Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Best Starter Credit Cards to Build Credit in 2026
July 1, 2025
.avif)
If you're looking to build credit with your first credit card in 2026, this comprehensive guide will help you find the best starter credit card options, including secured credit cards, to fit your spending habits and financial goals. Whether you're a student looking for your first student credit card or a beginner in the world of credit, there's a starter credit card that's right for you.
Best All-Round Credit Builder Card (No Credit Check)
Chime Card™
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3069", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "101", "bestForText": "No Credit Check", "headerHint" : "SECURE YOUR PATH TO BETTER CREDIT" } ]]
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. The secured ChimeCredit Builder Credit Card is issued by The BancorpBank, N.A. or Stride Bank,N.A.
Best for Building Credit and Savings
Secured Self Visa® Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3065", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "101", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint" : "Small Security Deposit Only" } ]]
FTC disclosure: We may receive compensation when you use the links provided.
Secured Self Visa® Credit Card issued by Lead Bank, First Century Bank, N.A., or SouthState Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. See Self.inc for details.
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card requires an active Self Credit Builder Account and qualification based on other eligibility criteria including income & expense requirements. Criteria subject to change.
Kudos can help you unlock more credit card rewards and benefits when you shop online. Kudos is a free browser extension and AI-powered wallet that recommends the best credit cards for each purchase, helping you maximize your rewards, points, and cash back. With Kudos Lessons, you can also learn more about credit cards and personal finance, making it a valuable resource for building your credit.
Best for No Credit Check, High Limit
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1397", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "101", "bestForText": "High Limit", "headerHint" : "SECURED CARD FOR CREDIT REPAIR" } ]]
Best for Cash Back Rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3058", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "101", "bestForText": "Cash Rewards while Credit Building", "headerHint" : "BUILD CREDIT AND EARN REWARDS" } ]]
Best Unsecured Card
Revvi Visa® Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3039", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "101", "bestForText": "Unsecured Card", "headerHint" : "REPAIR AND REWARD YOUR CREDIT" } ]]
Comparing the Best Starter Credit Cards to Build Credit
[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["3069", "3065", "1397"],"bestCategoryIds":["12","56"]} ]]
When comparing top starter credit cards, Chime, Self, and Revvi offer distinct benefits for building credit.
The Chime Card™ is ideal for those looking for a simple, fee-free option with no credit check. It offers flexibility with no annual or foreign transaction fees, and a user-friendly app to help manage your account easily.
The Self Visa® Credit Card stands out for its combination of credit building and savings. It’s perfect if you want to simultaneously grow your credit and set aside money for the future.
The opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a great option for those who want to build credit without a credit check. It does come with an annual fee, but it reports to all three major credit bureaus, which can be helpful for establishing or improving your credit score over time.
Each card brings different advantages, so choosing the right one depends on your credit-building goals and priorities.
Tips for Building Credit with a Starter Credit Card
- Pay on time: Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees and negative impacts on your credit score.
- Keep utilization low: Use less than 30% of your credit limit for better results.
- Use regularly: Make small purchases and pay them off in full each month.
- Monitor your score: Track your progress through free credit monitoring tools.
- Limit applications: Apply for new cards sparingly to avoid hurting your score.
- Keep old cards open: Maintaining older accounts helps improve your credit history.
- Upgrade over time: As your credit improves, explore better cards with more rewards.
Conclusion
Building credit takes time and consistency, but with the right starter card, you can lay a strong foundation. The Chime Card™, Self Visa®, and opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card each offer unique advantages, from no credit check and easy account management to combining savings with credit building or getting a high limit with no credit check.
The key is responsible use—make payments on time, keep your balance low, and monitor your credit regularly. With these habits, you’ll build a solid credit history and unlock more financial opportunities over time.
[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["3069", "3065", "1397"],"bestCategoryIds":["12","56","52"]} ]]
Unlock your extra benefits when you become a Kudos member
Turn your online shopping into even more rewards
Join over 400,000 members simplifying their finances
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
.webp)
.webp)
