Without SSN
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Best Unsecured Credit Cards of March 2024

Compare 35 unsecured credit cards on Myfin.us.

By Myfin Team
Reviewed by Anastasia Staples
Updated March 15, 2024

Best Credit Cards for Unsecured in March 2024

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Capital One Platinum Credit Card best for Without SSN

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Platinum Mastercard Capital One
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
30.74% Variable
Our Rating:
2.84
scorer
Credit score
Fair (580-669)
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    30.74% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    Want a great incentive to pay your bills on time? With this card you can get access to a higher credit line in as little as six months. And if you maintain your credit utilization rate, this card has the potential to improve your credit scores too.

  • Pros:
    • No annual fees
    • No charges for foreign transaction fees
    • Automatic consideration for higher credit limit after as little as six months
    • $0 fraud liability if ever your card is lost or stolen
  • Cons:
    • High variable APR of 30.74%
    • No rewards system
  • Benefits:
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • ATM Location Services;
    • Emergency Card Replacement;
    • Autopay;
    • 24/7 Customer Service.
View all Platinum Mastercard details
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Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card best for Fair credit

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QuicksilverOne Capital One
Annual fee:
$39 annually
Regular APR:
30.74% Variable
Our Rating:
3.58
scorer
Credit score
Fair to Good (580-739)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    30.74% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    Looking to earn high rewards from your card? A generous option from Capital One is the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card, which offers long-term value. Aside from early consideration for higher credit, you only need to spend $2,600 a year ($217 a month) to earn enough in rewards , so you won’t have to worry about the annual $39 fee.

  • Pros:
    • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
    • You can redeem your cash back for a check, gift cards, or use it on your bill
    • Automatic consideration for higher credit limit after as little as six months
    • $0 fraud liability if your card is lost or stolen
  • Cons:
    • Annual fees ($39)
    • Variable APR of 30.74%
  • Benefits:
    • 1.5% Cash Back;
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees;
    • Autopay;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • Card Lock;
    • ATM Location Services.
View all QuicksilverOne details
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on our partner’s site
Card detail

FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® best for Unsecured

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FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® The Bank of Missouri
Annual fee:
$99 annually
Regular APR:
29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.9
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Poor (0-579)
    • Issuer name:
      The Bank of Missouri
    • Details:

      Try to improve your credit? The FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® credit card helps cardholders by reporting card activity to all three major credit bureaus. With an initial credit limit of $400, users become eligible for an increase by depositing on-time payments and staying under the credit limit. You can also receive your free monthly credit scores online.

    • Pros:
      • An initial credit limit of $400
      • Potential credit limit increase after just six months
      • $0 fraud liability coverage
      • All credit types welcome to apply
      • Reporting to three major credit bureaus
    • Cons:
      • No rewards program, cash back, or sign-up bonus
      • High annual fee ($99)
      • Foreign transaction fees (3%)
      • You will have to pay a one-time $89 processing fee
      • $6.25 monthly maintenance fee after your first year
    • Benefits:
      • $0 Fraud Liability;
      • Initial Credit Limit of $400;
      • Potential Credit Limit Increase After Just 6 Months;
      • Free Monthly Credit Score;
      • Reports to All Three Major Credit Bureaus.
    View all FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® details
    Apply now
    On Continental Finance site
    Card detail

    Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® best for Low income

    Apply now
    Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Upgrade
    Annual fee:
    $0
    Regular APR:
    14.99% - 29.99% Regular
    Our Rating:
    4.06
    scorer
    Credit score
    Good to Excellent (670-799)
    • Rewards Rate:
      • 3% Cash Back on Home, Auto and Health categories.
      • 1% Cash Back on everything else.
    • Intro Offer:
      • $200 Bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
    • Balance Transfer APR:
      14.99% - 29.99% Regular
    • Details:

      The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Credit Card offers 3% Cash Back on home, auto and health purchase and 1% Cash Back on everything else.

      Earn a $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*.

      The card's APR: 14.99% - 29.99% (Regular APR).

      Apply online and get a credit line from $500 to $25,000 with your Card.

      Read full review

    • Pros:
      • Every Purchase Earns You Cash Back
      • Increased Cash Back for Three Categories
      • No Limits Abroad
    • Cons:
      • You Can’t Withdraw Cash
      • Cash Back Doesn’t Satisfy Your Monthly Payments
    • Benefits:
      • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*;
      • 3% Cash Back on home, auto and health purchase;
      • 1% Cash Back on everything else;
      • Сontactless card technology.

      *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions.

    View all Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® details
    Apply now
    On Upgrade‘s website
    Card detail

    Celtic Bank Surge® Platinum Mastercard® best for Walmart purchases

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    Celtic Bank Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
    Annual fee:
    $75 - $99 annually
    $99 annually
    Regular APR:
    24.99% - 29.99% Variable
    Our Rating:
    3.2
    scorer
    Credit score
    No Credit History to Poor (0-579)
      • Issuer name:
        Celtic Bank
      • Details:

        Also a product by one of America’s leading servicers for those who want to improve their credit, this card has generous offers such as a high credit limit, whcih can potentially increase in just six months.

      • Pros:
        • Initial credit limit runs from $300 to $1,000
        • Credit limit has potential to increase after just six months
        • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
        • Free monthly credit score from Experian when you sign up for electronic statements
      • Cons:
        • No rewards or perks
        • Annual fee: $75 - $99 the first year; after that, it’s $99 annually
        • Monthly maintenance fee: $0 to $10 per month or up to $120 annually. (This fee is waived during the first year of opening an account).
        • Late payment fee: $40
        • High APR of 24.99% - 29.99%
      • Benefits:
        • $0 Fraud Liability;
        • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus;
        • Possible credit limit increase after just six months;
        • Free Monthly Credit Score.
      View all Surge® Platinum Mastercard® details
      Apply now
      On Celtic Bank‘s site
      Card detail

      First Access Visa® Card best for Low income

      Apply now
      First Access Visa® The Bank of Missouri
      Annual fee:
      $75.00 for the 1st year, $48.00 after
      Regular APR:
      35.99%
      Our Rating:
      4.2
      scorer
      Credit score
      No Credit History to Fair (0-669)
      • Rewards Rate:
        • 1% Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Access Credit Card.
      • Issuer name:
        The Bank of Missouri
      • Details:

        The First Access Visa® Card is a true VISA® credit card that does not require perfect credit for approval.

        The First Access Visa® Card's APR: 35.99%.

        The First Access Visa® Card is not a secured credit card, meaning applicants don’t have to have the amount of their credit limit as a deposit.

        Read full review

      • Pros:
        • Available to those with bad credit
        • Reports to three major credit bureaus
        • Easy application
        • No security deposit
      • Cons:
        • High APR
        • Several fees
        • Low credit limit
      • Benefits:
        • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments made to your First Access Credit Card;
        • First Access Visa credit card accepted nationwide;
        • Rebuild your credit;
        • Easy and Secure Online Application.
      View all First Access Visa® details
      Apply now
      On the First Access Visa® Card secure website
      Card detail

      Celtic Bank Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® best for Unsecured

      Apply now
      Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®​ Celtic Bank
      Annual fee:
      $75 - $99 for the first year
      $99 after the first year
      Regular APR:
      29.99% Variable
      Our Rating:
      3.8
      scorer
      Credit score
      No Credit History to Good (0-739)
        • Issuer name:
          Celtic Bank
        • Details:

          Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® is a product by one of the leading service providers for those with less-than-perfect credit. While it does have high fees, there are also high rewards.

          This card caters to people who plan to pay their monthly payments early or on time. So if you make your first six monthly payments on time, you can already double your credit limit from $1,000 to $2,000.

        • Pros:
          • Initial credit limit from $300 to $1,000
          • Credit limit has potential to increase after just six months
          • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
          • Free monthly credit score from Experian when you sign up for electronic statements
        • Cons:
          • Annual fee at $75 - $99 for the first year, after that $99 annually
          • $0 maintenance fee in the first year. After that, $120 annually, billed at $10 per month
          • Variable APR of 29.99%
          • Foreign transaction fees (3%)
        • Benefits:
          • $0 Fraud Liability;
          • Potential Credit Limit Increase After Just 6 Months;
          • Free Monthly Credit Score;
          • Monthly Reporting to All Three Major Credit Bureaus;
          • Credit Protection program.
        View all Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® details
        Apply now
        On Celtic Bank‘s site
        Card detail
        Apply now
        Total Visa® Card The Bank of Missouri
        Annual fee:
        $75.00 for the 1st year, $48.00 after
        Regular APR:
        35.99% *
        Our Rating:
        3.32
        scorer
        Credit score
        Rebuilding Credit to Fair (0-669)
        • Rewards Rate:
          • 1% Cash Back on all purchases.
        • Issuer name:
          The Bank of Missouri
        • Details:

          The Total Visa® Card is part of the globally acknowledged Visa network. This card is easy to get, and easy to apply for, with an application process that will only take you 60 seconds.

          Plus, the Total Visa® Card card also features manageable monthly fees, an annual fee drop, and several card designs to choose from.

        • Pros:
          • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
          • Accepted by merchants across the US and online
          • Multiple card designs
          • Annual fee drops to $75 after the first year
          • Waived monthly servicing fee for your first year
          • Cash advance fee waived in the first year
        • Cons:
          • $89 program fee to open your account
          • Additional $6.25 monthly servicing fee after first year
          • No rewards or cash back for purchases
          • Annual fee ($75.00 for the 1st year, $48.00 after for the first year, $75 thereafter)
        • Benefits:
          • $0 fraud liability;
          • Reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus;
          • Manageable monthly payments;
          • Select your favorite card design for free.
        View all Total Visa® Card details
        Apply now
        On the Total Visa® Card secure website
        Card detail

        Milestone® Mastercard® best for Unsecured

        Apply now
        Milestone® Mastercard®
        Annual fee:
        $175 the first year
        $49 thereafter
        Regular APR:
        35.9%
        Our Rating:
        3.5
        scorer
        Credit score
        Poor to Good (300-739)
          • Details:

            If you’re worried about the application process for a credit card, the Milestone® Mastercard® offers easy pre-qualification with zero effect on your credit score. You can easily use this Mastercard® online, in store, and in-app.

          • Pros:
            • Monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus
            • Usability wherever Mastercard® is accepted in the U.S.
            • Offers zero liability protection and identity theft monitoring, as well as fraud protection in case of loss or stolen card
            • $300 initial credit limit
          • Cons:
            • Annual fee of $49, depending on your credit worthiness
            • No rewards or additional perks
            • No intro APR and high ongoing APR of 35.9%
          • Benefits:
            • Greater access to credit than before - $700 credit limit;
            • Get a Mastercard accepted online, in store and in app;
            • Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S;
            • $0 liability for unauthorized use;
            • Access your account online or from your mobile device 24/7.
          View all Milestone® Mastercard® details
          Apply now
          On Milestone Mastercard® website
          Card detail

          Credit One® Bank Platinum Visa For Rebuilding Credit best for Retired person

          Platinum Visa For Rebuilding Credit Credit One Bank
          Annual fee:
          $75 for the first year
          $99 annually
          Regular APR:
          29.24% Variable
          Our Rating:
          1.46
          scorer
          Credit score
          No Credit History to Fair (0-669)
          • Rewards Rate:
            • 1% Cash Back rewards on gas and groceries as well as your monthly mobile phone, internet, cable, and satellite TV services.
          • Issuer name:
            Credit One® Bank
          • Details:

            This is one of the highest-rated cards for those looking to improve their FICO credit score. You can go to the Credit One website for a soft credit check to see if you prequalify — all in less than a minute. This card also offers automatic reviews to see if you’re accepted for a credit line increase.

          • Pros:
            • 1% cash back rewards on gas and grocery purchases, as well as internet, mobile phone, cable and satellite TV services
            • Initial credit limit starting at $300
            • Free Experian credit score and regular report summary
            • $0 fraud liability
          • Cons:
            • Annual fee of $75 for the first year, $99 thereafter
            • High variable purchase APR of 29.24%
            • Foreign transaction fee: 3% in US dollars (or $1, whichever is greater)
          • Benefits:
            • 1% Cash Back Rewards;
            • Zero Fraud Liability;
            • Free online access to your Experian credit score;
            • Choose Your Payment Due Date.
          Card detail

          Celtic Bank Indigo® Mastercard® best for Unsecured

          Indigo® Mastercard® Celtic Bank
          Annual fee:
          $0 - $99 annually
          Regular APR:
          24.9%
          Our Rating:
          3.7
          scorer
          Credit score
          No Credit History to Fair (0-669)
            • Issuer name:
              Celtic Bank
            • Details:

              The Indigo® Mastercard® is perfect for those whose credit line has been damaged. Even if you don't get rewards, these lenders regularly report to three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, Experian), so you can build a better credit history.

              Those with poor credit are likely to pay an annual fee of $59 to $99 dollars. Although, for new cardholders, the annual fee drops down to $75 for the first year.

              The card is also travel-friendly, since Mastercard® is widely accepted around the United States.

            • Pros:
              • Possible $0 annual fee option for those who qualify, usually for those with better credit
              • Multiple free options for extra card designs
              • Credit limit of up to $700
            • Cons:
              • Relatively high annual fees of up to $99
              • Regular APR at 24.9%
              • No rewards
            • Benefits:
              • A low foreign transaction fee of 1 percent;
              • $700 credit limit;
              • Choice of Card Image;
              • Fraud Protection;
              • 24/7 Account Access;
              • Extended warranty coverage.
            Card detail

            First Electronic Bank Destiny® Mastercard® best for Unsecured

            Destiny® Mastercard® First Electronic Bank
            Annual fee:
            *see terms*
            Regular APR:
            35.90%
            Our Rating:
            1.47
            scorer
            Credit score
            No Credit History to Fair (0-669)
              • Issuer name:
                First Electronic Bank
              • Details:

                With an easy application and easy process to pay online, what’s not to like? Even those with prior bankruptcies may qualify through the quick prequalification. This is best for people with less than perfect credit, from poor credit (300 to 579) to fair credit (580 to 669). However, all are welcome to apply.

              • Pros:
                • Pre-qualify without impacting your credit score
                • Worry-free fraud protection
                • Rebuild credit through monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
                • Credit limit at $300, with increases as you qualify for higher credit limits
              • Cons:
                • High annual fees (*see terms* to $)
                • Relatively high APR of 35.90%
              • Benefits:
                • Mastercard® benefits;
                • Fraud protection;
                • Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
              Card detail

              Best Unsecured Credit Cards For Bad to Fair Credit

              You might not be familiar with the term “unsecured” credit cards — that’s just because it’s another name for a «regular» credit card. This is the most popular kind of cards because there is zero collateral or security deposit required, unlike with secured credit cards.

              Credit cards are never a one-size-fits-all type of situation, so it’s important to consider what options will benefit you in the long run. Whether you're looking for your first card or rebuilding credit, applying for a new credit card can seem overwhelming.

              There isn't just one step in the process so before you find the right card for you, you need to consider what best fits your needs. It’s difficult to learn how to manage credit cards and personal finances, so it’s equally as challenging to get ahead when you find yourself with less-than-perfect credit.

              For an unsecured card, you need creditworthiness to qualify, usually with a credit score of 690 or better, although there are exceptions. And if you look at the selection of cards today there are many unsecured cards to choose from if you’re committed to improving your credit.

              Short Review of Best Unsecured Credit Cards For Bad to Fair Credit

              NameBest forRewards RateAPRApply
              Capital One Platinum Credit Card
              2.84
              Without SSN
            • This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points.
            • 30.74% VariableLearn more
              on our partner’s site
              Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
              3.58
              Fair credit
            • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
            • 30.74% VariableLearn more
              on our partner’s site
              FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®
              3.9
              Unsecured
            • This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points.
            • 29.99% VariableApply now
              On Continental Finance site
              Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
              4.06
              Low income
            • 3% Cash Back on Home, Auto and Health categories.
            • 1% Cash Back on everything else.
            • 14.99% - 29.99% RegularApply now
              On Upgrade‘s website
              Celtic Bank Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
              3.2
              Walmart purchases
            • This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points.
            • 24.99% - 29.99% VariableApply now
              On Celtic Bank‘s site
              First Access Visa® Card
              4.2
              Low income
            • 1% Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Access Credit Card.
            • 35.99%Apply now
              On the First Access Visa® Card secure website
              Celtic Bank Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®
              3.8
              Unsecured
            • This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points.
            • 29.99% VariableApply now
              On Celtic Bank‘s site
              Total Visa® Card
              3.32
            • 1% Cash Back on all purchases.
            • 35.99% *Apply now
              On the Total Visa® Card secure website
              Milestone® Mastercard®
              3.5
              Unsecured
            • This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points.
            • 35.9%Apply now
              On Milestone Mastercard® website
              Credit One® Bank Platinum Visa For Rebuilding Credit
              1.46
              Retired person
            • 1% Cash Back rewards on gas and groceries as well as your monthly mobile phone, internet, cable, and satellite TV services.
            • 29.24% VariableLearn more
              Celtic Bank Indigo® Mastercard®
              3.7
              Unsecured
            • This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points.
            • 24.9%Learn more
              First Electronic Bank Destiny® Mastercard®
              1.47
              Unsecured
            • This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points.
            • 35.90%Learn more

              Who should apply

              Capital One Platinum Credit Card

              If you are just beginning your financial journey, the $0 annual fee is a great advantage. The recommended credit score is fair (580 to 669). Plus, after six months, you can be considered for a higher credit limit, especially if you pay your bill on time.

              Read more about Capital One Platinum Credit Card

              Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

              This card is ideal if you have fair credit and are looking for a card with a high rewards rate. If you like to manage your finances online, this card also lets you monitor your credit profile with the CreditWise app. Overall, it’s easy to manage your account with the Capital One app.

              Read more about Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

              FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®

              This is the best for those building credit for the first time or repairing their current credit history. There are low eligibility requirements for the card so anybody can apply. After six months of timely payments, the maximum credit limit increases up to $800, so you can keep it running for a long time. This is also a good card if you want to be fully protected from fraud, so no need to fret about any unauthorized transactions.

              Read more about FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®

              Celtic Bank Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

              This unsecured credit card is good for people with limited or poor credit who want to improve their credit score. It has the potential to be an effective tool to build credit as the issuer reports your card acticity to the three major credit bureaus. Users can keep track with electronic statements too.

              Read more about Celtic Bank Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

              Celtic Bank Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®

              This card caters to people with bad credit whose goal is to improve their finances and especially those who are dedicated to paying their bills on time. Although you have to pay high fees and high interest, it may be worth it when your credit limit increases.

              Read more about Celtic Bank Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®

              Total Visa® Card

              The Total Visa® Card is the card for people with a checking account who want a Visa® credit card, but don't have the perfect credit score just yet. This is one of the best options available if you want to start the journey back to a healthy credit with one of the most respected and secure credit card systems.

              Read more about Total Visa® Card

              Milestone® Mastercard®

              Are you working hard on your challenging credit history? This is a great card if you want to build your credit in a practical way.

              Read more about Milestone® Mastercard®

              Credit One® Bank Platinum Visa For Rebuilding Credit

              This is one of the best cards you can get if you are looking to improve your credit. You can get rewards while making regular purchases like groceries, phone bills, and so on. Even with high fees, you have that high reward option that usually only applies to cards for higher credit scores.

              Read more about Credit One® Bank Platinum Visa For Rebuilding Credit

              Celtic Bank Indigo® Mastercard®

              With multiple options for colorful card designs, Indigo appeals to those who express themselves creatively. If you are looking to rebuild credit in a fun way, this could be for you. Keeping track of your payments is the key factor here to qualify for a better credit card in the future.

              Read more about Celtic Bank Indigo® Mastercard®

              First Electronic Bank Destiny® Mastercard®

              This is perfect for people with bad credit looking to improve their credit scores. If you are looking to instantly and easily apply for a card despite having a low credit score, then this is a great option for you.

              Read more about First Electronic Bank Destiny® Mastercard®

              Unsecured Credit Cards Basics

              What is an unsecured credit card?

              All unsecured credit cards do not require a security deposit or collateral. This keeps your money and your assets in your pocket. The most common credit cards are unsecured. There is no single indicator to measure your approval for an unsecured credit card, so each application is evaluated by the issuer.

              How does it work?

              When you apply for an unsecured credit card, the issuing company will use your personal information along with a number of factors to determine whether to approve your application.

              What is the difference between unsecured and secured credit cards?

              An “unsecured” credit card does not require you to put down any of your assets as collateral. This means issuers can’t access your funds if there are unpaid debts.

              With a “secured” credit card, you provide funds as collateral on your account. This deposit will be used against any unpaid balance that may occur if you can’t make payments. It’s called a «secured» credit card because you have to put down personal guarantees before being approved.

              What are the pros and cons of unsecured credit cards

              If you’re not sure if an unsecured credit is for you, then this list of the benefits — and the drawbacks — can help you to decide.

              Pros

              • More options - Since unsecured credit cards are the most common, you also have the most options. Some examples are student cards, travel rewards cards, and cash back cards. For either business or personal use, you’re bound to find one that suits your needs perfectly.
              • More bonuses - You keep more money by not having to pay a deposit for collateral. Unsecured cards often have lower interest rates and better reward programs. There are generally also fewer or avoidable fees as long as you pay on time.
              • Quick processing time - Compared to a traditional bank loan, you can be approved for a line of credit in as little as 24 hours (or even within minutes!).

              Cons

              • Harder to get approval - This is because most credit cards require a good credit score and credit history.
              • Easier to spend beyond your budget - When you can withdraw funds as needed, it’s tempting to overspend. Although riskier for lenders, there is also risk for the cardholder who can accrue debt.

              Who should get an unsecured credit card

              You have to ask yourself, what kind of consumer are you? What are your spending habits?

              • The budget manager - An unsecured credit card can help you earn better cash back rewards. Your regular purchases can be an opportunity to earn a fixed percentage on expenses.
              • The traveler - There are many opportunities to earn travel rewards on payments for dining and entertainment. Some cards even offer perks like airport lounge access.
              • The entrepreneur - If you get a credit card for your business, it can help your enterprise earn back from the expenditures.
              • The credit builder - For those with less than appealing credit scores, an unsecured card can be an opportunity to improve credit scores.

              What are the Benefits of Fair Credit Unsecured Credit Cards

              Unsecured credit cards for fair credit can offer unlimited potential to increase your credit limit. Most of these unsecured cards report card activity monthly to the three major credit bureaus, increasing your chances to improve your credit. Most also offer $0 fraud liability coverage, and make it easy to apply while being especially welcome to users with a history of good credit.

              How to choose an unsecured card:

              1. Determine what kind of consumer you are. Are you looking to run a business? Or support a household? What do your spending habits say about your needs?
              2. Look at your credit score. How does your credit score match up to the kinds of unsecured credit cards you can apply for?
              3. Find a card that can benefit you in the long run. To do this, check the terms of each card carefully. Some credit cards carry annual fees which may or may not be worth the reward programs. You should determine if it makes sense to pay annual fees.
              4. Determine the card that will suit you most depending on your goals in your situation.

              How to apply for an unsecured credit card

              In case you have bad credit

              Search for card issuers that state they will consider applications with damaged or average credit. Myfin.us offers a page that allows you to compare various credit card offers. It’s also best to look for unsecured cards that have minimal late or annual fees.

              In case you have fair credit

              Look for lists of top credit card picks with unsecured credit cards for fair credit. These will often summarize credit scores similar to yours, as well as annual fees, interest rates, and reward programs. You can also compare offers and read analyses on Myfin.us.

              How to make the most of unsecured credit cards

              • Pay your bill on time. Paying your bill every month is essential to make the most of your card. This means you do not have to pay interest. Keep a reminder or request automatic payments.
              • Pay the entire bill instead of a minimum payment. This looks better on your credit score and to your issuer. Keeping balances below the credit limit allows you to rebuild your credit.
              • Keep your balance low. Credit scores are affected by the amount of credit used. You can calculate a credit utilization rate (your balances divided by credit limits). Try to keep it below 30%.
              • Don’t apply for multiple cards at once. Applying to multiple credit applications in a short time frame can lower your scores and tell lenders that you are a risky borrower.

              FAQ

              What is the minimum credit score needed for an unsecured card?

              Although most unsecured cards require credit in the good to excellent range (670 - 850), you can still apply for an unsecured card for the poor to fair range (300 - 669).

              Which unsecured credit cards give you instant approval?

              The Total Visa® Card has an application process of only 60 seconds. The Destiny® Mastercard® also offers a great system if you want to get instant approval.

              Do unsecured credit cards build credit?

              Yes, if the report to the three credit bureaus. The Credit One® Bank Platinum Visa For Rebuilding Credit is a card especially geared towards building your credit. The Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® and Surge® Platinum Mastercard® are also products by the leading companies that help build credit. You can review this list if you want to gain a deeper understanding of the specific ways unsecured credit cards can build credit.
              Myfin TeamMyfin Team

              Author, editor

              content@myfin.us