For millions of people, credit checks are the biggest roadblock to getting a new card. A single late payment, past bankruptcy, or low credit score can lead to instant rejection.
But here’s the good news: Some credit cards skip the credit check entirely — and will approve you no matter your past mistakes.
This article will cover:
- Cards that approve everyone (including no-credit-history applicants).
- How these cards work without pulling your credit report.
- The hidden pros and cons you must know before applying.
Why Banks Sometimes Skip Credit Checks
Traditional credit cards rely on credit bureau reports to assess risk. But not all banks follow this rule — especially for:
- Secured credit cards (backed by your own deposit).
- Prepaid cards with credit-building features.
- Retail store cards with guaranteed approval.
They use income proof, ID verification, and deposits instead of a credit score to decide.
Best “No Credit Check” Credit Cards in 2025
1. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Card (USA)
- Approval: 100% approval if you can provide a deposit.
- Limit: $200–$3,000 based on deposit.
- No credit check: Yes.
- Why it’s great: Builds credit with all three bureaus, even if you have bad credit.
2. Chime Credit Builder Visa® (USA)
- Approval: Requires a Chime account — no hard credit pull.
- Limit: Based on how much you move into your Credit Builder account.
- Why it’s great: Zero interest, no annual fee.
3. Capital One® Secured Mastercard® (Canada & USA)
- Approval: Secured deposit required; minimal credit check.
- Limit: Starts at $300 — increases with good history.
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4. Vanquis Chrome Credit Card (UK)
- Approval: Designed for poor or no credit — soft check only.
- Limit: £250–£1,000 starting limit.
5. KOHO Prepaid Mastercard with Credit Building (Canada)
- Approval: Everyone accepted with ID verification.
- Limit: Spend from your own balance, but reports to bureaus.
6. Easy Financial Secured Card (Canada)
- Approval: 100% approval with deposit.
- Limit: $1,000–$10,000 based on security funds.
How “No Credit Check” Cards Work
These cards are risk-free for banks because:
- Secured cards: You give them money upfront (your limit equals your deposit).
- Prepaid cards with credit reporting: You spend only what you load.
- Retail/store cards: They offer small limits and high interest but are easy to get.
Who Should Consider These Cards
✅ People with bad credit (scores under 600).
✅ Students with no credit history.
✅ Newcomers to a country without local credit records.
✅ Those recovering from bankruptcy.
Pros of No Credit Check Cards
- Guaranteed approval (if you meet ID/income rules).
- Build or rebuild credit without rejections.
- Low entry requirements — often no minimum income.
Cons You Must Know
- Many require a security deposit.
- Higher annual fees compared to traditional cards.
- Lower initial limits unless you deposit more.
Tips to Use These Cards to Boost Your Credit Fast
- Always pay on time — one late payment can undo months of progress.
- Keep utilization low — spend under 30% of your limit.
- Upgrade later — after 6–12 months, ask your bank for an unsecured card.
- Avoid cash advances — high fees, no benefit to your score.
Common Myths About No Credit Check Cards
Myth 1: They don’t report to credit bureaus.
→ Most do, but check the terms before applying.
Myth 2: You can skip paying because it’s “secured.”
→ Wrong — missed payments will still hurt your score and can get your deposit seized.
Myth 3: They’re only for desperate people.
→ Many smart borrowers use secured cards as a stepping stone to premium rewards cards.
Final Word
If you’ve been rejected for credit cards in the past, no credit check cards can be your second chance. With responsible use, they can take you from a $0 limit and poor credit score to high-limit approvals in under a year.
Just remember: The goal isn’t to stay with a secured or prepaid card forever — it’s to build your way up to the cards you really want.