Best Credit Cards for Beginners with No Credit History in 2025: Top Picks to Start Building Credit

Overview

Best Credit Cards for Beginners with No Credit History in 2025: Your Guide to Getting Approved and Building Credit Fast

Starting your credit journey with no history can feel intimidating, but the right credit card can make it easy. Whether you’re a student, a young adult, or simply new to credit, this guide breaks down the best credit cards for beginners with no credit history to help you build a strong financial foundation in 2025.

Why Credit History Matters

Your credit history plays a crucial role in your financial future. From renting an apartment to getting approved for a car loan or mortgage, a solid credit score unlocks access to better interest rates and more financial opportunities.

The problem? Many lenders require good credit to give you credit—which is where beginner-friendly credit cards come in.

How to Choose a Credit Card with No Credit History

When searching for the best credit cards for beginners, prioritize:

  • Low fees or no annual fees

  • Credit reporting to all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)

  • Graduation potential (secured cards that become unsecured)

  • Rewards and student perks (optional, but helpful!)

  • Flexible approval for no or limited credit

Top 5 Best Credit Cards for Beginners with No Credit History (2025 Edition)

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Why It’s Great:

This card is the gold standard for beginners. It requires a refundable security deposit but offers cashback rewards, no annual fee, and regular reviews for graduation to an unsecured card.

  • Security deposit: $200 minimum

  • Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), 1% on all other purchases

  • Credit reporting: Yes – to all 3 bureaus

  • Annual fee: $0

Best for: Beginners wanting to earn rewards while building credit


2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Why It’s Great:

Capital One offers flexible deposits, starting as low as $49, based on your creditworthiness. No annual fee and potential for automatic credit line increases with responsible use.

  • Security deposit: $49–$200

  • Rewards: None

  • Credit reporting: Yes

  • Annual fee: $0

Best for: Low upfront deposit and fast approval


3. Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card

Why It’s Great:

Designed for those with no credit history, Petal uses alternative underwriting (like bank account activity) to determine eligibility—no security deposit required.

  • Security deposit: None

  • Rewards: 2%–10% cash back at select merchants

  • Credit reporting: Yes

  • Annual fee: $0

Best for: Applicants without credit who want an unsecured card


4. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Why It’s Great:

Unlike traditional secured cards, Chime allows you to set your own spending limit based on the amount you move into your secured account. There’s no interest and no credit check to apply.

  • Security deposit: Flexible

  • Rewards: None

  • Credit reporting: Yes

  • Annual fee: $0

Best for: Chime users wanting to safely build credit


5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

Why It’s Great:

A student card with no credit required and great perks like 1% cash back, Amazon Prime Student subscription, and no international fees.

  • Security deposit: None

  • Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases

  • Credit reporting: Yes

  • Annual fee: $0

Best for: College students with no credit history

Pro Tips for Building Credit Responsibly

  1. Pay on time, every time – Set up autopay or reminders to avoid late payments.
  2. Keep balances low – Use less than 30% of your credit limit to improve utilization.

  3. Avoid unnecessary applications – Too many credit checks can hurt your score.

  4. Monitor your credit score – Use free tools like Credit Karma or your card’s built-in tracking.

Final Thoughts

The journey to excellent credit starts with one good decision—and choosing the right card is that first step. These best credit cards for beginners with no credit history in 2025 offer a great mix of flexibility, perks, and long-term growth potential.

By using your card wisely, you’ll be well on your way to higher limits, better rates, and stronger financial health.

Overview

Why Credit History Matters

Your credit history plays a crucial role in your financial future. From renting an apartment to getting approved for a car loan or mortgage, a solid credit score unlocks access to better interest rates and more financial opportunities.

The problem? Many lenders require good credit to give you credit—which is where beginner-friendly credit cards come in.

How to Choose a Credit Card with No Credit History

When searching for the best credit cards for beginners, prioritize:

  • Low fees or no annual fees

  • Credit reporting to all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)

  • Graduation potential (secured cards that become unsecured)

  • Rewards and student perks (optional, but helpful!)

  • Flexible approval for no or limited credit

Top 5 Best Credit Cards for Beginners with No Credit History (2025 Edition)

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Why It’s Great:

This card is the gold standard for beginners. It requires a refundable security deposit but offers cashback rewards, no annual fee, and regular reviews for graduation to an unsecured card.

  • Security deposit: $200 minimum

  • Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), 1% on all other purchases

  • Credit reporting: Yes – to all 3 bureaus

  • Annual fee: $0

Best for: Beginners wanting to earn rewards while building credit


2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Why It’s Great:

Capital One offers flexible deposits, starting as low as $49, based on your creditworthiness. No annual fee and potential for automatic credit line increases with responsible use.

  • Security deposit: $49–$200

  • Rewards: None

  • Credit reporting: Yes

  • Annual fee: $0

Best for: Low upfront deposit and fast approval


3. Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card

Why It’s Great:

Designed for those with no credit history, Petal uses alternative underwriting (like bank account activity) to determine eligibility—no security deposit required.

  • Security deposit: None

  • Rewards: 2%–10% cash back at select merchants

  • Credit reporting: Yes

  • Annual fee: $0

Best for: Applicants without credit who want an unsecured card


4. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Why It’s Great:

Unlike traditional secured cards, Chime allows you to set your own spending limit based on the amount you move into your secured account. There’s no interest and no credit check to apply.

  • Security deposit: Flexible

  • Rewards: None

  • Credit reporting: Yes

  • Annual fee: $0

Best for: Chime users wanting to safely build credit


5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

Why It’s Great:

A student card with no credit required and great perks like 1% cash back, Amazon Prime Student subscription, and no international fees.

  • Security deposit: None

  • Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases

  • Credit reporting: Yes

  • Annual fee: $0

Best for: College students with no credit history

Pro Tips for Building Credit Responsibly

  1. Pay on time, every time – Set up autopay or reminders to avoid late payments.
  2. Keep balances low – Use less than 30% of your credit limit to improve utilization.

  3. Avoid unnecessary applications – Too many credit checks can hurt your score.

  4. Monitor your credit score – Use free tools like Credit Karma or your card’s built-in tracking.

Final Thoughts

The journey to excellent credit starts with one good decision—and choosing the right card is that first step. These best credit cards for beginners with no credit history in 2025 offer a great mix of flexibility, perks, and long-term growth potential.

By using your card wisely, you’ll be well on your way to higher limits, better rates, and stronger financial health.