Top Credit Cards for Building Credit in 2025

Whether you’re new to credit or trying to rebuild after financial setbacks, choosing the right credit card is one of the most effective ways to boost your credit score. The best credit cards for building credit in 2025 offer low fees, useful features, and report activity to the three major credit bureaus.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

How credit-building cards work
The best secured and unsecured cards available this year
Tips on how to use them responsibly

What Makes a Card Good for Building Credit?

The most important features to look for in a credit-building card include:

Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
Low or no annual fee
Approval with limited or no credit history
Path to graduate to a better card (especially with secured cards)

Some cards even offer rewards or cash back, making them more appealing for everyday use.

Best Credit Cards for Building Credit in 2025

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Type: Secured
Annual Fee: $0
Credit Reporting: Yes, to all 3 bureaus
Key Perks:
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter)
- 1% on all other purchases
- Free FICO score on statements
- Potential to graduate to an unsecured card with good behavior

Why we like it: Discover offers real rewards and a clear upgrade path, even if you’re just starting.

2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Type: Secured
Annual Fee: $0
Credit Reporting: Yes
Deposit Range: $49, $99, or $200 (based on creditworthiness)

Why we like it: Flexible security deposit and the ability to graduate to an unsecured Capital One card after 6 months.

3. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

Type: Secured (no hard credit check required)
Annual Fee: $0
Credit Reporting: Yes

Why we like it: No fees, no interest, and designed for those with limited or no credit history. Works more like a prepaid debit card with credit reporting.

4. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

Type: Unsecured
Annual Fee: $0
Credit Reporting: Yes
APR: Variable based on credit profile

Why we like it: Uses an alternative approval process (including bank history), making it accessible for those with thin or no credit. Offers up to 1.5% cash back on purchases.

5. Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards

Type: Unsecured
Annual Fee: $39
Credit Reporting: Yes
Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Why we like it: One of the few unsecured cards for fair credit that still offers meaningful rewards.

Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards

Feature	Secured Card	Unsecured Card
Approval Requirements	Easier with low/no credit	Requires fair to good credit
Security Deposit	Yes (usually refundable)	No
Credit Limit	Based on deposit	Based on creditworthiness
Best For	Building or rebuilding credit	Earning rewards while building credit

How to Use a Credit-Building Card Effectively

Getting a credit card is just the first step. To build or rebuild credit, you need to use it wisely:

Pay on time, every time

Set up autopay or reminders so you never miss a due date.

Keep balances low

Use less than 30% of your limit to maintain a healthy credit utilization ratio.

Use regularly, but responsibly

A small recurring charge (like a subscription) that’s paid off each month can help build history.

Check your credit score

Most issuers offer a free credit monitoring feature. Watch your progress.

Final Thoughts

The best credit cards for building credit in 2025 make it easier than ever to establish financial trustworthiness without expensive fees or complicated rules.

Start with a secured card if your score is low or nonexistent, and aim to graduate to an unsecured option after six months to a year of responsible use.

No matter where you're starting from, there’s a card out there that can help you take control of your credit journey.

Pro tip: Combine your card with a high-yield savings account and a simple budget (like the 50/30/20 rule) to accelerate your financial growth.