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Building Credit from Scratch Top: 5 Credit Cards for Beginners

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by Joe Mahlow •  Updated on Dec. 23, 2023

Building Credit from Scratch Top: 5 Credit Cards for Beginners
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Hey everyone, Joe Mahlow here! We're all about financial fitness today, and specifically, training your credit score to be a champion. It's no secret this number plays a starring role in life's big moments, like snagging your dream home or cruising in that new car. But fear not, whether you're a credit newbie or a past financial Rocky, we've got your back. In this blog, we'll unveil the top five credit cards specifically designed to help you build or rebuild credit like a pro. Think of them as your training squad, each with its own unique strengths to get you back on track. And trust me, the last two cards are absolute game-changers for blank credit slates – you won't want to miss those! So buckle up, because we're about to take your credit journey to the next level!


Contents:



Open Sky Secured Visa: Your Ladder to Credit Score Heaven (No Credit Check Needed!)

Dreaming of a future filled with smooth loan approvals and sweet credit card deals? But your credit history's still a blank page, staring back at you like a judgmental landlord? Buckle up, because the Open Sky Secured Visa might be your perfect launchpad to credit score heaven!

Here's why it rocks:

No credit check, no problem: Even if your credit history makes tumbleweeds jealous, Open Sky welcomes you with open arms (and no judgment). Just a small, refundable security deposit of $200 (think of it as your ticket to the credit party) unlocks a $200 spending limit – your first rung on the ladder.

Build credit like a boss: Every responsible swipe you make, every on-time payment, gets reported to the three major credit bureaus. That's like having your good financial deeds shouted from the rooftops – your credit score will do a happy dance with every transaction.

Climb higher, reach further: Feeling confident? Bump up your spending limit all the way to $3,000! The higher you climb, the more impressive your credit score becomes. Just remember, climb responsibly – you wouldn't scale Mount Everest in flip-flops, would you?

Low annual fee, big rewards: For a mere $35 a year, you get all this awesomeness, plus no hidden fees or surprises. Open Sky is like the cool friend who lets you crash at their place and even shares their Netflix password.

Bonus points:

  • Visa network: Tap into the vast world of Visa acceptance, from your local pizza joint to online shopping sprees. You'll be swiping your way to credit score glory in no time.

  • Security deposit = your money back: Remember that $200 deposit? When you graduate to a regular OpenSky card or close your account in good standing, it's all yours. Think of it as a reward for being a responsible credit climber!

So, ditch the credit score blues and grab the Open Sky Secured Visa. With a little responsible spending and a lot of this no-nonsense card, you'll be saying goodbye to credit limbo and hello to smooth loan approvals and sweet credit card deals in no time!


Credit One Bank Platinum Visa: Credit Newbie's Cash-Back Companion (No Deposit Needed!)

Stuck in credit purgatory with a blank slate or some bumps in the past? Stop scraping by on borrowed credit and say hello to the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa – your friendly neighborhood credit-building buddy!

Why it's your perfect first card:

  • No deposit, all the rewards: Unlike some "secured" cards, you don't need to plunk down a chunk of cash upfront. Just apply and get ready to start earning that sweet, sweet 1% cash back on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and even your phone bill. Every penny counts when you're building credit, and who wouldn't love a little cash back boost?

  • Boost your score, step by step: With responsible use, every swipe with your Platinum Visa gets reported to the credit bureaus. Pay your bills on time, don't overspend, and watch your credit score do a happy dance. Think of it as invisible magic building your financial future.

  • No-frills annual fee: Okay, $39 isn't exactly pocket change, but compared to other starter cards, it's practically a steal. Plus, the rewards you earn can easily offset the cost, making it a win-win.

  • Foreign adventures (with a small fee): Planning a quick getaway? You can use your Platinum Visa abroad, with just a 3% transaction fee tacked on. Not the best for extended trips, but perfect for a weekend jaunt without breaking the bank.

Bonus points:

  • Visa network: Accepted just about everywhere, from your local coffee shop to online shopping sprees. No more awkward "credit card not accepted" moments.

  • No hidden fees: What you see is what you get. No surprises, no sneaky charges, just straightforward credit-building goodness.

Remember: This card isn't for jet-setters or luxury shopping sprees. It's your first step on the credit-building ladder, a tool to use wisely and responsibly. Pay your bills on time, keep your spending in check, and watch your credit score soar!


First Progress Platinum Elites MasterCard: Building Credit Like a Champion (Bonus - Security Deposit Refund!)

Looking to level up your credit game? Tired of feeling stuck in the credit wilderness? Fear not, adventurer! The First Progress Platinum Elites MasterCard might be your trusty steed on the journey to financial freedom.

Why it's your credit-building champion:

  • No credit check, fresh start: Even if your credit history looks like a tumbleweed graveyard, this card welcomes you with open arms (and no judgment). Just a small, refundable $200 security deposit (think of it as your training camp fee) unlocks a $200 credit line – your first step on the path to credit glory.

  • Build like a boss, get rewarded: Every responsible swipe you make, every on-time payment, gets reported to the three major credit bureaus. That's like having financial cheerleaders singing your praises to the credit score gods! Watch your score rise with each transaction.

  • Potential to graduate: Prove your credit prowess? You can graduate to a higher credit limit, up to a whopping $10,000! The higher you climb, the more impressive your credit score becomes. Just remember, climb responsibly – you wouldn't charge up Mount Everest in flip-flops, would you?

  • Low annual fee, big future: For a mere $29 a year, you get all this awesomeness, plus no hidden fees or surprises. Think of First Progress as the wise mentor who trains you for free and even throws in a protein shake afterwards.

Bonus points:

  • MasterCard network: Tap into the vast world of MasterCard acceptance, from your local burger joint to online shopping sprees. You'll be swiping your way to credit score victory in no time.

  • Security deposit = your money back: Remember that $200 deposit? When you graduate to a regular First Progress card or close your account in good standing, it's all yours. Think of it as a graduation gift for being a responsible credit warrior!

Remember: This card is all about responsible spending and building a healthy credit history. Use it wisely, pay your bills on time, and watch your credit score soar! Soon, you'll be saying goodbye to credit limbo and hello to smooth loan approvals and sweet credit card deals.


Capital One Platinum Secured: Build Credit Like a Pro, Skip the Fees (Plus, Automatic Rewards!)

Ready to ditch credit limbo and climb the financial ladder? The Capital One Platinum Secured could be your trusty climbing gear! Here's why it rocks:

Credit Building on Easy Mode:

  • Low, refundable deposit: Choose from $49.99 or $200 depending on your credit history. Think of it as your training camp fee, but hey, you get it back when you graduate!

  • No annual fees, no foreign transaction fees: Breathe easy, no hidden costs here. Just pure, unadulterated credit-building goodness.

  • Swipe responsibly, watch your score climb: Every purchase, every on-time payment gets reported to the credit bureaus, basically like having financial cheerleaders boosting your score with each transaction.

Sweet Rewards for Responsible Climbers:

  • Automatic credit line increase after 6 months: Show them you're a responsible credit climber, and Capital One rewards you with a bigger credit line, up to $1,000! More spending power, same low fees.

  • No-hassle graduation: Build like a boss, and they'll upgrade you to a regular Capital One card with all the bells and whistles (no more secured deposit needed!).

Bonus Points:

  • Visa network: Accepted just about everywhere, making it your trusty companion for everyday purchases and beyond.

  • Capital One perks: Access tools and resources to help you manage your credit and financial health. Think of them as your helpful credit sherpa, guiding you to the summit.

Remember: This card is all about using it wisely and paying your bills on time. Show them you're a responsible credit user, and watch your score soar! Soon, you'll be leaving credit limbo in the dust and enjoying smooth loan approvals and sweet credit card deals.


Discover it Secured Credit Card: Cash Back AND a Ticket to Credit Freedom (No Annual Fee!)

Want to earn rewards while building your credit? Look no further than the Discover it Secured Credit Card! It's like a two-in-one deal:

Cash Back Boost:

  • Earn 2% back on gas and restaurants, up to $1,000 each quarter: Treat yourself to tacos and fill up the tank – all while earning sweet cashback! Every little bit counts when you're building credit.

  • Plus, unlimited 1% back on all other purchases: No category restrictions, just straight-up cashback on everything you buy, from groceries to online shopping.

  • And the icing on the cake? Discover matches all your cashback for the first year! Double your rewards, double the fun!

Easy Credit Building:

  • No annual fee: Don't worry about extra charges while you're building your credit history. Focus on swiping smart and watching your score rise.

  • Security deposit equals your credit line: Choose a deposit amount ($200 minimum) that you're comfortable with, and that's your spending limit. Think of it as a training budget.

  • Responsible use gets rewarded: Pay your bills on time and show Discover you're a responsible spender, and they'll start reviewing your account for an upgrade after seven months. Say goodbye to that security deposit and hello to an unsecured card!

Bonus Perks:

  • Free FICO Credit Score: Track your progress every month and see your hard work pay off! Knowing your score is key to managing your credit health.

  • Free credit freeze and alerts: Protect your identity and stay on top of any suspicious activity with Discover's security features. Peace of mind, included!

Remember: This card is all about using it wisely and paying your bills on time. Show Discover you're a credit pro, and you'll be reaping the rewards in no time! Soon, you'll be saying goodbye to secured cards and hello to financial freedom.


Conclusion: Nurturing Your Credit Growth

Building credit can feel like a slow dance with a cautious bank. You inch forward, making responsible choices, and hope they'll notice your financial tango. These beginner cards are like your first gardening tools, helping you nurture that tiny credit seedling into a towering oak of financial freedom.

Each card shines uniquely: Open Sky welcomes you with open arms, no credit check needed, while Credit One Bank Platinum rewards your daily purchases with cash back. First Progress Platinum Elites is your training camp, building your credit muscle with a refundable deposit. Capital One Platinum Secured lets you level up quickly, potentially doubling your credit line in mere months. And Discover it Secured Credit Card sweetens the deal with cashback, letting you earn while you learn.

So, which card suits you best? It's a personal dance, my friend. Choose the one that speaks to your financial goals and spending habits. Share your pick in the comments below, and let's build this credit garden together!

Remember, staying tuned for more financial content and hitting that like and follow button is like giving your credit score a high five. Here's to your flourishing credit future, where high-tier cards and sweet benefits bloom like fragrant roses!

Let's make this financial tango a grand waltz, shall we?

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