Many of the top travel credit cards and rewards credit cards can be difficult to qualify for as a beginner and usually require good to excellent credit. If you are unable to qualify for those cards, you still have options for earning rewards with a variety of credit cards that are easier to get. Many of these cards are available to you even if you have fair credit or no credit.
CNBC Select analyzed the most popular cards to determine the easiest credit cards to get in a variety of categories. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the easiest credit cards to get).
Easiest credit cards to get
- Best for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Best for no annual fee: Citi Double Cash® Card
- Best secured credit card: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Best for cash back: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card
- Best for no credit: Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Best for students
Discover it® Student Cash Back
On Discover's secure site
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.
Welcome bonus
Discover will match all the cash back earned for all new cardmembers at the end of your first year
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for 6 months on purchases
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.24% Variable
Balance transfer fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Fair / New to Credit
*See rates and fees, terms apply.
Read our Discover it® Student Cash Back review.
Pros
- Cash-back program
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons
- Cash-back categories must be activated each quarter
- Cash-back program limits earnings: Enroll every quarter to earn 5% cash back in various categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases, then 1%
- You must be a U.S. citizen and college student to apply for this card
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Best for no annual fee
Citi Double Cash® Card
Learn More
Rewards
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 18 months on balance transfers; N/A for purchases
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies; after that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Fair/Good/Excellent
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Read our Citi Double Cash® Card review.
Pros
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
- Simple cash-back program that doesn't require activation or spending caps
- One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers at 18 months
Cons
- 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year:$443
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,213
Learn More
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Best secured credit card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
On Discover's secure site
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus
Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A on purchases
Regular APR
28.24% Variable
Balance transfer fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
New / Rebuilding
*See rates and fees, terms apply.
Read our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.
Pros
- Cash-back program
- Generous welcome bonus
- Starting at seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically review your credit card account to see if you can transition to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit
Cons
- Cash-back program limits earnings: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%
- Low credit line prevents cardholders from charging high-cost items or many expenses
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Best for cash back
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card
Information about the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
Rewards
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose, 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants) and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
29.99% variable
Balance transfer fee
Either3%of the amount of each transfer or$5minimum, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fees
3%
Credit needed
Poor/None
Pros
- No annual fee
- You can earn cash-back for everyday spending, a rare feature for a secured credit card
- Opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card if you pay your bills on time and stay within your credit limit
- Flexibility to change your payment due date
Cons
- Requires a $300 to $5,000 deposit to open the card
- No welcome offer
- High APR
- 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
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Best for no credit
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Learn More
Rewards
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments; 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
18.24% - 32.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Fair, Good, No Credit
Terms apply.
Pros
- No credit history required (if you do have a credit history, that does factor into the credit decision)
- No fees whatsoever
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments; 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
- Credit limits range from $300 to $10,000
Cons
- Card isn't for rebuilding credit, but it's good for building credit
- No special financing offers
- No welcome bonus
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $249
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $1,577
Learn More
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More on our easiest credit cards to get
Discover it® Student Cash Back
The ability to earn cash back in rotating categories makes Discover it® Student Cash Back a valuable choice for students looking for a card that's easier to qualify for.
Who's this for?
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is available to college students with fair credit or limited credit history. Not only is this card easy to get, but it also earns cash back on every purchase.
Standout benefits
You don't tend to find generous welcome bonus offers with student credit cards or other easy-to-get cards, but the Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an exception. All of the rewards you earn in the first year will be matched by Discover. There's no limit to this offer, so if you earn $300 cash back in your first year, you'll get an additional $300 at the end of that year.
Rewards
- 5% back for up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating quarterly bonus categories you activate throughout the year (then 1%).
- 1% back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Discover will match the cash back you earn during the first year with no minimum spending requirement or cap on the match.
Annual fee
$0
Notableperks
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card has no foreign transaction fees, which is helpful for anyone who is studying abroad or travels internationally during school breaks. Cardholders also receive an introductory 0% APR on new purchases for the first six months. After the introductory period, an 18.24% - 27.24% variable APR applies.
Check out CNBC Select's best college student credit cards.
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Citi Double Cash® Card
What makes theCiti Double Cash Cardsuch a great no-annual-fee credit card is the uncapped 2% back you earn on all eligible purchases.
Who's this for?
The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards with no annual fee. Normally, you'd need a good to excellent credit score to be approved for the top credit cards, but it's possible to get the Citi Double Cash Card with fair or average credit.
Standout benefits
The best part of this card is its simplicity. Cardholders earn 2% back on every purchase: 1% back when you buy and 1% back when you pay.
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. For a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi TravelSM portal through 12/31/24.
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
When you complete a balance transfer with theCiti Double Cash® Card in the first four months of opening the account, that transfer receives an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum). After the intro period, there's a balance transfer fee of 5% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum). New cardmembers will receive 0% intro APR for the first 18 months (then a 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR)
While it is technically a cash-back card, it earns cash back in the form of Citi ThankYou® points. This gives you more options for redeeming your points. You can use ThankYou points to get cash back (checks, direct deposits, statement credits) and other redemptions, such as gift cards at a value of one cent per point. You can alsotransfer these pointsto three travel loyalty programs: JetBlue, Wyndham and Choice Hotels. If you pair this card with the Citi Premier® Card, you'll unlock access to even more transfer partners, including Turkish Airlines, Avianca and Singapore Airlines. (See rates and fees)
Check out CNBC Select's best cash-back credit cards.
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Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Who's this for?
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent secured credit card that not only earns rewards but also comes with a potentially lucrative welcome bonus.
Standout benefits
The cash back you earn during the first year you have the card will be matched. What's nice about this offer is there's no minimum spending requirement, so you won't risk missing out on your intro bonus. Plus, this card charges no foreign transaction fees.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an easier credit card to get, even if you're in the process of rebuilding your credit. It allows you to earn rewards as you improve your credit score and offers a clear path to upgrading to an unsecured card.
Rewards
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Discover will match the cash back you earn during the first year with no minimum spending requirement or cap on the match.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a refundable security deposit, but after seven months there's an automatic review to see if you can be moved to an unsecured card. This takes the guesswork out of wondering when you'll qualify for an unsecured credit card.
There are no foreign transaction fees, so you won't be dinged for using the card abroad. The cashback you earn can be redeemed at any time with no minimums, including directly through PayPal.
Check out CNBC Select's best cards for building credit.
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U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card
The flexibility with what purchases earn the most rewards is what makes U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card a good choice for anyone who wants to earn cash back.
Who's this for?
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is easy to get, even with poor credit or no credit, because it is a secured credit card and requires an upfront deposit. But unlike many other secured credit cards, it has a generous rewards structure.
Standout benefits:
This card allows you to customize where you earn bonus cash back. You receive 5% on the first $2,000 spent in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two of 12 categories of your choice. You'll also earn 2% back in one additional category of your choice.
Rewards
- 5% cash back on prepaid airfare, hotels and car rentals booked through the U.S. Bank Rewards Travel Center
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose. Eligible categories include cell phone providers; TV, internet andstreaming; home utilities; fast food restaurants; gyms; ground transportation; furniture stores; sporting goods stores; select clothing stores; electronics stores; department stores; and movie theaters.
- 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants)
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The main benefit of the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is its flexible bonus reward categories. Plus, the cash back you earn with this card is very easy to redeem. You can redeem cash back for a statement credit, a deposit to a U.S. Bank account (savings, checking or money market) or a prepaid U.S. Bank Rewards card. You'll need at least $25 to make a redemption.
New cardholders must put down a deposit of between $300 and $5,000 which acts as your credit line. If you spend within your credit limit and pay your bill when it's due, U.S. Bank could eventually upgrade you to the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, at which time your security deposit will be returned.
Check out CNBC Select's best cards for everyday spending.
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Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Who's this for?
The Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card is open to applicants with no credit history, including those without a social security number. Instead of requiring a credit score, your banking activity and other financial data can determine your eligibility for the card.
Standout benefits
You can boost the cash back you earn by making on-time payments. Cardholders start off earning 1% cash back and can earn up to 1.5% back after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
The Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card isn't just easy to get, but it also has no fees, including no late payment fee. Instead of judging your creditworthiness solely based on credit history, Petal may ask you to link bank accounts during the application process. Then, WebBank, analyzes your bank statements and other data, such as bill payments and earnings, to determine your eligibility.
Rewards
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, which can increase up to 1.5% cash back after you make 12 on-time monthly payments
- 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The best part of the Petal 2 card is its lack of fees, it has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no late payment fee and no returned payment fee. The ability to earn up to 1.5% cash back after making 12 on-time monthly payments is not only a nice perk but a great way to encourage responsible behavior. Cardholders can also take advantage of limited-time offers for 2% to 10% back at select merchants.
Check out CNBC Select's best credit cards for bad credit.
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FAQs
What is the easiest credit card to get with bad credit?
If you have bad credit, the Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card is one of the easiest cards to get because the issuer considers other factors, such as banking activity, in addition to your credit score.
What credit card can I get with a 500 credit score?
If you have a credit score of 500, the easiest credit cards to get will be secured credit cards that require a deposit, such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card or U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card.
How can I get an authorized user credit card?
To become an authorized user on someone else's credit card account, the primary account holder needs to add you as an authorized user. Authorized users get their own credit card but typically won't have access to the same benefits available to the primary cardholder and there could be a fee for adding authorized users.
Are store credit cards easy to get?
Store credit cards are typically easier to qualify for, but they can have limited rewards or other limitations. Many store cards can only be used with that particular retailer or have fewer useful benefits than other types of credit cards.
Bottom line
Just because you're a beginner or are repairing your credit doesn't mean you can't get approved for a credit card or have to sacrifice the opportunity to earn rewards. The best easy-to-get credit cards earn rewards that compete with cards that have stricter credit score requirements. Even some secured credit cards can offer the opportunity to earn cash back on your purchases.
After a few months of paying your bills on time and in full, you may be able to upgrade or switch to an even more generous card. The best way to know when you're ready is to keep track of your credit score using a free resource like *Experian Boost™ (FICO® Score), CreditWise from Capital One (VantageScore) or Chase Credit Journey (VantageScore).
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit cardreview is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit cardproducts.While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. Seeour methodologyfor more information on how we choose the best easy credit cards.
Our methodology
To determine which cards will put the most money back in your pocket, CNBC Select evaluated credit cards offered by the biggest banks, financial companies and credit unions that allow anyone to join. We compared each card on a range of features, including cash-back rewards, annual fee, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available.
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*Results may vary. Some may not see improved scores or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost.
Information about the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card is issued by WebBank.
For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Discover it® Student Cash Back, click here.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
