If you’re looking for a credit card that is easy to get, regardless of your financial situation, there are options available to you. Many top travel and rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit, but there are plenty of other credit cards that are easier to qualify for. CNBC Select has analyzed the most popular cards and determined the easiest credit cards to get in various categories. These cards are available to individuals with fair credit, no credit, or average credit, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.
Key Takeaways:
- There are credit card options available for individuals with fair, no, or average credit.
- CNBC Select has analyzed the easiest credit cards to get in various categories.
- These credit cards are accessible to a wide range of consumers.
- Consider your financial situation and choose a credit card that aligns with your needs.
- Research and compare the features and benefits of different credit cards before applying.
Best No Annual Fee Credit Card
When it comes to credit cards, finding one with no annual fee can help you save money in the long run. One of the easiest credit cards to get with no annual fee is the Citi Double Cash® Card. This card offers 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, making it a great choice for everyday expenses. The cash back program is simple and straightforward – you receive 1% cash back when you make a purchase and another 1% cash back when you pay for it. There are no spending caps or activation requirements, so you can earn cash back on all your purchases without any hassle.
In addition to its cash back rewards, the Citi Double Cash® Card also offers a competitive balance transfer offer. If you’re looking to consolidate your debt or lower your interest rates, this card provides an 18-month introductory period for balance transfers. This can save you money on interest fees and help you pay off your debt faster. The Citi Double Cash® Card is available to individuals with fair, good, or excellent credit, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.
If you’re looking for a credit card that offers cash back rewards and doesn’t charge an annual fee, the Citi Double Cash® Card is a top choice. Its straightforward cash back program and balance transfer offer make it a versatile option for anyone looking to save money and earn rewards.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash Back | 2% cash back on all eligible purchases: 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay for it |
| Balance Transfer Offer | 18-month introductory period for balance transfers |
| Credit Requirements | Fair, good, or excellent credit |
| Annual Fee | No annual fee |
Best Cash Back Credit Card
If you’re looking for a credit card that offers cash back rewards, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is a top choice. This secured credit card provides 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories of your choice. You also earn 2% cash back on eligible purchases in one everyday category, such as gas stations or grocery stores, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
In addition to its generous cash back rewards, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card offers the opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card if you demonstrate responsible credit card usage. By making timely payments and staying within your credit limit, you can improve your credit score and qualify for better credit card options in the future.
This card is particularly beneficial for individuals who have poor credit or no credit history. It allows you to build credit while enjoying cash back rewards on your purchases, making it a smart choice for those looking to improve their financial standing. Apply for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card and start earning cash back today!
Best Credit Card for Students
If you’re a student looking for a credit card, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is a top choice. This card offers a range of benefits specifically designed for students, making it one of the easiest credit cards to get. With 5% cash back on rotating categories like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, you can earn rewards on your everyday purchases. Plus, you’ll enjoy 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
But what sets this card apart is its generous welcome bonus. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned, doubling your rewards. This can be a great way to kickstart your credit journey and enjoy some extra spending power.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is available to college students with fair credit or limited credit history. It’s a valuable tool for building credit and learning responsible financial habits. With no annual fee and a range of student-friendly features, this card is a smart choice for students looking to establish a solid credit foundation.
Key Features:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Generous welcome bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
- No annual fee
- Designed for college students with fair credit or limited credit history
Table: Comparison of Credit Cards for Students
| Card Name | Cash Back Percentage | Annual Fee | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it Student Cash Back | 5% on rotating categories, 1% on all other purchases | No annual fee | College students with fair credit or limited credit history |
| … | … | … | … |
Best Credit Card for No Credit History
Having no credit history can make it challenging to qualify for a credit card. However, there are options available to help you start building credit. One of the easiest credit cards to get for individuals with no credit history is the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card.
This card looks beyond your credit score and takes into account your banking activity and other financial data to determine your eligibility. With the Petal® 2 card, you can earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and after making 12 on-time monthly payments, you can earn up to 1.5% cash back. This card also offers credit limits ranging from $300 to $10,000 and has no fees whatsoever, providing a great opportunity to establish credit responsibly.
If you’re in Canada and looking for an accessible credit card to start building your credit history, consider the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card. It offers cash back rewards, manageable credit limits, and no fees, making it an excellent option for individuals with no credit history.
| Card Name | Rewards | Credit Limit | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card | 1% cash back on eligible purchases, up to 1.5% after making 12 on-time monthly payments | $300 to $10,000 | No fees |
Best Secured Credit Card
If you’re looking for a secured credit card, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent option. This card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, you’ll earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. One of the standout features of this card is that Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, making it a rewarding choice. Additionally, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a convenient option for travel.
This secured credit card is designed for individuals who are new to credit or rebuilding their credit. It allows you to establish a credit history and improve your credit score by responsibly managing your credit. With responsible use, you may be eligible to upgrade to an unsecured credit card in the future.
Key Features of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card:
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
By choosing the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, you can begin building or rebuilding your credit while enjoying cash back rewards on your purchases. It’s an easy and accessible option for individuals who want to establish a positive credit history.
| Card | Rewards | Introductory Period for Balance Transfers | Credit Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Secured Credit Card | 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. | N/A | New to credit or rebuilding credit |
More on Our Easiest Credit Cards to Get
In addition to the credit cards mentioned above, there are other options available for individuals looking for the easiest credit cards to get. These credit cards offer a range of features and benefits to suit different financial needs and spending habits.
Citi Double Cash Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card is an excellent option for individuals looking for an easy-to-get credit card that offers uncapped 2% cash back on all purchases. This card has a variety of rewards and perks, making it a popular choice among consumers.
American Express Cobalt
The American Express Cobalt card is a high-earning rewards card that offers up to 5 points per $1 on groceries, restaurants, and food delivery. It provides excellent value for those looking to maximize their rewards on everyday spending.
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card allows you to customize your bonus categories and offers refunds of your cash back every month. This card is a great option for individuals who want flexibility in earning cash back on their preferred spending categories.
PC Financial Mastercard
The PC Financial Mastercard is a no-fee rewards credit card that earns you points on everyday essentials. It offers competitive rewards and is a popular choice for individuals looking for an easy-to-get credit card with no annual fee.
| Credit Card | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Citi Double Cash® Card | Uncapped 2% cash back on all purchases |
| American Express Cobalt | Up to 5 points per $1 on groceries, restaurants, and food delivery |
| Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | Customizable bonus categories and monthly cash back refunds |
| PC Financial Mastercard | No-fee rewards card earning points on everyday essentials |
Best Instant Approval Credit Cards
When you’re in need of a credit card quickly, instant approval credit cards can provide the solution. These cards allow you to find out immediately whether your application is approved or not, saving you time and hassle. In Canada, there are several top instant approval credit cards available to choose from that offer a variety of rewards, benefits, and features.
American Express Cobalt
The American Express Cobalt card is a popular choice for instant approval. With this card, you can earn up to 5 points per $1 on purchases at grocery stores, restaurants, and food delivery services. It also comes with travel insurance coverage, access to exclusive events, and the ability to transfer points to various loyalty programs.
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
If you’re looking for cash back rewards, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is an excellent option. It offers up to 2% cash back on your chosen purchase categories, including groceries, gas, recurring bills, and more. Plus, there are no annual fees and no limits on the amount of cash back you can earn.
BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students
For students in Canada, the BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students is a great choice. This card offers 1% cash back on all purchases, an easy approval process, and no annual fees. It’s a good way for students to start building their credit score while enjoying cash back rewards.
PC Financial Mastercard
The PC Financial Mastercard is another instant approval credit card that provides excellent benefits. With this card, you can earn PC Optimum points on all your purchases, which can be redeemed for groceries, beauty products, and more at participating stores. Plus, there’s no annual fee and no points expiration.
| Credit Card | Key Features |
|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt | Earn up to 5 points per $1 on groceries, restaurants, and food delivery. Travel insurance coverage and point transfer options. |
| Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | Up to 2% cash back on chosen purchase categories, no annual fees, and unlimited cash back earning potential. |
| BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students | 1% cash back on all purchases, easy approval for students, and no annual fees. |
| PC Financial Mastercard | Earn PC Optimum points on all purchases, no annual fee, and no points expiration. |
Conclusion
Finding the easiest credit card to get in Canada doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a range of credit card options available, you can find a suitable card that aligns with your financial standing and needs. Whether you’re looking for a no annual fee card, a cash back card, a card for students, or a card for individuals with no credit history, there are options available to you.
Additionally, instant approval credit cards provide a quick and convenient way to get a credit card without the long waiting periods. These cards offer a variety of rewards, benefits, and features to meet different needs and preferences. However, it’s important to note that to increase your chances of approval for an instant approval credit card, you should meet the card’s income requirements and have good credit standing.
Consider your financial needs and preferences, and choose the credit card that best suits you. Whether you’re looking for simplicity, cash back rewards, or building your credit history, the right credit card is out there for you to explore. Take advantage of the options available and start your journey towards financial success.