When you’re just starting your credit journey, it might feel impossible to get a good credit card—especially one that earns airline miles and doesn’t charge an annual fee. But here’s the good news: 2025 has brought a wave of starter credit cards with no deposit that offer solid travel rewards and no annual fees, making them a smart choice for young adults, students, and first-time cardholders alike.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best beginner credit cards with no deposit, how to choose the right one, and how they can help you build credit while traveling smarter. Let’s take off.
✈️ Why Choose a Starter Credit Card With No Deposit?
If you’re new to credit, the idea of putting down a security deposit—often required by secured credit cards—can be a barrier. Fortunately, there are unsecured starter credit cards that don’t require a deposit, offer easy approval, and help you build credit responsibly.
Benefits of No Deposit Credit Cards for First-Time Users
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No upfront security deposit required
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Easier approval for limited or no credit history
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Monthly credit reporting to all three major bureaus
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Rewards programs, including airline miles
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Potential for credit limit increase with responsible usage
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Tools for credit education for beginners
🏆 Top 5 Starter Credit Cards With No Deposit and Travel Rewards (2025)
Let’s look at some of the best starter credit cards with no deposit that offer airline mile rewards, no annual fees, and are designed for beginners or first-time users.
1. Discover it® Student Chrome
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Annual Fee: $0
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Deposit Required: None
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Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter); 1% on all other purchases
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Intro Offer: Cashback Match™ – Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year
Why it’s great: Although this card doesn’t offer airline miles directly, the cash back can be redeemed for travel. It’s also one of the best credit cards for beginners with no credit history and includes credit tracking tools.
2. Capital One QuicksilverOne for Newcomers
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Annual Fee: $0
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Deposit Required: None
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Rewards: 1.5% unlimited cash back
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Reports To: All three credit bureaus
Why it’s great: It’s an unsecured credit card for limited credit, offering easy approval for starter users and a simple flat-rate cash back structure you can use for travel.
3. Chase Freedom Student® Credit Card
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Annual Fee: $0
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Deposit Required: None
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Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases
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Bonus: $50 bonus after first purchase
Why it’s great: This is a first-time credit card with no deposit that’s issued by one of the top credit card issuers (Chase). With responsible use, you can graduate to premium travel cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred.
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
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Annual Fee: $0
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Deposit Required: None
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Rewards: 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase
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Intro Offer: 25,000 online bonus points after $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days
Why it’s great: A true travel rewards starter card with no annual fee, this option is great for young adults looking to rack up airline miles early on.
5. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Card
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Annual Fee: $0
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Deposit Required: None
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Rewards: Up to 1.5% cash back after 12 on-time payments
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Credit Requirements: No credit history required
Why it’s great: Designed for credit education for beginners, this card uses cash flow underwriting instead of traditional credit scores and encourages responsible credit usage.
💳 What Makes a Good No Deposit Starter Card?
When comparing your options, look beyond flashy rewards. Focus on features that support financial tools for young adults, including:
✅ Key Features to Look For
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No security deposit required
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No annual fee
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Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
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Pre-qualification credit card offers (to avoid hard inquiries)
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Options to graduate to higher-tier cards
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Educational tools and score tracking
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Low interest rates on beginner cards
📈 How These Cards Help Build Your Credit
Using a no deposit starter card is about more than earning miles—it’s about establishing healthy credit habits. Here’s how they support your credit growth:
🧠 Responsible Credit Usage Tips
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Pay in full each month to avoid interest
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Keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%
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Track your FICO score regularly
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Use tools for monthly credit reporting
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Request credit limit increases after 6–12 months
Over time, this helps build your FICO score, opening doors to premium travel cards and loans with better terms.
✈️ Real-Life Example: How Jenny Traveled for Free in 9 Months
Jenny, a recent college grad, applied for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students with no credit history. She used the card for everyday expenses, always paid on time, and earned enough points for a free roundtrip flight from New York to Miami within 9 months—without ever paying a fee or deposit.
🛠️ How to Apply for a Beginner Credit Card With No Deposit
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Check Pre-Qualification: Use the issuer’s tool to see if you’re likely to be approved.
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Compare Options: Prioritize cards with no deposit, no annual fee, and beginner-friendly perks.
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Apply Strategically: Choose one card and apply—multiple applications can hurt your score.
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Use Wisely: Treat it like a debit card, pay your balance monthly, and monitor your spending.
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Build and Upgrade: After 6–12 months of positive history, ask for a credit limit increase or apply for premium travel cards.
🧾 FAQs About Starter Credit Cards With No Deposit
1. What are the best starter credit cards with no deposit in 2025?
Top picks include the Bank of America Travel Rewards Student, Petal® 2, and Chase Freedom Student cards. These offer easy approvals, no annual fees, and rewards suited for travel or everyday use.
2. Can I get a no deposit credit card with no credit history?
Yes! Cards like Petal® 2 and Discover it® Student Chrome are made for first-time users and young adults with no credit history. Many use alternative approval models like cash flow.
3. What is the difference between secured and unsecured starter cards?
Secured cards require a deposit (used as collateral), while unsecured starter credit cards do not. For first-timers, unsecured options with easy approval and no annual fees are ideal.
4. How fast can I increase my credit limit on a beginner card?
Most issuers review accounts after 6 months of on-time payments. Some may offer automatic credit limit increases or allow you to request one manually.
5. How do I use my starter card to earn airline miles?
Use cards that offer travel points or cash back convertible to miles (like the Bank of America Travel Rewards) and always pay on time to avoid losing rewards due to interest charges.
6. What is a good credit utilization ratio to maintain?
Experts recommend keeping your credit utilization ratio below 30%, and ideally under 10% for the best FICO score growth.
7. Do these cards help improve my FICO score?
Absolutely. As long as the card reports to all three credit bureaus and you practice responsible credit usage, your FICO score can improve steadily within a few months.
✈️ Final Thoughts: Take Off With Confidence
Choosing the right starter credit card with no deposit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With so many excellent no annual fee, beginner-friendly options, you can start building credit while enjoying perks like airline miles, travel rewards, and cash back.
Look for cards that align with your lifestyle, offer financial tools for young adults, and reward you for building good habits. With just one great card, you could be earning free flights, boosting your credit, and setting yourself up for financial success—all without ever paying a cent in fees or deposits.
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