Although there’re 100s of credit cards in the US that can help you improve your credit history, most of them have annual fees of up to $95 and don’t have any additional benefit. So that is why I have put together my top 8 best credit cards to boost credit score that cost $0 in annual fees, and you’ll be earning rewards at the same time. These cards are;
Chase Freedom Rise℠
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: None
- Regular APR: 26.99% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: No credit history required
This card is ideal if you are a beginner, it offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee, and a $25 statement credit for enrolling in automatic payments. It also includes benefits like free credit score tracking and a potential credit limit increase after six months of responsible use.
Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa®
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: None
- Regular APR: 0%
- Recommended Credit Score: No credit check required
This card is known for its ease of use and accessibility. It has no minimum deposit requirement and no annual fee, making it a great option for those starting to build credit. Chime’s card does not charge interest and allows for automated payments, ensuring timely payments and ease of management. *** Note that you must be a Chime banking customer to apply.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: None
- Regular APR: 27.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: 300-670 (Bad to Fair)
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands out for its cashback rewards: 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% on all other purchases.
Discover matches all the cash back earned in the first year, making it highly rewarding. It requires a refundable security deposit and offers a clear upgrade path to an unsecured card based on your credit behavior
OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: None
- Regular APR: 22.39% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: No credit check required
OpenSky® Plus does not require a credit check, making it accessible for those with poor credit. It has no annual fee and requires a refundable security deposit. This card reports to all three major credit bureaus, aiding in credit-building efforts without the concern of a hard inquiry impacting your score
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: None
- Regular APR: 14.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: 580-700 (Fair to Good)
This card is geared towards those with fair credit, offering 1.5% cashback on payments. It combines the flexibility of a credit card with personal loan features, providing installment payment options that can help manage larger purchases. It’s a solid choice for earning rewards while rebuilding credit
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: None
- Regular APR: 30.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: Poor to Fair (300-670)
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit while earning rewards. It offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
A refundable $200 security deposit is required, which can be increased for a higher credit line. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping users build a comprehensive credit history.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: None
- Regular APR: 29.24% variable
- Recommended Credit Score: No minimum score required (Secured)
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice for building or rebuilding credit while earning rewards. It offers 3% cash back in a category of your choice (like gas, online shopping, or dining), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases.
There’s no annual fee, and it reports to all three major credit bureaus, aiding in credit building. A refundable security deposit of $200 to $5,000 is required, which sets your credit limit. Responsible use may allow you to transition to an unsecured card. The card also provides free access to your FICO® Score.
Capital One Platinum Mastercard®
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: None
- Regular APR: 30.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: Fair (580-669)
The Capital One Platinum Mastercard® is designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit. It stands out with no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for those on a budget. This card does not require a security deposit, differentiating it from many secured cards aimed at similar customers.
Bottom Line
Choosing the best credit cards to boost credit score can be a game-changer in building or rebuilding your credit history without the burden of annual fees. The eight cards mentioned above offer unique benefits tailored to various needs, from cashback rewards to secured options with no credit checks.
By leveraging these cards responsibly, you can effectively improve your credit history while enjoying added perks.
