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Credit cards by goal

Best credit cards for building credit

If you have little or poor credit, a starter card can help you build a record. Many of these are secured cards, where you put down a deposit that sets your limit.

The card reports your payments to the credit bureaus each month. Pay on time and keep the balance low, and your score can rise.

Watch the fees. Some starter cards charge a yearly fee or a monthly fee. A card with no fee and a path to a regular card is the better start.

We list 20 cards here. 15 have no annual fee. The largest welcome bonus we track is $70 on the Plus Secured Visa.

A card is listed here when it is a secured card or comes from an issuer that focuses on people building credit. Sorted by lowest annual fee first. Facts match the main cards page.

Common questions

How long does it take to build credit with a card?
Many people see a change within three to six months of on-time payments. A solid record takes a year or more.
Do I get my deposit back on a secured card?
Yes, when you close the card in good standing or move to an unsecured card. Check how the issuer handles this before you apply.

Card terms come from each issuer and can change. Check the issuer page before you apply. SwitchWize may earn a fee if you apply through a link marked as an offer.

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