AlterPick: your guide to credit cardsAlterPick: tu guía de tarjetas de crédito

Build your credit one step at a time

Start by checking your score for free. Then pick a card for the step you're on and check if you're pre-approved on the bank's official page. Checking doesn't affect your credit score.

Updated October 2026. Some links may earn us a commission at no cost to you.

Experian Free credit report and FICO® score Sign up free Credit Karma Free scores from TransUnion and Equifax Sign up free

Tap a step to jump to its cards. Most people move up one step every 6–12 months of on-time payments.

Question 1/3

Which step is mine?

Do you have a credit card or loan in your name?

0

Before your first card

Two simple moves that make the first approval easier.

Open a checking accountA bank account helps with approval. For example, Chase says having at least $250 in a Chase checking or savings account increases your chances for Freedom Rise.
Become an authorized userA family member with good credit can add you to their card. Their on-time payments can help start your history. Ask them to confirm their bank reports authorized users to the credit bureaus.
What does “pre-approval” mean?

Banks call it pre-approval, pre-qualified offers or customized offers. It's the same idea: you enter some details and the bank checks with a soft inquiry, which doesn't affect your credit score. It shows which cards you're likely to get, but it isn't a guarantee. If you then apply, the bank usually does a hard inquiry.

1

Secured cards

No credit history needed. You put down a refundable deposit, and it becomes your limit.

  • No annual fee
    Capital One
    Platinum Secured
    No cash back. Deposit from $49.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Discover
    it Secured Cash Back
    5% in rotating categories you activate, 1% the rest. Deposit from $49.
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Capital One
    Quicksilver Secured
    1.5% cash back on every purchase. Deposit from $200.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Bank of America
    Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured
    1.5% cash back on every purchase. Deposit from $200.
    Accepts ITIN (in branch)
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Bank of America
    Travel Rewards Secured
    Unlimited points on every purchase, 3 points per $1 on the BofA Travel Center. Deposit from $200.
    Accepts ITIN (in branch)
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Bank of America
    Customized Cash Rewards Secured
    3% in a category you choose (6% the first year), 2% groceries, 1% the rest. Deposit from $200.
    Accepts ITIN (in branch)
    Check pre-approval?
2

Starter cards

No deposit. For a thin credit file or a few months of history.

  • No annual fee
    Chase
    Freedom Rise
    1.5% cash back on every purchase. Upgrade to Freedom Unlimited after a year of good habits.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Capital One
    Platinum
    No rewards. A simple card to build credit.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Capital One
    Quicksilver Student
    1.5% cash back on every purchase. For students.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Capital One
    Savor Student
    3% on dining, entertainment, streaming and groceries. 1% on the rest.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Discover
    it Student Cash Back
    For students. 5% in rotating categories you activate, 1% the rest.
    Check pre-approval?
  • Capital One
    QuicksilverOne
    1.5% cash back on every purchase. For fair credit.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
3

Everyday rewards cards

For good credit history. Better cash back, usually no annual fee.

  • No annual fee
    Chase
    Freedom Unlimited
    1.5% on everything, 3% dining and drugstores, 5% Chase Travel.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Capital One
    Quicksilver
    1.5% cash back on every purchase.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Citi
    Double Cash
    2% on every purchase: 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay.
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Bank of America
    Customized Cash Rewards
    3% in a category you choose (6% the first year), 2% groceries, 1% the rest.
    Accepts ITIN (in branch)
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    Wells Fargo
    Active Cash
    Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
    Check pre-approval?
  • No annual fee
    American Express
    Blue Cash Everyday
    3% at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations and online shopping.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
    Pre-approved? Apply with our referral link
  • American Express
    Blue Cash Preferred
    6% at U.S. supermarkets, plus more cash back categories.
    Accepts ITIN
    Check pre-approval?
4

Premium cards

For strong credit. Travel perks and points, with an annual fee.