Credit building made easy – the best credit cards to build your credit score

author Jennifer Doss Last Updated:
Terms apply; see the online credit card application for full terms and conditions of offers and rewards.

Building good credit is key to your financial future. If you’re just starting out or need to improve your score, the right credit card can make all the difference. While those enticing 0% APR cards aren’t an option for you right now, they very well could be after taking deliberate steps to improve your credit score. For now, we’ve cut through the noise to bring you the best credit cards specifically designed for easy credit building and a stronger financial foundation.

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Recommended Credit ⓘSuggested credit score ranges are provided by CardRatings, not issuers, and are guidelines, not a guarantee of approval.
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This credit card offers a solid rewards program with flat-rate rewards earned on all purchases, making it a reliable choice for everyday spending. New cardholders can also take advantage of an easily attainable welcome bonus, providing an instant boost to their rewards balance. Whether you’re fueling up at the gas station, dining out with friends, or booking a flight for your next vacation, this card can help you earn rewards on your everyday purchases.

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Recommended Credit ⓘSuggested credit score ranges are provided by CardRatings, not issuers, and are guidelines, not a guarantee of approval.
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This card offers an innovative approach to banking and credit building. It allows you to earn rewards on everyday spending at restaurants and grocery stores, which can be redeemed for cash back, and all this is accessible without a credit check. Enjoy the benefit of getting paid sooner with direct deposit and avoid overdraft fees when you set up qualifying direct deposits. With access to a large network of surcharge-free ATMs, managing your money is convenient, making this card a compelling option for those seeking to handle their finances effectively while establishing credit.

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Recommended Credit ⓘSuggested credit score ranges are provided by CardRatings, not issuers, and are guidelines, not a guarantee of approval.
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We like this product for its focus on empowering individuals to build wealth and achieve their financial goals. MAGNUM’s emphasis on accessible financial education and personalized guidance, combined with a suite of modern banking tools, makes managing money and planning for the future feel more attainable. The commitment to understanding individual circumstances and offering tailored solutions, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, is likely to resonate with those seeking a more supportive banking experience.

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Recommended Credit ⓘSuggested credit score ranges are provided by CardRatings, not issuers, and are guidelines, not a guarantee of approval.
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This card has evolved into a market leader for cash-back rewards, offering a compelling combination of simplicity and value. Cardholders can take advantage of bonus cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and restaurants, up to the quarterly limit. This feature, coupled with a valuable intro APR offer, makes this card a smart choice for managing both everyday expenses and larger purchases. Plus, the generous welcome bonus offered by this card has the potential to provide a significant boost to your rewards balance, making it an even more attractive option for savvy consumers.
author
Jennifer Doss
CardRatings Executive Editor

Jennifer Doss is a credit card analyst and the executive editor of CardRatings.com. She has worked as both a print and online journalist and has over a decade of experience in the media industry. Her published work has covered a broad range of topics, from finance and technology to travel and dining. Through extensive travel experiences and her personal interest...Read more

Rating methodology: CardRatings’ experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often. Compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear.

Editorial note:  Many or all of the cards discussed could be from our partners who compensate us when you click on or are approved for offers (Terms apply. Here’s how we make money.)

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.

This content is not provided by any company mentioned in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any such company. CardRatings.com does not review every company or every offer available on the market.