Best First Credit Cards To Build Credit

So you’ve finally decided to step into the world of credit cards. Maybe you’re tired of borrowing your roommate’s card to order pizza or just want to build your credit score for that dream car. Whatever the reason, finding the best first credit card can make a huge difference in your financial journey. Let’s cut through the jargon and get you started with the right card to build your credit while reaping some sweet rewards.

---

MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences as a first-time credit card holder.

---

10 Best first credit cards

Starting your credit journey? These are the top cards that make the grade for first-timers.

1. Best for cash back: Discover it® Student Cash Back

The Discover it® Student Cash Back  card is perfect for students who want to earn rewards while learning the ropes of credit management. It offers 5% cash back on rotating categories like gas, groceries, and restaurants and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.

Credit score needed: Fair to good (580-740)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for six months
Intro bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of your first year	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0	Balance transfer fee: 3%
Regular APR: 18.24% – 27.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• High cash back in rotating categories
• No annual fee
• Cash back match for the first year

Cons

• Requires some credit history
• Rotating categories require activation
• High cash advance fee

2. Best for building credit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is designed for those with average credit looking to build or rebuild their credit history. It has no annual fee and offers access to a higher credit line after making your first five monthly payments on time.

Credit score needed: Fair (580-740)	Purchases intro APR: None
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: $10 or 3%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0	Balance transfer fee: None
Regular APR: 29.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• No annual fee
• Credit limit increases after on-time payments
• Easy approval for fair credit

Cons

• High regular APR
• No rewards program
• No intro APR offers

3. Best for students: Discover it® Student Chrome

The Discover it® Student Chrome card is perfect for college students looking to earn cash back on everyday purchases. This card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Credit score needed: None required	Purchases intro APR: 0% for six months
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0	Balance transfer fee: 3% for six months, then 5% after
Regular APR: 18.24% – 27.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• High cash back in everyday categories
• No annual fee
• Cash back match for the first year

Cons

• Requires some credit history
• Quarterly spending cap for higher cash back
• High cash advance fee

4. Best for low interest: Wells Fargo Platinum Card

If you’re looking for a low-interest starter card, the Wells Fargo Platinum Card may be just the thing. With 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months, you can pay off big expenses without accruing interest.

Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670+)	Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening
Intro bonus: None	Balance transfer fee: 3% within the first four months, then 5%
Annual fee: $0	Cash advance fee: Varies
Regular APR: 16.49% – 24.49% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• Long intro APR period
• No annual fee
• Low regular APR

Cons

• No rewards program
• Balance transfer fee increases after 120 days
• Foreign transaction fee

5. Best for no annual fee: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Perfect for beginners who want to avoid fees and still earn cash back, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. Plus, you get a generous 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months.

Credit score needed: 690-850	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months
Intro bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0	Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
Regular APR: 20.49% – 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• Cash back on all purchases
• No annual fee
• Generous intro APR and bonus

Cons

• Balance transfer fee
• Foreign transaction fee
• High cash advance fee

6. Best for rewards: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Students can earn 3% cash back in a category of their choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases with the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card. There’s no annual fee and a solid intro APR offer.

Credit score needed: Good to excellent (670-850)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles
Intro bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days	Cash advance fee: $10 or 3%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0	Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transaction intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days your account is open
Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• Customizable cash back categories
• No annual fee
• Solid intro bonus

Cons

• Foreign transaction fee
• Balance transfer fee
• Requires good credit

7. Best for travel: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card 

Ideal for students planning to travel, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards offers unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees. There’s also a great intro APR on purchases.

Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (700+)	Intro balance transfer APR:0% Introductory for 15 months
Intro bonus: 25,000 online bonus points and a $250 travel or dining statement credit value after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days	Balance transfer fee: Introductory Fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction, 4% after that
Annual fee: None	Cash advance fee: 4%
Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel rewards
• No annual fee

Cons

• Requires good credit
• Balance transfer fee
• High cash advance fee

8. Best for easy approval: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is great for those with fair credit who want rewards. You get 1.5% cash back on every purchase and access to a higher credit line after making your first five monthly payments on time.

Credit score needed: 640+	Intro balance transfer APR: 29.99% variable
Intro bonus: Earn $200 once you spend $500 within three months	Balance transfer fee: No Transfer Fee with this Transfer APR; 4% on the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a Promotional APR
Annual fee: $0	Cash advance fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Regular APR: 29.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• Cash back on all purchases
• Easy approval
• Credit limit increases after on-time payments

Cons

• Annual fee
• High regular APR
• No intro APR offers

9. Best for no credit history: Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

Perfect for those with no credit history, the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card offers 1% cash back on all purchases, which increases to 1.5% after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Plus, there are no fees whatsoever.

Credit score needed: None	Purchases intro APR: None
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: None
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: None
Regular APR: 18.24% – 32.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• No fees
• No credit history required
• Increasing cash back for good behavior

Cons

• No intro APR offers
• Limited rewards program
• High regular APR for those with low credit

10. Best for young adults: Citi Rewards+® Card

Young adults will love the Citi Rewards+® Card for its unique feature of rounding up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase. Earn 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 yearly, then 1X points on all other purchases.

Credit score needed: Fair to Good (580-740)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $0	Balance transfer fee: Intro fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first four months of account opening; after that, 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum)
Regular APR: 1 8.74% – 28.74% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• Unique points rounding feature
• No annual fee
• Intro bonus

Cons

• Foreign transaction fee
• Limited rewards categories
• High cash advance fee

Should you get a credit card?

A credit card can be a fantastic tool for building credit, earning rewards, and managing finances, but it’s not for everyone. A credit card can be incredibly beneficial if you’re responsible with spending and can pay your balance in full each month.

Pros and cons of getting a credit card

Before you dive into the world of credit cards, let’s weigh the pros and cons to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

Pros • Builds credit history and score • Access to rewards and perks • Can offer fraud protection and insurance benefits

Cons • Potential for debt if not managed properly • High interest rates if you carry a balance • Temptation to overspend

How to get approved for your first credit card

Ready to apply? Here are ways that may increase your chances of approval.

• Check your credit score: Know where you stand, generally the better your credit the greater your chances are for approval.
• Provide accurate information on your application: Double-check everything.
• Start with your current bank or credit union: They may have options tailored for you.
• Build credit history through alternative means: Consider a credit builder loan or become an authorized user on someone else’s card. Explore more ways to help build credit here. 

---

Considering a way to build your credit? MoneyLion offers a free and convenient way to find offers from our trusted partners to help you improve your credit:

---

What are the key features to look for in a first credit card?

When choosing your first card, consider these factors to make the best choice:

• Annual fee: Avoid if possible, as there are plenty of no-fee options.
• Interest rates: Look for low interest rates to avoid costly debt.
• Credit-building potential: Ensure the card reports to credit bureaus.
• Reasonable credit limits: Start small and grow with your credit score.
• Rewards: Does the credit card offer cashback, miles or other rewards that you could benefit from?

Swipe right: your perfect first credit card awaits

Choosing your first credit card is a big step, but with the right card, you can build a strong credit foundation and enjoy some great perks. From cash back to low interest rates, there’s probably a card out there that fits your needs. Remember to spend responsibly, pay your bills on time, and monitor your credit to help it grow!

FAQ