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
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.
Best for: Low upfront deposit and fast approval
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.
Best for: Applicants without credit who want an unsecured 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.
Best for: Chime users wanting to safely build credit
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.
Best for: College students with no credit history