The Best Credit Cards for Building Credit in 2025

If you're new to credit or working on rebuilding your score, choosing the right credit card can set the foundation for a stronger financial future. But with so many options, it’s hard to tell which cards actually help you build credit—and which just look good on the surface.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best credit cards available in 2025 for building credit. Whether you’re starting from scratch or bouncing back after a rough patch, I’ll explain what makes each card stand out, and help you find the one that fits your goals.

What to Look For in a Credit Builder Card

Before we dive into the list, let’s cover the essentials. A solid credit-building card should have:

No annual fee – You shouldn’t pay just to build credit

Reports to all three credit bureaus – That’s Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion

Low barrier to entry – Ideally no credit history or just fair credit needed

A clear upgrade path – So you’re not stuck with training wheels forever

Bonus points if the card offers rewards, automatic credit limit increases, or financial education tools.

Best Overall: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

If you’re just starting out and want a card that grows with you, Discover’s secured card is a winner.

$0 annual fee

Minimum deposit: $200

Cashback: 2% on gas and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter)

Graduation review: Starting at 7 months

Discover reports to all three credit bureaus, and they’ll automatically review your account for an upgrade to an unsecured card. It’s rare to find a secured card that also gives rewards, so this one tops the list.

Best for Low or No Deposit: Chime Credit Builder Visa®

The Chime Credit Builder isn’t a traditional credit card—it’s a hybrid of sorts. But it’s incredibly beginner-friendly.

No credit check to apply

No minimum security deposit

No annual fee or interest

Must have a Chime checking account with qualifying direct deposit

The Chime card works by letting you “secure” your own credit limit from your spending account. You can never spend more than you have, making it safe while still reporting to all three bureaus. It’s ideal if you want to build credit without risking debt.

Best for Students: Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

If you’re in school, you don’t have to settle for a boring starter card. The Quicksilver Student card gives you cashback and real perks.

$0 annual fee

1.5% cashback on all purchases

No foreign transaction fees

Access to CreditWise® for free credit monitoring

It’s available to students with limited or fair credit, and unlike many student cards, it offers a flat-rate rewards program that’s easy to use.

Best Secured Card with High Limits: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa®

This one’s great if you have a little more cash to lock up and want a stronger rewards program.

$0 annual fee

Earn 4X points on dining, 2X on groceries, gas, and streaming

Reports to all three bureaus

Deposit range: $300 to $5,000

You’ll earn rewards just like a premium card, but with a secured deposit. Plus, U.S. Bank offers a path to graduate your account to unsecured status with responsible use.

Best for Building Credit While Earning Rewards: Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card

Petal uses cash flow underwriting—so even if you don’t have a credit score yet, they may still approve you.

$0 annual fee

1% cashback on all purchases (up to 1.5% over time)

No deposit required

Credit limit up to $5,000

Petal is one of the few unsecured cards designed for people with thin or no credit files. They also offer a great mobile app that tracks your spending and helps you understand how to improve your credit score.

Tips for Success: How to Build Credit the Smart Way

Getting the right card is step one—but using it wisely is what actually boosts your score. Here’s how to do it:

Always pay on time. Even one late payment can hurt

Keep your balance low. Try to use less than 30% of your credit limit

Use it regularly. A small monthly charge you pay off in full is perfect

Set up autopay. This helps you avoid missed payments

Monitor your score. Most card issuers give you free access

Remember, building credit isn’t about how much you can spend—it’s about showing lenders you’re responsible.

Final Thoughts

Rebuilding or starting your credit journey doesn’t have to be frustrating or expensive. Whether you go with a secured card like Discover, a low-deposit option like Chime, or an unsecured card like Petal, the most important thing is consistency.

As someone who’s helped hundreds of clients go from credit invisibility to confident borrowing, I can tell you: small steps make a big difference. And the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results.

If you’re ready to take control of your credit in 2025, one of these cards could be your perfect first (or second) step.