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Credit Cards
Compare credit cards by what actually matters when you're building or managing credit: whether a card needs a security deposit, its annual fee and APR, who issues it, and which credit bureaus it reports to. Start with secured or unsecured cards, then read each review before you apply.
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Our top pick
Picked for terms and who it fits, not for what we earn. Rates and fees can change, so confirm them on the application before you accept.
Secured card · no credit score requirement
Credit Builder Card
Credit Builder Card says there's no credit score requirement and no hard inquiry to apply. The card shown is a secured Mastercard with a $200 minimum deposit and a $29 annual fee.
Card type
1 product
Credit Builder Card
Secured credit card marketplace
How it works: Apply through Credit Builder Card, fund a refundable security deposit, and use the card like a regular credit card. Your deposit sets your credit limit.
Best for: People building or rebuilding credit who want a real credit card and can set aside a $200+ refundable deposit.
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Secured vs. unsecured credit cards
Both work the same way once you have them: you make purchases, get a monthly statement and pay it back. The difference is how you qualify.
Secured Credit Cards
- Generally require a refundable security deposit, often $200 or more.
- The deposit often sets your credit limit.
- Often used by people building or rebuilding credit.
Unsecured Credit Cards
- Generally don't require a security deposit.
- Approval, credit limit, APR and fees depend on the issuer and your credit profile.
- We'll add unsecured cards here once we've reviewed real, current offers.
Using a card to build credit
If the issuer reports to the credit bureaus, your on-time payments and balance show up on your credit reports. Keeping the balance low and paying in full each month matters most. Late payments are reported too, and no card can guarantee approval, a score change or an upgrade to another card.
Not sure a card is right for you?
If you can't set aside a deposit, a credit-builder account or loan reports small monthly payments without one. If you already pay rent, rent reporting can add those payments to your reports. Read secured cards vs. credit builder loans, or let our free quiz weigh the options against your budget.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between secured and unsecured credit cards?
A secured card usually requires a refundable security deposit, which often sets your credit limit. An unsecured card has no deposit; the issuer decides your approval, limit and terms based on your credit profile and other factors.
Which type of card is used for building credit?
Secured cards are often used by people building or rebuilding credit, because the deposit lowers the issuer's risk. Some unsecured cards are also aimed at people with limited credit. Approval and terms always depend on the issuer.
Do I get a secured card's deposit back?
Secured card deposits are generally refundable under the issuer's terms, for example when the account is closed and the balance is paid. Each issuer's deposit agreement sets the exact rules.
Can a credit card help build credit?
It can, if the issuer reports to the credit bureaus and you pay on time and keep your balance low. Late payments are reported too, and no card can guarantee a score change or an upgrade to another card.
Credit card or credit-builder account: which one?
A card gives you a credit line you can use for purchases, and a secured card needs a deposit. A credit-builder account or loan needs no deposit and reports small monthly payments instead. If you can't set aside a deposit, a credit-builder account may fit better.
Read our Credit Builder Card review