Credit cards

Best Credit Cards to Build Credit

Building credit is about consistency, not rewards: a low-cost card you pay in full every month does the job. We compare an unsecured and a secured option from Capital One.

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Compared on published terms — verify the current APR, fees and bonus at the issuer.

Capital OneBuild credit
Capital One Platinum
No rewards (designed to build credit)
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
—
See card
Terms change — verify at the issuer.
Capital OneBuild credit
Capital One Quicksilver Secured
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
—
See card
Terms change — verify at the issuer.

This is independent, informational content and not financial advice. If you are building or rebuilding credit, the single most important habit is to pay your statement balance in full every month so you never pay interest, because cards in this category carry high regular APRs.

We focus on cards with no or low fees and, for secured cards, a refundable deposit. We do not push fee-heavy products. Card terms change, so verify all current details with the issuer before applying.

Secured vs unsecured: what's the difference?

An unsecured card requires no deposit; the issuer extends credit based on your profile. A secured card requires a refundable security deposit that typically sets your credit limit, which lowers the issuer's risk and can make approval easier if your credit is thin or damaged.

The key point for a secured card is that the deposit is refundable: you get it back when you close the account in good standing or graduate to an unsecured card. Both types can help build credit if they report to the credit bureaus and you pay on time and in full. Confirm deposit and reporting details at the issuer.

Capital One Platinum (unsecured)

The Capital One Platinum is an unsecured card aimed at fair credit (roughly 580–669 FICO). It has a $0 annual fee, no security deposit, and no rewards, and it reports to all three major credit bureaus, which is what helps build your history.

The trade-off is a high regular APR of around 28.99% variable, so carrying a balance is expensive. Because there are no rewards to chase, the right way to use this card is for small, planned purchases you pay off in full every month. Verify the current APR, fee, and approval criteria with Capital One.

Capital One Quicksilver Secured (secured)

The Quicksilver Secured requires a refundable deposit (around a $200 minimum) and has a $0 annual fee. Unusually for a secured card, it earns 1.5% cash back, and Capital One reviews accounts around 6 to 12 months for a possible upgrade to an unsecured card and return of your deposit.

If you cannot qualify for an unsecured card, this is a low-cost way in, and the refundable deposit means the money is yours back when you graduate or close in good standing. Still, treat the 1.5% as a small bonus, not a reason to overspend. Pay in full and verify the deposit, fee, and upgrade path at Capital One.

How to use either card and a note on Discover

Whichever you choose, the playbook is the same: keep your balance low relative to your limit, pay the full statement balance every month, and never miss a due date. That builds positive history without paying the high APR that comes with these cards.

Note: the Discover it Secured, often recommended in this category, closed to new applicants in June 2026, so it is no longer an option for new accounts. We are an independent site and may earn a commission if you apply through our links, but rankings reflect fit and published terms, not payouts. Confirm everything at the issuer.

Estimate your rewards: cash back calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Is a secured or unsecured card better for building credit?: Both can work; the better choice depends on your approval odds. If you can qualify for the unsecured Capital One Platinum, you avoid tying up a deposit. If your credit is too thin or damaged, the Quicksilver Secured requires a refundable deposit (around $200 minimum) and is often easier to get. Both report to the bureaus, which is what builds credit. The deciding factor is what you can be approved for and your comfort with a deposit. Verify approval criteria at Capital One. This is not financial advice.
Why is paying in full so important on these cards?: Because their regular APRs are high. The Capital One Platinum's regular APR is around 28.99% variable, so any balance you carry accrues costly interest fast. Paying your full statement balance every month means you pay no interest at all while still building a positive payment history, which is the whole point of these cards. Carrying a balance does not improve your credit and can quickly become expensive. Always confirm the current APR with the issuer.
Will I get my security deposit back?: With the Capital One Quicksilver Secured, the deposit is refundable. You typically get it back when you close the account in good standing or when the issuer upgrades you to an unsecured card, which Capital One reviews for around 6 to 12 months in. The deposit, often around a $200 minimum, generally sets your credit limit while the account is open. Confirm the exact deposit amount, refund conditions, and upgrade timeline directly with Capital One before applying.