Consumers with excellent credit have an extensive list of credit cards to choose from. It is easy to get lured in with 0% intro APRs and lucrative rewards, but you will only hurt your credit score if you apply for credit cards you have no chance of getting approved for. If you have poor to average credit there are still plenty of great options for you to consider. Most of the cards we have rounded up below are focused on helping you build your credit and some even offer rewards and other useful card features.
Apply Now
on Zolve’s secure site
Recommended Credit Score
Poor – Average
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Critics' Overview
With Zolve Azpire Credit Builder card you can easily build a solid credit score without the hassle of borrowing money just by using your own bank balance. You just have to add money, spend everyday and build your credit score. You can add money easily via Cash App, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle or account transfers. There are no annual fees or interest, no security deposit and no credit checks. Earn up to 10% cashback and get an option to upgrade to a credit card with a limit up to $10,000 in as fast as 4 months.
Recommended Credit Score
Poor – Average (300 – 687*)
Card Details From Issuer
- Add money, spend every day and build your credit score
- No credit checks, no security deposit & no annual or hidden fees
- Earn up to 10% cash back at more than 10,000 outlets
- Credit reporting to all three bureaus: Transunion, Experian & Equifax
- Upgrade to a credit card with a limit of up to $10,000 in as fast as 4 months
- Add funds easily via Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, Paypal, or account transfers
- Get free withdrawals at partner network ATMs
- 24*7 chat support available
Apply Now
On Zolve's Secure site
Zolve Azpire credit builder card and checking account allows you to use your own bank balance to start boosting your credit score with your every day spends. You can add funds easily to the account via Cash App, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle or account transfers. Then you just have to spend using your Azpire card at stores or for online purchases. All the spends will be reported to all 3 credit bureaus and you will see your credit score go up. With no annual fee or interest, no security deposit and no credit checks this is an easy way to start building and improving your credit. Plus you can earn up to 10% cashback on 10K+ outlets including groceries, restaurants, fashion, shopping and more. You can also get upgraded to credit card with a limit up to $10,000 in as fast as 4 months. You can get started today by applying with your social security number (SSN), passport or ITIN.
Apply Now
on Chime’s secure site
Recommended Credit Score
Poor – Average
Show Card Details +
Updated May 11, 2023
Critics' Overview
Having less than perfect credit can make many things difficult and working to improve your credit can feel like an extremely daunting task. The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card helps build your credit history with your own money so you don’t have to worry about going into debt. There is no credit check to apply, no annual fees or interest charges and no minimum security deposit. Eligibility requirements apply. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis for the full terms and to learn more.
Recommended Credit Score
Poor – Average (300 – 687*)
Card Details From Issuer
- Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.
- No credit check to apply, no annual fees or interest, and no minimum security deposit required. No stress! Additional terms apply.
- Use your secured Credit Builder card everywhere VISA is accepted, including on everyday purchases, such as gas and groceries.
- Help build your credit history with your own money. The money you move into the Credit Builder secured account is the amount you can spend on your card (no minimum deposit required!). Turn on Safer Credit Building and have your monthly balance automatically paid on time. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®.
- Increase your credit score by an average of 30 points, with regular, on-time payments.1
- Turn on transaction notifications to receive real-time transaction alerts. Then, use Chime’s instant in-app disable card feature to help prevent unauthorized activities.
- Live support 24/7 to assist you around the clock.
- Now you can use your Credit Builder card fee-free at over 60K+ in-network ATMs at retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and more! Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at Moneypass ATMs in 7-Eleven locations, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATMs.
Apply Now
On Chime's Secure site
The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card helps build your credit history with your own money so you don’t have to worry about going into debt. There is no credit check to apply, no annual fees or interest charges and no minimum security deposit. Eligibility requirements apply. The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card can help make sure you always make your payments on time. You move money to your Credit Builder account before you make purchases so the amount you move determines how much you can spend. When you enable the Safer Credit Building Feature, there is no possibility of late payments, Chime® then reports your regular on-time payments to all three of the major credit bureaus, helping to build your credit history. Read our full Critical Analysis for more details and additional terms and conditions.
Apply Now
on Mission Lane’s secure site
Recommended Credit Score
Poor – Fair
Show Card Details +
Critics' Overview
Many credit builder products require a hefty security deposit, but the Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card will let you get started right away. See if you’ll get approved for a Mission Lane card instantly with no hard credit check and you can be on your way to improving your credit score and building up higher credit limits with no hidden fees.
Purchase APR
26.99% – 29.99% (Variable) APR
Recommended Credit Score
Poor – Fair (300 – 669*)
Card Details From Issuer
- See if you qualify instantly without harming your credit score
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as few as 7 months
- Free, online credit score access for cardholders
- Instant decision on your application
- No interest on purchases when you pay in full and on time each month
- No security deposit required – get started today!
- All the coverage of Visa®
- Access your account anytime, anywhere with our mobile app
Apply Now
On Mission Lane's Secure site
This card is a great option if you are looking to improve your credit score without investing hundreds of dollars in a security deposit. The Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card makes it easy to get started right away with minimal investment. You can see if you are approved for a Mission Lane card instantly with no hard credit check so you don’t have to worry about your application negatively impacting your credit score. Submitting your information is quick and secure and you will instantly be presented with your card offer. You will also be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as few as 7 months. There is an annual fee that ranges from $0-59, but even $59 is relatively low for an unsecured card available to people with bad credit.
Apply Now
on The Bank of Missouri’s secure site
Recommended Credit Score
Fair – Poor
Show Card Details +
Apply Now
on The Bank of Missouri's secure site
Critics' Overview
The Aspire® Cashback Rewards Credit Card allows you to earn cash back while building your credit score. It offers a simple pre-qualification process to check your suitability for the card with no impact on your credit score. There are no program fees or initial deposits needed to open an account but there is an annual fee as low as $85.
Purchase APR
29.9% or 36% variable
Balance Transfer APR
32.99% or 36% variable
Recommended Credit Score
Fair – Poor (520 – 680)
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a 3% Cash Back Reward on Gas, Groceries and Utilities‡
- Earn a 1% Cash Back Reward on all other eligible purchases‡
- Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval*
- Pre-qualify without affecting your credit score
- No security deposit
- Good anywhere Mastercard® is accepted
- Free access to your credit score †
- $0 fraud liability**
- *Pre-qualified means that information in your credit report indicated that you met certain pre-established credit criteria. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.
- † Your credit score will be available in your online account 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score – provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only and may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
- ‡You will earn a 3% cash back reward on eligible gas, grocery, and utility purchases/payments and you will earn a 1% cash back reward on all other eligible purchases, which are for goods and services minus returns and other credits. Rewards will be earned when the transaction posts to your account and will remain as long as the purchase is not returned. Purchases do not include fees or interest charges, balance transfers, cash advances, or purchases of other cash equivalents. Rewards are not earned for pending transactions
- **Fraud liability subject to Mastercard® rules
Apply Now
On The Bank of Missouri's Secure site
With the Aspire® Cashback Rewards Credit Card you can earn up to 3% cash back while building your credit score. It offers unlimited 3% cash back on gas station, grocery store, and utility purchases and 1% back on all other eligible purchases. This card can help improve credit for those with less than perfect credit scores since it reports to all three major credit bureaus. There are no program fees or initial deposits needed to open an account and you can pre-qualify for up to a $1,000 credit limit. There is an annual fee as low as $85 but the generous rewards program helps offsets it. The card provides plenty of value for those serious about fortifying their credit and it is a decent cash back rewards card for those looking to establish a positive credit history.
Apply Now
on Synovus Bank’s secure site
Recommended Credit Score
New/Rebuilding
Show Card Details +
Critics' Overview
Earn cash back with the First Latitude Secured MasterCard® Credit Card while also building your score. With a $100 security deposit, you will be on your way to improving your credit for a small annual fee of $25 – $35. Cash back rewards will be earned as you make payments to your account and your credit line can be as high as $2,000 with your fully refundable security deposit.
Purchase APR
24.24% (Variable)
Recommended Credit Score
New/Rebuilding (300 – 669*)
Annual Fee
$25 first year, then $35
Card Details From Issuer
- 1% Cash Back Rewards
- No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required
- If approved, pay the $19.95 Program Fee and fund your Security Deposit to open your account
- Build Your Credit with Only a $100 Refundable Deposit
- Reports to All Three Major Credit Bureaus
- Credit Reporting Starts Immediately When Your Account is Opened – Just Pay Your Bill on Time and Continue Establishing Your Credit
- Easy-to-Use Mobile App
- Accepted Worldwide and Online
Apply Now
On Synovus Bank's Secure site
If you are someone who has no credit or a low credit score, the First Latitude Secured MasterCard® Credit Card is a card you should consider. You will be able to start your credit journey with a $100 refundable security deposit. Applying online is quick and easy and no credit history or minimum credit score required. Once your account is opened, you will be automatically enrolled to start earning rewards on every payment you make and will earn 1% cash back. This card comes with a low $25 annual fee for the first year and then increases to $35 for each year after that.
Apply Now
on MRV Bank’s secure site
Recommended Credit Score
Poor – Fair
Show Card Details +
Critics' Overview
The Revvi Visa® Credit Card gives you access to a $300 credit line without requiring a security deposit. Be aware this card comes along with some fees, however its a decent option that will help you build your credit score while also earning 1% cash back as you make on-time payments. After 12 months of on-time payments you will have the ability to increase your credit line and gain some more spending power.
Recommended Credit Score
Poor – Fair (550 – 620*)
Annual Fee
$75 first year, then $48
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards on All Purchases with Revvi!
- The Perfect Card for Not-So-Perfect Credit
- If approved, pay the $95 Program Fee to open your account
- Fast and easy application process with a response provided in seconds!
- Reports to All Three Major Bureaus to Build Your Credit History
- Eligible for a Credit Line Increase after 12 months of on-time payments!
- Choose between 2 free card designs and 4 Premium designs
- Accepted by Merchants Across US & Online
- Free Credit Monitoring Powered by TransUnion
- Simple, Powerful Mobile App
Apply Now
On MRV Bank's Secure site
The Revvi Visa® Credit Card allows you to earn cash back rewards and build credit with no security deposit. While this card gives you access to an unsecured credit line of $300, there are some associated fees that come along with it. There is a one-time $95 program fee that you will have to pay in order to get started, an annual fee totaling $75 for the first year and $48 every year after that, and a $99 annual servicing fee that is waived for the first year. The Revvi Visa® Credit Card may be more expensive than most credit builder options, but it gives you the ability to access funds in a pinch.
Building your credit history takes patience and perseverance but the benefits of doing so can pay off big time in the long run. As you build your credit and use credit cards responsibly, you might even gain access to cards with better perks and lower APRs. The cards on this list can put you on the right path.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.