Best Credit Cards for Beginners in the USA (2025 Guide)
Building credit for the first time can feel confusing — but choosing the right beginner credit card makes the process easier. Whether you're a student, new immigrant, or someone rebuilding your credit, these are the best starter credit cards in the USA for 2025.
Best credit cards for beginners in the USA
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best For: First-time users with no credit history
Why it’s great:
No annual fee
Reports to all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
Cash-back rewards on every purchase
Free monthly FICO score
Deposit Required: $200 – $500
APR: Variable, depends on creditworthiness
Who should choose this card?
Anyone who wants to build credit fast while earning rewards.
Discover it Secured card benefits
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Card
Best For: People with poor credit or no credit score
Advantages:
Approval without a credit score
Security deposit can be as low as $49, $99, or $200
Automatic credit line increase after 6 months
No annual fee, easy mobile app tracking, and fast approval.
Capital One Platinum Secured card features
3. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card
Best For: People who want a no-deposit credit card
Why it's unique:
No security deposit
No credit check to apply
Helps build payment history safely
Works like a debit + credit hybrid
Note: Requires a Chime Spending Account.
Chime Credit Builder card review
4. Petal 1® Visa Credit Card
Best For: Beginners without a bank account
Features:
No annual fee
No deposit required
Cash-back rewards available
Uses income-based underwriting instead of a credit report
This is one of the easiest cards to get approved for in 2025.
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5. Self Visa® Credit Builder Card
Best For: Rebuilding credit through savings
Benefits:
No hard credit check
Build savings + credit score
Low monthly payments starting at $25
Perfect for people who want structure + discipline while improving credit.
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Which Credit Card Is Best for You?
Credit Card Deposit Required Best For
Discover it Secured Yes Rewards + building credit fast
Capital One Platinum Secured Yes (Low) No credit history
Chime Credit Builder No No deposit beginners
Petal 1 Visa No No credit score applicants
Self Visa No Rebuilding credit
Comparison of secured credit cards for beginners
Tips to Use Your First Credit Card Wisely
✔ Pay your bill before the due date
✔ Keep your utilization under 10%
✔ Avoid cash advances
✔ Use the card every month
✔ Monitor your FICO score
Following these steps can increase your credit score by 40–100 points in 6 months.
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FAQs
Q: Can I get a credit card with no credit score?
Yes. Cards like Chime Credit Builder and Petal 1 Visa don't require a credit history.
Q: Which card builds credit the fastest?
Discover it® Secured — because it reports monthly and offers rewards.
Q: Is a secured credit card safe?
Absolutely. You get your deposit back once your credit improves.
Which credit card builds credit fastest FAQ
Final Verdict
If you're a beginner, choose a credit card that:
Has no annual fee
Reports to all credit bureaus
Offers credit line increases
Start with Discover it Secured or Chime Credit Builder — these are the top beginner cards in the USA for 2025.
