Looking for a credit card that helps you build credit without a security deposit? The Prosper credit card is marketed as an unsecured option for people with fair credit, which sounds appealing if you do not want to lock up cash. The catch is a high APR and an annual fee that kicks in after the first year. Before you apply, it helps to weigh what the Prosper credit card costs against other ways to build credit.
This review breaks down the Prosper credit card fees, APR, and credit-building features for 2026, then compares it with lower-cost alternatives.
What Is the Prosper Credit Card?
The Prosper credit card is an unsecured credit-building card aimed at people with fair credit, often a score around 640 or higher. Unlike a secured card, it does not require a refundable deposit, which is its main selling point.
It is built to help you establish or rebuild a positive payment history by reporting your activity to the credit bureaus. It does not offer rewards, so the focus here is squarely on credit building rather than earning points.
Prosper Credit Card Fees and APR
As of June 2026, the Prosper credit card advertises a $0 intro annual fee with autopay, then a $59 annual fee after the first year. If you set up automatic payments before your first billing period ends, you can avoid the fee for that first year. After that, the $59 applies.
The APR is on the high side, running from about 23.24% to 34.74% variable depending on creditworthiness. APRs vary by creditworthiness, and that rate applies to any balance you carry. Because the card offers no rewards, carrying a balance simply costs you interest with nothing earned back. To see how that rate compares, check our guide on the average credit card interest rate. Terms and conditions apply.
Who Should Consider It?
The Prosper credit card can make sense for someone with fair credit who wants an unsecured card, sets up autopay to dodge the first-year fee, and pays the balance in full each month. Used that way, you build credit without a deposit and without triggering the high APR.
If your credit is lower than fair, or you want to avoid annual fees entirely, other options may serve you better. The key is matching the card to your credit profile so you are not paying for features you do not need.
One widely used starting point is the Self Visa® Credit Card, which combines a small savings plan with a secured card so you build credit and savings together.
If you would rather build credit through everyday spending, the Current Build Card takes a different approach. It is designed to report your normal purchases as credit-building activity, so your score can grow without a large upfront deposit.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
If an unsecured, no-deposit card is what you are after, the Aspire Mastercard is another option built for people working on their credit. It gives you a real Mastercard you can use anywhere as you build a positive payment history.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
How These Compare
The Prosper credit card and the alternatives above all share one goal: helping you build credit. The difference is cost and structure. Prosper skips the deposit but adds a $59 annual fee after year one, while secured and other credit-builder cards may keep ongoing costs lower.
If avoiding a deposit matters most, an unsecured credit card like Prosper fits. If you would rather minimize fees, a secured credit card can be a lower-cost route. Either way, these credit-building options help your score grow with on-time payments.
Tips for Building Credit
Pay on time every month, since payment history is the biggest factor in your score. Keep your balance low compared with your limit, ideally under 30%. Set up autopay so you never miss a due date, which also helps you avoid Prosper's first-year fee.
If your score is climbing toward the fair range, our guide to the 600 credit score explains what to expect. Monitoring tools like Creditship.ai can help you track your progress as your score improves.
Is the Prosper Credit Card Worth It?
For someone with fair credit who uses autopay and pays in full, the Prosper credit card can be a workable way to build credit without a deposit. The high APR and post-year-one fee, though, mean it is not the cheapest path for everyone.
Weigh it against secured and other credit-builder cards before you decide. The best choice is the one that builds your score at the lowest cost and carries the lowest risk for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for the Prosper credit card?
The Prosper credit card is generally aimed at people with fair credit, often a score around 640 or higher. Approval is never guaranteed, and requirements can change.
Does the Prosper credit card have an annual fee?
It advertises a $0 intro annual fee with autopay, then a $59 annual fee after the first year. Setting up autopay before your first billing period ends can help you avoid the fee that first year.
Does the Prosper credit card offer rewards?
No. The Prosper credit card does not offer points, miles, or cash back. It is built for credit building rather than earning rewards.
What is a good alternative to the Prosper credit card?
Credit-builder options like the Self Visa, Current Build Card, and Aspire Mastercard can help you raise your score, sometimes at a lower ongoing cost depending on whether you prefer a secured or unsecured card.
