Best Credit Cards to Build Credit in May 2025

Building credit is essential for financial stability, whether you’re a student, a young professional, or someone recovering from past credit mistakes. A good credit score opens doors to better loan terms, lower interest rates, and even rental approvals.

If you’re looking to establish or rebuild your credit in May 2025, the right credit card can make all the difference. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards to build credit this month, along with tips to maximize their benefits.

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Best for: Building credit with cashback rewards

Key Features:

• No credit score required (great for beginners)

• Refundable security deposit ($200 minimum)

• 2% cashback at gas stations & restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter)

• 1% cashback on all other purchases

• Automatic reviews for potential upgrade to an unsecured card

Why It’s Great for Building Credit?

Unlike many secured cards, the Discover it® Secured offers cashback rewards, making it one of the most rewarding options for new credit builders. Plus, Discover periodically reviews accounts to transition users to an unsecured card without another hard inquiry.

2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best for: Low deposit requirements & credit limit increases

Key Features:

• Flexible security deposit ($49,$99, or $200fora$200 credit line)

• No annual fee

• Potential credit limit increase after 6 months of on-time payments

• Access to a higher credit line without an additional deposit

Why It’s Great for Building Credit?

Capital One is known for helping users gradually increase their credit limits, which can improve credit utilization—a key factor in credit scoring. The low deposit options make it accessible even if you’re on a tight budget.

3. Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa®

Best for: No credit check & no interest

Key Features:

• No credit check or minimum security deposit required

• No annual fee or interest charges

• Reports to all three major credit bureaus

• Linked to your Chime checking account

Why It’s Great for Building Credit?

This isn’t a traditional credit card—it’s a secured charge card that uses your own money as a credit limit. Since Chime reports payments to credit bureaus, it helps build credit without the risk of debt or high fees.

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

Best for: No credit history with cashback rewards

Key Features:

• No security deposit required

• 1% to 1.5% cashback (increases with on-time payments)

• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees

• Credit limits from $300to$10,000

Why It’s Great for Building Credit?

Petal uses alternative underwriting (like bank account history) instead of just credit scores, making it easier to qualify. The cashback rewards increase over time, incentivizing good financial habits.

5. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Best for: Bad credit or no credit history

Key Features:

• No credit check required

• Minimum $200 security deposit

• Reports to all three credit bureaus

• No bank account required for approval

Why It’s Great for Building Credit?

If you’ve been denied elsewhere due to bad credit or lack of history, OpenSky is a reliable option since it doesn’t check your credit score at all. It’s also one of the few secured cards that don’t require a bank account.

6. Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

Best for: Fair credit (or rebuilding credit)

Key Features:

• No security deposit required

• Potential for high credit limits ($300to$2,500 initially)

• No rewards, but low fees

• Pre-qualification available without a hard inquiry

Why It’s Great for Building Credit?

Mission Lane is ideal if you have fair credit (580-669) and want an unsecured card with a decent limit. It helps improve credit utilization without an upfront deposit.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Building Credit?

When selecting a credit card to build credit, consider:

✅ Secured vs. Unsecured – Secured cards require a deposit but are easier to get.
✅ Fees – Avoid high annual fees if possible.
✅ Credit Reporting – Ensure the card reports to all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
✅ Credit Limit & Utilization – A higher limit helps keep utilization low (under 30%).
✅ Rewards & Perks – Some cards offer cashback or upgrade opportunities.

Tips to Build Credit Fast in 2025

1. Pay on time, every time – Payment history is 35% of your FICO score.

2. Keep balances low – Aim for <30% credit utilization (under 10% is ideal).

3. Avoid closing old accounts – Longer credit history improves your score.

4. Monitor your credit – Use free services like Credit Karma or Experian.

5. Become an authorized user – Ask a family member with good credit to add you.

Final Thoughts

The best credit card for building credit depends on your current score, financial habits, and goals. If you’re starting from scratch, a secured card like Discover it® Secured or Capital One Platinum Secured is a smart choice. For those with fair credit, the Petal 2 or Mission Lane Visa could be better options.

Whichever card you choose, responsible usage is key to boosting your credit score over time. Start small, pay on time, and watch your credit grow in 2025!