Building up your credit score takes diligence, especially if starting from scratch or rebuilding after prior issues. You want a card that approves applicants easily even with less-than-ideal scores or thin credit files. But that does not mean settling for no rewards!
Numerous cash back credit cards cater to those with poor/fair scores. They furnish spending bonuses alongside tools to help establish positive history month after month. Let’s review several ideal options for earning side income while working towards financial wellness.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card from Capital One grants borrowers access to an unlimited 1.5% cash back rate on every purchase made. The same flat rate return many premium cards offer! Yet QuicksilverOne does so without any credit barriers to approval.
Manage this beginner card responsibly by paying balances on time and your credit standing improves bit by bit. Capital One also provides free access to your TransUnion credit score monthly. Monitor your progress in real time!
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Having no prior credit history won’t stop you from getting approved with OpenSky. They do not even check your credit score or report during the application process!
As a secured card, it does require an upfront security deposit to establish your credit line amount. Make payments on time monthly and OpenSky reports reliably to all three major credit bureaus - helping transition towards other unsecured cards in 6-12 months.
Petal® 1 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Card
Petal relies upon applicant data like timely rent, utility, internet and phone bill payments when making approval decisions. This gives those with no FICO scores or poor marks more access to reasonable lines of credit - and cash back rewards earning!
Cardholders net 1% to 1.5% back on eligible transactions while avoiding the usual array of penalties and fees. Receive upgrade opportunities as your Petal standing improves over time.
FNBO Direct Visa® Card
FNBO furnishes consumers the ability to choose their 3% cash back category earners like dining, groceries, gas, utilities and more. New users also receive a $100 reward after making first card purchase.
Check your latest credit score monthly while making on time payments to incrementally improve. There’s also balance transfer savings with 8 months 0% APR to consolidate/pay off existing debt faster.
Credit One Bank Cash Back Rewards
Despite the name, this card is not directly issued by leading giant Capital One. But with 1% unlimited cash back on purchases (plus no annual fee), Credit One Bank's Cash Rewards card offers new credit builders an accessible avenue to小额信用卡 and rewards simultaneously.
Physical card security features like customizable alerts and $0 fraud liability also provide peace of mind. Use prudently and watch your creditworthiness bounce back over time.
The Takeaway
As evidenced above, the myth you must have pristine credit to earn cash back is simply false. Numerous issuers offer pathways to approval despite spotty histories or lacking credit reports.
The key is using your starter card judiciously - pay each statement balance in full and on time. Follow these fundamental credit best practices and your improving profile opens doors to better rates/rewards over time.
