The Best No Credit Check Credit Cards in the United States
Building or rebuilding credit can be challenging, especially if you have a limited credit history or a poor credit score. No credit check credit cards provide a solution by allowing consumers to access credit without a hard inquiry on their credit report. These cards are ideal for people with bad credit, no credit, or those who want to avoid the impact of a hard inquiry.
What Are No Credit Check Credit Cards?
No credit check credit cards are financial products that don't require a lender to check your credit report before approval. Unlike traditional credit cards, which assess your creditworthiness through a hard inquiry, these cards are more accessible to people with low credit scores or no credit history.
There are two primary types of no credit check credit cards:
- Secured Credit Cards: These require a refundable security deposit, which serves as collateral. Your credit limit is often equal to the deposit amount.
- Prepaid Cards: These are not technically credit cards but act as debit-like payment cards. They don't build credit because no credit line is extended.
Best No Credit Check Credit Cards in the U.S.
Here’s a look at some of the best no credit check credit cards in the U.S. and what makes them stand out.
1. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Type: Secured Credit Card (no deposit required)
Why It’s Great: No credit check required, no annual fees, and no interest charges.
How It Works: This card works with a Chime Spending Account, and you use available funds to set your credit limit.
Credit Building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you establish or improve your credit score.
2. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Type: Secured Credit Card
Why It’s Great: No credit check required and low minimum deposit of $200.
How It Works: You submit a security deposit that becomes your credit limit. No bank account is required to apply.
Credit Building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
3. GO2bank Secured Credit Card
Type: Secured Credit Card
Why It’s Great: No credit check required and no annual fee (with eligible direct deposit).
How It Works: Deposit as little as $100 to open the account and set your credit limit.
Credit Building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus to help you build your credit.
4. Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card
Type: Secured Credit Card
Why It’s Great: No credit check required and a fixed low APR on purchases.
How It Works: Requires a refundable security deposit, which sets your credit limit.
Credit Building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
5. First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
Type: Secured Credit Card
Why It’s Great: No credit check required, but it has a low annual fee and access to the Mastercard network.
How It Works: Deposit a minimum of $200 to set your credit limit.
Credit Building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build credit.
6. Green Dot Primor® Secured Credit Card
Type: Secured Credit Card
Why It’s Great: No credit check required, and it offers a fixed APR on purchases.
How It Works: Requires a refundable security deposit, which becomes your credit limit.
Credit Building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
7. Self® Visa® Credit Card
Type: Secured Credit Card
Why It’s Great: No credit check required and unique "credit builder loan" structure.
How It Works: You’ll need a Self Credit Builder Account, and as you make payments, you can qualify for the secured credit card.
Credit Building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus to help you build credit.
How to Choose the Right No Credit Check Credit Card
When selecting a no credit check credit card, consider these key factors:
Fees: Look for cards with low or no annual fees, monthly fees, or transaction fees.
Deposit Amount: If you’re applying for a secured card, check the required deposit amount. Some cards only require a $100 deposit, while others require $200 or more.
Credit Reporting: Make sure the card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) if your goal is to build credit.
APR and Interest Rates: If you plan to carry a balance, pay attention to the card’s APR. Some secured cards have low fixed APRs.
Card Type: Decide if you prefer a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan-style option like Self®.
Benefits of No Credit Check Credit Cards
Credit Building: Since these cards report to the credit bureaus, they can help you establish or rebuild credit over time.
Accessible Approval: With no credit check required, people with bad credit or no credit can still qualify.
Control Over Credit Limit: With secured cards, your credit limit is based on your deposit, giving you control over spending.
Potential Drawbacks
Upfront Deposit: Secured cards require an initial deposit, which can be a barrier for some applicants.
Limited Perks: These cards usually lack cash back, rewards, or benefits found in traditional credit cards.
Higher Fees: Some no credit check cards charge annual fees, setup fees, or maintenance fees.
How to Use No Credit Check Credit Cards Wisely
Pay On Time: Late payments can negatively impact your credit score and trigger fees.
Keep Utilization Low: Use no more than 30% of your available credit limit to improve your credit score.
Monitor Your Credit: Regularly check your credit report to track your progress.
Graduate to an Unsecured Card: After building credit, consider applying for an unsecured credit card with better perks and lower fees.
