Student credit cards 31 July 2023

7 Best Prepaid Credit Cards To Build Credit

Prepaid credit cards cannot help you build credit. The cards that come closest to prepaid cards are secured cards that require a deposit which sets your spending limit. We have listed the best ones to build credit this year.

Prepaid Credit Cards to Build Credit

Prepaid credit cards to build credit don’t technically exist as these cards aren’t linked to a bank account. However, when talking about prepaid credit cards, people are often referring to secured credit cards as these cards require an upfront deposit and are designed to help you build credit. Most of them report to the major credit bureaus, and making on-time payments and staying below your credit utilization can help you build good credit.

We’ve rounded up the best credit cards to build credit, along with their rates, fees, and eligibility requirements.

Can a Prepaid Credit Card Help Build Credit?

Prepaid cards do not build credit. This is because there is no borrowing involved that has to be repaid when using prepaid cards. They are not linked to a bank account and do not report to any of the credit bureaus. They are similar to debit or gift cards on which you use your own money. You can load funds on your prepaid card through direct deposits and at retailers. The amount you load onto the card is the maximum that you could use. To use more, you will need to top up the balance by making more deposits. There may also be some deductions such as transaction fees upon using the card.

Prepaid credit cards are handy as they help avoid the need to carry cash around. Some people opt for them because they are unable to qualify for a credit card. They also avoid overspending and maintain your budget as you can only spend the amount you deposit. However, if you want to build a credit history and you are just starting from scratch, then a secured credit card would be the best option.

7 Credit Cards That Build Credit

LenderScholaroo ratingRegular APRCredit Score

Chime® Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

Best for no fees and no interest

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4.8/50%No minimum credit score

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Great secured card with cash back rewards

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4.6/528.24%No minimum credit score

SDFCU Savings Secured Platinum Rewards

Great for travel

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4.3/517.24%No minimum credit score

First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured

Best for fast upgrades

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4.2/519.24%N/A

Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred®

Best for low interest rates

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4.1/59.99%N/A

OpenSky® Secured Visa®

Best for borrowers without a bank account

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3.9/522.64%No minimum credit score

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best overall

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3.6/530.49%580+
Lender

Chime® Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

Best for no fees and no interest

Scholaroo rating
4.8/5
Regular APR
0%
Credit Score
No minimum credit score
Visit website
Lender

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Great secured card with cash back rewards

Scholaroo rating
4.6/5
Regular APR
28.24%
Credit Score
No minimum credit score
Visit website
Lender

SDFCU Savings Secured Platinum Rewards

Great for travel

Scholaroo rating
4.3/5
Regular APR
17.24%
Credit Score
No minimum credit score
Visit website
Lender

First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured

Best for fast upgrades

Scholaroo rating
4.2/5
Regular APR
19.24%
Credit Score
N/A
Visit website
Lender

Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred®

Best for low interest rates

Scholaroo rating
4.1/5
Regular APR
9.99%
Credit Score
N/A
Visit website
Lender

OpenSky® Secured Visa®

Best for borrowers without a bank account

Scholaroo rating
3.9/5
Regular APR
22.64%
Credit Score
No minimum credit score
Visit website
Lender

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best overall

Scholaroo rating
3.6/5
Regular APR
30.49%
Credit Score
580+
Visit website

1. Chime® Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

Best for no fees and no interest

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Chime® Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

4.8
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR0%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsN/A
Credit ScoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Chime® Credit Builder Visa® is the best credit-building card that charges a 0% interest rate and has no fees. It is a super cheap and convenient card to get and manage, especially for those who do not have a high income like students and young adults. It is great for people with poor or no credit as it reports to the three major credit bureaus that can help build credit if the card is used responsibly.

Your credit limit is equal to the security deposit you make into your Chime account. The good this about this card is that it does not pre-set a credit limit or security deposit. The holder can deposit any amount in the account that will become their spending limit and you can use it to pay for your outstanding balance too. Chime® Credit Builder Visa®, however, does not offer any cash back rewards or bonuses as it is built to help people in building credit mainly.

Pros

  • No credit check
  • No interest charges and annual fees
  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus
  • No pre-set credit limit

Cons

  • Requires a Chime Checking Account
  • No rewards
  • Requires a security deposit
  • Must be 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have a Social Security Number
  • Must provide proof of ‌income

No rewards offered

2. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Great secured card with cash back rewards

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Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

4.6
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR28.24%
Annual Fee$0
Rewards2% cash back on your first $2,500 at grocery stores
Credit ScoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is designed specifically for building credit. No matter if you have no credit or have a poor score, you can qualify for this card and build your score from scratch or improve your existing credit. You can even track your score on a monthly basis for free using their Mobile Banking app or via Online Banking. However, to open this credit card account, you will need to make a deposit between $200 to $5,000. Your spending limit also depends on the amount you deposit.

This card is one of the few secured cards that offer great rewards and benefits too. It offers a 3% cash back in the category of choice, 2% at grocery stores, and an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. These rewards are non-expiring for the life of the account. Moreover, the card charges 0 annual fees. It does, however, charge other types of fees like foreign transactions, late payment, and balance transfer fees.

Pros

  • Helps to build credit from scratch or rebuild it
  • Up to 3% cash back rewards
  • Free FICO score monthly tracking
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Security deposit required
  • Late payment fee of up to $40, foreign transaction fee of 3%, balance transfer fees of 3%
  • Checking account required
  • Requires a security deposit
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Up to 3% cash back on gas, online shopping, dining, travel, or home improvement
  • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs on the first $2,500 in purchases, then earn 1%

3. SDFCU Savings Secured Platinum Rewards

Great for travel

Apply now

SDFCU Savings Secured Platinum Rewards

4.3
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR17.24%
Annual Fee$0
Rewards1 Flexpoints Reward for every dollar spent
Credit ScoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The SDFCU Savings Secured Platinum Rewards Credit Card is a great option for improving your credit score or building it from zero. It is linked to your SDFCU savings account and the spending limit depends on how much money you deposit in your savings account. There is a minimum deposit limit of $250, but there is no maximum pre-defined.

Since it is connected to your savings account and the amount you spend depends on how much you have, it can help avoid irresponsible card overuse. This can help you build a good history and credit score over time that you can also track for free via their SDFCU Mobile App. After 12 months of responsible use, you may automatically qualify for a Platinum Rewards Credit Card.

Moreover, the Savings Secured Visa Platinum Card offers a low interest rate compared to many of its competitors and also offers 1 Flexpoints Reward for each dollar spent. These rewards can be redeemed in multiple ways like cash back, gift cards, hotel stays, and flight discounts. It also has a 25-day grace period on purchases and charges no annual fee, balance transfer fee, or foreign transaction fee.

Its various travel benefits and Mastercard payment network also make it a travel-friendly card to get.

Pros

  • No credit check
  • Monthly reporting to all three major credit reporting agencies
  • Free credit score tracking
  • No pre-set maximum spending and deposit limit
  • Various travel benefits included
  • Access to a Mobile Wallet

Cons

  • Savings account required
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have a Social Security Number
  • Must have a checking account

No rewards offered

4. First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured

Best for fast upgrades

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First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured

4.2
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR19.24%
Annual Fee$39
Rewards1% cash back on payments into the card account
Credit ScoreN/A
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured is a card designed for helping people with bad credit in building it up. Since it is designed for building credit, you do not need to go through a credit check to get approved for it. It also reports to all the major credit bureaus and has a quick application process that does not ask for a minimum credit score or history length. You can even track your score for free via their mobile App.

Moreover, being a Mastercard, it is accepted by merchants worldwide – both in-store and online. You can even earn a 1% cash back on the payments made to your First Progress Secured credit card account. Your spending credit limit will depend on the amount you deposit in your account which can range from $200 to $2000. After 6 months of responsible use, you can get an upgrade to an unsecured credit card and may get your security deposit refunded.

First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured does have various fees associated with it including an annual fee of $39, a late payment fee of $41, and a 3% charge on foreign transactions.

Pros

  • No credit check
  • No credit history or minimum credit score required
  • Monthly reporting to all three major credit reporting agencies
  • Free credit score tracking
  • 1% cash back on the payments made into the card account
  • Mastercard has wider acceptability worldwide

Cons

  • Requires a security deposit
  • Charges a late fee of up to $41, returned payment fee of up to $30, and 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Charges $39 as annual fee
  • Minimum security deposit of $200
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have a Social Security Number

No rewards offered

5. Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card

Best for low interest rates

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Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred®

4.1
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR9.99%
Annual Fee$48
RewardsN/A
Credit ScoreN/A
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® reports to three major credit bureaus and is the best secured credit card to build credit with the lowest interest rates. Like a prepaid card, this secured credit card also only allows you to spend the amount you deposit, but it requires a checking account. It features a significantly low fixed interest rate of 9.99%, but charges an annual fee of $48.

With the Applied Secured card, you can have a spending limit of a maximum of $1,000 initially as that is the maximum security deposit you can make when you are applying for the card. Once you are approved, you can increase your spending limit on the card by making additional deposits up to a total of $5,000.

Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® does not require a credit check and does not have a minimum score requirement which makes it an easy card to get for people who do not have a good score.

Pros

  • Low APR rates
  • Maximum spending limit can be increased to $5,000 after approval
  • No credit check
  • Easy approval
  • No application fee

Cons

  • Annual fee of $48 and foreign transaction fee of 3% of the transaction
  • Late or returned payment fee of up to $38
  • Checking account required
  • Requires a security deposit
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be at least 18 years old

No rewards offered

6. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Best for borrowers without a bank account

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OpenSky® Secured Visa®

3.9
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR22.64%
Annual Fee$35
RewardsN/A
Credit ScoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

OpenSky Secured Visa Card, like prepaid cards, does not require a checking account before or even after approval. You can pay for it via money orders and Western Union. OpenSky Secured Visa Card can also be used to build credit as it reports to the credit bureaus and it is easier to get for people with poor credit as it requires no credit check for approval. You can spend equal to the amount of your deposit which can be between $200 to $3,000.

OpenSky Secured Visa Card however may be a little expensive compared to some other cards as it charges an annual fee of $35 and also a foreign transaction fee of 3% of the purchase. There are also no rewards associated with this Visa card.

Pros

  • No credit check or minimum score required to qualify
  • No checking account required
  • Quick and simple online application
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus

Cons

  • Annual fee of $35
  • No rewards
  • Requires a deposit
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Need to be a U.S. citizen
  • Need to be at least 18 years old
  • Need to pay a $200 security deposit

This card has no rewards

7. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best overall

Apply now

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

3.6
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR30.49%
Annual Fee$0
Rewards1.5% cash back on every purchase
Credit ScoreFair (580 - 669)
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards credit card offers an accessible entry point for those new to credit. There is no annual fee and you get automatic credit line reviews after six months. You can check if you’re preapproved online with no risk to your credit score.

There is a 3% balance transfer fee as well as a cash advance fee of $3 or 3%, whichever is higher. Late payments can attract a penalty fee of up to $40.

With a refundable security deposit and a credit line of up to $1,000, this card not only helps ‌establish credit but also rewards you with 1.5% cashback on every purchase.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • 1.5% cash back on every purchase
  • Initial credit line up to $1,000 (depending on your deposit)

Cons

  • Requires a minimum security deposit of $200
  • 30.49% variable APR
  • $40 late payment penalty
  • Minimum security deposit of $200
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have a Social Security Number

1.5% cash back on every purchase

What Is a Prepaid Credit Card?

A prepaid credit card is a card that is loaded with funds by the cardholder. It functions like a debit card, allowing you to spend up to the amount you’ve preloaded.

It’s important to note that prepaid cards are not typically associated with credit building as they don’t involve borrowing or repaying funds. They are also not linked to a bank account.

Secured Credit Card vs Prepaid Credit Card

Secured Credit Cards

Secured credit cards and prepaid credit cards have their distinct roles. A secured credit card is typically used for building credit. It requires a security deposit that serves as your credit limit. Your usage is reported to the credit bureaus, affecting your credit score.

Secured Credit Cards Advantages:

  • Helps build credit
  • More accessible to high risk borrowers
  • Easier to get with bad or no credit
  • Mostly do not require a credit check
  • Acceptable everywhere
  • Can be used to make online payments globally
  • Convenient to carry

Secured Credit Cards Disadvantages:

  • Requires a security deposit
  • Have lower  credit limits
  • Requires interest payments
  • Some charge heavier fees and higher rates

Prepaid Cards

On the other hand, a prepaid card doesn’t require a credit check and won’t help build credit since it isn’t tied to a credit line. It’s more akin to a debit card, helping manage money without the risk of going into debt.

Prepaid Cards Advantages:

  • No credit check
  • High risk borrowers can get them easily
  • Helps avoid overspending
  • Do not increase debt
  • Generally accepted widely
  • Convenient to carry as an alternative to cash
  • No bank account is required to get one

Prepaid Cards Disadvantages:

  • Do not build credit
  • Limited use in emergencies as there is no credit
  • You can only spend equal to the balance deposited
  • May require multiple fees like deposit/reloading fees, transaction fees, monthly fees, andnd ATM charges

Can Prepaid Cards Hurt Your Credit Score?

Prepaid cards cannot hurt your credit score and they do not report to the credit bureaus. There is no credit that is required to be repaid and the cardholder is only able to use what they have deposited on the card. Since you will be using your own money loaded on the card, there is no payment history to be reported.

FAQs

Do prepaid credit cards help build credit?

No, prepaid cards do not help build credit. They function more like debit cards, allowing you to spend only the money you’ve loaded onto the card. They do not typically report to the credit bureaus, so they won’t help improve your credit score.

What is the maximum limit on a prepaid credit card?

The maximum limit on a prepaid credit card can vary depending on the card provider, but some cards allow you to load up to $10,000. Remember, however, that these funds are not a credit line and will not directly contribute to building your credit score.

What credit card is best for building credit fast?

A secured credit card is best for building credit. A secured credit card requires a security deposit as collateral which reduces the risk of lending. They are easier to get, and report to the major credit bureaus, and many also come with various rewards and benefits. However, to build credit, you will need to make on-time payments and use less of the total credit limit available to you. Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card are two great options for a secured credit card.

How can I raise my credit score 100 points in 30 days?

There are many ways to increase your credit score quickly. A good credit score can widen your financing options and help you get better terms on loans and credit cards. It also helps increase the chances of getting accepted by good lending companies.

You can improve your credit score quickly mainly by making on-time payments, lowering your credit utilization rate and using a maximum of 30% of the credit line, reporting on-time rent and utility payments, and checking and disputing inaccurate information on your credit report.