A credit card without credit score gives people a way to start building credit even when they have no credit history. Many people assume a credit score is required for approval, but that is not always true. Many financial institutions and fintech companies now offer a credit card without credit score or credit check by using alternative approval methods.

This The Best Credit Card Without a Credit Score or Credit Check guide explains how a credit card without credit score works, who it is for, and how to choose the right option. If you have never used your credit score before, recently moved to the US, or want a fresh start, this article walks through your card options.

‍

How to Choose a Credit Card Without Credit Score

Choosing a credit card without credit score starts with understanding how approval works. These cards do not rely on a traditional FICO score from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Instead, issuers review other factors such as deposits, account activity, or income.

Here are the main criteria to evaluate:

Credit reporting
Confirm that the issuer reports activity to all Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Security deposit or funding requirement
Many no credit score credit card options require an upfront deposit or linked account balance. This deposit often sets the credit limit.

Fees and transparency
Review monthly fees, annual fees, APR, and account maintenance costs.

Ease of approval
A true credit card without credit score usually does not require a hard credit inquiry. This detail matters if you want to avoid unnecessary credit checks, which impacts your credit score.

‍

How to Build Credit With a Credit Card Without Credit Score

A credit card without credit score builds credit through consistent reporting to the credit bureaus. These cards report your on-time payment history to credit bureaus. Each on-time payment adds positive history to your credit profile.

To build credit effectively:

• Make one or two small purchases per month
• Pay the balance on time every month
• Keep balances low relative to the credit limit

Payment history accounts for about 35 percent of a FICO score, according to Experian. Even with a credit card with no credit score requirement, responsible use can lead to an increase in your credit score within several months.

‍

Pros and Cons of Credit Cards for People With No Credit

Pros

A credit card that does not require a credit score offers access for people who otherwise cannot qualify a traditional credit card. It allows people to establish payment history safely, while card issuers can offer a card without taking on unsecured risk. 

Cons

Some cards require upfront deposits or monthly fees. Credit limits may remain low until a payment record exists. Rewards and perks tend to stay limited compared to traditional unsecured cards.

‍

How to Compare Your Credit Card Options

Key factors include:

• Whether the card reports to Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion
• Whether there is a high APR associated with the card
• Whether approval requires a credit check
• Ongoing costs such as monthly or annual fees

‍

What to Know About Getting a Credit Card With No Credit

A credit card with no credit score requirement does not mean no responsibility. 

Important considerations:

• Late payments still damage future credit potential
• Account closures can reduce credit age later
• Responsible use matters more than credit limit size

Starting with a credit card without credit score sets the foundation for future financial access.

‍

How to Apply for Credit Cards Without Credit Score

Applying for a credit card without credit score usually involves:

1. Gathering Documents: Identification, income verification, residency information.
2. Understanding Requirements: Secured card deposits, bank accounts, or eligibility criteria.
3. Completing Online Applications: Most cards can be applied for through issuer websites or apps.
   
   
4. Waiting for Approval: Some fintech cards may approve instantly; secured cards might take a few days.
5. Funding the Card: For secured cards, deposit the required funds to set your credit limit.
   
   

The 8 Best Credit Cards Without a Credit Score or Credit Check (2026)

Below are our editors’ picks for the 8 best credit cards without a credit score or credit check in 

Self Visa® Secured Credit Card

The Self Visa® Secured Credit Card is designed to help people without a credit score to build credit. The card is part of Self’s broader credit-building ecosystem, which combines a secured card with a credit-builder loan. This structure allows users to build both installment and revolving credit history at the same time, which can support a more well-rounded credit profile over time.

APR: ~27.49% variable APR on purchases (no intro APR)
Credit check: No hard credit check
Security deposit: Yes; minimum refundable deposit $100

Pros

• Reports to all three major credit bureaus to build credit history 
• No hard credit check required for approval 
• Low minimum security deposit compared with many secured cards 

Cons

• High APR if you carry a balance 
• $25 annual fee after the first year 
• No rewards on purchases

Best for: people who prefer a comprehensive suite of credit-building products, can pay in full each month, and feel fine with an annual fee later.

‍

Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card

The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card is designed specifically for people without a credit score, including international students and immigrants. The card uses a secured model where your deposit sets your spending ability, but it does not charge interest on purchases. Instead, it focuses on responsible usage, credit reporting, and education. Firstcard also supports applicants who may not have a Social Security number, which makes it accessible to international users.

APR: 0% APR (no interest charges)
Credit check: No credit check
Security deposit: Yes; deposit determines spending ability; no required minimum 

Pros

• No APR and no interest charges on purchases 
• No credit history or credit score needed to apply 
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus for credit building 

Cons

• Membership subscription fees apply 
• Foreign transaction fees if you are not a premium member
• Rewards and features vary based on membership tier 

Best for: People who want no interest and cashback rewards and immigrants and internationals without an SSN

‍

Chime Card

The Chime Credit Builder Card works differently from traditional credit cards. It links directly to a Chime checking account, and the money you move into the Credit Builder account becomes your available spending balance. There is no interest because you can only spend what you have already set aside. Chime reports eligible payment activity to the credit bureaus, which helps users build credit without the risk of carrying debt.

APR: 0% APR (no interest charges)
Credit check: No credit check required
Security deposit: Yes; money you deposit sets your available spending balance

Pros

• No interest charges 
• No minimum security deposit required
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus to help build credit

Cons

• Must open a Chime checking account to use 
• Rewards categories rotate and require a qualifying direct deposit 

Best for whom and why
Best for people who want to build credit score while earning cashback and want a trusted big fintech brand.

‍

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a great option for someone who wants to build credit while enjoying cashback as it offers up to 10% cashback. The card has a relatively low annual fee and requires no credit check to apply.

APR: 23.89%-28.24%
Credit check: No hard credit check to apply
Security deposit: Yes; minimum $200 refundable deposit 

Pros

• No credit check required for approval 
• Reports to major credit bureaus to build credit history 
• Minimum deposit is relatively low for a secured card 

Cons

• High APR compared with cards that don’t carry interest 
• There’s an annual fee depending on the version you choose 
• Rewards (e.g., up to 10% cash back) can be limited or conditional 

Best for: People who value no credit check, low annual fee and earning cashback while building credit.

‍

Current Build Visa® Credit Card

The Current Build Visa® Credit Card is part of Current’s mobile banking platform. The card does not charge interest and uses funds in your Current account as security for spending. Payment activity is reported to credit bureaus, allowing users to build credit while also accessing banking features such as early direct deposit and budgeting tools.

APR: 0% APR (no interest charges)
Credit check: No credit check required.
Security deposit: Yes; no required minimum — funds in your Current account act as security.

Pros

• No APR or interest charges
• No minimum security deposit required.
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus to help build credit.
• Offers a bank account to save, invest, and get paid early if you connect direct deposit

Cons

• Must open a Current banking account before applying.
• Rewards and benefits come with eligibility conditions (for example payroll deposit requirements).
• No traditional upgrade path to an unsecured card.

Best for: People who are new to credit and want a mobile-first and simple way to build credit while having a bank account to save, invest and get payday advance.

‍

Ava Credit Builder Card

The Ava Credit Builder Card is designed for people who want to build credit without interest or a security deposit. Instead of functioning as a traditional revolving credit card, Ava limit the card usage only on subscription-based payments and automated reporting. This structure reduces the risk of overspending while still allowing users to establish a positive payment history with the credit bureaus.

APR: 0% APR (no interest charges)
Credit check: No credit check required.
Security deposit: No security deposit required.

Pros

• No APR and no interest ever charged.
• No security deposit requirement makes it accessible for low budgets.
• Reports payments to all three major credit bureaus, helping build credit history.
  
  

Cons

• Membership or subscription fees may apply for full access.
• Some usage restrictions (e.g., limited merchant categories or spend types may apply).
• Not a traditional revolving credit card with full purchase flexibility.

Best for: people who prefer no interest and no minimum deposit requirement, and are ok with using the card for subscription payments only.

‍

How These Credit Cards Without a Credit Score Compare

‍

Alternatives to Credit-Building Credit Cards

Zolve

Zolve offers credit products for newcomers to the US with foreign credit or income history. It suits professionals and students who move to the US and lack domestic credit records. Zolve relies on international data rather than US credit scores.

‍

FAQ

1. What is a credit card without credit score?
   A credit card without credit score allows approval without an existing credit history. Issuers use deposits or account activity instead of a traditional score.
2. Can a credit card without credit score help build credit fast?
   Yes. A credit card without credit score can build credit when payments stay on time and balances stay low, according to Experian.
3. Do all credit card without credit score options report to bureaus?
   No. Always confirm reporting behavior before applying. Reporting is essential for credit growth.
4. Is a credit card without credit score the same as a prepaid card?
   No. A credit card without credit score reports to credit bureaus, while prepaid cards do not.
5. Can I upgrade from a credit card without credit score later?
   Many issuers allow upgrades or easier approval for unsecured cards after positive payment history develops.

‍

Final Note

Finding a credit card without credit score or credit card without credit check in 2026 is more achievable than ever. Products from Self, Firstcard, Chime, OpenSky, Current, Ava, and even alternatives like Zolve offer tailored paths to help you build credit responsibly. The key is to pick a card that matches your needs, use it responsibly, and monitor your credit progress regularly.

If you are starting from scratch or rebuilding, this guide gives you strong options and clear steps to confidently move forward in building a solid financial foundation.