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If you're new to credit cards, it can be overwhelming to navigate the different options available. This is especially true if you have a limited credit history or are unsure of what to look for in a credit card.
For beginners, it's essential to start with a credit card that has a low credit limit and a manageable interest rate. According to our research, the Discover it Cash Back credit card has a credit limit as low as $300 and an interest rate of 13.99% - 23.99% (Variable).
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is another option for those with limited credit. It has a credit limit of $300 and an interest rate of 14.49% - 24.49% (Variable).
These credit cards are great options for those who want to build credit without breaking the bank.
Recommended read: Interest Rate on Discover It Card
Easy Credit Cards to Apply For
If you're new to credit or have poor credit, there are still options available to you. Secured credit cards can be a good starting point, requiring a cash deposit in place of a credit limit.
Some secured credit cards offer instant approval, such as the OpenSky Secured Visa, which doesn't require a credit check and allows you to set your credit limit by making a cash deposit of $200 to $3,000.
For students, the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students is a good option, as it doesn't require a Social Security number to apply.
Here are some easy credit cards to apply for:
- OpenSky Secured Visa: No credit check required, instant approval, and a refundable security deposit.
- First Progress Platinum Elite Secured Mastercard: No credit history or minimum credit score required for approval, refundable security deposit.
- Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students: No Social Security number required to apply, instant approval possible.
Instant approval credit cards are also an option, such as the Bilt World Elite Mastercard Credit Card, which allows approved cardholders to receive a digital card instantly through the Bilt app.
Other options include the Fortiva Mastercard Credit Card, which offers high rewards rates and bonus rewards categories, and the AvantCard Credit Card, which doesn't require a security deposit.
The Mission Lane Visa Credit Card is another option, with no security deposit required and a potentially high credit limit.
The Prosper Card is also worth considering, with no security deposit required and a potentially generous credit limit.
It's worth noting that credit card companies focus largely on credit scores when making approval decisions, and secured cards can be a good way to build up a thin credit file.
Bank of America Credit Cards
If you're looking for a reliable credit card to apply for, Bank of America offers some great options. The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is a standout, offering 3 percent cash back in an eligible category of your choice, 2 percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1 percent cash back on other purchases.
The card's rewards program is the same as its unsecured counterpart, making it a great option for those who want to upgrade to an unsecured card in the future. By managing your card responsibly, you may qualify for an upgrade to the unsecured version of the card, which comes with more perks.
Bank of America also offers the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card, which allows you to earn an unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases. This card is ideal for those who spend evenly across several rewards categories or don't want to track spending caps and bonus categories.
Take a look at this: Bank of America Credit Card Credit Score
Here are some key features of Bank of America's secured credit cards:
- The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card offers 3 percent cash back in an eligible category of your choice, 2 percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1 percent cash back on other purchases.
- The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card offers an unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases.
- Both cards offer flexible rewards redemption options, free FICO credit score access, and credit education tools.
Overall, Bank of America's secured credit cards are a great option for those looking to build credit or earn rewards on their purchases.
Discover Credit Cards
The Discover Credit Cards are a great option for those looking for easy credit cards to apply for. They offer a range of benefits that make them a good choice for students and individuals with limited credit history.
The Discover it Student Chrome card offers 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined spending quarterly, then 1 percent, making it a good choice for students who make frequent purchases at gas stations and restaurants. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.
One of the standout features of the Discover it Student Chrome card is its intro APR on purchases for six months, followed by a 17.24% – 26.24% Variable APR. This can be a big help for students who need to make purchases but don't have a steady income.
Consider reading: Traveling Credit Cards for Students
Another great option is the Discover it Secured Credit Card, which has no annual or monthly fees and no fees for account opening. It also offers up to 2% cash back and doubles your first-year rewards, making it a great choice for those looking to build credit.
The Discover it Secured Credit Card also has a relatively low minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible to those with limited funds. Overall, the Discover Credit Cards are a great option for those looking for easy credit cards to apply for and build their credit.
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American Express Credit Cards
American Express Credit Cards are a popular choice for many, offering a range of benefits and rewards.
Their credit cards have no foreign transaction fees, making them a great option for international travel.
You can earn rewards like cash back, points, or travel miles with American Express credit cards.
Their credit cards often come with introductory APR offers, which can be a big help for those making large purchases.
American Express has a range of credit cards to choose from, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs.
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Blue Everyday from American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a great option for everyday spending.
Pre-qualification for this card is available only by going through the pre-qualification page on the American Express website.
This card is perfect for those who want to earn rewards on their regular purchases.
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Venture
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those who want travel rewards without the hassle. It earns 2 miles per $1 spent on everyday purchases.
You can earn a sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. This is a pretty enticing offer.
A virtual card number is accessible through the Capital One app once your application is approved. This can be used instantly for online shopping.
The virtual card number can still be used for extra security in scenarios where you don’t want to provide your physical card details to the vendor. This is especially useful for online shopping.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers a flat-rate travel rewards program, making it easy to earn and redeem miles.
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Chase Credit Cards
If you're looking for a credit card with travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option. It offers a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Chase is a well-established bank with a wide range of credit cards to choose from. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of their most popular options, and for good reason.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points, which can be redeemed for travel or other rewards. This card also offers a 25% points bonus when redeemed for travel, making it an even more attractive option for travelers.
Chase credit cards are widely accepted and offer a range of benefits, including travel insurance and purchase protection. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great choice for those who want to earn travel rewards without breaking the bank.
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Other Credit Cards
If you're looking for credit cards that offer instant access, you're in luck. Many popular co-branded credit cards offer instant credit access, and here are some notable examples:
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The Apple Card, issued by Goldman Sachs, can be used immediately through Apple Pay after approval. You can also add the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card to a digital wallet for immediate use upon approval.
The Amazon Prime Visa card can be accessed from your Amazon account and used to make Amazon purchases, although you'll have to wait for the physical card to show up to use it at other retailers. The Digital First Card, from Deserve, lets those who are approved use the card instantly through Apple Pay.
Cardless, a credit card provider that partners with various pro sports franchises, has a mobile app that allows for instant access to a virtual card number upon approval. The HMBradley credit card, issued by Hatch Bank, lets you add your card to your Apple Wallet, Samsung Pay or Google Wallet instantly upon approval.
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard, issued by Synchrony Bank, can be used right away for purchases processed through PayPal. The Venmo Credit Card, issued by Synchrony Bank, can be used instantly upon approval, and the card lives within the Venmo app and can be added to some digital wallets (with the exception of Apple Pay).
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Credit Card Features
The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card offers a preapproval process that looks beyond traditional FICO scores, considering income, savings, and spending to determine creditworthiness.
This makes it easier for those new to credit to qualify, providing a more accessible entry point for building credit history.
Some credit cards even have $0 annual fees, eliminating an additional expense to consider when applying.
Fixed Monthly Payments
Fixed monthly payments can make budgeting a lot easier, especially if you don't pay off your monthly bill in full. This feature is offered by the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa, which combines a credit card and a personal loan.
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa charges a fixed interest rate on any balance remaining, so you'll know exactly how much you owe each month. This transparency is a big plus when it comes to managing your finances.
The potential credit limit is visible during the preapproval process, giving you a clear idea of how much you can spend. This visibility is not typically offered in a standard application process.
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa reports to the three major credit bureaus, which can help you build credit over time.
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Flat-Rate Travel
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is designed for people who want travel rewards that are easy to earn and nearly effortless to redeem.
You can earn 2 miles per $1 spent on everyday purchases, which is a great rate for a flat-rate travel rewards card. Miles are worth 1 cent each and can be used to book travel through Capital One, redeemed as a statement credit against travel purchases, or transferred to multiple partner airline and hotel programs.
To get started, new cardholders will receive a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
With a virtual card number accessible through the Capital One app, you can use it instantly for online shopping.
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Filter
Filtering your options can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to credit. The OpenSky Secured Visa is a no credit check card that's also a secured credit card, requiring a cash deposit of $200 to $3,000.
You can also consider the First Progress Platinum Elite Secured Mastercard, which requires no credit history or minimum credit score for approval. This card is accepted nationwide and has a refundable security deposit.
For international students, the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students might be a good option, as it doesn't require a Social Security number to apply.
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Credit Card Approval
Credit card approval can be a bit of a mystery, but it's actually quite straightforward once you know the basics. Most companies take a week or two to approve a credit card application, during which time they'll check your borrowing history to determine if you're creditworthy.
Your credit score is a major factor in getting approved, and a FICO credit score of 750 or higher will get you approved for almost any credit card on the market. If you have a fair credit score of 620 or higher, you may still get approved with some cards, but you may face higher interest rates or a lower credit limit.
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Credit card issuers also consider your income, employment, and monthly payments when deciding whether to approve you. They may even perform a hard inquiry of your credit report to learn more about your credit history. This can trim a few points off your credit score.
Here are some unsecured credit cards that may be easier to get approved for, even with fair or bad credit:
- Credit One Bank Platinum Visa: This card offers cash-back with no security deposit required, but does have an annual fee.
- Total Visa: This card is designed for people who don't have perfect credit and reports to all three credit bureaus to help build a better credit history.
- Petal 2 Visa: This card offers higher credit limits with no fees and allows you to build or rebuild credit with no deposit required.
What Is Needed to Get Approved?
To get approved for a credit card, you'll need to meet certain requirements. A FICO credit score of 750 or higher will get you approved for almost any credit card on the market.
Credit card issuers consider several factors when evaluating your application, including your credit score, income, employment, and monthly rent or mortgage payment. These factors give card issuers an idea of your ability and likelihood to pay back what you spend with a credit card.
Having a good credit score can make a big difference in getting approved for a credit card. A "fair" credit score of 620 or higher may also get you approved with some cards, but you may face higher interest rates or a lower credit limit.
Here are some credit cards that are available to people with no credit or a thin credit file:
- Student credit cards
- Starter credit cards
- Secured credit cards
If you have poor credit or no credit, consider these unsecured card options:
- Credit One Bank Platinum Visa
- Total Visa
- Petal 2 Visa
These cards may have some requirements, such as an annual fee or a program fee for opening an account, but they can help you build or rebuild credit.
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Approval Time
Approval Time can vary significantly depending on the credit card company. Some may approve you instantly, but most take a week or two.
This timeframe allows the credit card company to check your borrowing history to determine if you're creditworthy. They'll assess your creditworthiness to decide whether to approve your application.
You can expect the approval process to take at least a week, and sometimes up to two weeks.
Credit Card Comparison
Credit card comparison is a must when looking for easy credit cards to apply for. There are several options available, but some stand out for their favorable terms.
If you're looking for a card with no annual fee, consider the Discover it Secured Credit Card or the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. Both have a $0 annual fee and are designed for people with bad credit.
The OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card is another option with no annual fee, but it does come with a $35 annual fee. This card is also designed for people with bad credit and does not require a credit check for approval.
If you're willing to pay a small annual fee, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card offers a $0 annual fee, but requires a $200 security deposit.
Here's a breakdown of some of the cards mentioned:
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is another option with a $0 annual fee, but requires a security deposit of $49, $99, or $200, depending on your creditworthiness. This card is also designed for people with no credit history.
Major Issuers and Policies
Some major issuers of easy credit cards to apply for include Chase, Capital One, and Bank of America. They offer a range of cards with different benefits and requirements.
Chase offers the Chase Freedom Unlimited card with a 0% intro APR for 15 months and no annual fee. This card also offers 3% cash back on all purchases in your first year up to $20,000 spent.
Capital One offers the Capital One Quicksilver card with a one-time $150 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months and a 0% intro APR for 15 months. This card also offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Bank of America offers the Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card with a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days and a 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles. This card also offers 3% cash back on gas and 2% cash back on groceries.
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Credit Card Options
If you're looking for credit cards with instant access, there are several options to consider. The Apple Card, issued by Goldman Sachs, can be used immediately through Apple Pay after approval.
Some credit cards offer instant access to a virtual card number or can be added to a digital wallet for immediate use. For example, the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card can be added to a digital wallet for instant use upon approval.
If you're looking for a credit card that offers instant rewards, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card has a limited-time offer: earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Here are some notable credit cards that offer instant access:
- The Apple Card, issued by Goldman Sachs
- The SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card
- The Digital First Card, from Deserve
- The HMBradley credit card, issued by Hatch Bank
- The PayPal Cashback Mastercard®, issued by Synchrony Bank
- The Venmo Credit Card, issued by Synchrony Bank
Options for No/Thin Credit
If you have no credit or thin credit, it can be tough to get approved for a credit card. You're essentially invisible to credit card companies, making it hard to get a foot in the door.
One option is to consider a starter card or secured credit card. These types of cards are designed for people with no credit or thin credit.
The OpenSky Secured Visa is a no credit check card that's also a secured credit card. You can set your credit limit by making a cash deposit of $200 to $3,000.
The First Progress Platinum Elite Secured Mastercard requires no credit history or minimum credit score for approval. Your security deposit is refundable, and the card is accepted nationwide.
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students is another option that doesn't require a Social Security number to apply, making it a good choice for international students.
Here are some cards you might qualify for:
- OpenSky Secured Visa: A no credit check card with a cash deposit requirement.
- First Progress Platinum Elite Secured Mastercard: No credit history or minimum credit score required for approval.
- Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students: No Social Security number required for application.
Find What's Right for You
Finding the right credit card can be overwhelming, but it's worth the effort. You want a card that fits your needs, whether it's paying less interest or earning more rewards.
If you're looking for instant credit access, consider cards like the Apple Card or the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card, which can be added to a digital wallet for immediate use upon approval.
Some cards offer unique benefits, like the Amazon Prime Visa card, which allows you to access it from your Amazon account and use it to make Amazon purchases. However, you'll have to wait for the physical card to show up to use it at other retailers.
If you're looking for flexibility, the Venmo Credit Card or the PayPal Cashback Mastercard can be used instantly upon approval for purchases processed through PayPal or within the Venmo app.
To find the right card for you, consider your needs and preferences. Ask yourself questions like: Do you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards? Do you want to use your card for everyday purchases or travel rewards?
Here are some popular credit cards that offer instant rewards or benefits:
- Apple Card: Earn rewards and use it through Apple Pay
- SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card: Earn 2% cashback on all purchases and add it to a digital wallet
- Amazon Prime Visa card: Use it to make Amazon purchases and earn rewards
- Venmo Credit Card: Use it instantly upon approval for purchases through Venmo
- PayPal Cashback Mastercard: Use it instantly upon approval for purchases through PayPal
By considering your needs and preferences, you can find the right credit card for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a credit card that approves everyone?
There is no credit card that approves everyone, but OpenSky offers approval to most applicants without a credit check. However, approved applicants still receive the same APR and credit limit range.
What credit card has $5000 limit with bad credit?
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card offers a $5,000 credit limit with nearly guaranteed approval, even for applicants with bad credit. A refundable security deposit of up to $5,000 can secure your credit limit.
Can I get a credit card with a 550 credit score?
Getting a credit card with a 550 credit score is challenging, but you may qualify for secured credit cards or cards with higher interest rates and lower limits
Sources
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/building-credit/easiest-credit-cards/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/instant-credit-card-numbers
- https://www.investopedia.com/what-is-the-easiest-credit-card-to-get-approved-for-5077189
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/credit-cards-that-offer-preapproval-without-a-hard-pull
- https://wallethub.com/credit-cards/instant-approval/
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