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Responsible credit card use can build your credit score while setting solid financial habits. However, many consumers and small businesses are locked out of the best credit cards because of low credit scores or a lack of credit history. The easiest credit cards to get in December 2023 can grow your credit score while earning rewards on everyday purchases and providing valuable benefits you can use today.
Easiest credit cards to get: Summary
- Best for fair credit: card_name
- Best for students: card_name
- Best secured card: card_name
- Best for bad credit: card_name
- Best for retail stores: Target REDcard™ Credit Card
- Best for business owners: Brex Card
Our recommendations
While there are countless credit card options available, most of them do not target people who are working to build their credit. These are the easiest credit cards to get in 2024 so you can start building your credit history and qualify for lower interest rates, better loan terms, and more rewarding credit cards in the future.
Best for fair credit: card_name
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewards rate: The card_name offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
Why we like it: The card_name offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. With responsible use of the card, Capital One starts automatically reviewing your account in as little as six months for a possible credit limit increase. A higher credit limit can help your credit score by lowering your credit utilization ratio, which makes up 30% of your score. This card also includes unlimited access to your credit score for free through CreditWise.
While the card has a annual_fees annual fee, the cash-back rewards on everyday purchases can offset that cost and grow your bank balance. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, so you can use it outside the U.S. without incurring additional fees. New cardholders also receive up to six months of Uber One membership for free through November 14, 2024.
Best for students: Chase Freedom Rise
Chase Freedom® Rise™
Chase Freedom® Rise™
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewards rate: The Chase Freedom Rise card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back so you can start building credit while earning rewards on purchases.
Why we like it: Students need to build credit as they prepare for their careers when they graduate. Using one of the best cards for students is a good way to build good financial habits. If you're worried about getting approved, having a Chase checking account with at least a $250 balance increases your approval chances.
Other than its unlimited cash back rewards, the card also offers a one-time $25 statement credit when you enroll in automatic payments. This is an excellent strategy to avoid late fees and missed payments because your payment history is 35% of your credit score. After you've had the card for at least six months, you may qualify for a credit limit increase based on your card usage and payments.
Best secured card: card_name
Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Why we like it: card_name is a secured credit card that acts differently from traditional secured cards. Cardholders deposit money into their Chime checking account and then transfer money over to their Chime Credit Builder account. There is no preset spending limit, and Chime doesn't report credit limits to the credit bureaus. However, you can only spend up to your available balance. While most secured credit cards do not allow access to your security deposit, Chime allows cardholders to use their deposit to pay off their balance.
RELATED: Best Checking Accounts
Chime does report your activity to the three major credit bureaus to help you build credit without charging annual fees or interest charges. To qualify, you must have a Chime checking account and direct deposits of at least $200. The bank does not check credit scores when you apply, so trying to open an account will not affect your score.
Best for bad credit: card_name
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewards rate: The card_name is an excellent choice for people with bad credit because it has no annual fee and earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
RELATED: Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Why we like it: When you have bad credit, many card issuers require a security deposit to open a credit card. To open your account, you'll start out with a minimum security deposit of $200. Initially, your credit limit equals the security deposit you provide. With responsible use of the card, Capital One conducts automatic credit line reviews to increase your limit and may convert you to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
Best for retail stores: Target REDcard™ Credit Card
Target REDcard™ Credit Card
Target REDcard™ Credit Card
Welcome offer: N/A
Rewards rate: In addition to the 5% discount at Target, it earns 2% back on dining and gas purchases and 1% everywhere else.
Why we like it: Target is one of the easiest retailers to get a card from because it offers three versions—a credit card, a debit card, and a reloadable card. All three options offer valuable rewards and benefits, including 5% off purchases online and in-store, no annual fees, an extended return window, free two-day shipping and more. The Target RedCard Mastercard, its credit card, is the ideal choice for consumers because it can be used at any store.
If you're unable to qualify for the Target RedCard Mastercard (you need good to excellent credit), you can open a RedCard debit card or reloadable card instead.As noted, both offer the same benefits as the Mastercard, except for rewards on purchases outside of Target.
Best for business owners: Brex Card
Brex Card
Brex Card
Welcome offer: N/A
Rewards rate: It earns up to 7x points on your spending, which can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, and more. You'll earn 7x on rideshares, 4x on Brex Travel, 3x on dining, 2x on recurring software, and 1x on everything else.
Why we like it: The Brex Card is an ideal business credit card for entrepreneurs, startups, mid-size companies and enterprise-level businesses. Instead of relying on your personal credit score for approval, Brex sets credit limits that are 10x to 20x higher based on your business finances, such as revenue or dollars raised from investors. Unlike most small business credit cards, Brex does not require a personal guarantee. Plus, the card offers unparalleled features that track spending on travel, procurement, and more with automated compliance, custom limits and controls, and real-time expense tracking.
Easiest cards to get comparison chart
| Card name | Annual fees | Credit score needed |
|---|---|---|
card_name | annual_fees | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | credit_score_needed |
card_name | annual_fees | credit_score_needed |
Target REDcard™ Credit Card | $0 | Good, Excellent |
Brex Card | Starting at $0 per month per user | No credit check. Brex uses company financial data instead |
Our methodology
When selecting the easiest credit cards to get in December 2023, we focused on cards that offered the highest value for each type of customer on our list. The criteria included the following factors:
- Credit score requirements.
- Security deposit amount.
- Welcome bonus.
- Earning power.
- Annual fees.
- Credit card benefits.
- Standard purchase APR.
For each type of customer, we weighed the factors identified above to find the best credit card based on their needs. While these credit cards for building credit are the best according to our criteria, others may be a better fit based on your individual circumstances.
TIME Stamp: Gain access to credit and build it at the same time
When you have bad credit or a limited credit history, getting approved for a credit card can be a challenge. By focusing your attention on the easiest credit cards to get, you'll improve your approval odds to gain access to credit. This list contains numerous credit cards that meet the needs of different types of consumers and business owners. While each of these cards can help build your credit, some also offer lucrative rewards, popular benefits, and unique features.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to approve a credit card?
When applying online, many banks and card issuers offer instant credit decisions. Applicants can get instant approval and know what their credit limit is within seconds of submitting an application. However, not all customers qualify for an online decision. In that case, Federal law requires the card issuer to notify you of its decision within 30 days. Typically, you'll get a letter in the mail within seven to 10 business days.
What credit score do I need to get approved for a credit card?
The credit score required for approval depends on the card you're applying for. Luckily, banks and card issuers offer different credit cards for all types of credit scores. Some card issuers even offer credit cards for people with bad credit or a limited credit history. However, cards with the best rewards and benefits are typically reserved for people with excellent credit.
What are instant approval credit cards?
Instant approval credit cards inform applicants of the bank's decision immediately after submitting an application. While these cards offer an instant decision on your application, most do not allow you to start using your card right away. In most cases, you'll need to wait for the physical card to arrive seven to 10 days later. Credit cards with instant access allow cardholders to start using the card digitally as soon as it is approved.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.