Building credit from scratch can feel overwhelming—especially with so many credit cards claiming to help. The truth? Not all beginner cards are created equal. Some are simply easier to get, while others are designed to genuinely improve your score over time.
In this guide, we’ll show you 7 beginner credit cards that are proven to help raise your score, often in as little as six months, and how to choose the one that fits your needs.
Not All Starter Cards Help You Build Credit Fast—Here’s Why
Getting approved for a credit card is only the first step. Many cards for new users offer minimal benefits or fail to report to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), which means your responsible use might not help your score at all.
To truly improve your credit, you need a card that:
- Reports to all three bureaus
- Offers the possibility to graduate to an unsecured card
- Provides tools like score monitoring and reminders
- Has no predatory fees or confusing terms
7 Credit Cards That Can Boost Your Score in Under a Year
| Card Name | Best For | Graduates? | Reports to 3 Bureaus | Annual Fee |
| Discover it® Secured | Reward + growth | Yes, after 7 mo | ✅ | $0 |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | Low deposits | Yes, after 6 mo | ✅ | $0 |
| Chase Freedom Rise | No history + cash back | Yes, after 12 mo | ✅ | $0 |
| Petal 2 Visa | No score needed | Already unsecured | ✅ | $0 |
| OpenSky® Secured | Low barrier to entry | No upgrade | ✅ | $35 |
| Chime Credit Builder | Interest-free + flexible | Not traditional | ✅ | $0 |
| Bank of America® Secured | Bonus category rewards | Yes, 9–12 mo | ✅ | $0 |
Discover it® Secured: Score Growth + Cash Back
- Reports monthly to all three credit bureaus
- 2% cash back at gas stations & restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter)
- Matched cash back in your first year
- Graduates to unsecured after 7 months of responsible use
Capital One Platinum Secured: Low Deposit, Easy Growth
- Approval possible with $49 refundable deposit for $200 credit line
- Automatic credit line review at 6 months
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
Chase Freedom Rise: Great for First-Timers With Chase
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
- Boost approval odds by opening a Chase checking account with a $250 Deposit.
- May qualify for Chase Freedom Unlimited upgrade after 12 months
Petal 2 Visa: No Credit History Required
- Uses banking history and income to approve applicants
- Starts with 1% cash back, increases to 1.5% with on-time payments
- No fees, no deposits, and instant access to your FICO score
OpenSky® Secured Visa: No Credit Check Option
- Doesn’t require a credit check to apply
- Helps users who’ve been denied elsewhere or are rebuilding post-bankruptcy
- $35 annual fee; refundable deposit required
Chime Credit Builder Visa: No Interest or Deposit
- No credit check or security deposit required
- No interest; you set the limit by transferring funds to the account
- Ideal for those who bank with Chime and want structured building
Bank of America® Secured: Choose Your Own Rewards Category
- Choose your bonus rewards category (gas, online shopping, dining, etc.)
- May graduate to unsecured with good behavior in 9–12 months
- Includes access to your free FICO score monthly
When Will You Actually See Your Credit Score Improve?
With responsible use, many users report credit improvements in as little as 3–6 months.
| Month | Typical Impact on Score |
| 1 | Slight dip or no change (new account opened) |
| 3 | +20 to +40 points (assuming on-time payments & low use) |
| 6 | +50 to +80 points |
Factors that help:
- Paying your bill early or on time
- Keeping balances below 30% of your limit (ideally under 10%)
- Not applying for other new credit too often
3 Habits That Actually Raise Your Score
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Pay early and in full
Don’t just wait for the due date—pay as soon as the statement closes to lower reported utilization.
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Keep your utilization low
If your limit is $200, try not to carry more than $20–50 at any time.
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Don’t close the account after graduation
Older accounts help your credit history. Even if you move on to better cards, keep your oldest one open.
FAQ: Beginner Credit Card Questions
What credit card builds credit the fastest for beginners?
Discover it® Secured and Chase Freedom Rise are two top picks for fast credit growth due to frequent reporting and upgrade potential.
Can I build credit without a secured card?
Yes—cards like Petal 2 and Chase Freedom Rise offer unsecured options that don’t require a deposit.
How long until I see results?
Most users see improvements in 3–6 months with responsible use. Results vary based on payment history and utilization.
Ready to Raise Your Score?
Choose the beginner card that fits your lifestyle and goals. Whether you’re starting from zero or rebuilding, there’s a card that can help you get there.
See More HERE
Disclaimer: TheCardsGuy is not a financial advisor. Always review the terms and consult with a credit professional before applying.
