Best Credit Cards for Building Credit (2025 Guide for UK, USA & Canada)

Building credit can feel like a chicken-and-egg problem—you need credit to get credit. But don’t worry! Whether you’re new to credit, rebuilding, or just starting out, the right card can help you boost your score fast.

At Wealthy Swipe, we’ve tested and researched the best credit cards for building credit in the UK, USA, and Canada. From secured cards to student-friendly options, we’ll break down the top picks to help you establish, rebuild, or strengthen your credit profile.

Why You Need a Credit-Building Card

Before we dive into the best cards, let’s talk about why you need one:

✅ Establish Credit History – No credit? A starter card reports to bureaus, helping you build a score.
✅ Improve a Low Score – Responsible use can boost a damaged credit profile.
✅ Qualify for Better Loans – A strong credit score means lower mortgage & auto loan rates.
✅ Access Higher Limits & Rewards – Good credit unlocks premium cards with perks.

Now, let’s explore the best credit-building cards in 2024.

Best Credit Cards for Building Credit in the USA

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Best for: Fast credit growth with cashback

• Type: Secured (requires a refundable deposit).

• Credit Limit: $200-$2,500 (based on deposit).

• Rewards: 2% cashback at gas stations & restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), 1% elsewhere.

• Bonus: Discover matches ALL cashback earned in the first year (yes, free money!).

• APR: 28.24% Variable.

• Annual Fee: $0.

• Credit Requirement: No credit needed.

🔗 Apply Here

2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best for: Low deposit requirement

• Type: Secured (deposit can be as low as $49fora$200 limit).

• Credit Limit: $200-$1,000 (flexible deposit options).

• Rewards: None, but great for rebuilding credit.

• APR: 30.74% Variable.

• Annual Fee: $0.

• Credit Requirement: Poor/Bad credit.

🔗 Apply Here

3. Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card

Best for: No credit history needed (uses cash flow underwriting)

• Type: Unsecured (no deposit required).

• Credit Limit: $300-$10,000.

• Rewards: 1-1.5% cashback (increases with on-time payments).

• APR: 19.24% – 29.99% Variable.

• Annual Fee: $0.

• Credit Requirement: No credit score needed.

🔗 Apply Here

Best Credit Cards for Building Credit in the UK

1. Aqua Classic Credit Card

Best for: Poor credit scores

• Type: Unsecured (no deposit).

• Credit Limit: £250-£1,200 (starts low, can increase).

• APR: 34.9% (high, but good for rebuilding).

• Annual Fee: £0.

• Perk: Reports to all major UK credit bureaus.

🔗 Apply Here

2. Capital One Classic Credit Card

Best for: Gradual credit limit increases

• Type: Unsecured.

• Credit Limit: Starts at £200 (can grow over time).

• APR: 34.9% Variable.

• Annual Fee: £0.

• Best For: Those with fair/poor credit.

🔗 Apply Here

3. Vanquis Credit Card

Best for: Very low credit scores

• Type: Unsecured.

• Credit Limit: £150-£1,000 (increases with good use).

• APR: 39.9% (high, but accessible).

• Annual Fee: £0.

• Perk: Helps rebuild credit quickly.

🔗 Apply Here

Best Credit Cards for Building Credit in Canada

1. Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard

Best for: No credit check required

• Type: Secured (deposit = credit limit).

• Credit Limit: $75-$300 (low entry point).

• APR: 19.8%.

• Annual Fee: $59.

• Best For: Rebuilding bad credit.

🔗 Apply Here

2. Refresh Financial Secured Visa

Best for: Fast credit building

• Type: Secured (deposit required).

• Credit Limit: $200-$10,000.

• APR: 17.99%.

• Annual Fee: $12.95/month (refundable if you qualify for unsecured later).

• Perk: Reports to both Equifax & TransUnion.

🔗 Apply Here

3. Home Trust Secured Visa

Best for: No credit check & flexible deposit

• Type: Secured.

• Credit Limit: $500-$10,000 (based on deposit).

• APR: 19.99%.

• Annual Fee: $0.

• Best For: Newcomers or those with no credit.

🔗 Apply Here

How to Build Credit Fast with Your Card

1. Pay On Time, Every Time – Late payments hurt your score. Set up autopay!

2. Keep Utilization Below 30% – Using less than 30% of your limit helps your score.

3. Avoid Closing Old Accounts – Longer credit history = better score.

4. Monitor Your Credit Report – Check for errors with Experian (USA), Equifax (UK), or TransUnion (Canada).

Final Thoughts

The best credit card for building credit depends on your location and situation:

• USA: Discover it® Secured (best rewards) or Petal 2 Visa (no deposit).

• UK: Aqua Classic (poor credit) or Capital One Classic (gradual limit increases).

• Canada: Capital One Guaranteed Secured (accessible) or Home Trust Secured Visa (no credit check).

Pro Tip: Start small, pay on time, and watch your credit score rise!

Got questions? Drop them below! For more credit & money tips, follow Wealthy Swipe