The 3 Top Credit Builder Cards for the UK, Europe and the USA for 2025
Compare the best credit builder cards for Immigrants, Students and people with less then perfect credit scores!
We looked into the Best Credit Builder cards at your Fingertips!
Warning: Be aware that Credit Builder Cards carry a very high APR sometimes up to 49% and more ( GBP 490 of Interest p.a. for a card with a GBP 1.000 credit limit! )
More here about Credit Builder Cards vs. Secured Cards
- UK & EUROPE
- USA
Best and Worst Credit Builder Cards of 2025
Credit builder cards are designed for people with bad or limited credit who need to improve their credit score without paying a deposit. While the U.S. market is crowded with starter cards, the UK and wider European scenes still offer a tighter—but growing—range of credit cards for bad credit. In Britain you’ll find specialist options such as Aqua Classic, Capital One Classic, Vanquis Chrome, Tesco Foundation and the new Tymit Classic. Across Europe, products like N26 Flex (Germany) and OnlyOne Build (France) are filling the same niche, though APR caps and credit-limit policies vary by country. This page compares three leading credit builder cards for each of the UK, European and U.S. markets, so you can see fees, limits and credit-reporting practices side-by-side and choose the fastest path to rebuilding your score.
UK & EU Credit Builder Cards 2025
ZILCH UK - APPLY HERE
Pay over 6 weeks or 3 month
Zilch has been around since 2018 with one goal in mind – to get people the credit they deserve. Zilch is a virtual card that lets you pay for your purchases in three different ways, so you can use it like a debit card and earn a part of your purchase back in Rewards, or you can use it like a credit card and pay for things over 6 weeks or 3 months.
Zilch is strictly speaking not a credit builder credit card , but a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) virtual Mastercard. What makes it unique is that you can use it to shop at any retailer online or offline that accepts Mastercard – rather than being tied in to partner stores.
Pros:
- £5 Welcome Bonus
- It does also work as a credit builder card as Zilch reports your payments to all 3 big credit reference agencies as well, so it can improve your credit and build your credit.
- Zero fees on purchases if you keep to repayment schedule
- Zero fees on purchases if you keep to repayment schedule
- You can use ZILCH without the credit by paying in full
- Improves Cash Flow
- Can act as a credit builder card if you make timely payments.
Cons:
- Zilch Anywhere incurs fees and is best avoided
- Refunds can take time to process
- Not recommended for those who find credit difficult to manage
- It will have a negative impact on your credit file because a " hard search " will be carried out.
- Non payments will incur fees and affect your credit rating – however obviously this is the case for any non payment
- Is not a classic credit builder card but a BNPL card
- The " transactions fees " are high at £3 for each BNPL transaction.
There are essentially two ways to use Zilch. You can Pay in 4, or Pay in 1 and earn 2% cashback.
If you choose to Pay in 1, you'll receive 2% back in rewards.
If you make a purchase and reach the checkout, if your amount is more than your available spend, it will be added to your first payment at checkout. The rest will be paid over six weeks.
You can use Zilch Rewards any time you want by simply choosing Zilch Rewards before you enable your card. The rewards will then be put towards your next purchase.
When you pay in full or refer friends, you'll be rewarded. With Zilch Rewards, you can use your rewards toward your next purchase, or save up for something special.
If you need more time to make a payment, you can tap on 'Snooze' and you'll be given four more days to make your payment. Keep in mind that the Snooze function incurs a small fee.
Here are some features of using a Zilch account:
Pay zero interest. Purchases through Zilch are interest-free.
Pay in 4. You can spread your purchases in four equal payments.
Zilch Anywhere. An upgrade that allows some customers to pay with Zilch at a long list of brands it has partnerships with, as well as those it doesn't, as long as they accept Mastercard. In this case, a £2.50 fixed fee will be charged.
No charges for early repayment. There are no fees for making early repayments on your Zilch account.
Capital One Classic credit card
Most likely the biggest issuer of Credit Builder Cards in the UK with 4Mio. customers.
A credit builder card from Capital One which might improve your credit score, which can in return can help you get access to more unsecured credit in future. Credit limits are starting from £200.
The Capital One Classic card remains one of the most widely held credit builder cards in the UK — and for good reason. It’s a no-frills entry-level product designed to help people with little, poor, or no credit history get started. But while its accessibility is a strong point, it comes with trade-offs that borrowers need to consider carefully.
Pros:
High approval rates: Open to people with limited or poor credit histories.
Soft eligibility checker: You can see your chances before applying without affecting your credit score.
No annual fee: You won’t pay to keep the card open.
Monthly reporting to all major UK credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) helps you build credit with responsible use.
Free credit score access via Capital One’s CreditWise tool.
Cons:
Very high APR: Representative APR of 34.9% (variable) makes carrying a balance expensive.
Low starting credit limits: Typically between £200–£1,500, which can be restrictive.
No rewards or cashback: Offers zero perks or incentives for spending.
Foreign transaction fees: Using the card abroad adds extra costs.
Late payment penalties: Strict late fees and potential for further credit damage.
Perceived as a “bad credit card” by some lenders — may affect how other credit providers view your
Capital One Classic Credit Card – Key Details
Card type: Unsecured UK credit builder card
Issuer: Capital One (Europe) plc
Eligibility: Poor or limited credit history
Representative APR: 34.9% APR (variable)
Credit limit: Typically between £200 – £1,500
Annual fee: £0 (no annual or monthly fee)
Rewards: None
Foreign transaction fee: 2.75% on non‑sterling purchases
Cash withdrawal fee: £3 or 3% (whichever is greater)
Late payment fee: Up to £12
Credit score access: Included (CreditWise)
Reporting to CRAs: Yes – reports monthly to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
Application impact: Uses a soft eligibility checker before full application
App & tools: Capital One UK app, SMS alerts, and online banking
Tesco Foundation Credit Builder Card
" Designed to help you build or improve your credit score."
With this credit builder credit card you can collect Clubcard points, when you spend with this card, plus your usual points in Tesco.
The Tesco Foundation Credit Card is a no-frills option for someone with limited credit history who prefers a traditional bank. However, with such a high APR and no meaningful benefits, it’s only suitable if you’re certain you can repay in full every month. If you’re looking for features like no credit check, built-in budgeting tools, or real perks — newer fintech alternatives offer better value and flexibility.
Pros:
Backed by a trusted brand: Tesco Bank is FCA-authorised and well-established, offering a sense of credibility.
Credit building opportunity: Reports to UK credit reference agencies — good for those starting from scratch.
Simple eligibility checker: Tesco offers a soft search tool to check your chances before applying.
No annual fee: You don’t pay to hold the card (if used responsibly).
Basic mobile app: Easy-to-use app helps manage spending and payments.
Cons:
High APR: Representative 29.9%–34.9% APR (variable) – expensive if balance isn’t paid in full monthly
Low starting credit limit: Typically between £250 and £1,500, which can feel restrictive
Hard credit check required: Applying leaves a mark on your credit file, which may lower your score if rejected
Possible rejection: Approval not guaranteed, especially for those with very poor or no credit history
No guaranteed limit increases: Credit limit reviews aren’t automatic or guaranteed after responsible use
No rewards or perks: No cashback, points, or discounts — unlike many secured or BNPL-linked alternatives
Foreign usage fees: Non-sterling transaction fees apply when using abroad
Cash advance fees: Withdrawing cash incurs fees and higher interest rates, even if repaid quickly
Late payment penalties: Fees apply if you miss a payment — and your credit score can be further harmed
Perceived as a “bad credit” card: May signal to lenders that you're financially struggling.
- Starting credit limits between £200 - £1,500 and monthly repayments from £25
- Get access to Tesco Bank CreditView, provided by TransUnion, for 3 years from account opening, and track your credit score with monthly updates
- Collect Clubcard points almost every time you shop
- You may be considered for regular optional credit limit increases if you manage your account well
US Credit Builder Cards 2025
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Up to 3% Reward Rate
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores or home improvement and furnishings; Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. You'll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%
The Chime Credit Builder Visa® card in the U.S. has set a new benchmark for responsible, consumer-first credit building — offering no credit checks, no fees, and zero interest, with spending limited to pre-funded amounts. It’s designed to be risk-free and supportive, especially for younger or underserved consumers. The ZORRZ BlueAccess card in the UK takes that ethos even further by combining guaranteed virtual credit card access (without credit checks or unsecured debt) with powerful extras like BNPL, multilingual AI financial guidance, and a Mastercard-linked marketplace full of perks and cashback offers. While Chime is purely a credit builder tool, ZORRZ positions itself as a more holistic financial access product — bridging the gap between inclusion, empowerment, and smart daily spending. It’s arguably the most forward-thinking secured credit solution available in the UK and Europe today.
Pros:
No credit check to apply – approval based on having a Chime account
No annual fee, no interest, and no foreign transaction fees
No minimum security deposit required – you set your own limit based on funds moved to the Credit Builder account
No APR – since you must pre-fund the card, there’s no revolving debt or interest charges
Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
No late fees – payments are automated from your Chime account balance
Encourages responsible habits – only lets you spend what you move onto the card
Safe credit-building tool – risk of debt and over-limit spending is nearly eliminated
Mobile-first experience with real-time notifications, easy controls, and automatic payments
Cons:
Requires a Chime Spending Account – you must be a Chime customer to qualify
Must have qualifying direct deposits – typically at least $200 in direct deposits within a 34-day period to be eligible
No rewards or cashback – unlike some other secured or unsecured cards
Not ideal for larger purchases or traditional revolving credit usage – you can only spend what you’ve pre-funded
Doesn’t help with utilization ratio in the same way – because it doesn’t report a set credit limit, credit scoring models may treat usage differently
Not suitable for international travel – although no foreign fees, card acceptance may be limited abroad compared to mainstream cards
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card – Key Details
Card Type: Secured (prepaid-style, no credit check)
Issuer: Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
Network: Visa®
Annual Fee: $0
APR (Interest Rate): 0% – no interest charged
Minimum Deposit: No minimum required – your credit limit equals the amount you move into the secured account
Credit Limit: Based on your available balance in the secured account
Credit Check Required: No
Reports to Credit Bureaus: Yes – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
Rewards: None
Late Payment Fees: None
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Cash Advance Fees: None
Grace Period: Not applicable (prepaid-style)
Mobile App Access: Yes – full control through the Chime mobile app
Other Requirements:
Must have a Chime Spending Account
Must receive qualifying direct deposits (typically $200+) to be eligible
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit
Unsecured access: No security deposit required
Some versions offer 1% cashback on select purchases (e.g. gas, groceries).
Reports to all 3 credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
The Credit One Platinum Visa credit builder card is a very common entry point for Americans trying to rebuild their credit without a deposit. But it comes at a cost. The high APR, complex fees, and modest credit limits mean this card should only be used with caution. It can help improve your credit if managed properly, but other secured cards — like Discover it® Secured or Capital One Secured — may offer better value and fewer fees for most consumers.
Pros:
- Unsecured access: No security deposit required
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
- Free credit score tracking included
- Chance for credit limit increase with on-time payments
- Prequalification tool (soft check) won’t impact credit score
- Some versions offer 1% cashback on select purchases (e.g. gas, groceries)
Cons:
- Annual fee: Typically $75–$99 in the first year (sometimes split monthly after)
- High APR: Around 28.49%–35.99% (variable) — costly if balance isn’t paid in full
- Low initial credit limit: Often around $300–$500, sometimes reduced by the annual fee
- Multiple fee types: Including monthly maintenance fees, authorized user fees, and late payment fees
- No grace period on some offers — interest may begin accruing immediately
- Reputation: Credit One Bank has a mixed reputation for customer service and transparency
Card name: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit
Issuer: Credit One Bank, N.A.
Type: Unsecured credit builder card
APR: ~28.49% to 35.99% (variable)
Annual fee: $75–$99 (may be billed monthly after year 1)
Credit limit: $300–$1,500 (depends on creditworthiness)
Rewards: Some offers include 1% cashback on eligible purchases
Prequalification: Yes (soft credit check)
Credit bureau reporting: Yes – all three major bureaus
Mobile app: Yes – Credit One Bank app
Additional fees:
- Late payment: Up to $40
- Authorized user: $19/year
- Cash advance: $5 or 8% (whichever is greater)
REFLEX unsecured credit builder Mastercard
Credit Builder card issued by Continental Finance which reports to all 3 credit bureaus
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Unsecured credit card – no security deposit required
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Designed for bad credit or limited credit history
The Reflex Mastercard is one of several subprime credit cards issued by Continental Finance, designed for people who can't qualify elsewhere. While it can help build credit by reporting to all three credit bureaus, its extremely high fees, low initial limits, and punishing APR make it a risky choice. Most consumers would be better off with a no-fee secured card or modern credit builder products that don't charge as aggressively. Use this card only as a last resort — and pay off your balance in full every month.
Pros:
Unsecured credit card – no security deposit required
Designed for bad credit or limited credit history
Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus – helps build credit with responsible use
Prequalification available – uses a soft credit check
Chance for credit limit increase after 6 months
Mobile app and online account access
Cons:
Very high APR – typically 29.99% – 35.99% (variable)
Annual fee: Up to $99 (often deducted from initial credit limit)
Monthly maintenance fee: Up to $10/month after the first year
Low initial credit limit: Often $300, reduced by fees
Multiple additional fees:
One-time program fee: Up to $89
Authorized user fee: $30/year
Cash advance fee: $5 or 5%
No rewards or perks
No grace period – interest may start accruing immediately
Poor customer reputation – widely criticized for predatory fee structures
Issuer: Continental Finance / Celtic Bank
Network: Mastercard®
Type: Unsecured credit builder card
APR: 29.99% – 35.99% (variable)
Annual Fee: $75 – $99 (varies by creditworthiness)
Monthly Fee: $0 for first year, up to $10/month after year 1
One-Time Program Fee: Up to $89
Credit Limit: $300 – $1,000 (often starts at $300)
Late Payment Fee: Up to $41
Cash Advance Fee: $5 or 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
Reports to Bureaus: Yes – Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
Prequalification: Yes (no hard credit check to check eligibility)
Mobile App: Yes – Continental Finance mobile app
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