Top Picks
These cards are designed for people starting out or rebuilding their credit. They report to all three credit bureaus and have reasonable terms.
- Secured Visa – refundable deposit, reports monthly. Pros: easy approval. Cons: deposit.
- Student Cash Back – 1–5% cash‑back categories with no annual fee. Perfect for students.
- Credit Builder Card – no credit check, monthly reporting to help establish a history.
Tips for Building Credit
- Keep your utilization below 30% of your credit limit.
- Set up autopay to avoid missed payments.
- Avoid new hard inquiries for at least 90 days while building.
FAQs
How fast can I see a score change? Usually within 30–60 days once the card reports your activity.