Building Credit from Zero: Best No Credit Check Credit Cards & Instant Approval Options for First-Time Users

Starting Your Credit Journey Without a History

Establishing credit is a universal challenge that everyone faces at some point. When you’re brand new to the credit system with little to no credit history, qualifying for most credit cards seems nearly impossible. However, financial experts have identified several pathways to get your credit story started. The key is understanding which cards offer instant approval or minimal credit requirements, and how to strategically build your credit score over time.

As your credit profile strengthens, the doors to premium credit cards and better terms will gradually open. Financial educator Graham Stephan recently shared his expert recommendations on this topic, highlighting products specifically designed for beginners entering the credit world for the first time.

Products Designed for Zero Credit History

Discover it® Secured Credit Card: The Foundation Builder

When you’re starting completely from scratch, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands out as a practical entry point. This secured card requires you to deposit a refundable security deposit—an amount that serves as collateral for the card issuer and enables approval despite your lack of credit history.

What makes this option particularly attractive is the absence of any annual fee, a rarity among secured credit cards. Beyond that, it surprisingly offers cash back rewards and a welcome bonus—features you won’t typically find on secured products. This combination makes it an excellent tool for establishing payment history while earning rewards simultaneously.

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Card: Alternative Credit Assessment

The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® takes a different approach to creditworthiness. Rather than demanding a security deposit or requiring an existing credit score, this card evaluates your banking history during the application process. If you can demonstrate consistent bill payments through your bank account activity, Petal will approve you based on that alternative data.

This card goes further by eliminating all fees entirely—no annual charge, no foreign transaction fees, no late payment penalties. Combined with cash back on purchases, it provides a genuinely no-cost entry into credit building for those seeking instant approval options with no credit checks.

Cards for Those with Emerging Credit

Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card: For Regular Shoppers

For consumers who frequently shop on Amazon, using an Amazon-branded credit card serves dual purposes: building credit while earning substantial rewards. The standard Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card (for non-Prime members) and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (for members with higher cash back rates) both feature relatively relaxed approval guidelines.

With a FICO® Score around 640 or higher, applicants have strong approval odds, making these cards accessible once you’ve built minimal credit history.

Chase Freedom Flex℠: Higher Rewards with Moderate Requirements

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ represents the next tier of credit card quality. It delivers exceptional value through multiple features:

• Substantial welcome bonus with achievable spending thresholds
• Premium cash back rates across rotating bonus categories
• Introductory 0% APR period
• No annual fee

However, this card isn’t accessible with zero credit. Chase typically requires applicants to have good credit—generally a FICO® Score exceeding 670. This card becomes a realistic target after you’ve spent 12-24 months building your credit profile.

Citi® Double Cash Card with 18-Month Balance Transfer: The Value Play

The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer delivers simplicity paired with genuine utility. Its defining feature is straightforward: earn 2% cash back on all purchases, distributed as 1% at purchase and 1% when you pay the bill on time.

Additional benefits include:

• Welcome bonus for new cardholders
• Zero annual fee
• 0% introductory APR on balance transfers

Like the Chase option, approval requires similar standards: a FICO® Score typically above 670 provides your best chances.

Honorable Mentions for Established Beginners

Two additional cards warrant consideration once you’ve established at least moderate credit:

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers bonus cash back at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail stores, helping maximize spending on everyday categories.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards lets you select which purchase category receives bonus cash back, providing personalization that other cards lack.

Creating Your Credit Card Strategy

Graham Stephan’s recommendations reveal a clear pathway: if you’re building from absolute zero, prioritize the Discover it® Secured or Petal® 2 cards for their instant approval potential with no credit checks required. Both provide genuine rewards while you establish your payment history.

Once you’ve accumulated 6-12 months of positive credit activity, you’ll likely qualify for mid-tier cards like the Amazon options. After 12-24 months of consistent on-time payments, premium cards like Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Citi® Double Cash become realistic targets.

The strategy isn’t about jumping to the “best” card immediately—it’s about strategic progression through cards that match your current credit profile, always moving upward as your history strengthens.