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Best Starter Credit Cards to Build Credit in 2024
August 30, 2024
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If you're looking to build credit with your first credit card in 2024, this comprehensive guide will help you find the best starter credit card options, including secured credit cards, to fit your spending habits and financial goals. Whether you're a student looking for your first student credit card or a beginner in the world of credit, there's a starter credit card that's right for you.
Best All-Round Credit Builder Card (No Credit Check)
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
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The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card is an excellent starter credit card for those who want to avoid a credit check. This secured card doesn't require a credit check for approval, making it accessible to people with limited or no credit history. To open a Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card, you'll first need to open a Chime Spending Account and then make a deposit to secure your credit line. As of 10/28/24, members can apply for Credit Builder without a $200+ direct deposit requirement. Your credit limit can be up to $10,000 depending on your security deposit amount. The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, offering a cost-effective way to build credit. Your responsible card use is reported to all three major credit bureaus, helping you establish a positive credit history.
One of the best things about the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card is its user-friendly mobile app. The app allows you to easily manage your account, track your spending, and set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date. Chime also offers a unique "Safer Credit Building" feature, which automatically pays your balance from your Chime Spending Account on time each month, helping you avoid late payments and build credit steadily over time. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees, this Visa secured card is a great choice for travelers who want to build credit while avoiding extra charges on purchases made abroad.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. The secured ChimeCredit Builder Credit Card is issued by The BancorpBank, N.A. or Stride Bank,N.A.
Best for Building Credit and Savings
Secured Self Visa® Credit Card
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The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card is a unique secured credit card that helps you build credit. To get started, you'll need to make a small security deposit that will serve as your credit limit. As you make on-time payments, your responsible credit use is reported to the three major credit bureaus, helping you establish a solid credit history. The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card offers a variable APR, making it an affordable choice for those new to credit. After 12 months of responsible credit utilization, you'll have built a strong foundation for your credit future.
To be eligible for the Secured Self Visa® Credit Card, you will first need to open a Credit Builder Account, which can be used to help build credit history and savings. The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card is an excellent choice for those just starting out with their first platinum secured credit card or looking to rebuild credit.
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Secured Self Visa® Credit Card issued by Lead Bank, First Century Bank, N.A., or SouthState Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. See Self.inc for details.
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card requires an active Self Credit Builder Account and qualification based on other eligibility criteria including income & expense requirements. Criteria subject to change.
Kudos can help you unlock more credit card rewards and benefits when you shop online. Kudos is a free browser extension and AI-powered wallet that recommends the best credit cards for each purchase, helping you maximize your rewards, points, and cash back. With Kudos Lessons, you can also learn more about credit cards and personal finance, making it a valuable resource for building your credit.
Best for No Credit Check, High Limit
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
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The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a secured credit card that offers a high credit limit without requiring a credit check. This card allows you to set your own credit limit by making a security deposit ranging from $200 to $3,000 – the higher your deposit, the higher your credit line. The OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card has an annual fee but reports to all three major credit bureaus, providing a valuable opportunity to build credit. It's an excellent choice for those who may have had difficulty getting approved for other credit cards due to a lack of credit history or past credit issues.
One of the unique features of the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card is that it doesn't require a bank account to apply. This can be a significant advantage for those who may not have access to traditional banking services. As long as you can afford the security deposit and annual fee, you can open an account and start building credit with this Visa secure card. Plus, with a relatively high maximum credit limit of $3,000, this card offers the potential for a higher credit line than many other secured cards on the market.
Best for Cash Back Rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
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The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) is a secured credit card offering unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards on every purchase, making it a standout option among the best credit cards for building credit. This card requires a minimum security deposit of $200, which will determine your initial credit limit. The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Your account activity is reported to the three major credit bureaus, helping you build credit with responsible use. After demonstrating responsible card use, you may be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
Best Unsecured Card
Revvi Visa® Credit Card
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The Revvi Visa® Credit Card is an unsecured credit card designed for those with limited or no credit history. Unlike secured credit cards, the Revvi Visa Credit Card doesn't require a security deposit, making it a good option for those who may not have the funds for a deposit. This card offers a small credit limit to start, which can increase over time with responsible use. The Revvi Visa Credit Card has a variable APR and reports to the three major credit bureaus, providing an opportunity to build credit without the need for a security deposit. Keep in mind that unsecured credit cards for limited credit may have higher interest rates compared to secured cards.
One thing to note about the Revvi Visa Credit Card is that it does charge an annual fee. However, this fee is relatively low compared to other unsecured credit cards for those with limited credit. Additionally, the Revvi Visa Credit Card offers a cash back rewards program, which is rare for a starter credit card. You'll earn 1% cash back rewards on all purchases, which can help offset the annual fee if you use your card regularly. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees, this Visa credit card is a solid choice for those who want to earn rewards on purchases made while traveling abroad.
Comparing the Best Starter Credit Cards to Build Credit
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When comparing top starter credit cards, Chime, Self, and Revvi offer distinct benefits for building credit.
The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® is ideal for those looking for a simple, fee-free option with no credit check. It offers flexibility with no annual or foreign transaction fees, and a user-friendly app to help manage your account easily.
The Self Visa® Credit Card stands out for its combination of credit building and savings. It’s perfect if you want to simultaneously grow your credit and set aside money for the future.
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a great option for those who want to build credit without a credit check. It does come with an annual fee, but it reports to all three major credit bureaus, which can be helpful for establishing or improving your credit score over time.
Each card brings different advantages, so choosing the right one depends on your credit-building goals and priorities.
- Pay on time: Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees and negative impacts on your credit score.
- Keep utilization low: Use less than 30% of your credit limit for better results.
- Use regularly: Make small purchases and pay them off in full each month.
- Monitor your score: Track your progress through free credit monitoring tools.
- Limit applications: Apply for new cards sparingly to avoid hurting your score.
- Keep old cards open: Maintaining older accounts helps improve your credit history.
- Upgrade over time: As your credit improves, explore better cards with more rewards.
Conclusion
Building credit takes time and consistency, but with the right starter card, you can lay a strong foundation. The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa®, Self Visa®, and OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card each offer unique advantages, from no credit check and easy account management to combining savings with credit building or getting a high limit with no credit check.
The key is responsible use—make payments on time, keep your balance low, and monitor your credit regularly. With these habits, you’ll build a solid credit history and unlock more financial opportunities over time.
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