The 10 Best Credit Cards in the US for the Lower Class: Access, Savings, and Credit Building

Having a credit card in the United States can be a game changer in many people’s lives, especially for those in the lower class. For this group, access to credit is not just a convenience, but a necessity that can help organize finances, deal with emergencies, build or recover credit scores, and even secure benefits such as cashback or fee waivers. However, the challenge lies in finding cards that offer real advantages and are accessible to those with limited income or a weak credit history.

If you are in this situation and want to use your card as an ally in your financial journey, this guide is for you. We will present the 10 best credit cards available in the US in 2025, ideal for the lower class, with a focus on easy approval, low cost, simple rewards, and the possibility of financial growth.

1. Discover it Secured Credit Card

Discover it Secured is considered one of the best cards for those who are starting to build credit. With it, you make a security deposit (minimum of $200), which sets the initial limit. It is ideal for those who have never had a card or have compromised credit.

Main advantages:

• 2% cashback at restaurants and gas stations (up to $1,000 per quarter)
• 1% cashback on other purchases
• No annual fee
• Possibility of upgrading to an unsecured card after 7 months

The cashback accumulated in the first year is automatically doubled by Discover, which makes it even more attractive.

2. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Although aimed at those with fair or average credit, this card has become quite popular among low-income workers because it offers 1.5% cashback on all purchases and a limit that grows over time.

Highlights:

• Unlimited cashback
• Free CreditWise tool
• Limit increase after 6 months of responsible use
• Annual fee of $39

If you spend frequently and pay everything on time, the cashback quickly offsets the annual fee.

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

With a modern credit analysis model that goes beyond the traditional score, Petal 2 is excellent for those who are just starting out or have no history in the United States.

Benefits:

• 1% to 1.5% cashback depending on length of use
• No annual, international, or late fees
• Credit limit between $300 and $10,000
• App with spending control, goals, and consumption analysis

Petal 2 is one of the most beginner-friendly cards, with excellent usability and transparency.

4. Capital One Platinum Credit Card

One of Capital One’s most affordable cards, it is recommended for those who are rebuilding their credit and need a simple, reliable product with no upfront costs.

Features:

• No annual fee
• Automatic limit review after 6 months
• Access to educational tools and credit monitoring

It does not offer cashback, but it does a good job of starting or improving your credit history.

5. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card

This card is a favorite among young people and immigrants with limited income. It works as a kind of “debit with credit benefits,” helping to build history without the risk of going into debt.

Advantages:

• No fees or interest
• No credit score requirement
• Report to the three major bureaus
• Automatic payment from your Chime account

For those who are afraid of getting into trouble with traditional cards, this is a safe and effective alternative.

6. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card

OpenSky is ideal for those with seriously compromised credit. It does not perform a credit check upon approval, which is a relief for those trying to start over.

Highlights:

• Approval without credit analysis
• Minimum security deposit of $200
• Annual fee of $35
• Reports to the three major bureaus

It is an excellent option for rebuilding credit, as long as the user accepts the annual fee and uses it with discipline.

7. Mission Lane Visa Credit Card

With relatively quick approval and an easy-to-use platform, Mission Lane is a good option for those trying to improve their credit with a simple tool.

Benefits:

• Annual fee between $0 and $59 (depending on review)
• Initial limit starting at $300
• Regular performance reports
• Limit review with good use

It is recommended for those with bad credit who are looking for a reliable option with efficient customer support.

8. Tomo Credit Card

The Tomo Credit Card is perfect for those who have no credit history or Social Security number. It is based on an analysis of your bank account and financial transactions.

Highlights:

• No credit analysis
• No interest or fees
• Automatic weekly payment
• Limits up to $10,000

In addition, it is internationally accepted and does not compromise your budget, as it charges the invoice amount directly from your account on a weekly basis.

9. Grow Credit Mastercard

This option is designed exclusively for paying for subscriptions such as Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. It is excellent for gradually building credit without the risk of going into debt.

Advantages:

• No annual fee for the basic plan
• Automatic payments
• Reports to major bureaus
• Paid plan with higher limit available

Although it does not serve as a general-purpose card, it is a great first step for those who want to start their credit history safely.

10. Self Credit Builder Account + Visa Secured Card

This is a combination of a savings account with a secured credit card. When you open an account with Self, you make monthly payments that are “saved” and, over time, you can apply for a credit card based on that amount.

Differentials:

• Dual credit building (loan + card)
• No previous history required
• Ideal for those who want to build financial discipline
• Monthly reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion

It is a smart solution for those looking to build credit step by step, with commitment and responsibility.

Choosing the right card is the first step to growing financially

For the lower class in the United States, the ideal credit card needs to be more than a purchasing tool — it needs to offer security, facilitate spending control, and open doors to new financial opportunities. Secured cards, such as Discover it Secured or Chime Builder, are great for beginners. No-fee cards with cashback, such as Petal 2 or Capital One QuicksilverOne, are ideal for those who have already taken the first steps and are looking for real benefits.

Regardless of your starting point, the most important thing is to use your card responsibly. Pay on time, keep your spending within your limit, and track your credit score frequently. In no time, you’ll see how a simple card can become a bridge to a more balanced and secure financial life.

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