayPal. Earn 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you use your new Card to check out with PayPal at merchants in the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $150 back. Plus, earn $100 back as a statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Cons Your cash back can’t actually be redeemed as “cash” into a bank account. You can only redeem rewards for statement credit, gift cards or merchandise. Outside of the U.S., this card likely won’t be a good payment method. American Express is not as broadly accepted internationally as Visa or Mastercard. Read full review Earn up to $250 – Here’s How: Earn up to $150 back when you shop with PayPal. Earn 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you use your new Card to check out with PayPal at merchants in the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $150 back. Plus, earn $100 back as a statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. No Annual Fee. Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 16.99% - 27.99% variable APR. 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Everyday Card to spend $13.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required. Terms Apply.View Rates & Fees Our pick for Student cards: Bonus category cash-back rewardsApply nowon Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264Rates & Fees

Discover it Student Cash Back

4.6NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264Rates & FeesAnnual fee $0Intro APR 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 monthsRegular APR 15.99%-24.99% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score630689averageSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details The Discover it Student Cash Back offers a generous rewards rate on quarterly bonus categories upon activation. Discover says there is no FICO history requirement to qualify. The Discover it Student Cash Back offers a generous rewards rate on quarterly bonus categories upon activation. Discover says there is no FICO history requirement to qualify. Pros This card offers 5% cash back in rotating categories on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter. Activation is required. All other spending earns 1% cash back. It has a $0 annual fee and no late fee on the first late payment. It also has a potentially rewarding sign-up bonus: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. Cons Bonus categories may not match your spending at all times and you'll have to activate them every three months to get the higher rewards rate. It can be a lot to manage when you’re just starting out with credit. Discover also isn’t as widely accepted abroad as Visa or Mastercard. Read full review INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically. No credit score required to apply. NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free. No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use. 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 15.99% - 24.99% applies. Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.View Rates & Fees Our pick for Secured cards: Low depositApply nowon Capital One's website

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

4.8NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Capital One's websiteAnnual fee $0Intro APR N/ARegular APR 28.49% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score300629poorSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details With most secured credit cards, your deposit equals your credit limit. That’s not necessarily the case with the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. The deposit may be $49, $99 or $200 for a $200 credit line, depending on what you qualify for. Plus, you can automatically be considered for a higher credit limit, without having to deposit more money, in as little as six months. The deposit can also be paid in installments. With most secured credit cards, your deposit equals your credit limit. That’s not necessarily the case with the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. The deposit may be $49, $99 or $200 for a $200 credit line, depending on what you qualify for. Plus, you can automatically be considered for a higher credit limit, without having to deposit more money, in as little as six months. The deposit can also be paid in installments. Pros The card's deposit requirements — and the possibility of qualifying for a higher credit line — makes this card a valuable choice. The annual fee is $0. No credit history is required, as is generally the case with secured cards. Cons You won’t qualify for this card if your monthly income doesn't exceed your rent or mortgage payment by at least $425. Read full review No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line 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 Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app Our pick for No-deposit starter card: No feesApply nowon Petal's website

Petal 2 Cash Back No Fees Visa Credit Card

4.8NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Petal's websiteAnnual fee $0Intro APR N/ARegular APR 15.99%-29.99% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score630850average - excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details Without annual fees, late fees, foreign transaction fees or any fees at all, the Petal 2 Cash Back No Fees Visa Credit Card is a unicorn among credit cards. Plus, it offers decent rewards on all purchases and it doesn't require a credit history. Without annual fees, late fees, foreign transaction fees or any fees at all, the Petal 2 Cash Back No Fees Visa Credit Card is a unicorn among credit cards. Plus, it offers decent rewards on all purchases and it doesn't require a credit history. Pros Petal doesn’t only rely on credit scores to determine eligibility. Instead, it assesses your creditworthiness based on your income, expenses, savings and debts. You can earn a decent rate of up to 1.5% cash back, depending on your on-time payments. And, you don’t have to pay late fees or foreign transaction fees. It has a $0 annual fee. Cons Unlike some other issuers, Petal doesn’t currently accept requests for credit limit increases. This may be a drawback for people that can maintain a good payment history. Read full review No fees whatsoever. No late fee, foreign transaction fee, annual fee, or any-other-kind-of-fee, fee. Variable APRs range from 15.99%-29.99%. Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. 2% - 10% cash back at select merchants. $300 - $10,000 credit limits. No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we'll create your Cash Score instead. See if you're pre-approved within minutes without impacting your credit score. Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members. Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus. No deposits required. Card issued by WebBank, Member FDIC. Our pick for Student cards: International studentsApply nowon Deserve's website

Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students

4.5NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Deserve's websiteAnnual fee $0Intro APR N/ARegular APR 21.74% VariableRecommended Credit Score630850average - excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students is an excellent starter card for students who lack a U.S. credit history, a Social Security number or both. The card's issuer has its own underwriting process that evaluates applications based on alternative factors. The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students is an excellent starter card for students who lack a U.S. credit history, a Social Security number or both. The card's issuer has its own underwriting process that evaluates applications based on alternative factors. Pros This $0-annual-fee card may be the exception for students who can’t qualify for other credit cards — international students included. Deserve uses its own underwriting process to evaluate applications based on alternative factors like your U.S. bank account and contact information. If you’re an international student, you don’t need a Social Security number to qualify. Cardholders get 1% cash back on all purchases and a statement credit for a 12-month Amazon Prime Student subscription after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles. Cons Other student credit cards offer higher rewards rates, but in some cases, come with stricter requirements. Rewards only redeem for a statement credit and you have to wait until you’ve earned $25 before they automatically redeem. Read full review Receive one year of Amazon Prime Student on Deserve after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles with your EDU card (Lifetime Value of $69). Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you'll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases. Feel secure with cell phone protection up to $600. No deposit required. No annual fees. No international transaction fees on purchases abroad so you can travel with confidence. No Social Security Number required for international students to apply. Refer A Friend Program: Refer anyone to Deserve using your personal referral code. Upon approval, card activation and use, you'll receive $30 and so will your referral. Referral bonuses are unlimited! Manage and track your spending, set automatic payments and securely freeze your card all through one easy to use app. See if you prequalify with no impact to your credit score in minutes. Deserve Mastercards are issued by Celtic Bank, Member FDIC. Enjoy Mastercard Platinum Benefits intended to make your life easier like Mastercard ID Theft Prevention and Master Rental. Our pick for Small-business card: StartupsApply nowon Brex's website

Brex Card

3.3NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Brex's websiteAnnual fee $0Intro APR N/ARegular APR N/ARecommended Credit Score300850poor - excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details The Brex Card is ideal for business owners with no credit history and plenty of cash in the bank. It's one of the very few small-business cards that doesn't require a personal guarantee, meaning you're not personally on the hook for outstanding balances if your business fails. Brex evaluates creditworthiness by looking at a company’s cash balance, spending patterns and investors. The Brex Card is ideal for business owners with no credit history and plenty of cash in the bank. It's one of the very few small-business cards that doesn't require a personal guarantee, meaning you're not personally on the hook for outstanding balances if your business fails. Brex evaluates creditworthiness by looking at a company’s cash balance, spending patterns and investors. Pros This $0-annual-fee card packs a lot of opportunities to earn rewards and discounts on business expenses. You'll get 1 point per $1 spent on purchases, or more points if you make the Brex Card your only company card for expenses. If you do, you'll get 7 points per dollar on rideshares, 4 points per dollar on travel booked through Brex, 3 points per dollar at restaurants and on Apple products (purchased through the Brex dashboard), and 2 points per dollar on recurring software expenses. There's also a sign-up bonus: Get 10,000 points when you spend $3,000 on a Brex Card within your first 3 months.. Cons You need $50,000 in your bank account to qualify for this card ($100,000 if you're self-funded). And, since it’s a charge card, you’ll have to pay the full balance at every billing cycle. Read full review Get 10,000 points when you spend $3,000 on a Brex Card within your first 3 months. No personal guarantee needed – Brex does not ask for a personal credit check or security deposit during the application. Credit limits 10-20x higher than traditional small business corporate cards. Minimum bank balance of $50,000 from professional investors may be required to qualify for Brex. Exclusive signup offers from the best products and tools for your business (e.g. AWS, Google Ads, WeWork, Salesforce) worth up to $150,000 in value. Earn points on every dollar spent with industry-leading multipliers: 7x on rideshare, 4x on Brex Travel, 3x on restaurants, 2x on software subscriptions and 1x on all other transactions. Earn 3x Brex Rewards points on all eligible Apple purchases through the link or your Brex dashboard. Miles transfer program to 7 airlines (including Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air France, and more) and their loyalty programs, giving Brex customers access to book travel across all of the major global airline alliances - Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam. 30-day charge card running on the Mastercard network. Enjoy global acceptance with no foreign transaction fees. Build business credit: Brex partners with Dun & Bradstreet and Experian to report your on-time payments. Make employee expenses seamless - automated receipt-capture and expense matching and reconciliation via text, email, and mobile app. Instantly add new users and set spending limits. Contactless pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Simplify reconciliation with built-in integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, and more.

FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST STARTER CARDS FOR NO CREDIT

Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

» SECURED CREDIT CARDS

Secured credit cards can be a good option for those with no credit who want a starter card from a major issuer. These cards require an upfront refundable deposit, usually equal to the card's limit. That cash collateral is returned to you if the card is upgraded to an unsecured account or closed in good standing.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Our pick for: Secured card — low deposit The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card requires a security deposit, as do all secured credit cards. But while most cards require you to put down a deposit equal to your credit line, this one allows some qualifying applicants to get a $200 credit line with a deposit starting at $49. Further, you can be automatically considered for a higher credit line with no additional deposit in as little as six months. Read our review.

Discover it Secured Credit Card

Our pick for: Secured card — rewards and upgrading Like other secured credit cards for people building or rebuilding credit, the Discover it Secured Credit Card requires a cash security deposit. Unlike most others, it offers rewards. But what really makes it stand out from the competition is its upgrade possibilities. The issuer has a process in place for automatically reviewing accounts for possible transition to an unsecured card. Read our review.

» STUDENT CREDIT CARDS

Student credit cards are ideal for working college students. Unlike secured cards, they don't require upfront deposits. If you're under 21, however, you have to have an independent income to qualify.

Discover it Student chrome

Our pick for: Student card — simplicity and value Simplicity makes the Discover it Student chrome a standout for students searching for their first credit card. You'll earn bonus cash back at restaurants and gas stations with no activation required and no rotating categories to keep track of. Read our review.

Discover it Student Cash Back

Our pick for: Student card — bonus category cash-back rewards The Discover it Student Cash Back gives students the same excellent rewards as the regular Discover it Cash Back — notably, bonus cash back in rotating categories that you must activate. Activating and tracking categories might be too much of a hassle for some students brand new to credit cards, but if you're up for a little work, the rewards can be handsome. Read our review.

Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students

Our pick for: Student card — international students The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students doesn’t require applicants to have a co-signer or security deposit, and international students don't need a Social Security number. That makes it a little easier to get approved — even for students with limited credit histories. Plus, it comes with a solid 1% back on all purchases. Read our review.

» NO-DEPOSIT STARTER CARDS

It's possible to qualify for these cards without a U.S. credit history if you meet other criteria.

Deserve Pro Mastercard

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card — newcomers to the U.S. It's not easy to establish credit as an immigrant in the U.S., even if you had a good credit history in your home country. The Deserve Pro Mastercard uses an underwriting process that also takes employment and income into consideration. There's a rewards program, too. Read our review.

Petal 2 Cash Back No Fees Visa Credit Card

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card — no fees The issuer of the Petal 2 Cash Back No Fees Visa Credit Card doesn’t only rely on credit scores to determine eligibility. Instead, it assesses your creditworthiness based on your income, expenses, savings and debts. You can earn a decent rate of up to 1.5% cash back, depending on your on-time payments. And there's no annual fee, late fees or foreign transaction fees. Read our review.

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

Our pick for: No-deposit starter card — foreign credit histories (Through a partnership between American Express and the international credit-reporting startup Nova Credit, immigrants and expats in the U.S. can instantly translate credit reports from certain countries to U.S.-equivalent credit reports when applying for AmEx consumer cards. This feature is integrated into AmEx's online applications. Currently, it can access credit histories from bureaus located in the following countries: Australia, Canada, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Kenya and Nigeria.) The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express pays elevated rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases. The rewards might not be as rich as on the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, but this card doesn't charge an annual fee either. New cardholders get a decent welcome offer and an introductory 0% APR period. Read our review.

» BUSINESS CREDIT CARD

Brex Card

Our pick for: Startups Unlike most cards designed for entrepreneurs, the Brex Card doesn't require the cardholder to personally guarantee the debt on the card. Instead, Brex determines creditworthiness by evaluating a company's cash balance, spending patterns and investors. It's a good option when a business owner has a thin credit file but is well capitalized. The card earns rewards, too. Read our review.

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OTHER RESOURCES

By Melissa Lambarena, NerdWallet

What do you need to get a credit card without credit

You don't need a credit history to get a starter card. In some cases, you won't need a Social Security number. But generally, you'll need: A U.S. mailing address. Income. A checking or savings account. Depending on your age, you might have to meet stricter income requirements to qualify: If you’re under 21: To qualify for a credit card, you'll need to show that you can make payments on the account independently or get a co-signer, someone 21 or older who assumes the responsibility of your debt if you can’t pay the bill. If you’re over 21: You’re still required to report your income if you’re over 21, but you have the option to list any income to which you have “reasonable expectation of access.” Other requirements can vary depending on the type of starter card. Some examples: Secured cards for no credit. These require a cash deposit as collateral to reduce the risk to the issuer, which may present an obstacle for some applicants. The amount deposited usually determines your credit limit. With a good payment history, you eventually get your deposit back when you close the account or upgrade to a regular credit card. Student cards for no credit. These may require you to be an enrolled college student. You might have to provide information like the name of your school, your major and your expected graduation year. No-deposit starter cards for no credit. Applications for these cards may require government-issued documents, bank account information, employment verification requirements and other details. That's because they assess creditworthiness in alternative ways, such as looking at employment, income, spending, savings or your credit history from a different country. Small-business cards for no credit. At least one issuer offers small-business cards without taking personal credit history into account, but to qualify, you'll have to have plenty of cash in the bank. » MORE: NerdWallet’s guide to your first credit card

How can a credit card help me build credit fast

A credit card can help you build credit when you have none. As you’re making payments on your credit card, that history is being recorded in your credit report, which compiles the information used to calculate your credit scores. As long as you make on-time payments and stay well below your credit limit, you can work your way up to a good credit score of 690 or higher. Your payment history makes up 35% of your FICO credit score; the amount of available credit used will account for 30% of it. Those are the two most important factors, but there are others. How long you keep the account open also impacts your credit. Once you work your way up to good credit, it's helpful to keep the starter credit card open or maintain the original line of credit by upgrading to a regular credit card with the same issuer. This way, you preserve the length of your credit history, which accounts for 15% of your credit score. Closing your account could have negative consequences. » MORE: Using a credit card to build your credit

What to look for in a starter credit card

When you’re new to credit, you generally can't qualify for the best credit card offers. Among starter cards, ongoing interest rates are often steep and credit limits are low. Don’t waste time looking for a credit card without a credit limit because issuers are required by federal law to determine your ability to pay. As a result, they offer a credit limit within your means. You also don’t need to look for credit cards that don’t run a credit check. These cards typically target those with bad credit, and they often come with an annual fee. There are plenty of starter cards that spare you that cost. In some cases, you can be choosy. Here are a few things to look for in a starter credit card: No annual fee. A starter credit card that doesn’t charge an annual fee makes it easier to preserve the length of your credit history and your credit score because you can keep it open for a long time at no cost. A path to a better credit card with the same issuer. Look for this option during your initial search. Once you establish a good credit history, you could upgrade to a better credit card with the same issuer and keep your original line of credit. This way, you're not stuck with the lower credit limits and lower rewards rates typically found on starter cards. A report to all three credit bureaus. The ideal starter credit should report payments to all three credit bureaus — TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. These companies record your payment history, which again is a key factor in your credit scores. If your card reports to all three bureaus, then all your possible bases will be covered when a lender pulls your credit report. The lender will have all of the information it needs to make a decision. Here are some features that are less important but could still prove valuable: Travel-friendly features. If travel is in your future, consider getting a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees — a percentage assessed on every international purchase, typically between 1% and 3% of the amount charged. You can also choose a credit card that belongs to a Visa or Mastercard network, which has broad international merchant acceptance. Rewards. On a starter card, these aren't a top priority, but many cards offer them. If you're deciding among multiple rewards cards, consider your spending habits and how well they match up with the bonus categories. » MORE: What really matters for your first credit card

Making the most of your starter credit card

With a starter card, your goal should be to hit or exceed the 690 credit score target necessary to establish good credit. Here's what you can do to work toward that: Pay on time and in full every month to avoid interest (or at least pay more than the minimum). Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit limit at all times. The lower your balance, the better. Keep the account open and active. Check your statement for mistakes. Monitor your credit score through your issuer’s app. Get your free annual credit report. You can track your credit score for free through NerdWallet, certain banks and other third-party apps. To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, see this page. Last updated on October 20, 2022

Methodology

NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a credit card with no income? While you can apply for a credit card with no income, you’re not likely to get approved. Credit cards that ask for no income don’t exist. Even secured credit cards that require a deposit to qualify still request your income in the application process. Income is a key factor in getting approved for a credit card, as card issuers are required by federal law to evaluate your ability to pay. That said, simply being unemployed won’t necessarily disqualify you, because the definition of “income” is broad. For instance, if you're at least 21, federal law allows you to list income from your spouse, partner or other household members on a credit card application, so long as you have access to that income. (Things like retirement distributions and Social Security income can also be considered.) If you're under 21, credit card issuers must look at your own income or assets. Can’t meet these requirements? You can still build credit with no income by getting a co-signer or becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card.Can I get a credit card without a credit history? One of the easiest ways to build credit with no credit history is with a credit card. You can get a credit card without credit, but your options are mostly limited to alternative credit cards and secured credit cards. Credit cards outside of these options typically require good credit (FICO scores of 690 or higher), and some will accept only excellent credit (720 or higher). Understand that “no credit” doesn’t mean that you have “good credit.” And “no credit” is not worse than “bad credit,” though, you may experience similar obstacles in getting a credit card application approved. No credit means that you don’t have a credit score at the moment. You’re “credit invisible” for the time being until a lender approves you for credit and gives you the chance to prove you can manage credit responsibly.What are the best credit cards for new or limited credit? The best credit cards for new or limited credit histories include the Discover it Secured Credit Card and the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card credit card. They have all of the ideal features you want in a starter credit card such as being light on certain fees and reporting to all three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian). Be aware that both of these cards require a security deposit. If you want to avoid a security deposit, the $0*-annual-fee Jasper Mastercard is a good alternative. Students can look to other credit card options that offer features better-suited for their lifestyle.Can I get a credit card with no credit limit? You cannot get a credit card without a credit limit. Federal law prohibits credit card issuers from offering credit cards without a credit limit. They have to evaluate your ability to pay and offer credit accordingly. Otherwise, it would be like someone writing you a blank check. Credit limits are speed bumps that force you to slow down when you might be spending more than you can afford. Credit limits are determined by your issuer, and they take into account factors like your credit scores, payment history, income, credit utilization and large expenses.Can U.S. newcomers qualify for a credit card? Newcomers to the U.S. may not qualify for a credit card through the traditional underwriting process. That’s because traditional credit cards tend to require a U.S. credit history and a U.S. Social Security number, neither of which is likely for new immigrants. But newcomers to the U.S. might be eligible for alternative credit cards that evaluate creditworthiness using nontraditional underwriting standard such as income, employment and/or bank account information. The best credit card for immigrants in the U.S. will have a low or no annual fee, no credit history requirement and a grace period for the Social Security number requirement.Where can I find a credit card without a credit check? No credit check credit cards are hard to come by, but there are some out there, like the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card. These cards are better suited for applicants with bad credit who don’t want to further ding their credit score with a “hard inquiry” on their credit report. The drawback to these credit cards is that they generally charge annual fees. There’s no point in paying an annual fee for a credit card if you have no credit because there are plenty of other starter cards for no credit that don’t charge it. (Many credit cards offer a preapproval process that doesn’t involve an hard pull, though once you officially apply, your credit report will be pulled.)How do I fix insufficient credit history? It’s not necessarily bad to get denied a credit card due to insufficient credit history. It just means you have some work to do to establish a credit history. One option that can help you: secured credit cards for no credit. These cards typically require that you put down a security deposit of several hundred dollars, though some options are cheaper or more flexible than others. If that’s not in your budget, you might consider becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card or getting a co-signer. When those options aren’t available, you can still build credit if you can’t get a credit card by having your rent payments or other bills reported to credit bureaus. If you’ve been denied a credit card, you’ll want to wait about six months until your next application.How do I open a credit card? You can open a credit card online, or in person at a bank branch. Even if it’s your first time submitting a credit card application, the requirements are the same for everyone. When you apply for a credit card, you have to list your income, Social Security number, housing expenses, occupation, phone number, address and other details. When you apply online, the decision process typically takes a few seconds, unless the issuer requires further review.What is the fastest way to build credit when you have no credit history? The fastest and easiest way to build credit when you have none is with a credit card. A credit card issuer reports your payments to the credit bureaus about once in the ballpark of a month or longer, depending on the issuer. Once you activate your card and start using it, you’ll be on the path to building credit. By practicing healthy habits, you can have a positive impact on your credit score over time.What are the best credit cards for new credit users? The ideal starter card has no annual fee, a path to a better credit card with the same issuer and a report to all three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian). The best credit cards for establishing credit vary depending on the applicant. Generally, the Discover it Secured Credit Card and the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card are among the best starter cards for most because they meet most of these requirements. For domestic students, the Discover it Student chrome is a low-maintenance credit card that’s easy to manage for beginners. Some international students will fare better with the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students, which skips the Social Security number requirement for some applicants. Other U.S. newcomers will need a different credit card depending on whether they have a credit history and a Social Security number. The best alternative options for new immigrants may include the Jasper Mastercard or American Express credit cards that allow applicants to transfer their credit histories over from qualifying countries.What are the best store credit cards for no credit? Some store credit cards can help you build credit, but it’s not always clear which ones accept no credit or limited credit. Retail credit cards typically offer lower credit limits, and many are "closed-loop" products, meaning you can use them only at one specific store or chain, or within only that retailer's brand. But still, even if you use such a card sparingly, it can help you build credit until you can qualify for better options. The best store credit cards also offer discounts and rewards you can use within the brand, and if your card is “open-loop," it can be used outside of that specific retailer, too.What is the best Discover credit card for no credit history? The best Discover credit card for those without a credit history is the Discover it Secured Credit Card. It has a $0 annual fee and reports payments to all three credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. It also offers a path to upgrade to an unsecured credit card, which is optimal for maintaining the length of your credit history, a factor in your credit scores. As a plus, the card also earns rewards — a rare find among secured credit cards. Cardholders get 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% on everything else.What is the best AmEx card if you have no credit history? American Express doesn’t offer many credit card options for those without a credit history. The exception is for newcomers to the U.S. from Australia, Canada, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Through a partnership with Nova Credit, an international credit-reporting startup, immigrants and expats in the U.S. may be able translate credit reports from these countries when applying for American Express consumer credit cards. For beginners, the best AmEx card would be the $0-annual-fee American Express Cash Magnet Card because it pays a straightforward 1.5% cash-back rate on all purchases, making it easy to manage when you’re just getting started.What is the best Capital One credit card for no credit? The best Capital One credit card for those with no credit is the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. It has a $0 annual fee and reports payments to all three credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. It may also offer more flexibility on the security deposit. Qualifying applicants can get a $200 credit line with a deposit of $49, $99 or $200, depending on creditworthiness. And if you can’t pay the full deposit upfront, the issuer allows installments of at least $20 as long as you finish paying it off within 35 days of approval. Cardholders who make their first five payments on time may also qualify for access to a higher credit limit with no additional deposit required.What are the best credit cards for students with no credit history? The best credit cards for students with no credit may differ for domestic and international students. The $0-annual-fee Discover it Student chrome is an excellent credit card for students who want an easy-to-manage credit card with incentives. It earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined spending per quarter and 1% on all other purchases. Students who are willing to put in a bit of extra effort to activate and keep track of rotating bonus rewards categories might enjoy the elevated rewards they can get with the Discover it Student Cash Back, also for a $0 annual fee. It earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in qualifying categories per quarter and 1% on everything else. Previous bonus categories have included things like restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and Amazon.com. For international students who don’t have a Social Security number, the $0-annual-fee Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students is probably the best choice. It reports only to TransUnion and Experian, but you’ll start building credit. Plus, it offers 1% on all purchases. The credit history requirement is a key obstacle students may encounter when applying for a credit card. It’s not usually possible to apply for a student credit card with no credit check, but these cards may not require you to have credit to qualify.What is the best Chase credit card for no credit? There isn’t a Chase credit card for those with no credit history. Chase doesn’t offer any secured credit cards, and its other cards require you to have some established credit.What are the best secured credit cards for no credit? The best secured credit cards for those with no credit are the $0-annual-fee Discover it Secured Credit Card and the $0-annual-fee Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. The Discover it Secured Credit Card offers a path to upgrade to an unsecured credit card with Discover. It also offers 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined spending per quarter at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% on all other purchases. It has a $200 minimum deposit. The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card may have a more flexible deposit. Some qualifying applicants can get a $200 credit line with a deposit of $49 or $99. And if you make your first five payments on time, you can potentially get access to a higher credit limit without having to put extra money down for a deposit.

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