At Financer.com, we’ve done the research to bring you the best options available in 2024, catering to a wide range of credit profiles and financial goals.
Our top picks for this year include:
Best Unsecured Credit Cards – Quick Answers
- Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card: Best for those with poor credit looking to rebuild their credit score
- PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card: Best for those with good to excellent credit looking
- Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa: Best for fair credit, offering a high credit limit and cash back rewards
But these are just the tip of the iceberg.
To help you find the perfect card for your unique situation, we’ve compiled a comprehensive table comparing a wide range of unsecured credit cards.
Find the Best Unsercured Credit Card for Your Needs
| Company | Card name | Annual Fee | APR: | Max. Credit | Card System | Travel Insurance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $95 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | See offer |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | See offer |
| PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | See offer |
| Milestone® Gold Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | Master Card | No | See offer |
| Surge® Platinum Mastercard® | $75 | 29.99% | $2,000 | Master Card | No | See offer |
| Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card | $75 | 35.99% | $300 | Visa | No | See offer |
| Upgrade Card | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | See offer |
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| Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | See offer |
| Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | See offer |
| American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card | $0 | 18.49% | – | American Express | Yes | See offer |
| American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card | $95 | 18.49% | $30,000 | American Express | Yes | See offer |
| American Express® Gold Credit Card | $250 | 20.49% | $25,000 | American Express | No | See offer |
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| Company | Overall Rating | Card name | Annual Fee | APR: | Max. Credit | Card System | Travel Insurance | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $95 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | See offer | |
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| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | See offer | |
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| PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | See offer | |
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| Milestone® Gold Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | Master Card | No | See offer | |
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| Surge® Platinum Mastercard® | $75 | 29.99% | $2,000 | Master Card | No | See offer | |
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| Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card | $75 | 35.99% | $300 | Visa | No | See offer | |
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| Upgrade Card | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | See offer | |
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| Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | See offer | |
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| Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | See offer | |
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| American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card | $0 | 18.49% | – | American Express | Yes | See offer | |
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| American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card | $95 | 18.49% | $30,000 | American Express | Yes | See offer | |
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| American Express® Gold Credit Card | $250 | 20.49% | $25,000 | American Express | No | See offer |
What Is an Unsecured Credit Card?
Unsecured credit cards are the most common type of credit card. Unlike secured cards, they don’t require a security deposit for approval. The issuer extends a line of credit based on your creditworthiness, without any collateral.
Key features:
- No security deposit required
- Credit limit based on creditworthiness
- Typically require higher credit scores than secured cards
- May offer rewards and benefits
- Can help build or improve credit when used responsibly
Unsecured Credit Cards – FAQs
What is an unsecured credit card?
An unsecured credit card is a type of credit card that doesn’t require a security deposit. The credit limit is based on your creditworthiness rather than collateral.
What credit score do you need for an unsecured card?
Most unsecured credit cards require a good credit score (typically in the range of 670-850). However, some cards are available for those with fair credit scores (580-669) or even lower, though they may come with higher fees and interest rates.
What is the easiest unsecured card to get?
Some of the easiest unsecured cards to get approved for include the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit and the Petal® 1 No Annual Fee Visa® Credit Card. These cards are designed for people with limited or poor credit history.
Can you get an unsecured credit card with a 540 credit score?
Yes, it’s possible to get an unsecured credit card with a 540 credit score, but your options will be limited and you may face higher interest rates and fees. Consider cards specifically designed for building or rebuilding credit.
What are the latest innovations in unsecured credit cards?
The latest innovations include contactless payments, digital wallet integration, biometric authentication, custom virtual card numbers for online shopping, personalized rewards programs, and the use of alternative data for credit decisions.
Our Top Unsecured Cards for 2024
Based on our latest research, here are some of the best unsecured credit cards available in 2024:
Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your Total Credit Card
- $300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
- No security deposit, simply pay a one-time $95 program fee to open your account.
- $75 annual fee for the first year
This card offers a path to credit improvement with an initial $300 credit limit and reports to all three major credit bureaus.
While it comes with higher fees ($75 annual fee for the first year, $48 thereafter) and a high APR (34.99%), it provides an opportunity for individuals with low credit scores to access an unsecured credit line.
The card also offers 1% cash back on eligible purchases, adding a small rewards benefit.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- Purchase Variable APR: 17.99%
- 0% Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months
- Points on gas paid at the pump and EV charging stations
- Annual Fee: $0
Learn more about PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
This card stands out with its impressive rewards structure:
- 5x points on gas at the pump and EV charging stations.
- 3x points on supermarket purchases, restaurants/dining, and cable, satellite and other pay television/radio/streaming services.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
With no annual fee and a competitive APR range of 17.99% to 27.99% Variable, it’s an excellent choice for those who can qualify.
The card also offers additional Visa Signature benefits, making it a valuable option for those with strong credit profiles.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa
- APR: 14.99% – 29.99%
- No annual fee
- Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
- See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score
This innovative card combines elements of a personal loan with a credit card, providing a high credit limit even for those with fair credit.
Cardholders earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time they make a payment, encouraging responsible credit use. The card also offers a $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions.
With no annual fee and the potential for credit limit increases, it’s an excellent option for those looking to build credit while enjoying cash back benefits.
How To Choose the Best Unsecured Credit Card
Follow these steps to find the best unsecured credit card for your needs:
Steps
Check Your Credit Score
Know your credit score to understand which cards you’re likely to qualify for. Most unsecured cards require a credit score of 670 or higher for the best terms.
Compare Interest Rates and Fees
Unsecured cards may have higher APRs and fees. Look for cards with reasonable rates and minimal fees, especially if you plan to carry a balance.
Evaluate Rewards Programs
Consider cards that offer rewards aligned with your spending habits, such as cash back, points, or travel miles.
Assess Credit Limits
Choose a card that offers a credit limit that meets your needs without encouraging overspending.
Review Additional Perks
Look for extra benefits like fraud protection, travel insurance, or purchase protection that can add value to your card.
Consider Future Growth
Opt for cards that offer the potential for credit limit increases or upgrades as your credit improves.
Latest Innovations in Unsecured Credit Cards
The credit card industry is constantly evolving. Here are some of the latest trends and innovations you can expect to see in unsecured credit cards in 2024:
Contactless payments for quick tap-to-pay transactions
Seamless integration with digital wallets
Biometric authentication for enhanced security
Custom virtual credit card numbers for online shopping
Gamification of rewards programs
Personalized rewards tailored to spending habits
Alternative data usage for more inclusive credit decisions
Digital-first approach with mobile-centric features
Innovative Features to Look For
Applying for an Unsecured Credit Card
Before applying for an unsecured credit card, it’s crucial to understand the process and requirements:
Application Tips
- Check your credit report for errors before applying
- Use pre-qualification tools to gauge your approval odds without impacting your credit score
- Have your personal and financial information ready when applying
- Be prepared to provide proof of income
- Read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting an offer
Remember, you can request a free credit report from the three major reporting bureaus once every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com.
