Best Easy-Approval Credit Cards to Help You Build Credit

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Hear from our editors: Best easier-approval credit cards of April 2024

Updated March 29, 2024

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Written by: Ben Luthi

When your credit history needs some work, getting a decent credit card isn’t easy.

But just because you’re building or rebuilding credit, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for a bad card with steep fees. Here are some standout alternatives.

Best for rewards: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for prequalification: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Best for limited credit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Best for rewards: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Here’s why: This card offers rewards on every purchase you make.

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 spent in combined purchases each quarter (then 1% once the quarterly cap is met). Plus you’ll get 1% back on all other purchases. Discover’s Cashback Match feature will match all of the cash back earned at the end of new cardholders’ first year, too.

While the card requires a security deposit of at least $200, Discover may refund your deposit after you’ve had the card for as little as seven months.

The card has a $0 annual fee and foreign transaction fee. That said, Discover isn’t accepted everywhere, so it’s a good idea to have a backup payment method if you take it abroad.

Read more about the Discover it® Secured Credit Card to find out if it’s right for you.

Best for prequalification: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Here’s why: If you have your heart set on an unsecured credit card but you’re concerned about your ability to qualify, the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit may be a good fit.

If you apply on its website, Credit One Bank makes it easy to see if you prequalify — and the prequalification process doesn’t affect your credit. Knowing whether you prequalify before you apply could save you from an unnecessary ding from a hard inquiry on your credit scores.

This card also comes with regular credit limit reviews, which could help you build credit by decreasing your utilization if you qualify for a higher credit line and keep your spending the same.

Plus, you’ll earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible purchases, which is automatically applied as a statement credit.

Watch out, though: This card comes with an annual fee of $75 for the first year, $99 thereafter (you might see different terms on Credit Karma).

Best for limited credit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Here’s why: The Capital One Platinum Credit Card can help you establish a positive credit history, all with a $0 annual fee.

The card doesn’t have a lot of frills — there’s no rewards program or sign-up bonus. But if building credit is your priority, you can look forward to better rewards later.

The card offers the prospect of a higher credit line after six months. As you’re building credit, having a higher credit limit can help your credit utilization rate (your balance divided by your credit limit). The lower the utilization rate, the better.

The card also doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. And since it’s a Mastercard, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding merchants that accept it while abroad.

Read our editorial review of the Capital One Platinum Credit Card to decide if it’s right for you.

How we picked these cards

There are plenty of easier-approval credit cards out there, but some of them charge sky-high fees or limit where you can use them. As a result, we focused on credit cards that can help you build credit without raiding your wallet.

More specifically, we looked at cards that charge low or no annual fees, offer rewards without restrictions and have features that make it easier to build your credit history.

How to make the most of easier-approval credit cards

These credit cards are relatively easy to get, but they’re not meant to be held onto for too long. Once you get your card, start using it to build your credit history. Be sure to make your payments on time every month, and consider paying the balance in full to avoid paying interest.

Also, keep your balance relatively low to maintain a good credit utilization rate. You can do this by using the card sparingly or making multiple payments each month.

Once you have a solid credit history and credit scores, you can apply for an unsecured card.

About the author: Ben Luthi is a personal finance freelance writer and credit cards expert. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance from Brigham Young University. In addition to Credit Karma, you can find his wo… Read more.

Best easier-approval credit cards of 2024

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