Best Credit Cards to Build Credit for November 2026
The best credit cards to build credit report to all three bureaus and keep fees low. Compare the secured and unsecured options below. Start building or rebuilding your credit with the best credit-building cards. Compare top-rated options designed to help improve your credit score with responsible use.
Credit card rates, rewards, fees, and terms shown on this site are estimates only and do not constitute binding offers. Actual terms depend on the issuer’s underwriting review and factors such as your credit profile, income, debt-to-income ratio, and other eligibility criteria. Only highly qualified applicants typically qualify for the lowest advertised APRs and bes
When choosing a credit card specifically to build or rebuild your credit, it's essential to consider features that will best support your goal.
Here’s what you should prioritize:
Reporting to all three credit bureaus: The primary purpose of using a credit card to build credit is to establish a history of responsible credit use. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a card that reports to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This ensures that your positive payment history is reflected in your credit score across the board.
Low or no fees: Many credit cards designed for building credit come with higher fees. Look for cards that offer low or no annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or account maintenance fees. Paying unnecessary fees can diminish the benefits of using the card.
Reasonable interest rates: While interest rates tend to be higher on cards for those with limited or poor credit, it’s still possible to find reasonable rates. If you plan to carry a balance, which is not advisable when building credit, choosing a card with a lower interest rate can save you money.
Ability to graduate to a better card: Some credit cards, particularly secured cards, offer the ability to graduate to an unsecured card after a period of responsible use. This can be a valuable feature, as it allows you to keep the same account (which helps your credit age) while upgrading to better terms and rewards.
Rewards programs: While rewards shouldn’t be the primary focus when building credit, it’s a nice bonus if the card offers cash back, points, or other incentives. However, ensure that these rewards do not come with high fees or encourage overspending.
Key factors to consider
1. Secured vs. unsecured cards
Secured credit cards require a security deposit, which typically serves as your credit limit. These are easier to obtain if you have no credit or poor credit. Unsecured cards, on the other hand, do not require a deposit but may have stricter approval requirements.
2. Credit limit
Your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you use compared to your credit limit) plays a significant role in your credit score. Ideally, you want a card with a credit limit high enough to keep your utilization below 30%, even if you use the card regularly.
3. Application process
Some credit cards offer pre-qualification checks that don’t impact your credit score. This can be beneficial as it allows you to see if you’re likely to be approved before applying, avoiding unnecessary hard inquiries on your credit report.
4. Customer service and online account management
Having good customer service and a user-friendly online platform can make managing your credit card easier. Look for cards from issuers known for their customer support and intuitive apps or websites.
5. Grace period
A grace period is the time between the end of your billing cycle and when your payment is due. During this period, you can pay your balance in full without accruing interest. Cards with longer grace periods are more forgiving if you occasionally need extra time to pay off your balance.
Alternatives to credit cards for building credit
If a traditional credit card isn’t the right fit for you, there are alternatives that can help you build credit:
1. Credit builder loans
These are small loans that are specifically designed to help you build credit. The lender holds the borrowed money in an account while you make payments. Once the loan is paid off, you receive the money, and your payment history is reported to the credit bureaus.
2. Becoming an authorized user
You can become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. This allows you to benefit from the primary cardholder’s credit history, provided they manage the card responsibly.
3. Secured loans
Similar to a secured credit card, a secured loan requires collateral. Payments are reported to the credit bureaus, helping to build your credit history.
4. Rental payment reporting
Some services allow you to report your rent payments to the credit bureaus. While not as impactful as a credit card, it’s still a way to demonstrate financial responsibility.
Bottom line
Building credit with the right credit card is a smart move, but it requires careful consideration of the options available. Focus on cards that report to all three credit bureaus, have reasonable fees and interest rates, and offer the potential to graduate to a better card. Weigh the pros and cons, and don’t forget that alternatives exist if a credit card doesn’t suit your needs. With responsible use, the right credit card can be a powerful tool in your financial arsenal.
FAQs on Best Credit Cards to Build Credit
What are the best credit cards to build credit?
The best credit cards for building up your credit are those with lower annual fees (some even have a $0 annual fee) that report to the credit bureaus.
The two main types of credit cards you can use to boost your credit score include secured and unsecured credit cards they offer for those with limited to no credit. If you are in college, a student credit card is probably the best option.
Can I get a credit card with bad credit?
Yes, but you probably won't be able to get a card with good benefits or high-earning rewards. Instead, apply for a basic card you'll only use temporarily to build your credit back up. Once your credit is good, you can apply for a card with more perks.
How do I qualify for a card with a low credit history?
You will probably need to go with a secured credit card first. Unsecured cards with a high annual fee are another option. In general, you should be at least 18 years old and be able to provide a social security number. In most cases, you need to prove you earn a regular income and have a bank account.
What is the best type of credit card for those who want to increase their credit?
Secured cards are the easiest to get but they require a security deposit. When you upgrade or close your account, you will get your security deposit back.
What boxes should I check off when shopping for the best credit card to build credit?
Although you may not find a card that offers many rewards or benefits, you can find a decent card if you look for the following features:
- The issuer reports to the top three credit bureaus. Make sure the card issuer reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you want your card to help you build credit, the company has to report your payments to the credit bureaus.
- Look at annual fees. Look for annual fees below $50.
- Make sure they offer the option to upgrade to a better card. This will enable you to keep your credit card account open while getting your security deposit back.
Why do you need your card issuer to report to all three credit bureaus?
There are three national credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each of these bureaus maintains a copy of your credit history. This means that you have three separate credit reports. Each one can vary depending on how your creditors report your activity and how the bureaus file your information.
In the future, when you apply for credit, your prospective lender will check your credit score with one or more of the credit bureaus. Most, however, don't check all three.
So, let's say you get a credit card with an issuer that only reports your activity to Equifax. You use the card responsibly for a year and establish a solid payment history. After that year, you apply for a better credit card hoping to get approved with your improved credit history.
If the new credit card issuer only checks your TransUnion and Experian credit reports, there will be no record of that card's positive history because the original issuer only reported it to Equifax.
As a result, it's best to apply for a card that reports to all three credit bureaus.
Which credit card issuers report to all three credit bureaus?
Between banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions, there are hundreds of credit card issuers in the U.S. market. So although we can't include a comprehensive list of which issuers report to all three credit bureaus, we can say that every major credit card issuer reports to all three. This includes, but is not limited to:
Many other big banks and credit unions also report to all three bureaus. However, if you're getting a card from a smaller issuer, check they report to the credit bureaus.
SuperMoney allows you to filter credit cards based on the bureaus they report to. If they don't report to all three or try to avoid the question, you may want to try with another card issuer.
How can you build credit with a credit card?
It takes time to build your credit. It's best to view it as a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some specific steps you can take to build your credit.
- Establish a perfect payment history. Your payment history is the most important factor in your FICO credit score, making up 35% of your score. So, it's of utmost importance that you pay your credit card bill on time every single month. And if you pay it in full, you'll get the extra benefit of building credit without ever paying a penny in interest. If you need help, consider setting up automatic payments on your credit card account. That way, you'll never forget or miss a due date.
- Keep your balance low. How much you owe is the second most important factor in your credit score, and your credit card balance is a huge part of that through your credit utilization rate. That rate is calculated by dividing your balance by your credit limit. So, if you have a $500 balance on a card with a credit limit of $1,000, your utilization rate is 50%. Having a low utilization is a sign that you manage your credit well. Anything under 10% utilization is considered pretty good. It's also important to keep your balance low. If possible, try to keep it under 1% of your credit limit. But make sure you use the credit card so there is some activity to report to the bureaus.
- Avoid applying for multiple credit cards. Every time you apply for a credit card or loan, the lender runs a hard inquiry on your credit report. When you're just starting, every hard inquiry counts because each one can ding your credit score. Apply for several cards in a short period, and you could signal to future lenders that you're struggling financially and can't manage your money without credit. So, when you're starting out, stick with one or two cards. Then, as your credit improves, it may make sense to apply for more.
How do you build credit if you can't get a credit card?
Depending on your situation, you may not be able to get a credit card on your own. Maybe you don't currently have any income, or you've recently filed for bankruptcy. In such cases, consider asking a friend or relative if they can add you as an authorized user. This could help your credit as long as the credit card payments are made regularly and on-time.
Regardless of how you choose to build credit, make sure you understand all your options and pick the one that is best suited for your specific circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a credit card that reports to all three major credit bureaus to effectively build your credit score.
- Look for cards with low or no fees and reasonable interest rates to avoid unnecessary costs.
- Consider secured cards if you have limited or poor credit, and aim to graduate to an unsecured card.
- Understand the pros and cons, such as the potential for rewards and the risk of high interest rates, when using credit cards to build credit.
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