Getting your first credit card when you have no credit history can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategy, you can find a card that not only helps you build your credit but also gives you rewards, cash back, and no annual fees. In this guide, we’ll cover the best credit cards for beginners with no credit, including secured and unsecured options, comparison tables, and expert tips to help you apply confidently.
What to Look for in a Beginner Credit Card
Before applying for a new card, make sure it includes these essential features:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No annual fee | Start without extra costs while you build credit |
| Reports to all bureaus | Helps you establish history with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion |
| Rewards and bonuses | Earn cash back or points while you spend |
| Secured or unsecured | Choose based on your deposit ability |
| Simple application | Easy online application with instant decisions |
Top Credit Cards for Beginners (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the best secured and unsecured cards available for people with no credit:
🔒 Best Secured Credit Cards
| Card | Deposit | Annual Fee | Rewards | Bank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Secured | $200+ | $0 | 2% back at gas stations/restaurants | Discover | Earning while building |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $49–$200 | $0 | None | Capital One | Low deposit options |
| OpenSky® Secured Visa® | $200 | $35 | None | Capital Bank | No credit check |
✅ Best Unsecured Credit Cards
| Card | Credit Needed | Annual Fee | Rewards | Bank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® | No credit | $0 | 1%–1.5% back | WebBank | No fees |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne | Fair | $39 | 1.5% back | Capital One | Everyday purchases |
| Chase Freedom Rise℠ | No credit | $0 | 1.5% back | Chase | Trusted issuer |
Highlights of the Best Cards
🥇 Discover it® Secured
- Rewards: 2% back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 quarterly), 1% everywhere else.
- Bonus: Cashback Match – all your earned cash back is matched at the end of your first year.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Best For: Those who want to earn while they build credit.
🥈 Chase Freedom Rise℠
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Bonus Tip: Boost approval odds by opening a Chase bank account before applying.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Best For: Beginners who want a strong card from a trusted bank.
🥉 Petal® 2 Visa
- Rewards: Starts at 1% and increases to 1.5% after 12 on-time payments.
- Fees: No annual fee, late fees, or foreign transaction fees.
- Technology: Uses AI to review your bank activity and income instead of a credit score.
- Best For: Those with no credit history and good income.
How to Apply for a Credit Card With No Credit
- Check for pre-approval: Many banks let you check eligibility with no hard inquiry.
- Gather documents: Include bank statements, pay stubs, and ID.
- Consider a secured card: If you’re denied unsecured offers, start with a secured card.
- Open a bank account: Especially helpful with banks like Chase to boost approval odds.
- Limit applications: Too many at once can hurt your chances.
Smart Ways to Use Your First Credit Card
- Pay on time: Avoid late fees and protect your score.
- Keep balances low: Use less than 30% of your limit (ideally under 10%).
- Track your spending: Use apps or alerts to stay on top of bills.
- Earn rewards: Use your card for groceries, gas, and travel to collect points or cash back.
- Check for new offers: After 6–12 months, you might qualify for better cards with bonus rewards.
Final Comparison Table
| Card | Type | Annual Fee | Rewards | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Secured | Secured | $0 | 2% at gas/restaurants | Earn while building |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne | Unsecured | $39 | 1.5% back | Daily cash back |
| Petal® 2 Visa | Unsecured | $0 | 1%–1.5% back | No fees, AI approval |
| Chase Freedom Rise | Unsecured | $0 | 1.5% back | Strong entry-level card |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | Secured | $0 | None | Flexible deposit |
| OpenSky® Secured | Secured | $35 | None | No credit check |
Final Thoughts
Applying for your first credit card doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right beginner-friendly options, you can build your credit, earn rewards, and avoid unnecessary fees. Whether you prefer a trusted bank like Chase or a no-fee card like Petal, these beginner cards give you the foundation to succeed financially.
Start small, manage your balance wisely, and you’ll be on your way to great credit — and great rewards.