The best credit cards for building credit of 2022

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Winner

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

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On Petal’s secure site

• Rewards

  1% cash back on eligible purchases right away and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments; 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants

• Welcome bonus

  None

• Annual fee

  $0

• Intro APR

  None

• Regular APR

  15.24% – 29.24% variable

• Balance transfer fee

  N/A

• Foreign transaction fee

  None

• Credit needed

  Fair, Good, No Credit

See our methodology, terms apply.

Pros

• No credit history required (if you do have a credit history, that does factor into the credit decision)
• No fees whatsoever
• 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments; 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
• Credit limits range from $300 to $10,000

Cons

• Card isn’t for rebuilding credit, but it’s good for building credit
• No special financing offers
• No welcome bonus

• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $249
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $1,577

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Who’s this for? The Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card, issued by WebBank, Member FDIC, is a unique card that takes a different approach to the credit card application process. Instead of judging your creditworthiness solely based on credit history, Petal may ask you to link bank accounts during the application process. Then, WebBank, analyzes your bank statements and other data, such as bill payments and earnings, to determine your eligibility.

This is especially beneficial for applicants who may not have any credit history. However, if you do have a credit history, that does factor into the credit decision.

The Petal 2 card is one of the few cards that charge zero fees*: no annual fee, no late payment fee and no foreign transaction fees. And it stands out for consumers trying to build credit because there’s no security deposit required.

It also offers a rewards program with 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, which can increase up to 1.5% cash back after you make 12 on-time monthly payments. This is not only a nice perk, but a great way to encourage responsible behavior. Cardholders also receive 2% to 10% cash back from select merchants.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

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On Discover’s secure site

• Rewards

  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.

• Welcome bonus

  Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year

• Annual fee

  $0

• Intro APR

  N/A on purchases

• Regular APR

  24.49% Variable

• Balance transfer fee

  3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

• Foreign transaction fee

  None

• Credit needed

  New / Rebuilding

*See rates and fees and our methodology, terms apply.

Pros

• Cash-back program
• Generous welcome bonus
• Starting at seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically review your credit card account to see if you can transition to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit

Cons

• Cash-back program limits earnings: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%
• Low credit line prevents cardholders from charging high-cost items or many expenses

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Who’s this for? The Discover it® Secured Credit Card gives cardholders access to many of the perks and benefits available to people with higher credit scores, including a robust cash-back program, no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You must put down a minimum deposit of $200 to open a Discover it® Secured Credit Card, or as much as $2,500. Your credit limit is equal to your deposit.

Cardholders earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%). Plus, you can earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. This card also comes with a welcome bonus for new cardholders: Discover will match any cash back you earn during the first 12 billing cycles. So, if you have $100 cash back at the end of the first year, Discover will give you an additional $100.

What makes this card really stand out is the ease with which cardholders can transition to an unsecured card. Starting at seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically review your credit card account to see if you can transition to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit. This takes the guesswork out of wondering when you can transition to an unsecured card.

Best for cash back

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card

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Information about the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

• Rewards

  5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose, 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants) and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

• Welcome bonus

  None

• Annual fee

  $0

• Intro APR

  None

• Regular APR

  28.24% Variable

• Balance transfer fee

  Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

• Foreign transaction fees

  3%

• Credit needed

  Poor/None

Pros

• No annual fee
• You can earn cash-back for everyday spending, a rare feature for a secured credit card
• Opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card if you pay your bills on time and stay within your credit limit
• Flexibility to change your payment due date

Cons

• Requires a $300 to $5,000 deposit to open the card
• No welcome offer
• High APR
• 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

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Who’s this for? If you want to build credit while earning cash back, consider the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card. As you spend on the card, you can earn:

• 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose. Some categories include: TV, internet and streaming, home utilities, cell phone providers, fast food restaurants and movie theatres.
• 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants)
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

The cash back you earn can be redeemed in one of three ways: a statement credit to your account, direct deposit to your U.S. Bank checking, savings or money market account, or a U.S. Bank rewards card (similar to a Visa gift card).

New cardholders must put down a deposit of between $300 and $5,000 which acts as your credit line. If you spend within your credit limit and pay your bill when it’s due, over time, U.S. Bank could upgrade you to the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, but unlike some other cards on this list, there’s no clear timeline. Once you’re upgraded, your security deposit will be returned.

Best low deposit

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

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Information about the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the cards prior to publication.

• Rewards

  None

• Welcome bonus

  No current offer

• Annual fee

  $0

• Intro APR

  N/A for purchases and balance transfers

• Regular APR

  26.99% variable

• Balance transfer fee

  None

• Foreign transaction fee

  None

• Credit needed

  No credit history

See our methodology, terms apply.

Pros

• No annual fee
• $49, $99 or $200 refundable deposit
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• Flexibility to change your payment due date

Cons

• High variable APR
• No rewards program

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Who’s this for? If you’re looking for a secured card, but can’t afford the typical $200 deposit, take a look at the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. It has no annual fee and varying minimum security deposits of $49, $99 or $200 — based on your creditworthiness.

If you qualify, you can still access a $200 credit limit while only depositing $49 or $99.

In addition to lower security deposits, Capital One automatically considers cardholders for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed. This is a great incentive to practice responsible card management.

Unlike the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, there is no rewards program or welcome bonus. Capital One also doesn’t offer a clear timeframe for when secured cardholders can upgrade to an unsecured account.

Best for international applicants

Deserve Digital First Card™

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Information about the Deserve Digital First Card™ has been collected independently by CNBC and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

• Rewards

  Up to 1.5% cash back

• Welcome bonus

  None

• Annual fee

  $0

• Intro APR

  None

• Regular APR

  14.99% to 24.99% variable

• Balance transfer fee

  N/A

• Foreign transaction fee

  None

• Credit needed

  N/A

See our methodology, terms apply.

Pros

• No annual fee
• No prior credit history needed
• No security deposit required
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

Cons

• Cash-back rates are broken up into tiers that depend on how much you spend every billing cycle

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Who’s this for? The Deserve Digital First Card™ is good for anyone with zero or limited credit history who doesn’t have the means to put down a security deposit.

There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Plus if you’re approved for the card, you receive instant access and can add it to Apple Pay.

Cardholders also receive up to 1.5% cash back, based on the amount of money you spend each billing period. Here are the levels:

• 1% cash back: Purchases up to $500 earn 1% back.
• 1.25% cash back: After you spend $500 in a billing cycle, you’ll earn 1.25% back on purchases until you hit $1,000 in spending.
• 1.50% cash back: After you spend $1,000 in a billing cycle, you’ll earn 1.50% back on remaining purchases that billing period.

You can redeem cash back as a statement credit to offset your bill.

Best for travel rewards

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card

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Information about the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

• Rewards

  4X points per dollar spent on dining, 2X points per dollar spent at grocery stores, gas stations and streaming services and 1X points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases; cardmembers are also eligible for a $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases

• Welcome bonus

  None

• Annual fee

  $0

• Intro APR

  None

• Regular APR

  28.24% Variable

• Balance transfer fee

  Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

• Foreign transaction fees

  None

• Credit needed

  Poor/None

Pros

• No annual fee
• You can earn travel rewards for everyday spending, a rare feature for a secured credit card
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases

Cons

• Requires a $300 to $5,000 deposit to open the card
• No welcome offer
• High APR

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Who’s this for? The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card is one of the few travel-focused secured credit cards on the market. So if you want to earn travel rewards on your purchases while building your credit, this card may be a great fit for you.

As you spend on the card, you can earn:

• 4X points per dollar spent on dining
• 2X points per dollar spent at grocery stores, gas stations and streaming services
• 1X points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

When these points are redeemed, they are worth 1 cent per point, giving you an effective 4% back in value on dining — an excellent value that even trumps some non-secured credit cards.

In addition, cardmembers are eligible for a $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases.

New cardholders must put down a deposit of between $300 and $5,000 which acts as your credit line. If you spend within your credit limit and pay your bill when it’s due, over time, U.S. Bank could upgrade you to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card, but unlike some other cards on this list, there’s no clear timeline. Once you’re upgraded, your security deposit will be returned.

The card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, and you can choose the due date for your bill.

Best for students

Discover it® Student Cash Back

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On Discover’s secure site

• Rewards

  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.

• Welcome bonus

  Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year

• Annual fee

  $0

• Intro APR

  0% for 6 months on purchases

• Regular APR

  14.49% – 23.49% Variable

• Balance transfer fee

  3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

• Foreign transaction fee

  None

• Credit needed

  Fair / New to Credit

*See rates and fees and our methodology, terms apply.

Pros

• Cash-back program
• Generous welcome bonus

Cons

• Cash-back categories must be activated each quarter
• Cash-back program limits earnings: Enroll every quarter to earn 5% cash back in various categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases, then 1%
• You must be a U.S. citizen and college student to apply for this card

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Who’s this for? Financial experts often stress the importance of building credit at a young age, and opening a credit card while you’re a student is one of the easiest ways to establish credit. The Discover it® Student Cash Back is our top pick for students looking to build good credit while attending college. You must be over 18 and a U.S. citizen to apply.

This card provides a generous cash-back program: Upon activation, cardholders can earn 5% cash back on rotating categories up to a $1,500 maximum each quarter (then 1%). All other purchases earn unlimited 1% cash back automatically.

This card also offers the welcome bonus of a dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned the first year for new cardholders. So, if you have $50 cash back at the end of the first year, Discover will give you an additional $50.

This card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, so you can study abroad or vacation outside the U.S. without worrying about paying the typical 3% fee other cards charge. There’s also a 0% introductory APR for the first six months on new purchases, which is perfect for financing textbooks or dorm room essentials. After the intro period, there’s a 14.49% – 23.49% variable APR.

Best for average credit

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

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Information about the Capital One Platinum Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

• Rewards

  None

• Welcome bonus

  None

• Annual fee

  $0

• Intro APR

  None

• Regular APR

  26.99% variable

• Balance transfer fee

  None

• Foreign transaction fee

  None

• Credit needed

  Fair/Good

See our methodology, terms apply.

Pros

• No annual fee
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• Travel benefits, such as auto rental collision damage waiver and roadside assistance
• Access a higher credit limit after making your first five monthly payments on time

Cons

• 26.99% variable APR
• No rewards program

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Who’s this for? If you have average credit and are looking to build up to a good or excellent credit score, it’s a good idea to consider a credit card designed for average credit applicants, such as the Capital One Platinum Credit Card. This card also provides travel benefits that can save you money and protect you against unexpected issues — most notably no foreign transaction fees.

This perk will save you the typical 3% fee many other cards charge on each purchase made outside the U.S. For example, the average American spends $2,154 a year on travel, and depending on how much of that is done abroad, you could potentially save up to $65 with the Platinum Credit Card from Capital One (and even more depending on your travel spending habits).

This card also offers travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, roadside assistance and 24-hour travel assistance services — all at no extra cost, though third-party service fees apply for roadside assistance. These perks are a great way to make traveling less stressful and provide you with coverage for eligible issues.

This card doesn’t offer a rewards program, so you don’t have the opportunity to earn cash back, points or miles from your everyday spending. But with no annual fee, it can be a good starter card if you want to eventually upgrade to another card in the Capital One family.

Our methodology

To determine which cards offer the best value for building or rebuilding credit, Select analyzed 27 of the most popular credit cards available for consumers building or rebuilding their credit.

We compared each card on a range of features, including: annual fee, minimum security deposit, credit limit, rewards program, introductory and standard APR, welcome bonuses and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit score and customer reviews when available. We also took into account how easy it is to upgrade the card from secured to unsecured and how quickly you can get your security deposit back.

Because it’s unusual for credit cards aimed at consumers looking to build (or rebuild) their credit to have robust rewards programs, we did not analyze how many rewards points you can earn in the first year. For cardholders who are looking to rebuild credit, it’s more important to practice good credit card habits — spending within your means, paying your balance on time and in full — than try to optimize your points balance.

Petal 2 Visa Credit Card issued by WebBank, Member FDIC.

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Student Cash Back, click here.

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here.

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.