Best Credit Cards for Building Credit in the UK & US (2025 Guide)

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Introduction
If you’re starting out with no or low credit, choosing the right credit card to build credit can help you establish a strong financial future. Whether you're a student, new to credit, or recovering from past debt, we’ve compiled the top credit cards in 2025 that help build or rebuild your score.
Illustration of best credit cards to build credit in the UK and US for 2025, showing UK and US flag credit cards, an upward arrow for credit score growth, and icons of financial security.


What Makes a Credit Card Good for Building Credit?

Credit cards that help you build credit typically offer:

~Easy approval for beginners or low scores
~Reports to all major credit bureaus (Experian, ~Equifax, TransUnion)
~Low or no annual fees
~Responsible credit limits
~Optional tools like credit score monitoring

 Best UK Credit Cards for Building Credit

1. Barclaycard Forward Credit Card

APR: 33.9% (variable)
Fee: £0 annual fee
Best for: Students or first-timers with no credit history
Extra: Offers credit limit increases for on-time payments

2. Aqua Classic Credit Card

APR: 37.9% (variable)
Fee: £0 annual fee
Best for: Rebuilding credit
Extra: Soft-check eligibility without affecting your score

💳 Best US Credit Cards for Building Credit

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

APR: 28.24% (variable)
Fee: $0 annual fee
Best for: Cash back while building credit
Extra: Automatic upgrade to unsecured card after positive history

2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

APR: 30.74% (variable)
Fee: $0 annual fee
Best for: Those with bad or limited credit
Extra: Low refundable deposit and flexible credit limit increases

Tips to Build Credit Faster

Always pay on time: Payment history is 35% of your credit score.

Keep utilization below 30%: If your limit is $1000, use less than $300.
Avoid unnecessary hard inquiries: Multiple applications in a short time can hurt your score.
Check your credit reports: Use services like Credit Karma (US) or ClearScore (UK) regularly.
Should You Choose a Secured or Unsecured Card?

If you have absolutely no credit or a poor score, secured cards are safer to start with. They require a deposit but help you establish a reliable payment history. After 6–12 months of responsible use, most issuers offer upgrades to unsecured cards.

Conclusion

Building credit doesn't have to be hard. The right credit card paired with smart usage habits can unlock financial opportunities in just a few months. Whether you're in the UK or the US, start with one of the above beginner-friendly cards, and you’ll be on your way to a better financial future.

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