Easiest Credit Cards To Get 2024 (2024)

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

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

Easiest Credit Cards To Get 2024 (1)

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Annual fees

annual_fees

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

Easiest Credit Cards To Get 2024 (2)

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

Easiest Credit Cards To Get 2024 (3)

Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

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Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Annual fees

annual_fees

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

Easiest Credit Cards To Get 2024 (4)

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Learn More

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Annual fees

annual_fees

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

Easiest Credit Cards To Get 2024 (5)

Easiest Credit Cards To Get 2024 (6)

Target REDcard™ Credit Card

Target REDcard™ Credit Card

Credit score needed

Good, Excellent

Regular APR

29.95% Variable

Annual fees

$0

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

Easiest Credit Cards To Get 2024 (7)

Easiest Credit Cards To Get 2024 (8)

Brex Card

Brex Card

Credit score needed

No credit check. Brex uses company financial data instead

Regular APR

N/A Charge card does not allow cardholders to carry a balance

Annual fees

Starting at $0 per month per user

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 nameAnnual feesCredit 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 circ*mstances.

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.

Easiest Credit Cards To Get 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What credit card is the easiest to get approved for? ›

NerdWallet's Easiest Credit Cards to Get of June 2024
  • OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for No credit check and no bank account required.
  • Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card: Best for No credit check + flexibility and guardrails.
  • Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card: Best for Unsecured card for bad credit.
5 days ago

Which credit card can I get easily? ›

Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

To get an Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card, apply on the Amazon app. It is very easy to get for the beginners. There is no joining fee or annual fee to pay. It is cost-effective.

What is the easiest unsecured credit card to get approved for? ›

Some of the easiest unsecured cards to get approved for are the Indigo® Mastercard®, Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card and Milestone® Mastercard®. While these cards are geared toward people with bad credit and have easy approval odds, they tend to charge high fees and interest, which can make building credit costly.

What is the easiest store card to get approved for? ›

Best Instant Approval Store Cards
  • Prime Visa. [ jump to details ] ...
  • Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® * [ jump to details ] ...
  • Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi * [ jump to details ] ...
  • Gap Good Rewards Credit Card * [ jump to details ] ...
  • Key Rewards Visa * [ jump to details ]
May 24, 2024

Which Bank approves a credit card easily? ›

The Citi Double Cash Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards with no annual fee. Normally, you'd need a good to excellent credit score to be approved for the top credit cards, but you can get the Citi Double Cash Card with fair or average credit.

Which credit card has no credit check guaranteed approval? ›

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card has a very high approval rate, with no credit check or bank account required to open. Cardholders with on-time payments will see a credit line increase automatically in as little as six months, and then potentially every three months thereafter.

What is instant approval credit card? ›

Instant approval credit cards are the norm these days. Major credit card issuers like American Express, Chase, Citi and more can give you a "yes" or "no" within seconds of receiving your online application and reviewing the data you included, like your Social Security number, income and contact information.

Which bank gives credit cards without income proof? ›

Banks That Provide Credit Cards Without Proof Of Income

State Bank of India. Bank of Baroda. Kotak Mahindra Bank. Axis Bank.

What is the #1 credit card to have? ›

The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card in 2024 gives about 1% back. Cardholders can also earn an initial bonus of $200 cash rewards after spending $500...

How do I get a credit card if no one will approve me? ›

Credit invisibility can make things like getting approved for a credit card or a loan more difficult or costly. It's possible to get a credit card with no credit. You might consider applying for a secured credit card, student credit card or retail store credit card to help establish and build your credit.

What credit card has a $2000 limit for bad credit? ›

First Latitude Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

Past credit issues shouldn't prevent you from getting a credit card with great benefits & rewards! Choose your own fully-refundable credit line – $200 to $2000 – based on your security deposit.

What credit card has a $5000 limit with bad credit? ›

The best credit card with a $5,000 limit for bad credit is Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card. You can make a deposit from $200 up to $5,000 on the Bank of America Travel Secured Card, making your credit limit equal to that amount. The card also offers 1.5 point per $1 spent and has a $0 annual fee.

What is the easiest credit card to get right now? ›

More Information on the Easiest Credit Cards To Get
  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card. [ jump to details ] ...
  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card * [ jump to details ] ...
  • Navy FCU nRewards® Secured Credit Card * [ jump to details ] ...
  • Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card * [ jump to details ]
5 days ago

What is the easiest US bank credit card to get approved for? ›

One of the easiest U.S. Bank credit cards you can get is the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card. This card is available to applicants with bad credit, has a $0 annual fee and requires a minimum deposit of $300 to open the account. The deposit will serve as your credit limit.

Which card is easier to get? ›

The OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is the easiest credit card to get approved for with bad credit because there's no credit check for new applicants. In addition to being easy to get, the OpenSky Plus Card has a $0 annual fee and reports to the major credit bureaus, making it easy to save money...

What credit cards approve you fast? ›

Best Credit Cards With Instant Approval
  • Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best No Annual Fee Card.
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Lounge Access.
  • American Express® Gold Card: Best for Dining.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Flights.
  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Groceries.
5 days ago

What type of credit card will you have an easier time getting? ›

Easiest cards to get comparison chart
Card nameAnnual fees
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card$0
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card$0
Target REDcard™ Credit Card$0
Brex CardStarting at $0 per month per user
2 more rows
Mar 12, 2024

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