Most Used Credit Cards in the USA for Building Credit

Building a robust credit score history is vital for financial stability, helping you qualify for loans, higher interest prices, and condominium approvals. If you’re beginning your credit score adventure or recuperating from a low credit score rating, choosing the right credit card could make a sizable difference. 

Many banks in the USA offer credit cards designed especially for credit building, presenting low expenses, restricting credit score increases, and reporting to important credit bureaus. In this manual, we explore the most used credit cards in the USA for constructing credit, their blessings, and the way they could assist in enhancing your credit score through the years.

Summary Table (TLDR)

Top 13 Credit Cards for Building Credit [2025]

Best Credit Cards in the USA for Building Credit for [March 2025]

1. Capital One Secured MasterCard

Capital One Secured MasterCard is for people with bad or poor credit history. It features a refundable deposit that establishes the credit limit. On-time payment and prudent spending create a good credit history, and the credit limit increases over time.

Building Credit

Issuer	Capital One
Payment Gateway	Mastercards
Credit Score	Bad/ Fair
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	26.99%
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Balance Transfer	26.99%
Best For	Students, Defaulters, Low-credit score

The Capital One Secured Mastercard is designed for those looking to build or rebuild credit. Issued by Capital One, it requires a security deposit and offers a credit limit equal to the deposit.

With a variable APR of 29.74% and no annual fee, the card helps users build credit with responsible use. It includes tools for credit monitoring and budgeting, and there’s no foreign transaction fee.

Key Features:

• No annual fee
• Reports to 3 credit bureaus

Reward Rate:

• Build credit with responsible usage

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of Capital One Secured MasterCard

Expert Advice:

Use the card for small frequent purchases and pay the account in full to keep interest charges low. Low utilization and on-time payment will create credit over time, enabling you to qualify for unsecured cards with improved rewards and benefits.

2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

This secured card establishes or builds credit by reporting payments to all three major credit bureaus. A refundable deposit secures the credit line, and good use builds the credit score, potentially qualifying the user for an upgrade to an unsecured card.

Building Credit

Issuer	Capital One
Payment Gateway	Mastercard
Credit Score	Bad/ Fair
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	26.99%
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Balance Transfer	26.99%
Best For	Defaulters, Low-credit scorers, Students

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is designed for those looking to build or rebuild credit. Issued by Capital One, it requires a security deposit and offers a credit limit equal to the deposit.

With a variable APR of 29.74% and no annual fee, the card helps users build credit with responsible use. It includes tools for credit monitoring and budgeting, and there’s no foreign transaction fee.

Key Features:

• Reports to 3 credit bureaus
• No annual fee

Reward Rate:

• Build credit with responsible usage

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Expert Advice:

Make small purchases and pay them off in full every month. Do not use the full credit limit, as low utilization is the key to increasing your credit score. Over time, good use can qualify you for improved credit opportunities.

3. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is best for credit building, as it reports to all three major credit bureaus. Good use and on-time payments can result in an upgrade to an unsecured card after consistent good financial behavior.

Building credit & Cashback

Issuer	Discover
Payment Gateway	Discover
Credit Score	Limited/No Credit
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	Variable APR of 25.24%
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Balance Transfer	N/A
Best For	Credit Builders, Students

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card, issued by Discover, is ideal for individuals looking to build or rebuild credit. Its standout feature is cashback rewards—earn 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter) and 1% on all other purchases. The card benefits users by reporting to all three major credit bureaus, helping establish a strong credit history.

There is no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice. The minimum security deposit is $200, which determines the credit limit. A fair credit score (580+) is required. Discover reviews accounts after seven months for possible graduation to an unsecured card. The Cashback Match feature doubles all cashback earned in the first year, making it highly rewarding for new users.

Key Features:

• No Annual Fee
• Secured card with a rewards program.
• Automatic reviews start at 7 months to see if you can transition to an unsecured card.

Reward Rate:

• Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Expert Advice:

Use the card for necessary spending and earn cash-back rewards while keeping spending low. Pay on time, as Discover periodically reviews accounts for automatic upgrades to an unsecured line of credit.

4. American Express® Green Card

As a charge card, the American Express Green Card encourages responsible spending by paying in full each month. This creates a good payment history, a key part of credit scores, without the risk of high-interest debt.

Travelling and Credit Building

Issuer	Merican Express
Payment Gateway	American Express
Credit Score	Good- Excellent
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	21.24%–29.24%
Sign In Bonus	40,000 Membership Rewards points after $3,000 spent in 6 months
Balance Transfer	N/A
Best For	Travelers, Environmentally Conscious Consumer

The American Express® Green Card, issued by American Express, offers rewards on everyday purchases and travel. Its best feature is the Membership Rewards program, providing valuable points for various expenses.

The card has an annual fee of $150. Unique features include access to the Green Collection rewards and a required credit score of 700+. The referral program offers bonus Membership Rewards points.

Key Features:

• Good rewards on transit expenses
• Best for eco-conscious travelers

Reward Rate:

Other Information:

• No Foreign Transaction Fee

Pros & Cons of American Express® Green Card

Expert Advice:

Use the card for everyday purchases and pay on time to build credit. Since it has no preset spending limit, frequent use, and prudent money management will make you more creditworthy and optimize travel and lifestyle rewards.

5. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card

This student credit card is designed to help young adults build credit early. It reports to major credit bureaus and offers responsible users the potential for credit limit increases, making it an excellent starter card for building a good credit history.

Building Credit and Cashback

Issuer	Chase
Payment Gateway	Visa
Credit Score	Limited/No Credit
Intro APR	0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
Regular APR	Variable APR of 14.99% – 24.74%
Sign In Bonus	$50 bonus after purchasing within the first 3 months from account opening
Balance Transfer	N/A
Best For	Students

The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card, issued by Chase, is tailored for students. It offers 1% cash back on all purchases, helping students save while building credit. It also includes free credit score monitoring and educational resources for financial growth.

There is no annual fee, and it provides a $50 bonus after the first purchase. The credit limit depends on the applicant’s profile, and a fair credit score is needed. It also includes a referral program and no foreign transaction fees.

Key Features:

• Opportunity for credit line increases with responsible use.
• Access to Credit Journey for credit monitoring.

Reward Rate:

• Earn 1% cash back on all purchases.

Other Information:

• No annual fee

Pros & Cons of Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card

Expert Advice:

Use the card for everyday purchases, keep balances low, and pay on time. Enjoy cash-back rewards and responsible spending to build a good credit history, which will qualify you for premium credit cards later in life.

6. Citi® Secured Mastercard®

The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is designed for people with little or no credit. A security deposit covers the credit line, and on-time payments build a good credit history. With good use over time, it can lead to a promotion to an unsecured card.

Building Credit

Issuer	Citibank
Payment Gateway	Mastercard
Credit Score	Any
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	27.49%
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Balance Transfer	N/A
Best For	Credit builders, Low-credit scorers

The Citi Secured Mastercard® is designed for individuals looking to establish or rebuild their credit. Unlike traditional credit cards, it requires a refundable security deposit that serves as the credit limit. It reports to all three credit bureaus, helping users improve their scores.

This card has no annual fee and typically requires a minimum $200 security deposit. There is no referral program, and it does not offer rewards. However, it includes fraud protection, automatic credit monitoring, and potential graduation to an unsecured card with responsible use.

Key Features:

• Best Citi secured card for credit building
• No Annual Fee

Reward Rate:

• No rewards, but it helps build credit

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of Citi® Secured Mastercard®

Expert Advice:

Use the card for essentials and pay the full amount each month. Keeping utilization under 30% and paying on time every month will build your credit score, which will lead to better financial products.

7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students

This young adult credit card allows young adults to build credit while earning cash-back rewards. Reporting to major credit bureaus ensures responsible use and on-time payments build a good credit history.

Cashback

Issuer	Bank of America
Payment Gateway	Visa
Credit Score	Good/ Excellent
Intro APR	0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days.
Regular APR	Variable APR of 18.24% – 28.24%.
Sign In Bonus	$200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Balance Transfer	Variable APR of 18.24% – 28.24%.
Best For	Everyday Spenders

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card, issued by Bank of America, offers 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases. It’s ideal for tailored rewards on everyday expenses.

The card has no annual fee and offers a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days. It also provides a low introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles.

Key Features:

• Customizable 3% cash back category.
• Potential for higher rewards with Preferred Rewards.

Reward Rate:

• 3% cash back in a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings) on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%).
• 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students

Expert Advice:

Use the card responsibly for necessary purchases like gas and groceries, paying charges in full. Do not overspend to rack up rewards; keeping a low balance is the key to being creditworthy.

8. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

This secured credit card builds credit while earning 1.5% cash back on purchases. On-time payment and responsible credit use can improve credit scores, with a chance to upgrade to an unsecured card after demonstrating financial responsibility.

Credit Building & Cashback

Issuer	Capital One
Payment Gateway	Mastercard
Credit Score	Good-Excellent
Intro APR	0% for 12 Months
Regular APR	19.24%-29.24% Variable
Sign In Bonus	$200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months
Balance Transfer	19.24%-29.24% Variable
Best For	Everyday Users, Professionals

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a straightforward cashback card offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Issued by Capital One, it’s an excellent choice for those who prefer simple rewards without tracking spending categories. The lack of rotating categories and cashback limits makes it a hassle-free option for everyday spending.

This card has no annual fee and is available to those with good to excellent credit (700+). It offers a generous welcome bonus and an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. Additional perks include no foreign transaction fees, a referral program, and extended warranty protection on eligible purchases.

Key Features:

• Simple cash back with no categories
• No rotating categories or sign-ups are needed to earn cash rewards

Reward Rate:

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase

Other Information:

• Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater

Pros & Cons of Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Expert Advice:

Max out cash-back rewards on necessary purchases, but keep spending at your level. Paying bills in full each month ensures positive reporting to credit bureaus while avoiding interest, allowing you to upgrade to a better credit product.

9. Discover it® Student Chrome

This student credit card builds credit early by reporting payments to major bureaus. Responsible spending and on-time payment can lead to credit growth, making it simpler to qualify for higher-tiered cards after graduation.

Cashback and Student Benefits

Issuer	Discover
Payment Gateway	Discover
Credit Score	Limited to No Credit
Intro APR	0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Regular APR	12.99% to 21.99% Variable APR
Sign In Bonus	Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Balance Transfer	12.99% to 21.99% Variable APR
Best For	Students

Designed for students, the Discover it® Student Chrome Card is a perfect starter credit card. Issued by Discover, it offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter) and 1% on everything else. One of its standout features is the Good Grades Reward, where students can earn a $20 statement credit each school year for maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The card has no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly choice for students. It does not require a credit history, making approval easier for first-time credit users. The initial credit limit varies based on financial standing, with responsible use leading to potential increases. It also comes with a referral bonus and includes Discover’s Cashback Match™, where all cash back earned in the first year is doubled automatically.

Key Features:

• Good Grade Reward: $20 statement credit each school year if your GPA is 3.0 or higher
• No annual fee and no late fee on the first late payment

Reward Rate:

• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Other Information:

• Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater

Pros & Cons of Discover it® Student Chrome

Expert Advice:

Use this card for daily purchases, such as gas and dining, while earning cash-back rewards. On-time payment and keeping a low balance will build your credit profile, allowing you to access better financial opportunities down the road.

10. American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card

This card allows credit building through responsible spending and regular on-time payments. With no annual fee and cash-back rewards, it encourages smart financial behavior, building long-term credit health.

Cashback and Everyday Spending

Issuer	American Express
Payment Gateway	AMEX
Credit Score	Good-Excellent
Intro APR	0% for 15 months
Regular APR	19.24%–29.99%
Sign In Bonus	$200 statement credit after $2,000 spent in 6 months
Balance Transfer	N/A
Best For	Budget-Conscious Families

The American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a great cashback card for families, offering 3% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 2% on gas and department stores, and 1% on everything else. Issued by American Express, it’s perfect for everyday spending and maximizing household purchases.

This card has no annual fee and requires a good credit score (700+). Credit limits are determined by financial history. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. While there is no referral program, it includes perks such as purchase protection, fraud liability coverage, and access to Amex Offers for extra savings.

Key Features:

• No annual Fee
• Cashback
• Everyday Spending

Reward Rate:

• 3% cash back on groceries
• 3% cash back on gas stations & online retail purchases

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card

Expert Advice:

Use this card for family spending while maintaining spending under control. Paying balances in full every month guarantees a good credit history, and strategically using its rewards maximizes financial benefits without accumulating unnecessary debt.

11. Chase Slate Edge℠

The Chase Slate Edge℠ is ideal for credit building, with an automatic credit limit increase for good usage. It also provides a lower interest rate over time for users who consistently make on-time payments.

Credit Building and Cashback

Issuer	Chase
Payment Gateway	Visa
Credit Score	Good to Excellent
Intro APR	0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 18 months; then 20.49% – 29.24% Variable
Regular APR	20.49% – 29.24% Variable
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Best For	Individuals Needing Daily Cashback

The Chase Slate Edge® Credit Card is designed for individuals looking to manage debt effectively. Issued by Chase, its best feature is the 0% introductory APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers. This makes it ideal for those planning big purchases or consolidating existing credit card debt. Additionally, cardholders can qualify for automatic APR reductions by making on-time payments and spending at least $1,000 per year.

With no annual fee, the Slate Edge® is a low-cost way to improve credit. It requires a good credit score (670+), and the credit limit is determined based on creditworthiness. Unique to this card is Chase’s automatic credit line review after six months, allowing for potential limit increases. It also offers fraud protection, contactless payment, and access to Chase Credit Journey for free credit monitoring.

Key Features:

• Low Intro APR
• Balance Transfer

Reward Rate:

• N/A

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of Chase Slate Edge℠

Expert Advice:

Use this card to carry over small purchases and pay on time. Utilize the credit limit increase feature by demonstrating good credit behavior, which will enhance your overall creditworthiness.

12. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

This card builds good credit through good usage while offering unlimited 2% cash back on purchases. On-time payments and controlled spending create a solid credit history, enabling users to qualify for premium cards.

Cashback

Issuer	Wells Fargo
Payment Gateway	Visa
Credit Score	Good- Excellent
Intro APR	0% Intro APR for 15 months
Regular APR	19.24% to 29.24% Variable APR
Sign In Bonus	$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Balance Transfer	19.24% to 29.24% Variable APR
Best For	Individuals Seeking Cash Back

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a top-tier cashback credit card offering an unlimited 2% cash reward on every purchase. Issued by Wells Fargo, it provides straightforward rewards with no categories to track, making it an excellent everyday spending card.

It has no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus. Requires a good to excellent credit score. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months, cell phone protection, and Visa Signature benefits, making it a well-rounded option.

Key Features:

• Simple cash-back rewards
• No annual fee

Reward Rate:

• 2% cash back on all purchases

Other Information:

• Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater

Pros & Cons of Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Expert Advice:

Use this card for routine expenses and pay on time to avoid interest. Utilizing its cash-back rewards while maintaining utilization low will enhance your credit score over time.

13. Citi® Double Cash Card

The Citi® Double Cash Card rewards good credit usage by offering cash back on purchases and payments. On-time payments and controlled spending improve credit scores while maximizing financial benefits.

Building Credit

Issuer	CitiBank
Payment Gateway	Mastercard
Credit Score	Good-Excellent
Intro APR	0% for 18 months
Regular APR	19.24%-29.24%
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Balance Transfer	19.24%-29.24%
Best For	Everyday users, Budget-conscious users, Credit Builders, Online Shoppers

The Citi Double Cash® Card, which is issued by Citi, provides an easy and rewarding cashback program. Its standout feature is the ability to earn 2% cashback (1% on purchases and an additional 1% when payments are made). With no category restrictions, this card is a versatile option for everyday spending.

The card has no annual fee. Its unique feature is the ability to earn cashback twice. The credit limit depends on creditworthiness. A good credit score (670+) is required. No referral program, but it offers balance transfer options and fraud protection.

Key Features:

• Best for Flat-Rate Cashback
• No Annual Fee is Charged
• Simple and Easy-to-Use Cashback

Reward Rate:

• 2% Unlimited cashback (1% on purchases, 1% on payments)

Other Information:

• The cash advance fee is 5% or $10 
• Charges 3% International Transaction Fee

Pros & Cons of Citi® Double Cash Card

Expert Advice:

Use this card for budgeted expenses and pay in full every time to earn maximum cash-back rewards. Maintaining utilization low and paying on time will build a strong credit history, enabling you to qualify for better financial products in the future.

Comparison Table

Methodology

In selecting the most used credit cards in the USA for credit building, we analyzed a range of factors, including issuer-reported data, consumer adoption, and credit-building ability. We also analyzed user popularity from industry reports, credit score potential for improving on-time payments, and availability for those with poor or fair credit.

We also analyzed reporting to all major credit bureaus, annual fees, rewards for good behavior, and secured vs. unsecured. Through the inclusion of these factors, we identified widely used credit cards that effectively enable users to build or repair their credit profiles.

Choosing the Best Credit Card for Building Credit?

When selecting the best credit card for the building or improvement of your credit score, there are many major factors to consider. The right card can help you establish a strong credit history by offering benefits such as prizes, low fees, and credit limits.

Here are the most important criteria to keep in mind when choosing the best credit card for credit building:

1. Credit Requirements: Look for cards that provide approval for people with limited or no credit history. Safe credit cards are ideal for beginners, as they require deposits but allow you to make credits over time. Some cards also provide approval for individuals with fair or average credits.
2. Fees: Choose a card with a low or any annual fee. The lower the fees, the more your payment can go towards improving your credit score. Avoid high-fee cards that can become a financial burden.
3. Credit Limit: Opt for a card with a managed credit limit. A high credit limit gives you more flexibility to shop, but remember to keep your credit use ratio (the quantity of credit you use compared to your total credit limit) under 30%. The aim should be to have a positive effect.
4. Rewards and Benefits: Some credit cards provide cashback or rewards on purchases, which could make using the card more useful. While building a credit score ought to be your primary attention, those perks also can assist you in getting more fees out of your spending.
5. Opportunity for Credit Limit Increases: Look for credit cards that provide the ability for credit limits to increase through the years. Responsible use of your card—along with making bills on time and preserving balances low—can help you qualify for better limits, which, in turn, can further boost your credit score by decreasing your credit score usage.
6. Interest Rates: While you ought to intend to repay your balance in full every month to avoid interest prices, it’s still critical to not forget the APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Cards with decreased APRs are perfect in case you ever deliver a balance, although paying off the stability every month is the best manner to keep away from interest fees and stay on top of your credit score construction.

By focusing on those standards, you can choose a credit card that fits your financial situation and helps you build a strong credit rating. Whether you choose a secured credit card for beginners or a student card for those just beginning their credit score journey, selecting the proper card is a critical first step in improving your credit. 

Why Do you Need a Credit Card for Building Credit?

The most effective tool for creating credit is a credit card, as it provides an opportunity to create a credit history. Credit companies assess how you handle credit based on the frequency of the use of credit, how much of the available funds are used, and whether the payment is made within the prescribed time.

A good credit history can assist in improving your credit score, which is important for future financial opportunities, including securing loans and obtaining a favorable credit score. Without a credit card or every other shape of credit score, building a superb credit score history can be tough.

How Do Credit Cards Help in Building Credit?

Credit cards help build credit scores by reporting your usage to the company. When you pay on time and keep your credit utilization ratio low (the share of your credit score limit you use), that shows nicely in your credit file. 

This indicates to lenders that you can manage your credit responsibly. Some cards even allow you to have a credit score restriction that will increase as you show correct conduct, which helps your credit usage ratio and, hence, your credit score.

Advantages of Credit Cards for Building Credit

• Start a Credit History: The credit card allows you to start a credit history, which plays an essential role in growing your credit score.
• Manage Credit Balances: High usage of credit score balances will paint your advantage to be managed extra correctly.
• Timely Payments: On-time payments are mentioned to the bureaus and appreciably improve your credit rating.
• Potential for Credit Limit Increases: Many credit cards allow you to boost your limit as you build your credit, which could further enhance your score.
• Rewards and Perks: Some credit cards provide cashback or rewards, which could make using them to build credit even more rewarding.

FAQs!

Which credit card is best for building credit?

The best credit card for building credit depends on your credit history. For people with fair credit, cards such as the Capital One Platinum Credit Card may be ideal, as they require minimal credit history and offer access to credit limits.

What is the best credit card usage to build credit?

The best way to create credit is to keep your credit use ratio low (ideally less than 30%), pay on time, and avoid missing payments. Using your card regularly for small purchases and paying the full balance every month can have a positive impact on your credit score.

What are the 4 major credit card companies in the US?

There are four major credit card companies in the United States:

1. Visa
2. Master card
3. American Express
4. Discover

What type of credit card is good for beginners in credit building?

Secured credit cards are usually the best option for beginners. They require a safety deposit but allow you to create credit by using them responsibly. Cards such as Capital One Secured master cards are ideal options for those who start now.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Credit Card?

To apply for a credit card, you must be at least 18 years of age. However, if you are under 21 years of age, you may need to prove whether you have a source of income or co-stake to be approved.

How Do I Improve my Credit Score?

To improve your credit score, follow these steps:

• Pay the bills on time to avoid late fees and negative marks on your credit report.
• Keep credit usage less (preferably less than 30% of your credit limit).
• Avoid opening a lot of new credit accounts in the short term.
• Check your credit report regularly for inaccurate or fraudulent activity.
• Increase your credit limit slowly by proving responsible use.