You Can Apply for These 9 Credit Cards with No Deposit

Finding a credit card with no deposit can be a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to build or improve your credit without paying an upfront security deposit. Many credit cards, particularly secured cards, require deposits of $200 or more, which can be a barrier for some applicants. However, unsecured credit cards don’t require a deposit and can offer cashback, rewards, and credit-building benefits.

If you’re searching for the best credit cards with no deposit, this guide covers 9 top options that you can apply for today.

What Is a Credit Card with No Deposit?

A credit card with no deposit is an unsecured credit card that does not require an upfront security deposit for approval. These cards are ideal for:

✅ First-time credit users who don’t want to pay a deposit.
✅ Individuals with fair or good credit looking for a low-cost option.
✅ People rebuilding credit who qualify for unsecured cards.

Benefits of No-Deposit Credit Cards:

✔ No upfront security deposit required
✔ Instant credit access
✔ Some offer cashback and rewards
✔ Helps build or rebuild credit

The challenge? These cards can be harder to qualify for if you have bad credit. However, some issuers offer credit cards for fair credit that don’t require a deposit.

How to Qualify for a Credit Card with No Deposit

Before applying, consider these key factors that credit card issuers review:

✅ 1. Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a major role in determining your eligibility.

📌 Where to Check Your Credit Score for Free:

• Credit Karma
• Experian
• Capital One CreditWise

If your score is below 580, your best bet is to improve your credit or consider a credit-building alternative.

✅ 2. Show Proof of Income

Issuers want to see that you have a steady source of income to repay debts.

💡 Types of Acceptable Income:
✔ Job salary or wages
✔ Freelance or gig work
✔ Government benefits (Social Security, disability, etc.)
✔ Alimony or child support (if applicable)

If you don’t have a traditional job, some issuers may accept alternative income sources.

✅ 3. Keep Debt Low

A high debt-to-income ratio (DTI) can hurt your chances of getting a no-deposit card.

📌 How to Improve Your DTI Before Applying:
✅ Pay down existing credit card balances
✅ Avoid applying for multiple credit cards at once
✅ Make on-time payments on loans and credit cards

A low DTI makes you a lower risk to issuers.

9 Best Credit Cards with No Deposit in 2025

1. Capital One Platinum Credit Card

✅ No deposit required
✅ $0 annual fee
✅ Credit limit increases after 6 months
✅ Best for: People with fair credit looking to build history

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Reports to all three credit bureaus
• Opportunity for credit line increases
• No hidden fees

📌 Downside: No rewards or cashback

2. Discover it® Student Cash Back

✅ No deposit required
✅ $0 annual fee
✅ 5% cashback on rotating categories
✅ Best for: Students looking to build credit with rewards

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Cashback Match in the first year
• No foreign transaction fees
• Good for students with little to no credit history

📌 Downside: Only for students

3. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

✅ No deposit required
✅ 1.5% cashback on purchases
✅ No annual fee, late fees, or foreign transaction fees
✅ Best for: Those with no credit history

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Uses alternative credit scoring
• No hidden fees
• Rewards program available

📌 Downside: Approval depends on banking history and income

4. Chase Freedom Rise℠

✅ No deposit required
✅ 1.5% cashback on all purchases
✅ No annual fee
✅ Best for: First-time credit card users

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Encourages responsible credit use
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus
• Easy approval for those with Chase checking accounts

📌 Downside: Requires Chase banking relationship for best approval odds

5. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®

✅ No deposit required
✅ 1% cashback on eligible purchases
✅ Credit limit increase reviews
✅ Best for: Fair credit borrowers

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Accepts lower credit scores
• Reports to major credit bureaus
• Easy application process

📌 Downside: Annual fee depends on creditworthiness

6. Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

✅ No deposit required
✅ $0-$59 annual fee
✅ Credit-building focused
✅ Best for: Credit rebuilding

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Accepts fair credit applicants
• No hidden fees
• Reports to all three credit bureaus

📌 Downside: No rewards program

7. Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

✅ No deposit required
✅ 1.5% cashback on purchases
✅ No annual fee
✅ Best for: Flexible spending and rewards

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Offers credit lines up to $25,000
• Rewards for everyday spending

📌 Downside: Requires good credit for approval

8. Tomo Credit Card

✅ No deposit required
✅ No credit check required
✅ No annual fee
✅ Best for: Newcomers with no credit history

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Uses banking data instead of credit scores
• Helps build credit fast
• No fees or interest

📌 Downside: Requires linking bank account

9. Oportun Visa Credit Card

✅ No deposit required
✅ Reports to credit bureaus
✅ Flexible approval requirements
✅ Best for: Those with thin credit history

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Accepts low credit scores
• No hidden fees

📌 Downside: High APR

Final Thoughts: Which No-Deposit Credit Card Is Right for You?

A credit card with no deposit is an excellent way to build credit, earn rewards, and improve your financial health—without needing an upfront security deposit.

Top Picks by Category:

🏆 Best for Credit Building: Capital One Platinum
🏆 Best for Students: Discover it® Student Cash Back
🏆 Best for No Fees: Petal® 2 Visa®
🏆 Best for Rewards: Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

By choosing the right card, you can start improving your credit score today while enjoying the benefits of an unsecured credit card with no deposit. 🚀

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