The Credit-Building Road With Alternative Credit Cards Could Be Bumpy

So-called alternative credit cards from financial technology companies can offer you the opportunity to build credit when your options are limited, and they tend to lower or eliminate many barriers along that path. But they aren’t without their potential drawbacks. AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File

Getting a first or second chance to build credit with a credit card has been easier in recent years because financial technology companies have created alternative options.

These new cards often evaluate applications differently from traditional credit cards, with algorithms and proprietary methods that may put less emphasis on credit scores while looking at factors such as your income or bank account balances. Lower costs tend to be a hallmark, too: Some of these products advertise no security deposit, no annual fee and no APR (annual percentage rate).