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.
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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!
FAQs
Can I get a rewards credit card as my first card?
Yes, many first credit cards offer rewards, especially student cards with cash back or points programs.
Are store credit cards good for first-time applicants?
Store credit cards can be easier to get approved for but often come with higher interest rates and limited use.
How can I build credit with my first credit card?
Use your card regularly but responsibly, keep your balance low, and always pay on time to build a strong credit history.
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