Best Credit Cards for Beginners With No Credit History [2025]
Getting your first credit card can feel confusing—especially when you have no credit history. The good news? There are several great credit cards in 2025 designed specifically for beginners.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards for building credit, with low fees, approval odds, and smart features for first-time users.
Why Credit History Matters
Your credit score affects your:
- Ability to rent apartments
- Auto loan or mortgage approval
- Interest rates on future credit cards or loans
- Even job applications (in some states)
Starting early with the right card can set you up for long-term success.
What to Look For in a Beginner Credit Card
When choosing your first card, focus on:
- ✅ No annual fee
- ✅ Reports to all 3 credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
- ✅ Low or no deposit required (if secured)
- ✅ Chance for upgrade later
- ✅ Tools to track your credit score
Top 5 Credit Cards for Beginners in 2025
1. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- Type: Secured
- Annual Fee: $0
- Minimum Deposit: $49, $99 or $200 (based on your credit)
- Why it’s great: Reports to all bureaus, flexible deposit, upgrade path
- capitalone.com
2. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Type: Secured
- Annual Fee: $0
- Minimum Deposit: $200
- Why it’s great: 2% cashback at gas stations/restaurants, free FICO score
- discover.com
3. Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa Credit Card
- Type: Unsecured (no deposit)
- Annual Fee: $0
- Credit Needed: None – evaluates banking history instead
- Why it’s great: Modern approval system for those without credit
- petalcard.com
4. Chime Credit Builder Visa®
- Type: Secured (but no credit check)
- Annual Fee: $0
- Deposit: No fixed deposit – uses money you move in
- Why it’s great: No interest, no fees, reports to all bureaus
- chime.com
5. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Type: Secured
- Annual Fee: $35
- Minimum Deposit: $200
- Why it’s great: No credit check to apply – approval is very likely
- openskycc.com
Comparison Table
| Card | Type | Annual Fee | Deposit | Requires Credit? | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum Secured | Secured | $0 | $49–$200 | No | ❌ |
| Discover it® Secured | Secured | $0 | $200 | No | ✅ Cashback |
| Petal® 1 Visa | Unsecured | $0 | None | No | ✅ Cashback |
| Chime Credit Builder | Secured | $0 | None | No | ❌ |
| OpenSky® Secured Visa | Secured | $35 | $200 | No credit check | ❌ |
Tips to Build Credit Fast With Your First Card
- 💳 Use only 10–30% of your credit limit
- ⏱ Always pay on time (set auto-pay if possible)
- 📈 Check your credit score monthly
- 🕓 Keep your first account open as long as possible
- ❌ Never max out your card
Secured vs. Unsecured: What’s the Difference?
Secured cards require a refundable deposit. Great for building trust with banks.
Unsecured cards don’t require a deposit—but may be harder to get without history.
Both report to credit bureaus, so either option will help build your credit.
Final Recommendation
If you want cashback + no annual fee, go for the Discover it® Secured.
If you want approval with no credit check, try OpenSky or Chime.
If you prefer no deposit, check Petal 1.
Whatever you choose—start now and be consistent. You’ll thank yourself in 6 months.