Last updated on September 1st, 2023
People with no credit history find it tough to get credit because lenders aren’t sure how big of a risk extending credit to them will pose. One of the first scenarios in which people without a credit history face difficulty is applying for a credit card. After all, this is the entry point to the world of credit for many. When facing this figurative brick wall, some might turn to secured credit cards as a simple route towards good credit. However, for those who don’t have the money for a deposit, there are still plenty of quality unsecured cards for those with no credit history.
At a Glance
What Does It Mean To Have “No Credit History?”
No credit history is not the same thing as bad credit. Bad credit means that your credit score is damaged, perhaps as low as in the 300s. No credit history, on the other hand, means you have no recent credit history. Having no credit score means you have not borrowed money in any form within the last seven years. Of course, you may also fall into that category if you never had a credit card or loan.
The Best Credit Cards for No Credit That Aren’t Secured Cards
Just because you have no credit history doesn’t mean you can’t get a good unsecured credit card – it just means your options will be smaller. One of the best offers available is the Surge® Platinum Mastercard®.
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
- 29.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
- See Terms* Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Surge Mastercard® from Celtic Bank can be an ideal pre-qualification option if you need to repair or continue building your less-than-perfect credit score. Though it bears annual and maintenance fees, it does, however, provide attractive perks for qualified cardholders – including the potential for a double credit limit increase in as little as six months.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Up to $1,000 credit limit doubles up to $2,000! (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
- All credit types welcome to apply!
- Monthly Credit Score – Sign up for electronic statements, and get your Vantage 3.0 Score Credit Score From Experian
- Initial Credit Limit of $300 – $1,000* (subject to available credit)
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- See if you’re Pre-Qualified without impacting your credit score
- Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
- Online account access 24/7
- Checking Account Required
- Regular Purchase APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Cash Advance APR: See Terms*
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See Terms*
- Annual Fee: See Terms*
- Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms*
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You have fair or poor credit and need to build or repair your credit ratings
- You prefer a pre-qualification card that will immediately inform you whether you would be approved prior to applying
- You want to double your credit line by up to $1,000 by making your first six monthly minimum payments on time
- You don’t want a secured credit card or can’t afford a security deposit
- You want a card that reports activity to the three major credit bureaus
- You want the security of an optional credit protection program
The Surge Mastercard is a versatile unsecured credit card that helps you progress from bad to fair to good credit. The card also features monthly reporting to all the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), so cardholders may be able to build good credit with on-time payments. The major perk of the Surge Card is the ability to double your credit line. Simply make your first six monthly minimum payments on time and Surge will raise your credit limit – doubling your purchasing power.
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Mission Lane is one of those credit card companies that understand how hard it can be to build a positive credit history. That is why its Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card offers all the benefits of other subprime credit cards – without the hidden fees. Unlike some other issuers that only report to one agency, Mission Lane reports to all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. There are no activation fees, no maintenance fees, and where there is an annual fee, the company is upfront and honest.
Additionally, Mission Lane may provide credit limit increases for responsible credit use. Responsible credit use includes best practices like:
| ① Check and review your credit reports | Ⓐ Check your credit reports from all three of the nationwide consumer reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. |
| Ⓑ Check for negative credit information, like potential fraud or ID theft, accounts in collection, or unpaid balances. | |
| ② Pay your bills on time | Ⓐ Automatic payments are a great way to avoid accidentally missing a payment. |
| Ⓑ Splitting monthly payments into two smaller payments can help stretch budgets while ensuring you pay on time. | |
| ③ Keep credit use low | Ⓐ Credit utilization accounts for roughly 30% of your credit score, so aim to keep credit use as low as possible. |
| Ⓑ Consider a balance transfer credit card if your credit use is creeping up and you want to consolidate that debt into one new account, typically at 0% Intro APR. | |
| ④ Limit new applications | Limit any new credit applications to only what is essential (i.e. if applying for a balance transfer credit card). |
| ⑤ Keep old accounts open | Don’t close any old, unused accounts. Closing accounts can lower your average credit utilization. |
Revvi Card
Revvi Card
Revvi Card
- 35.99%* Regular Purchase APR
- 35.99%* Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Revvi is a full-fledged Visa® credit card that can help you improve your credit score with on-time payments and responsible use. The Revvi Card features a quick and easy application and doesn’t require perfect credit. Not only that, but Revvi also offers 1% Cash Back Rewards^^ with on-time payments. The card also features an initial credit line of $300, with the chance of a credit limit increase after year one.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 1% cash back rewards^^ on payments made to your Revvi Credit Card • Perfect credit not required • $300 credit limit (subject to available credit) • Checking account required • Opportunity to request credit limit increase after twelve months, fee applies • *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details • ^^See Revvi Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
- Regular Purchase APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10, or 3% of the amount of the Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $75 1st year, $48 after*
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- You want to improve your credit score by making on-time payments and keeping credit use low
- You want Visa® protections, like Zero Fraud Liability coverage
- You’re seeking manageable monthly payments
- You want to earn 1% Cash Back Rewards^^, on payments made to the card
The Revvi Card is an unsecured Visa® credit card that earns 1% Cash Back Rewards^^ on purchases when paying the card’s minimum balance due every month. Earning 1% cash back while building credit is an excellent feature, making Revvi a solid option for anyone seeking to boost their score and get rewarded at the same time. The Revvi Visa® credit card comes with an initial credit line of $300 (subject to credit approval). While this credit line isn’t exceptional, Revvi does review cardholder accounts as early as 12 months after opening. Suppose your credit score has improved, and Revvi sees an opportunity.
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
- 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit is a credit rebuilder card from Credit One Bank. It earns 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas and grocery purchases, as well as on mobile phone service, internet, cable and satellite TV services purchases (terms apply). The card has a variable annual fee of $75 to $99, depending on the creditworthiness of the applicant.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- See if you Pre-Qualify without harming your credit score
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone service, internet, cable and satellite TV services, terms apply
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Automatic reviews for credit line increase opportunities
- Looking to rebuild credit? We report to the major credit bureaus monthly
- View your free online access to your Experian credit score, terms apply
- This unsecured card requires no deposit and can help build your credit
- Choose your monthly payment due date for added convenience, terms apply
- Never miss an account update with customizable text and email alerts
- Manage your account on-the-go with the Credit One Bank mobile app
- Show off your personality by selecting from a variety of card designs, a fee may apply
- Regular Purchase APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 8% of the amount of each Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $75 for the first year. After that, $99 annually (Billed at $8.25 per month)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Either $1 or 3% of each purchase in U.S. dollars, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39 (terms apply)
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39 (terms apply)
- You’re looking to rebuild your credit with responsible use of a new credit card
- You have been turned down for a credit card by other lenders
- You want to earn a flat-rate 1% cash back rewards on every purchase
The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit is a popular credit-building card from Credit One Bank. Credit One is a sub-prime lender that is making in-roads into the near-Prime credit card market. While the Platinum Card falls into the “bad credit” category, it provides a robust platform for enjoying unsecured credit while working to improve your credit score.
The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit earns a flat-rate 1% cash back rewards on eligible purchases. Cash back rewards are automatically applied as a statement credit each billing period. The card’s annual fee is $75 for the first year. After that, $99 annually (Billed at $8.25 per month)
Who Can Benefit from an Entry-Level Credit Card?
Credit card offers for no credit history, like the ones above, are ideal not only for those who have never borrowed money in the past, but also for college students with little credit card experience. Student cards feature lower credit thresholds, but not all students will qualify. In these instances, students who don’t have the money for a secured card, or a co-signer, can get an entry-level or starter card, such as the Reflex or First Access, and build up their credit.
Related Article: Easiest Credit Cards to Get with Bad Credit
^^See Revvi Rewards Program Terms & Conditions for details.
