Looking for an easy approval credit card with no annual fee? You’re not alone. Many people, especially beginners, students, and those with fair or limited credit history, need a credit card that’s easy to qualify for while avoiding unnecessary costs like annual fees.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ What an easy-approval credit card is
✔️ Why a no-annual-fee card is important
✔️ The best easy-approval credit cards with no annual fee
✔️ How to increase your approval odds
✔️ What to do if you’re denied
By the end, you’ll know exactly which credit card to apply for—and how to improve your chances of approval!
What Is an Easy Approval Credit Card?
An easy approval credit card is a card that has lower credit score requirements and is more accessible to people with fair, limited, or bad credit.
These cards often have:
✅ Lower credit score requirements (580+ or no credit history)
✅ Instant approval or pre-qualification without a hard credit check
✅ No security deposit (for unsecured cards)
✅ Fast application process (some approvals in minutes)
💡 Pro Tip: Easy-approval cards may have higher interest rates, so always pay your balance in full to avoid costly charges.
Why Choose a No-Annual-Fee Credit Card?
A no-annual-fee credit card lets you build credit and earn rewards without paying a yearly fee.
Here’s why a no-annual-fee credit card is a smart choice:
✔️ Saves money – You avoid paying $39-$95 per year just to keep the card.
✔️ Better for beginners – If you’re just starting, you don’t want extra fees.
✔️ Great for occasional use – You can keep the card open without worrying about a fee eating into your budget.
✔️ Boosts credit score – Keeping an old credit card open helps your credit history without costing you anything.
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you qualify for a secured credit card, choose one that has no annual fee so you don’t pay extra costs while building credit.
Best Easy Approval Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
Here are the top easy-approval credit cards that have no annual fee and great benefits.
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
💳 Best for: Building credit with rewards
✅ No annual fee
✅ Reports to all 3 credit bureaus (helps build credit)
✅ 2% cashback on gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter, then 1%)
✅ 1% cashback on all other purchases
✅ Security deposit starts at $200
✅ Discover matches all cashback earned in the first year
📌 Why We Love It: One of the best secured cards with rewards, and your security deposit is refundable once you upgrade or close the account.
2. Capital One Platinum Credit Card
💳 Best for: No-deposit, fair credit approval
✅ No annual fee
✅ No security deposit required
✅ Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
✅ Possible credit limit increase after 6 months
📌 Why We Love It: No deposit is needed, making it perfect for people with fair credit (580-669) who want to build a better score.
3. Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Card
💳 Best for: No credit history applicants
✅ No annual fee
✅ No security deposit
✅ Credit limits up to $5,000
✅ Pre-approval with no hard credit check
📌 Why We Love It: Uses bank account data instead of credit history, making it a great first credit card for beginners.
4. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
💳 Best for: People with fair credit who want cashback
✅ 1.5% cashback on all purchases
✅ No foreign transaction fees
✅ Credit line increase after 6 months
📌 Why We Love It: Great cashback rewards for those with fair credit (580-669). However, there’s a $39 annual fee, so only get this if you can earn enough cashback to offset the fee.
5. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
💳 Best for: Rebuilding credit with cashback
✅ No annual fee
✅ Earn 1% cashback on eligible purchases
✅ Pre-qualification available (no hard credit check)
✅ Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
📌 Why We Love It: One of the few easy-approval credit cards that offers cashback while helping you rebuild credit.
6. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Card
💳 Best for: No fees and higher credit limits
✅ No annual fee, no late fees, and no foreign transaction fees
✅ Up to 1.5% cashback on all purchases
✅ Higher credit limits ($300 – $10,000)
📌 Why We Love It: No fees whatsoever, making it one of the best starter credit cards.
7. Chase Freedom Rise℠
💳 Best for: College students and young adults
✅ No annual fee
✅ 1.5% cashback on all purchases
✅ Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
✅ $25 bonus after first purchase
📌 Why We Love It: Great for first-time credit users, and it offers cashback rewards.
8. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Secured Card
💳 Best for: High cashback rewards on a secured card
✅ No annual fee
✅ 5% cashback on two categories you choose (up to $2,000 per quarter)
✅ 2% cashback on one everyday category (gas, grocery stores, or dining)
📌 Why We Love It: One of the highest cashback rates on a secured card.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved
Even though these cards are easier to get, here are a few tips to increase your approval odds:
✔️ Check your credit score before applying – Know where you stand before applying.
✔️ Use pre-qualification tools – Many banks let you check for pre-approval without affecting your credit.
✔️ Pay down existing debt – Lowering your credit utilization improves your chances.
✔️ Apply for the right card – Some cards are better for fair credit, while others are for bad credit.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re denied, wait at least 3-6 months before applying again, and work on improving your credit score in the meantime.
Final Thoughts: Best Easy-Approval No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards
🏆 Best for No Credit History: Petal® 1 Visa
🏆 Best for Fair Credit: Capital One Platinum
🏆 Best for Secured Rewards: Discover it® Secured
🏆 Best for Cashback: Petal® 2 Visa
Choosing the right easy approval credit card with no annual fee can help you build credit, earn rewards, and save money. Apply wisely, use the card responsibly, and watch your credit score grow! 🚀
Also Check:
- No Annual Fee Credit Cards with Rewards: The Best Options for 2025
- You Can Apply for These 9 Credit Cards with No Deposit
- How Do I Get a Free Credit Card with No Deposit?
