Navy Federal cashRewards Secured

This is a credit-building card first and a rewards card a distant second: 1% cash back on everything, no annual fee, and a flat 18% APR. What sets it apart from most secured cards is the exit path, which is spelled out rather than vague. You can be considered for a credit limit increase after 3 months without adding to your deposit, and starting at 6 months the account is reviewed monthly for an upgrade to the unsecured cashRewards card, with your security deposit of at least $200 returned when that happens. The absence of a foreign transaction fee is unusual at this tier and makes it usable on a trip. Just be realistic about the earn rate: 1% is a placeholder, so the goal is to use the card lightly, pay in full, and graduate off it rather than settle in.