Your credit rating plays a crucial role in your application for a credit card. And unfortunately, most financial institutions hesitate to issue a new line of credit to someone who is already in debt. Only a handful of banks give credit cards to applicants with even a poor rating across all three credit bureaus. But don’t worry. These cards will help you rebuild your score and provide you the opportunity to avail a higher line of credit. Here are our top three best credit cards for 2021 in the category.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Even with a poor credit rating between 300 and 629, you can apply and get a brand new Discover it® credit card issued hassle-free. The card offers better cashback and redeemable rewards that translate into monetary savings on your purchases. Moreover, you don’t have to pay an annual fee to secure this offer. Any late payments will also not affect the APR, and there’s no foreign fee for transactions. You also earn 2% cashback in popular shopping categories and 1% cashback on the rest of the purchases. In addition, Discover it® brings you an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match guarantee on the cashback you’ve accumulated over the year.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Poor credit history or rating will hardly matter with OpenSky® Secured Visa® as the company doesn’t require a credit check. This means you can avail a credit card that’s accepted worldwide for rebuilding credit even when you don’t have access to traditional banking because of poor credit. In addition, although the annual fee for the card is capped at $35, the variable APR is more manageable than other Visa® cards. Since OpenSky® reports to all three credit bureaus, it’s also possible to quickly repair a poor credit rating after just six months of transactions.

Secured Mastercard® by Capital One
Capital One brings you a secured line of credit with a poor rating in the range of 300 and 629. This is an excellent opportunity for you to rebuild damaged credit with a card that charges no annual fee. It also gives you a chance to be considered for a better line of credit in less than six months from the date of issue. While the variable APR is slightly higher than alternatives set at 26.99%, it’s still a decent option on the Mastercard® network.

Sometimes, you may need money fast for an emergency situation. That’s where credit cards can help. However, there is a stringent application process. Eligibility criteria decide if you even qualify for a certain credit card.
Here is a list of the top ten companies that offer an instant approval credit card. These are extremely rewarding and easy to obtain.

1. Barclay CashForward World MasterCard
With this card, you can get $200 rewards after you spend $1000 within three months of opening the account. You also earn 1.5 percent cash rewards every time you buy anything with this card. Also redeeming the card will fetch you 5 percent redemption of rewards which can be used in the next redemption.

2. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
When you accept credit cards of this type, you can earn a one-time reward of 20,000 miles on air after completing purchases worth $1000 within 90 days of approval. You will not have to pay any annual fee and 0 percent APR for the first year.

3. Discover It Cashback Match
Are you looking for an instant approval credit card that can double your rewards? This is the credit card which will turn $200 into $400. You would be rewarded with a dollar for each dollar you spend when a period of a year comes to an end.

4. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
If you could apply for this instant approval credit card by 3rd May, you can earn cashback of up to 10 percent by swiping the card at any restaurant in the USA for the first 6 months. Also, you can earn $100 cash back by spending $1000 within the first 90 days.

5. Barclay Ring MasterCard
The best advantage of this card is that you will not have to pay a single dollar for the first 15 months of purchase. Also, you will get different types of rewards during this period after which the APR would be somewhere around 13.74 percent.

6. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
When every other credit cards are paying $100 reward for spending $1000, you can get the same benefit by spending only $500 with this credit card. Also, you can earn unlimited 1.5 percent cash back for every single purchase.

7. Chase Freedom Unlimited
You will be automatically redirected to earning 1.5 percent cash back rewards on every single purchase. Also, you will get $150 bonus on the completion of $500 within 90 days of approval.

8. Susan G. Komen Credit Card
This instant approval credit card is promoted by Bank of America and they are offering $3 million in association with the Pink Ribbon Credit card program to all its users until December 2020. Also, you will get $100 online cash rewards bonus once you complete spending $500 within 90 days of approval.

9. Bank of America Credit Card
You should consider this card for its 0 percent introductory APR till the completion of 18 cycles for balance transfers within the first 2 months.

10. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Get unlimited access to 1.5 points for each dollar you spend on purchasing. Also, there are no foreign transaction or annual fee; your earned points would never expire. You will be also rewarded with 20,000 online bonus points if you can make $1000 in your purchases within the first 3 months.
If you’re looking for a good credit card, these are the first options you should consider.

Currently, reward credit cards are one of the most talked about financial products in the market. The best part is that they are specifically tailored for purposes like travel, balance transfer, gas rewards and cashback. But having a rewards credit card also means incurring an annual fee. These can range anywhere from $25 to $2500. However, numerous credit card companies have come up with no annual fee reward credit cards which waivers the charges for the first year.

A reward credit card with no annual fee might give you limited benefits, but it can still be a smart choice as it allows you to experiment without worrying about the year-end expense. The following are some incredible advantages of using a no annual fee reward credit card.

• Sign-up bonuses Not just for the usual reward credit cards, the no annual fee variants too have fantastic deals which offer new users with sign-up points and fabulous deals.
• Services Even with no annual fee, there are several reward credit cards which facilitate services such as purchase security, exclusive concierge service, fraud protection, return on eligible products, special money tools, travel insurance, free memberships in online retail stores, access to FICO scores, etc.
• Rewards The rewards offered by such cards might be relatively limited as compared to cards levying annual fees. But you can earn points worth hundreds of dollars annually. These points can be utilized to redeem tickets, products, vouchers, etc. You can also use this type of card to supplement an existing card to receive better bonuses or returns.
• Credit score These cards can be an excellent way to improve your credit score as you don’t have to pay up an annual fee. Within this year, you can exploit this card to make responsible purchases and strengthen your repayment capabilities. It can help if you are planning to apply for a loan anytime soon.

It is important to note that all reward credit cards with no annual fee will have a diverse combination of incentives. Therefore, before getting one, ensure that you compare these financial products thoroughly. You can find various comparison tools for credit cards online which scrutinize sign-up bonuses, interest rates, purchase points, limited offers, and terms.

At the moment some of the popular no annual fee reward credit cards are Chase Freedom, Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card, Hilton Honors Card from American Express, JetBlue Card, Discover it, Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card, etc.

A credit card must be used properly so that you don’t have to subsequently bear unnecessary debts. Monitoring your credit card usage will also help you smartly gain some benefits and rewards in the long run. But to enjoy these advantages you must choose the best credit card. If you are looking for a credit card online, consider the following factors to make the most viable choice for yourself.

Personal spending habits
Even before you choose a card online, the first question that you need to answer is how you want to use it. Can you pay off the full balance at the end of every month? Or do you intend to carry off the balance to the next month? It’s also important to think of whether you’ll use the card for all your purchases or just for emergencies.

• If you’re sure that you can pay off the whole sum at the end of the month, then you don’t need to worry about interest. Search online for cards that have zero annual charges and an extended grace period. This prevents you from getting entangled in a financial mess.
• If you intend to carry a balance, then compare different cards online and find a card that gives you the lowest possible rate of interest.
• If you’re looking to use it as a go-to card for everything you want to buy, get a card that comes with a high credit limit and provides a lot of rewards.
• If you want to go for a cards that you’ll only use in emergencies, then find one that has low interest rates and reduced fees.

Choosing the best credit cards online
When choosing online, you should ensure that the cards align with your spending goals and habits. With the wide array of online cards available, it can be difficult to choose the one that will suit you the best. Some of the best cards online include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred card
  With this card, you can gain double points while dining and traveling along with signup bonus. With this card, you will be able to access super-flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards program. You can easily apply for this card online. Chase Sapphire also offers 1:1 loyalty program to the leading hotel and airlines.
• Chase Sapphire Freedom
  You can also go for the Chase Freedom cards online to reap the benefits of the rotating 5 percent cash back o. But the best decision would be to apply for both of these cards online in order to maximize your benefits. It will help you accumulate the Chase Ultimate Rewards Points much quicker.
  These two are considered as one of the best cards online, and are becoming increasingly popular with the consumers, mostly because of the interesting reward programs.

If you have already earned points from other cards online, those can be easily added to the ones earned from these cards. Another important factor that contributed to their widespread popularity is that you can earn 20 percent more rewards when they are retrieved with these cards.

A credit card is a convenience that can be a godsend for most of us. It enables cashless transactions, purchases on credit, helps manage cash flows, and get reward points and cashbacks. However, if you’re not careful, they can lead to debt and penalties that can be tough to get out of.

Here’s how you can plan your credit card usage.

Plan your monthly budget and don’t spend beyond this limit

• Pay off your dues in full and on time
• Frequent missed or late payment leads to an increase in interest rate or to lowered credit limit
• If you have to carry a balance on your card, clear this off as soon as possible. Credit card interest charges can accumulate fast and get you into a lot of debt.
• Cash advances carry higher interest rates. The interest rate is charged from day one, without grace period.

The minimum payment option can lead you into a debt trap

• The more balance you carry over, the more interest you incur.
• Even your new purchases will be charged an interest within the grace period.

Don’t miss payments and avoid making late payments

• Enable text and email alerts for your credit card dues and due dates
• Set up auto debit to clear your dues on time every month

Enable email alerts that send you a message when your card has been used in a transaction, when you’re nearing the credit limit and so on

• These enable you to keep track of and manage your card usage.
• They also enable you to spot unauthorized usage and alert the card issuer to rollback the transaction or take appropriate action.

Use your credit card to manage your finance and cash flows

• If you charge your monthly expenses to your credit card, pay them off before the due date.
• If you have a pending bill but not enough funds on hand, pay with your card, but pay off this charge on time to avoid interest charges.
• For expensive purchases, use loan or EMI facilities instead of using your credit card.

Keep Your Card Account Secure

• Try and get a card with EMV chip and PIN

Limit your usage at gas stations in remote areas

• Gas stations have not yet started using the new card readers required for the chip and PIN cards

Remote gas pumps are easy targets for skimmers that capture credit card information

• Keep Your PIN secure. Don’t give it out to anyone. No one should ever know your PIN.
• Receive transaction alerts and also check your credit card statements for unauthorized usage.
• When you’re in a public place like a restaurant, keep your card safe. Don’t leave it where anyone can access it.

Plan your budget, monitor your card usage to keep track of spends and spot fraudulent usage. Pay off dues on time and don’t accumulate balances. The more balance you carry over, the more interest you pay on it.

When used with caution, a credit card can help users develop strong financial discipline and commitment. Students are often reluctant to opt for credit cards. However, these tools offer students various benefits like helping take care of routine expenses such as food, travel, and accommodation. Student-friendly credit cards are important tools that can help one build good credit and secure low-cost loans. So, here are a few options that come with good benefits.

Capital One SavorOne Students Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One has designed its product with careful consideration to help students get cashback on major and repetitive expenses. Those studying at universities, higher education institutions, and community colleges are eligible for this card. As it is intended for students, an average, fair, or limited credit score is good enough to buy this card. One of the cons is students do not get a low introductory APR (annual percentage rate). Capital One charges a regular variable APR of 16.49% to 26.49%. Another con is that you may end up paying a hefty late fee of up to $40, so make sure to make payments on time. However, there is also no annual fee. Other highlights of this credit card are:

Users get a joining bonus of $100
8% cash back on Capital One entertainment purchases and vivid Seats
Unlimited 5% cash back on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and streaming service
Unlimited 3% cash back on grocery purchases from stores other than superstores
Automatic higher credit upgrade after six months

Discover it Student Cash Back Card
Discover offers features and benefits like no annual fee and 0% introductory APR for six months to help students save some money. Discover also has an introductory offer in which the company will match the cash back you receive at the end of the first year. If you have received a cashback of $100, you will receive another $100 by the end of the year from Discover. You are exempt from the late fees for the first time. After that, you can be charged up to $41. Other key features of this card are:

5% cash back on rotating bonus categories after enrollment for payment made using Paypal (Cashback cap of $1,500 every quarter)
Users need to activate bonus categories every quarter
Unlimited and automatic cash back of 1% on all other purchases
Students can redeem rewards on any amount, and rewards do not expire Free access to FICO credit score
Discover scans the dark web to identify any identity theft risk

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Student credit card
This card is ideal for students who are looking to earn some cashback, develop good spending habits, learn to pay debts on time, and build credit. Bank of America offers an introductory $200 cash bonus on spending $1,000 within the first three months. Other highlights of this card are:

Unlimited cashback of 1.5% on all purchases
No annual fee
0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles
Regular variable APR of 16.24–26.24%
3% fees on foreign transactions and balance transfer
A late fee of around $20 may be charged depending on the balance due

While these cards are designed for students, students should be ready to pay their dues on time every month to prevent penalties and additional interest. 

Applying for a credit card online gives you a good share of benefits. A plethora of card types are available, each associated with unique features and annual fees. Applying for a credit card online helps you to browse through the varied selection of cards and choose one that fulfills your needs.
Before you apply for a credit card online, be clear on the following aspects.

• The purpose of the card
• What type of rewards you expect from the card
• The annual fees chargeable to the card
• The credit limit you require
• Your credit score

Your credit score has a direct bearing on whether your credit card application will be approved or not. Ample of research and addressing security issues must be your prime concern when you scout for credit card issuers online.

Research thoroughly
The best part about applying for a credit card online is that you have the benefit of comparing the different issuers and choose the best card. You can easily find out which card offers the best rewards program. Search for one with no annual fee and a card that matches your credit score.
Look out for enhanced web security
When you transact online, the biggest fear is security. When applying for a credit card online, protect your personal information by accessing a secure website. Most credit card issuers offer secure websites for you to apply online.

List of do’s

• Assess the card’s purpose
  Are you applying for the credit card to earn instant cash back offers or to accumulate travel miles? Depending on your need, you can choose to apply for the appropriate card. In fact, being clear on the purpose will make it easy for you to narrow down an option.
• Mention your actual income
  When a credit card issuer needs to set a credit limit, the determining factor is your income. It reflects your capacity to pay the bills on the card regularly. So, when you make an application, make sure that you mention your current income.
• Scrutinize pre-approved offers
  It is quite possible that you have a pre-approved credit card offer in hand. Don’t jump to it, and read the fine print. Look for the standard APR and any other additional fees. While on the face of it, the pre-approved offer might be appealing, but hidden clauses can prove to be a liability. Do note that a pre-approved offer does not entitle you to have the card application approved. It is mandatory to meet the credit standards set by the card issuer.
• Exercise care when filling out the application
  Any wrong information, even if keyed in by oversight can lead to your credit card application being rejected. Be extra careful when filling out the fields and if you’re in doubt, call the card issuer and seek clarification.

Applying for credit card online is a simple process. You just need to appropriately fill in all the required information, which will only increase your chances to get a approved for a card.

Reward credit cards with no annual fee can be a great pick for all kinds of individuals. This type of card is especially ideal for applicants who are looking for limited but fantastic rewards without bearing the brunt of the yearly charges. You can easily switch from your current credit card issuer to this kind of card. But before doing so, there are certain factors you should be mindful of.

• Pick a type No annual fee reward credit cards come in various types, primarily for travel, cash back, balance transfer and gas bonuses. Selecting the right card will help you make the most of your points and offers. For instance, if you are a frequent flier then a travel reward credit card offering airplane miles will prove to be lucrative.
• Save your points While you are switching to a no annual fee credit card, understand how your points from the existing card will be affected. The earned points will remain untouched if you are just shifting to a no annual fee variant from the same company. On the other hand, if you are seeking the financial services of entirely different brands then chances are you might lose your points. However, the bonuses that you have received from a co-branded credit card will remain in your membership account.
• Understand your eligibility You might not be eligible to switch to a no annual fee rewards credit card if you haven’t maintained the existing card for about a year. There might be other criteria, but this factor can vary across all credit card issuers.
• Maintain your credit score Ensure that you switch to a no annual fee rewards credit card, instead of canceling your present credit card and getting a new one as it can negatively influence your credit score. This is especially crucial if you are trying to improve your financial profile for future loan applications.

Six popular no annual fee rewards credit cards of 2017

• Chase Freedom Unlimited Card
• Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
• The Amex EveryDay Credit Card from American Express Highlights
• Citi Double Cash Card
• Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card

Before shortlisting reward credit cards with no annual fee, ensure that you scrutinize their services, offers, and fine print. Also, don’t get captivated with promotional deals only, contemplate about how it fits your monetary habits in the long run and make the best pick.