Top 5 No Credit History Credit Cards with Rewards and Low Fees

By Jack Barnes

Starting your credit journey can feel like standing at the base of a steep mountain. Without a credit history, many cards are out of reach, and it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of confusing offers. But don’t worry—building credit while earning rewards and keeping costs low is absolutely doable. I’ve personally researched and tested dozens of options, and here I’ll walk you through the top 5 credit cards for no credit history that combine rewards, low fees, and user-friendly terms.

Why You Need a Credit Card Even Without Credit History

First off, why bother with a credit card if you don’t have credit yet? The truth is, responsible use of a credit card is one of the best ways to build your credit profile. Paying your bills on time and keeping your balances low demonstrates your trustworthiness to lenders. Plus, many no-credit-history cards offer rewards like cashback or points, making everyday purchases more rewarding.

What Makes a Good No Credit History Credit Card?

When you have no credit history, the card you choose should have:

• Low or no annual fees — Keeping costs down is crucial when you’re just starting out.
• Rewards on purchases — Cashback or points help you earn as you spend.
• Flexible approval criteria — Cards designed for newcomers are more forgiving on credit checks.
• Reasonable interest rates — While you want to pay off balances monthly, it helps if the APR isn’t sky-high.
• Educational tools and customer support — Helpful for learning the ropes as you build credit.

Comparison of the Top 5 No Credit History Credit Cards

In-Depth Reviews of the Top No Credit History Cards

1. Capital One® Secured Mastercard®

This is a popular choice for people with no credit history who want a straightforward path to building credit. You provide a security deposit starting at $49, $99, or $200 (depending on creditworthiness), which becomes your credit line. Unlike many secured cards, Capital One offers the chance to increase your credit limit without an additional deposit after six months of on-time payments.

While it doesn’t offer rewards, it’s one of the best for credit building and has no annual fee. For anyone focused on establishing or rebuilding credit, this is a top pick.

2. Discover it® Student Cash Back

Students with limited credit history will appreciate the Discover it® Student Cash Back. You earn 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories (like gas stations, restaurants, Amazon.com) up to the quarterly max, and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, Discover matches all the cashback you earn at the end of your first year, essentially doubling your rewards.

The card comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees — handy for study abroad programs or travel. On-time payments are reported to the three major credit bureaus, helping build your credit profile steadily. Plus, Discover has a reputation for friendly customer service and a straightforward online platform.

3. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

Designed for international students or those without a Social Security Number, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard is a unique card in this space. It offers 1% cashback on all purchases and reimburses qualifying cardholders for an Amazon Prime Student subscription.

The card requires no SSN for application, instead using alternative data to assess creditworthiness — a huge plus for newcomers to the US. There’s no annual fee, and it’s widely accepted worldwide.

4. Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students

This card combines flexibility with solid rewards. You get 3% cashback in a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, Amazon, or drug stores), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on other purchases. The no annual fee and a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles make this a compelling option for students or limited credit borrowers who want both rewards and lower costs.

Bank of America also offers a $1,000 minimum income requirement, so it’s suited for students with some income or part-time jobs. Plus, students with a 3.0 GPA or higher can earn a $20 statement credit every year for up to 5 years — a nice little bonus for good grades.

5. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

Petal has disrupted the credit card market by approving applicants based on banking history (income and spending habits) rather than just traditional credit scores. That makes it a fantastic option for folks with no credit history. The card offers 1% cashback automatically, increasing to 1.5% after making 12 on-time monthly payments.

There are no fees—no annual, late, or foreign transaction fees. Available credit limits range widely depending on your financial profile. Petal’s app provides insightful tools to help manage your credit health, which is invaluable when building credit from scratch.

How to Choose the Best No Credit History Credit Card for You

With so many options, picking the right card depends on your personal situation and goals. Here are some tips:

• Are you a student? If yes, cards like Discover it® Student or Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students offer rewards tailored for your lifestyle.
• Do you have limited income? The Petal® 2 card uses income and cash flow rather than credit scores, which might improve your chances.
• Is building credit your main goal? Consider secured cards like Capital One® Secured Mastercard®, which focus on credit building more than rewards.
• Do you want to avoid security deposits? Most unsecured student or no-credit cards don’t require one, but secured cards do.
• Are you an international student or newcomer? Deserve® EDU Mastercard caters specifically to those without SSNs.

Always read the fine print and understand the fees and terms before applying. And remember: The best way to build credit is to use your card responsibly—keep your utilization low and pay on time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I get a credit card with absolutely no credit history?

Yes, there are several credit cards designed for people with no credit history, particularly student and secured cards. Cards like the Deserve® EDU or Petal® 2 don’t require a credit score for approval[1].

2. What is a secured credit card and why should I consider it?

A secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. It’s a low-risk way for banks to lend to those without credit history. Secured cards report your payment activity to credit bureaus, helping you build credit over time[2].

3. Will applying for multiple no-credit history cards hurt my chances?

Each credit application results in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score. It’s best to apply for one or two cards you’re confident you’ll qualify for rather than multiple applications at once.

4. How long does it take to build credit with a new no-credit card?

Typically, responsible use over 6 to 12 months can start to build a positive credit history. Regular, on-time payments and low credit utilization are key factors[3].

5. Are rewards worth it if I have no credit history?

Rewards can be a nice bonus but shouldn’t be the only factor. Avoid cards with high fees or tempting you to carry balances. Focus on building credit responsibly first, and then you can graduate to premium rewards cards later.

Ready to Start Building Your Credit?

If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, choosing one of these no credit history credit cards can set you on the right path. Whether you want cashback rewards or a simple secured card to get started, there’s an option here for you.

Apply for the Discover it® Student Cash Back Card today and start earning while building your credit.

Or try the Petal® 2 Visa Credit Card if you want no fees and a modern take on credit approval.

References

1. NerdWallet – Best Credit Cards for No Credit History
2. Federal Trade Commission – Using Secured Credit Cards
3. Experian – How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?