8 Best Credit Cards With No Credit Check [2024 Guide]

When applying for new credit cards, it's normal to feel wary of hard credit checks that might ding your credit score. Or perhaps you're in the same boat as those who have a less-than-stellar credit history and fear rejection from credit card issuers. But there's good news: there are credit card options out there designed with you in mind.

Types of Credit Cards (That Don't Require a Credit Check)

Let's quickly define each type and how they function:

Unsecured Credit Cards

For starters, there are unsecured credit cards that will extend a real line of credit (debt) to you. These types will always run a hard credit check. While these can be great travel or spending companions, you will need to practice financial responsibility because you will be free to use high credit limits. These cards will apply APR to your outstanding balances. This can translate to higher interest payments for you, especially if you fail to pay in full on time each month.

Secured Credit Cards

On the flip side, secured credit cards present a safer avenue for building or rebuilding your credit history. These cards require a deposit upfront, which typically sets your credit limit. This deposit acts as a safety net for the issuer but also helps you from taking on credit card debt. You still need to pay off your monthly balance to remain in good standing, but it should be a win-win, especially if you set up auto-pay.

Credit Cards For Students With No Credit History

For individuals new to the credit scene, such as students or those without a credit history, there are specific cards designed for you. While these will usually involve a hard credit check, don't let that deter you. Having no credit history doesn't automatically disqualify you; many issuers understand that everyone has to start somewhere.

Credit Builder Apps

Most of all, we highly recommend using apps that allow you to monitor your credit score for free. It gives you a clearer picture of what types of credit cards you're more likely to be approved for. And if there's a particular card you've been eyeing but fear rejection, consider starting with tools designed to build credit, such as debit or credit cards from services like Current.

These apps often come with secured credit cards or debit cards that build credit, which you can use to make purchases. By consistently making positive payment contributions, your good financial habits get reported to the major credit bureaus in the USA, potentially boosting your score.

When you find yourself in a stronger position after using these services, apply for that travel, cash back, or rewards credit card on your wish list!

1 — Current Visa® Build Card

The Current Visa Build Card is a secured card that lets you set money aside in a Reserve Balance, which is used to pay off your monthly balance. Current will report your positive payment habits to TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus in the US. Current has a sleek spending insights platform and has a high-yield savings account too.

The feature that put this card over the top for us was its rewards program, which is rare for secured credit builder cards. Earn 1x points per $1.00 spend, and up to 7x points on qualifying retail purchases. These points can be redeemed for real cash back, at $1.00 for every 100 points.

Current Advantages:

• Earn 1x on all and up to 7x on qualifying purchases,
• Can remove holds that gas stations place on your cards;
• Can process paper checks;
• AutoPay uses your Reserve Balance to make monthly payments;
• Over 40,000 ATM network.

Current Drawbacks:

• Two direct deposits required to qualify for overdraft;
• Point rates over 1x only available at participating merchants;
• 3% foreign transaction fee.

Annual fee: $0.00
APR: 0.0%
Issuing bank: Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC
More info: read our Current review or visit the Current website

2 — Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Capital One's Platinum credit card is their secured card option to help you rebuild your credit history. They will pull a soft credit check on you to see if you qualify, but it will not affect your credit score.

Capital One's secured credit card requires you to make a minimum initial security deposit of $49, $99 or $200. Capital One will extend a credit line as large as your security deposit. After as little as 6 months of responsible card usage, you'll be automatically considered for an increased credit line.

Make sure to pay off your balance each month, or you will get hit with high interest charges. The security deposit you put down cannot be used to pay off your monthly balance. You can get your security deposit back if you close your account (with no outstanding payments), or if you eventually qualify for an upgraded unsecured credit card.

Capital One Platinum Advantages:

• No annual fee;
• AutoPay feature available;
• Virtual card available;
• No foreign transaction fee;
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus;
• Pathway to upgrade to an unsecured card.

Capital One Platinum Drawbacks:

• Still possibility of having your application rejected;
• High-interest rates charges;
• Security deposit cannot be used to pay off monthly balances;
• Credit history can go down when the balance isn't paid monthly.

Annual fee: $0.00
APR: 30.74% Variable Purchase APR
Issuing bank: Capital One, N.A., Member FDIC
More info: read our Capital One review or visit the Capital One website

3 — Discover it® Secured Credit Card

To get started with the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, you'll need to provide a refundable security deposit, which determines your credit line. The minimum deposit amount is $200, and your credit line will match your deposit. When submitting your deposit, you will be required to provide your bank information too.

A noteworthy feature of this card is that Discover will assess your account after 7 months to determine if you are eligible for a transition to an unsecured line of credit. If you qualify, Discover will return your deposit. Then, you can use an unsecured card to continue building your credit without the need for a secured card.

Beyond its credit-building benefits, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers a rewarding cash back program. You can earn 2% cash back on purchases made at Gas Stations and Restaurants. Additionally, you will earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.

Discover Secured Advantages:

• No annual fee;
• No credit score required to apply;
• Earn 1x to 2x points;
• Pathway to upgrade to an unsecured card.

Discover Secured Drawbacks:

• Still possibility of having your application rejected;
• High-interest rates charges;
• Security deposit cannot be used to pay off monthly balances;
• Credit history can go down when the balance isn't paid monthly.

Annual fee: $0.00
APR: 28.24% Variable Purchase APR
Issuing bank: Discover Bank, Member FDIC
More info: visit the Discover website

4 — Revolut Standard Travel Card

Revolut's prepaid Visa or Mastercard stands out as an exceptional travel card without the hassle of credit checks or managing a credit card balance. Cardholders can access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide at discounted rates. It also offers up to 5% cash back to US cardholders through their in-app store, which includes retailers like eBay, Airalo eSIMs, ExpressVPN, and more.

Get fee-free withdrawals at over 55,000 ATMs within Revolut's network in the USA. Even withdraw up to $400 per month without hidden fees when using out-of-network ATMs, including ATMs abroad. Just be aware of potential third-party ATM fees. As an international traveler, you can load foreign currencies onto the card too. Exchange up to $1,000 monthly in more than 25 currencies without additional fees during foreign-exchange market hours.

For those opting for Premium ($9.99 per month) or Metal ($16.99 per month) plans, Revolut offers extensive travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies, winter sports, lost luggage, delayed flights, and more (Insurance T&Cs apply). An additional feature, SmartDelay, ensures that if a flight is delayed by more than an hour, complimentary lounge passes are provided for the cardholder and a friend (provided you register the flight in the app 2 hours ahead of departure).

Revolut Standard Advantages:

• No annual fee;
• No credit score required to apply;
• No foreign transaction fee;
• Get discounted airport lounge access;
• Load up foreign currencies for your travels;
• Get up to 5% cash back on Revolut Shops;
• Virtual card available.

Revolut Standard Drawbacks:

• Medical and travel insurance only in paid plans;
• Not a credit builder card;
• No avenue to qualify for a credit card;
• Credit history will remain unaffected.

Annual fee: $0.00
APR: N/A
Issuing bank: Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Member FDIC
More info: read our Revolut review

5 — Dave ExtraCash™ Debit Mastercard

The Dave ExtraCash™ card is a debit Mastercard that allows you to access up to $500 of fee-free overdraft protection. You won't be subject to interest charges or late fees on that cash advance. The checking account also offers 4.00% APY.

We had to include Dave in this list because it was a credit card alternative, specifically designed for students and young people who may need some breathing room between pay checks. The card and app give you access to interest-free cash advances, which are also not subject to late fees. This beats using a traditional bank's overdraft facility, which charges late fees and levied interest on the overdraft amount.

Dave will transfer your advance (the amount varies by your eligibility) to your Dave Spending account instantly. They'll also give you the option of instantly transfering the money to a different debit card within an hour for a small fee, or transfer it to a separate bank account in 1–3 days for free.

Dave Advantages:

• Access up to $500 cash advances;
• No interest charges or late fees;
• Get paid up to two days early;
• No credit check required.

Dave Drawbacks:

• Low membership fee;
• Does not build credit history;
• Dave determines your cash advance limit.

Annual fee: $12.00 ($1.00 per month)
APR: N/A
Issuing bank: Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC
More info: read our Dave comparison guide visit the Dave website

6 — GO2bank Secured Visa® Credit Card

To get started with the GO2bank Secured Visa® Credit Card, you'll need to set up a security deposit of at least $100, which then grants you an equivalent $100 credit line. You must make payments on time at the end of each month because the security deposit cannot be used to pay off the monthly balance. Late payments, delinquencies, or other derogatory activities can negatively impact your credit-building efforts. Should you decide to close your account, you'll get your security deposit back.

One benefit to GO2bank is that it reports your credit history to all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Additionally, GO2bank gives you the opportunity to increase your credit limit. By showing proof of employment or government benefits and adding more funds to your security deposit, you can qualify for a higher credit line.

GO2bank has a $5.00 monthly membership fee, but you can avoid it by setting up direct deposits for your salary or government benefits into your GO2bank checking account. This makes the GO2bank Secured Visa® Credit Card an attractive option if you decide to use GO2bank as your main account.

GO2bank Advantages:

• Reports to all three major credit bureaus;
• Up to $200 in overdraft protection;
• Get paid up to two days early;
• No credit check required.

GO2bank Drawbacks:

• High-interest rates charges;
• Security deposit cannot be used to pay off monthly balances;
• Credit history can go down when the balance isn't paid monthly.
• No points or rewards program;
• $15 overdraft protection fee if overdraft not repaid;
• 3% foreign transaction fee.

Annual fee: $60 ($5.00 per month waived if you set up salary or government benefits direct deposit)
APR: 22.99% Purchase APR
Issuing bank: GO2bank, Member FDIC
More info: visit the GO2bank website

7 — OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a secured card that requires you to put down a deposit of at least $200 to get your line of credit. You can get up to a $3,000 line of credit if you put that down in your security deposit, subject to their approval. As with other secured cards of this type, you will get your security deposit back once you close your account and pay your balances in full.

The annual fee of $35 cannot be waived, but the card does offer a path to extend a real credit line with its Gold Unsecured Card option. A benefit to OpenSky is that you can view your FICO® Score through your OpenSky account, similar to Chime® or Brigit.

Overall, we were not overly impressed with OpenSky. We think other options on this list offer the same secured credit building service but at no monthly or annual cost. Plus, other providers give you access to more features, like rewards programs, travel perks, and overdraft protection.

OpenSky® Advantages:

• No credit check to apply;
• Find out instantly if you are approved;
• OpenSky has an 87% average approval rate;
• Eligibility for OpenSky Gold Unsecured may be achieved in 6 months;
• View your FICO® Score through your OpenSky account.

OpenSky® Drawbacks:

• Annual fee of $35;
• No rewards program;
• 3% foreign transaction fee.

Annual fee: $35.00
APR: 25.64% variable
Issuing bank: Capital Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
More info: read our comparison guide or visit the OpenSky website

8 — First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card requires a minimum security deposit of $200, which then serves as your credit line, extendable up to $2,000 upon approval. This card is part of a trio offered by First Progress, including the Platinum Elite, Platinum Select, and Platinum Prestige, each with varying annual fees and APRs. The Platinum Elite comes with the highest APR but the lowest annual fee, making it suitable for those confident in paying their balance in full each month. On the other hand, the Platinum Prestige offers the lowest APR but comes with the highest annual fee.

The Platinum Select positions itself in the middle ground, featuring a 19.24% variable APR and a $39 annual fee. It stands out for its relatively low APR, 1% Cash Back Rewards on eligible purchases, and the benefit of reporting to all three major credit bureaus.

However, we also wanted to highlight some significant drawbacks. Customers have consistently criticized the card's mobile app for its poor user experience. Additionally, customer support by both email and phone is often unreliable. These issues have contributed to generally low customer ratings.

Other websites might rank this card highly among options for credit cards that don't require a credit check. However, we've included it here honestly to caution you about the company and product. We think the options at the top of this article are better choices.

First Progress Platinum Select Advantages:

• No credit check to apply;
• 1% cash back;
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus.

First Progress Platinum Select Drawbacks:

• Annual fee of $39;
• Poorly designed app;
• Very low customer ratings on major app stores;
• 3% foreign transaction fee.

Annual fee: $39.00
APR: 19.24% Variable Purchase APR
Issuing bank: Synovus Bank, Member FDIC
More info: visit the First Progress website

Recap: The Best Credit Cards With No Credit Check

Here are our picks for the top 8 credit cards in the United States in 2024 that require no credit check:

1. Current Visa® Build — Best and cheapest overall with no credit check
2. Capital One Platinum Secured — Path to unsecured credit line
3. Discover it® Secured — Best for students
4. Revolut Standard Travel — Best for travel spending and lounge access
5. Dave ExtraCash™ — Best for fee-free cash advances
6. GO2bank Secured Visa® — Best if used as main account
7. OpenSky® Secured Visa® — Large potential maximum limit
8. First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® — Not recommended

Credit Cards That Didn't Make the Cut

There were a few popular credit cards with no credit check that have been recommended by other websites. Here's why they didn't make our list:

• Possible Card: Monthly fees add up to $96 per year, high even for some unsecured credit cards. Plus, they don't clearly say if they report to credit bureaus or not.
• PREMIER Bankcard® Secured Credit Card: The card can get the job done, but it offers no rewards program. The annual fee is $50 on top of the $500 refundable security deposit.
• Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred: Despite the low 9.99% fixed APR, Applied Bank's website is not transparent about the $48 annual fee. The online & mobile banking apps are also low-rated by customers.
• Grow Credit Mastercard: While advertised as a credit builder for qualifying bills and subscription (like phone plans or Netflix), all the credit cards on this list report the same info to the credit bureaus. You can't use the Grow card for any transactions other than the qualifying bills and subscriptions either. The Grow Membership ($3.99 per month) and Accelerate Membership ($7.99 per month) are not worth it in our opinion.
• Merrick Bank Secured: While Merrick Bank does not have many ratings on the app stores, they are above 4.0 on average. However, we had to dig through their website to find the cardholder agreement, fees, and pricing, which were not up front. The 22.7% variable APR is fairly standard for secured cards and they charge a $36 annual fee.

What You Need To Know About Credit Checks

It is not possible to find a card that extends an unsecured line of credit without a credit check, at least not from a legitimate and legally compliant company. Credit card companies perform hard credit checks to evaluate your creditworthiness by examining your credit history.

This process ensures applicants have a reliable history of debt repayment, minimizing the lender's risk. In fact, it is illegal to lie about information on a credit application. Providing false information on a credit application is considered fraud and can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. Misrepresenting this information is a violation of federal and state laws, and it undermines the integrity of the credit system.

The Basics of How Credit Cards Work

Knowing the basics of credit card operation can clarify their lending mechanisms:

• Credit Lines: Credit cards offer a borrowing limit, enabling purchases within that predefined credit limit.
• Monthly Balances: This is how much you credit you used with your card each month, which you are required to pay back.
• Minimum Payments: Each month, a minimum payment on your balance is required. Making just the minimum payment (as opposed to full payments) can lead to significant interest accumulation over time.
• Paying in Full: Regularly clearing your full balance every month avoids interest payments and can boost your credit score.

The Role of Secured Credit Cards

Credit cards can be very useful because they give you the flexibility to pay for something now (perhaps a large purchase), and pay it back in increments later. But, if you make this a habit, the interest (extra money you pay for borrowing) can add up, making you spend more money than you originally planned.

Secured credit cards provide a pathway to credit improvement with different requirements:

• Soft or No Credit Checks: These cards might not require a hard credit check due to the security deposit that serves as collateral.
• Confidence from Security Deposits: The deposit lowers the risk for issuers, facilitating the approval of those with no or bad credit.
• Responsible Usage: By using these cards wisely — paying on time and in full (use the AutoPay features!) — you can demonstrate your creditworthiness, potentially leading to an upgrade to an unsecured credit line.

References Used In This Guide

Rates and Fees. Current. Accessed 16 February 2024.
Platinum Secured. Capital One. Accessed 16 February 2024.
Discover Secured Card Pricing. Discover. Accessed 16 February 2024.
Go2bank Cardholder Agreement. Go2bank. Accessed 16 February 2024.
Cardholder Agreement. OpenSky. Accessed 16 February 2024.
Pricing Table. First Progress. Accessed 16 February 2024.