The 10+ Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For [2024]

If you’re just starting out and need credit, it can be frustrating when no one will give you credit.

How do you get started building a credit history? Or in the case of bad credit, begin rebuilding a positive credit history?

It’s a precarious situation, but there are actually plenty of choices that will help you easily get approved for a new credit card to start building credit, or earn a second chance to improve bad credit.

You may even find that you can qualify for a rewards-earning card!

In this article we’ll cover:

• Why you want to have good credit
• What is the definition of good/bad credit
• Risk-free ways to test the credit waters
• Which credit cards are easiest to get approved for
• A credit card alternative
• Your next step credit card options

Let’s take a look at how to get started and review our choices for the easiest credit cards to get approved for. Note that the recommended credit scores listed below are solely provided by Upgraded Points and not credit recommendations from issuers.

Before You Apply for a Credit Card

Know Your Credit Score

If you don’t know your credit score, your first step on the path to good credit will be to determine your starting point and find out your credit score. You don’t have to pay to secure this information.

You can access your credit score without charge by visiting Credit Karma or Credit Sesame. Chase also offers a service to check your score for free called Chase Credit Journey.

Once you’ve determined your score, you’ll know which credit cards you can consider and begin the improvement process if applicable.

See If You’re Pre-qualified or Pre-approved

Many credit card issuers offer pre-qualification or pre-approval options on their websites. This is an opportunity to input your information to see if the issuer has any credit offers available to you.

The best part of pre-qualification or pre-approval is that it does not affect your credit score since no hard inquiry is being done. There is no guarantee you will ultimately get approved, but it does increase your chances.

Find out more about this risk-free option for learning whether you have offers waiting in our guide to pre-qualified or pre-approved credit offers.

Card Match Tool

Want to find out if there are credit card offers waiting for you without having to complete and submit a formal credit card application? These offers can be accessed risk-free through the CardMatch online tool.

The CardMatch tool is easy to use and does not affect your credit score. Just input some minimal information and a list of any available offers will be displayed.

Recommended “Easy-to-Get” Credit Cards

We’ve chosen some of these easy-approval credit cards since they strike a balance between the ability to earn rewards and the ease of qualifying for the card.

Others offer easy access and allow you to build or rebuild your credit history.

Capital One Platinum Credit Card (Credit Score: 580+)

TOP PICK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Platinum card is great for those looking to build up their credit score and credit history, without paying a deposit or annual fee.

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum card is great for those looking to build up their credit score and credit history, without paying a deposit or annual fee.

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Fair to Good (580-739)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re ready to get serious about building or rebuilding your credit, you’ll want a credit card for which approval is probable, one that has a simple structure and is easy to manage, and ideally, has some benefits you can use. This is where the Capital One Platinum Credit Card really shines.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free credit monitoring

Cons

• Does not earn rewards
• The high APR can be costly if you carry a balance

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
• Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
• Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
• Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
• Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
• Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
• Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 29.99% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

While it is not a rewards-earning credit card, the Capital One Platinum serves the purpose of building or rebuilding credit and has a high chance of initial approval.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (Credit Score: 580+)

1.5% CASH-BACK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all purchases while you work your way up to a higher credit line. Redeem rewards for any amount at any time.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all purchases while you work your way up to a higher credit line. Redeem rewards for any amount at any time.

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$39

APR

29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Fair to Good (580-739)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking to build your credit, and earn cash-back rewards while doing so, then the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic option. You can increase your credit line just paying your bill on time every month and you’ll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all of your purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
• Automatic credit line review after 6 months of on-time payments
• Unlimited access to your credit score via CreditWise

Cons

• $39 annual fee (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
• Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
• Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
• Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 29.99% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

No need to keep track of special spending categories here — the QuickSilverOne Cash Rewards card earns 1.5% cash-back on every purchase.

The Indigo^® Mastercard^® (No Credit Check Needed)

We also recommend The Indigo Mastercard as there’s no impact to your credit score and you can get instantly approved for the card.

Indigo Platinum Mastercard

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Learn More(at Indigo's secure site)

Indigo Platinum Mastercard

Annual Fee

$0-$99

APR

24.90%

Why We Like This Card

The Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® can be a good option for people with no credit or bad credit, including students and people who have previously declared bankruptcy. Not only does it not require a credit check to get prequalified, but it also helps build (or rebuild) credit by making regular payments.

On the downside, it does have a lower credit limit, may charge an annual fee based on your creditworthiness, and has a high APR that can mean big fees if you miss a payment. This article will look into some of the reasons why the Indigo Platinum card can be a good card for you and also discusses some alternative options.

Card Highlights

• No security deposit required so you can keep more money in your pocket
• Pre-qualify without impacting your credit score
• Shine brighter with a credit card as unique as you
• Get access to a credit card you can use online, in store and in app where ever you see the Mastercard logo
• Build on your credit history with style
• Worry free spending with $0 liability on unauthorized charges!
• More credit for your everyday needs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 24.90%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 1% of each transaction

Best Business Credit Cards for Easy Approval

When it comes to selecting a business credit card with easy access, the additional ability to earn rewards is a big positive.

While most business credit cards require excellent credit to be approved, card issuer Capital One provides access for those with a fair credit score level or better.

Don’t let an annual fee keep you from selecting a particular credit card either — the increased earnings may far offset the cost of an annual fee.

For example, if your business spends $50,000 a year, your net earnings would be $905 on the Spark Cash Card (2% cash-back minus the $95 annual fee).

Spending $50,000 on the Spark Cash Select Card with no annual fee would result in $750 cash-back.

Hot Tip: When looking for a credit card that is easy to qualify for, you’ll find Capital One at the top of the list of issuers offering accessible options with reward-earning potential. Plus, Capital One allows you to see if you’re pre-qualified for their credit cards. 

Student Credit Cards

Student credit cards can be easily secured with little or no credit history, making these cards easy to get approved for.

Chase Freedom Student Card

• 1% unlimited cash-back on all purchases
• Welcome bonus upon meeting minimum spend
• $0 annual fee

Secured Credit Cards

Another option for easy credit card approval is a secured credit card, which will allow you to be approved with no credit history or even bad credit.

Secured credit cards do require a security deposit and generally come with lower credit limits.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card (No Credit History)

• Initial credit line of $200 upon making the minimum required security deposit (rates & fees)
• Deposit more money before your account opens to increase your credit line
• Security deposit could be $49, $99, or $200 (rates & fees)
• Access to a higher credit limit after the first 6 months of on-time payments; no additional deposits needed
• Reports to the 3 leading credit bureaus
• Mastercard benefits
• No annual fee (rates & fees)

Because these secured credit cards report to all 3 credit bureaus, you will be building a positive credit history when you manage your card well.

Hot Tip: Secured credit cards can be an excellent alternative for building or rebuilding credit, but there’s more you need to know. Our complete guide to secured credit cards offers tips on what you should look for, how to apply, and our recommendations for the best secured cards. 

Store-Branded Credit Cards

Store-branded credit cards are designed to reward the loyalty of frequent retail customers, encourage additional purchases, and of course, generate interest income for the card issuer.

Perhaps you’ve been approached when checking out at your favorite retail store with a comment such as, “Want to save 10% on today’s purchase?”

Or you may be offered a store-branded credit card during checkout when making a purchase online.

Characteristics of store-branded credit cards can include:

• Accessible to customers with fair or better credit scores (some do not even pull your credit score)
• Chances of approval quite high
• Most often come with no annual fee
• Help improve credit because they report to credit bureaus
• Approval can be instant
• Earn merchant rewards/discounts

Check out our guides to store-branded credit cards and learn more about these easy-approval credit cards. Our Comenity Bank store credit card guide and Synchrony Bank store credit card guide tell you everything you need to know.

Bottom Line: Store-branded credit cards provide easy access to credit with certain retailers. Most store credit cards require only fair or better credit scores, and some do not even pull credit scores.

A Credit Card Alternative: The Credit Builder Account

For ease of access to credit and a sure way to affect your credit history positively, you can’t beat establishing an account with Self.

Self, formerly Self Lender, is essentially a secured loan that doesn’t require a hard pull on your credit or any credit history.

Here’s how it works.

• Apply for the loan with no hard credit pull on your credit
• On approval, the loan is deposited into a certificate of deposit for collateral
• You make scheduled monthly payments on the loan
• You receive back the principal you’ve paid into the loan

The loan does charge interest, but there is no security deposit required and no hard inquiry on your credit report.

Bottom Line: A Self account is a great alternative way to start building a positive credit history when you have bad credit or no credit. You can find out more in our in-depth Self guide! 

Next Step Rewards-earning Credit Cards

Let’s look into the near future when you’ve managed your entry-level credit card well, improved your credit score, and are ready for a premium rewards-earning credit card.

These credit cards require a good to excellent credit score.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

Our favorite choice for a first-time travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 2X valuable and transferable Ultimate Rewards Points on travel and dining purchases.

GREAT STARTER CARD

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

21.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

When it comes time to use your points for travel, you’ll enjoy 25% more value booking via the Chase Travel portal.

American Express^® Gold Card

If you spend a lot at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, the Gold Card will be your go-to card on a daily basis.

The card functions well as a travel rewards card too, earning big on airline tickets and at AmexTravel.com.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

60,000 points + up to $100 back

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,420

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express^® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit to use towards eligible charges, which may include food and beverage, spa, or other on-property charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Credit use varies by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Check out our recommendations for the best first-time credit cards for earning rewards and cash-back.

The Value of Good Credit (and Why You Want It)

Having bad credit affects your life in so many ways. Here are some examples of what you can expect with bad credit:

• Not able to rent an apartment or buy a home
• Difficulty qualifying for certain jobs
• Not able to finance a vehicle
• High-interest rates if you are able to get a loan
• Higher insurance premiums in certain states
• Not able to put utilities in your name or the requirement of a large deposit
• Difficulties securing a cell phone

Good credit changes your life in a positive way.

Not only are you able to do all the important things we just mentioned, but you’ll also have the additional ability to qualify for credit cards that earn valuable rewards.

I get it: sometimes things happen that are out of your control and your credit is affected. Or perhaps you just made a few mistakes; many of us have been there. The important thing to know is that there is a path back to good credit.

And if you’re just starting out, there’s also a path to securing new credit that is totally in your control.

Bottom Line: Bad credit can cost you plenty and present financial boundaries to securing housing, transportation, and communication. There are, however, many options for securing new credit without credit history and improving your credit score regardless of your past history. 

Definitions of Good Credit/Bad Credit

There are 3 major credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Credit card issuers use 1 or more of these reporting agencies to access your credit score/history and determine if granting credit to you is warranted.

While definitions and calculations vary, credit scores generally range from 300-850.

Experian defines poor (bad) credit as a credit score between 300-579 and a fair credit score as 580-669.

Equifax considers a credit score of 700-749 as good and 750+ as excellent.

Knowing the credit score range you’re in is a critical first step in the process of securing a credit card.

Bottom Line: While you will need an excellent credit score to secure the best premium rewards-earning credit cards, you can still qualify for rewards-earning credit cards with a fair credit score or above. 

Managing Your Credit Card Account Well

If you want to have your own place to live, a vehicle to drive, a cell phone, and be able to afford insurance, you’re going to need good credit! Here’s where to start:

• No credit history? Start with a student credit card, secured credit card or Self.
• Poor credit? Start with a store-branded credit card, secured credit card, or Self.

Regardless which credit card you secure, follow these tips for managing it well:

1. Don’t spend more than you can pay off each statement period
2. If you can’t pay off your balance, pay more than the minimum due
3. Make extra payments when you have the money
4. Make all payments on time
5. Check your online account to make sure payments have posted
6. Call the credit card company if you have a problem
7. Keep the card active with small purchases
8. Track your spending with your online account
9. Don’t lend your card to others

Bottom Line: Securing a new credit card alone won’t help improve your credit score. You’ll have to manage the card well and over time you will develop a positive credit history and see improvement if you have had bad credit. 

Final Thoughts

There’s always a path to securing new credit or rebuilding your past bad credit history, and it starts by knowing where you currently stand.

Once you’ve discovered your credit score, reviewed your credit report, and selected a credit card that is easy to get approved for, your journey begins.

It’s not easy to improve your credit — you’ll have to manage your new credit well — but the rewards for doing so are life-changing!