Best Credit Cards to Build or Rebuild Credit Score
For building credit, the best cards are secured options, such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card and the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. If you have been denied elsewhere and cannot risk another credit check, the opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is the safest option.
The ideal choice for you will depend on your current credit history and whether you can provide a security deposit.
How to Decide Which Card Is Best for You
- For the best overall value with a deposit: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a top choice due to its rewards and clear upgrade path.
- If you have very little cash for a deposit: The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card offers the lowest possible entry point for a secured card.
- If you have been denied elsewhere and cannot risk another credit check: The opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is the safest option.
For Building Credit With No Security Deposit
- Best for: A unique, app-based approach to building credit for those with limited or bad credit.
- This makes it a popular option for those with poor or no credit history.
- Key features:
- No credit check: Relies on a soft inquiry and alternative data, like bank account information, for approval.
- No security deposit: It is an unsecured card.
- App-based learning: Features gamified lessons within the app to help increase your credit limit over time.
- What to know: Requires an annual membership fee, and initial limits can be low.
Final Recommendation
- For the best overall value with a deposit: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an outstanding option with a $0 annual fee, cash back rewards, and a clear path to graduating to an unsecured card.
- If you have been denied elsewhere and cannot risk another credit check: The opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is the safest option.
- If you absolutely cannot make a deposit: The Arro Card is a unique and effective option, provided you are comfortable with an app-based experience and the annual membership fee.
Arro Card
- No hard inquiry to apply.
- Apply in 5 minutes or less.
- Get up to $300 with the unsecured Arro Card. Grow your credit line up to $2,500.
- Earn 1% cash back on gas & groceries, including Walmart and Target
- Instantly increase your credit limit as you master your personal finances in the Arro app.
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus.
- The Arro Card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*Subject to terms and conditions
opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
- No annual fee – keep more money in your pocket!
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
- Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
- Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Start with as little as $300 – Secure your line with a refundable security deposit
- Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
- Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
- More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
- Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
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FICO® Credit Scores
A FICO® Score is a proprietary credit score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). About 90% of top U.S. lenders use it to make lending decisions.
FICO® Score Ranges:
- Exceptional: 800–850
- Very Good: 740–799
- Good: 670–739
- Fair: 580–669
- Poor: 300–579
FICO categorizes scores as Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Exceptional.
What is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number (300–850) predicting your creditworthiness. Lenders use it to evaluate risk and determine rates and terms for credit.
Why it matters: A higher score can help you qualify for loans and lower interest rates. A lower score can lead to higher borrowing costs or application denials.
FICO® Credit Score Facts
- Three-Digit Number: Summarizes your credit risk.
- Range: 300–850; higher scores = lower risk.
- Data Source: Uses your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Industry Standard: Lenders rely on FICO for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.
Note: Credit scores reflect your creditworthiness but do not guarantee approval for any credit product.
Security Notice: All participating issuers use secure application systems protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption to help protect your information.
*See the online credit card applications for details about terms and conditions of credit card offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the " Apply Now " button you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the credit card issuer's web site.
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