If you're searching for a no annual fee credit card that’s easy to get approved for, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a student, someone new to credit, or working on rebuilding your score, finding the best credit cards for bad credit or limited credit history can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, there are several excellent beginner credit cards in the USA that offer simple approval processes, zero annual fees, and useful features to help you build or improve your credit profile.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top easy approval credit cards with no annual fees, explain what makes them accessible, and help you choose the right one based on your financial goals.
These cards are especially helpful if you're just starting your credit journey or looking for a second chance to get back on track.
Let’s dive into the best options available in 2025 that combine low cost, flexible approval, and credit-building benefits all without paying a yearly fee.
Why Choose a No Annual Fee Credit Card?
Opting for a no annual fee credit card in USA is a smart financial decision, especially if you're looking to save money with credit cards while building your credit. Unlike traditional cards that charge a yearly fee, zero annual fee cards allow you to enjoy the benefits of credit without the added cost.
1. Save Money with Credit Cards
The most significant advantage of low-cost credit cards is that you don’t have to pay a yearly fee. While some credit cards charge anywhere from $50 to $500 annually, choosing a card with zero annual fees allows you to save money, making it ideal for first-time credit card users and those on a budget.
2. Ideal for First-Time Users and Students
For beginners or students, a beginner credit card USA with no annual fee is the perfect way to start building a credit history without additional costs. Students can even earn cashback or discounts on purchases, helping them save even more.
3. Build or Rebuild Credit Without Extra Cost
Whether you’re new to credit or working to rebuild your score, a no annual fee credit card offers a low-cost option for improving your credit profile. By using your card responsibly, you can boost your credit without worrying about fees eating into your budget.
Overall, choosing a no annual fee credit card offers you flexibility, savings, and an easy path to better credit all without the worry of additional costs.
Top No Annual Fee Credit Cards with Easy Approval in the USA (2025)
If you’re looking for easy approval credit cards USA that don’t come with the burden of an annual fee, you’re in luck. Whether you're a first-time cardholder, rebuilding credit, or simply want to save on costs, these credit cards for bad credit with no annual fee offer an excellent way to manage your finances. Below are the best options available in 2025, known for their simple approval process and zero annual fees.
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a fantastic option for students looking to build their credit while earning rewards. With no annual fee and a simple approval process, it's one of the top easy approval credit cards for students. Plus, Discover offers no credit score requirement, making it accessible to those who may have limited credit history.
Overview and Card Details:
With the Discover it® Student Cash Back, you can earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to a quarterly maximum, then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The card also offers a unique first-year cashback match Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, which can significantly boost your rewards.
Since there is no credit check required for pre-qualification, students with little or no credit history can still apply. The card provides an excellent opportunity to start building a positive credit history while enjoying attractive rewards on everyday purchases.
Discover it® Student Cash Back Card Details
| Feature |
Details |
| Annual Fee |
$0 |
| Credit Check |
None (Pre-qualification available) |
| Best For |
Students seeking to build credit while earning rewards |
| Regular Purchase APR |
17.24% – 26.24% Variable |
| Recommended Credit |
Fair to Good (300 – 850) |
| Ideal For |
Students who want to build credit and earn cash back rewards |
| Benefits |
Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to a quarterly maximum) and 1% on all other purchases. Discover matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. No credit score required to apply. |
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an excellent tool for students to begin their credit journey while enjoying attractive rewards, all without worrying about an annual fee.
2. OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
The OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is one of the most accessible options for those looking to rebuild credit or start from scratch.
With no credit check required and a $0 annual fee, it’s designed for applicants who might not qualify for traditional unsecured cards. Whether you've had past financial challenges or are new to credit, OpenSky gives you a chance to build a strong credit profile without the stress of a hard inquiry.
Overview of OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card:
The OpenSky® Plus card is a secured credit card, meaning it requires a refundable deposit but unlike many other secured cards, it doesn’t check your credit during the application process. It reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build credit with responsible use. Since there’s no annual fee, you can maintain the card without worrying about recurring costs.
This card is an excellent choice for people who want an entry point to the credit system with minimal barriers, especially if you’ve been denied elsewhere.
| Feature |
Details |
| Annual Fee |
$0 |
| Credit Check |
None |
| Best For |
Applicants with no credit or poor credit history |
| Regular Purchase APR |
25.64% Variable APR |
| Recommended Credit |
No credit or poor credit (300 – 579) |
| Ideal For |
Users looking to rebuild credit with no annual fee and no credit check |
| Benefits |
No credit check required for approval. Reports to all three major credit bureaus. $0 annual fee. Helps establish or rebuild credit responsibly. Minimum refundable deposit required. |
3. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a top pick for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit responsibly without paying annual fees. With a $0 annual fee and a low refundable security deposit starting at just $49, this card stands out as one of the most affordable secured credit cards in the USA.
Overview of Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card:
Unlike many secured cards, Capital One determines your deposit amount based on creditworthiness meaning you could get a $200 credit limit with a deposit as low as $49.
It reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build credit history quickly with on-time payments and smart usage. Additionally, Capital One regularly reviews your account and may offer a path to upgrade to an unsecured card with responsible use.
This card is perfect for those who want a flexible, low-cost entry into credit building, with the potential to graduate to better credit products down the road.
| Feature |
Details |
| Annual Fee |
$0 |
| Credit Check |
Yes (Soft pull for pre-approval) |
| Best For |
People rebuilding credit with limited funds |
| Regular Purchase APR |
30.74% Variable APR |
| Recommended Credit |
Bad to Fair (300 – 670) |
| Ideal For |
Individuals wanting a secured card with upgrade potential |
| Benefits |
$0 annual fee, low refundable deposit starting at $49, reports to all major credit bureaus. Offers a potential path to an unsecured card with responsible use. |
4. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for individuals with fair credit looking to earn consistent rewards on everyday spending. With 1.5% cash back on all purchases and no annual fee, it's one of the few easy approval credit cards that combines accessibility with ongoing value.
Overview of Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card:
What makes this card stand out is its flat-rate cash back and the ability to pre-qualify without a hard credit check, allowing you to check your chances of approval risk-free.
It's designed for those with average to fair credit and offers the same rewards rate as many premium cards. Over time, responsible use can help you boost your credit score, and you may even qualify for a credit line increase after six months.
This card is ideal for people who want a straightforward rewards program, easy approval, and the ability to grow their credit over time—without annual fees.
| Feature |
Details |
| Annual Fee |
$0 |
| Credit Check |
Yes (Pre-qualification available) |
| Best For |
Users with fair credit seeking cash back rewards |
| Regular Purchase APR |
30.74% Variable APR |
| Recommended Credit |
Fair to Good (580 – 740) |
| Ideal For |
People who want flat-rate cash back and credit growth potential |
| Benefits |
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. No annual fee. Pre-qualification available without impacting your credit score. Opportunity for credit line increase after 6 months of on-time payments. |
5. Bilt Mastercard®
The Bilt Mastercard® is a unique rewards credit card designed specifically for renters who want to earn points on rent payments without paying any fees. With no annual fee, no credit check, and a generous rewards structure, it’s perfect for individuals who want to make the most of their everyday spending.
Overview of Bilt Mastercard:
The Bilt Mastercard lets you earn 3 points per dollar on dining, 2 points on travel, and 1 point per dollar on rent (up to 100,000 points per year) — all with no transaction fee on rent payments.
Unlike most traditional cards, Bilt doesn’t require a credit check to apply, making it highly accessible. Upon approval, you get instant access to your card number, so you can start using it right away.
This card is ideal for renters, travelers, and anyone looking to maximize rewards without the burden of annual fees or credit checks. Plus, Bilt Points are versatile and can be redeemed for travel, rent payments, fitness classes, or even a future home down payment.
| Feature |
Details |
| Annual Fee |
$0 |
| Credit Check |
None |
| Best For |
Renters and travelers looking to earn flexible rewards |
| Regular Purchase APR |
Varies by applicant (See terms) |
| Recommended Credit |
Fair to Excellent (No hard credit inquiry) |
| Ideal For |
Renters and travelers looking to earn rewards on everyday spending |
| Benefits |
Earn 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, 1x on rent (up to 100,000 points/year). Points redeemable for rent, travel, and more. Instant card number upon approval. No credit check or annual fee. |
Final Thoughts
Finding the right credit card doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you're looking for no annual fee credit cards with easy approval. Whether you're a student, a first-time cardholder, or someone working to rebuild your credit, the options we’ve covered offer a range of benefits without the burden of yearly fees.
From the cashback rewards of the Discover it® Student Cash Back and Capital One QuicksilverOne, to the accessibility of secured cards like OpenSky® Plus and Capital One Platinum Secured, and even the renter-focused rewards of the Bilt Mastercard®, there’s a card for nearly every financial goal.
These low-cost credit cards not only help you save money but also provide a valuable opportunity to build or improve your credit score responsibly. Remember to choose a card that matches your spending habits and long-term credit-building goals.
Ready to take control of your finances? Start with one of these top easy approval credit cards in the USA—and build your credit the smart way, without paying a dime in annual fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a no annual fee credit card?
A no annual fee credit card is a credit card that does not charge a yearly maintenance fee for owning the card. These are great for beginners or budget-conscious users who want to build credit or earn rewards without paying extra costs.
2. Are there any no annual fee credit cards for bad credit?
Yes, many credit cards for bad credit with no annual fee are available, including secured cards like the OpenSky® Plus and Capital One Platinum Secured. These cards help rebuild credit and report to major credit bureaus without charging annual fees.
3. Can I get a credit card with no credit check?
Some easy approval credit cards in the USA do not require a credit check. Cards like the OpenSky® Plus and Bilt Mastercard® allow applicants to apply without a hard inquiry, making them ideal for users with limited or no credit history.
4. What are the best beginner credit cards with no annual fee?
For first-time users, cards like the Discover it® Student Cash Back and Capital One QuicksilverOne offer great value with no annual fees, simple approval, and rewards. These are perfect for those just starting to build credit.
5. Do secured credit cards with no annual fee really help build credit?
Yes, secured credit cards like the Capital One Platinum Secured report your payment history to all three credit bureaus. With on-time payments and responsible use, you can improve your credit score over time—without any annual charges.
6. How can I qualify for an easy approval credit card with no annual fee?
Look for cards that offer pre-qualification with a soft credit check. Meeting basic income and residency requirements can help. Secured cards or student cards are often the easiest to get approved for with limited credit.