5 Best Credit Cards for Teens

Update: The information below was correct at the time of publishing, but one or more offers are no longer available. Please visit the issuer website for up-to-date information.

Are you a teen looking to kickstart your financial journey? Or maybe a parent searching for the best credit card to help your teen learn responsible spending? Finding the perfect first credit card can feel like decoding a financial enigma. Credit cards for teens can unlock perks like building credit early, earning rewards, and learning the art of budgeting. 

Here are the top picks that combine practicality, affordability, and a little sprinkle of fun.

Ready to explore your credit card options? MoneyLion offers tools and resources to help you find a card that suits your needs—whether you’re a teen building credit or a parent guiding the way. With personalized recommendations and credit score tracking, we’re here to make the process simple and empowering.

5 Best credit cards for teens 

Choosing a first credit card can be overwhelming. Here are the top 5 options tailored for young adult teens, with something for every financial need.

1. Best for No Credit: Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card

Source: petalcard.com

Starting with no credit history doesn’t mean starting at zero—at least not with the Petal® 2 Visa®. This card is like a kind friend who believes in your potential, offering cash-back rewards that grow as your financial habits improve. It’s perfect for teens who need a clean slate but still want perks like no fees and simple rewards. Think of it as the credit card version of training wheels, but cooler.

Pros

• No fees whatsoever

• Encourages on-time payments with increased rewards

• No credit history required

Cons

• High APR

• Limited bonus rewards initially

• No intro APR

2. Best for Secured Option: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Source: discover.com

When you’re starting from scratch—or rebuilding after some bumps—this card is your ticket to redemption. Unlike other secured cards that make you feel like you’re paying to play, Discover it® Secured Credit Card actually rewards you with cash back. Plus, it’s the only card that throws in a first-year cashback match. That’s right—get rewarded for proving you’re responsible. Who said building credit couldn’t be rewarding?

Pros

• Rewards on purchases

• No annual fee

• Builds credit fast

Cons

• Requires a deposit

• High APR

• Limited credit line tied to the deposit

3. Best for Low Credit: OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card

Source: openskycc.com

No credit check? No problem. The OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card skips the awkward interrogation and lets you build credit without a traditional approval process. It’s perfect for teens who need to establish credit but don’t have a long financial history. Plus, it reports to all three major credit bureaus, meaning every responsible swipe helps you get closer to a brighter financial future. No annual fee is just the cherry on top.

Pros

• No credit check for approval

• Reports to major credit bureaus

• No annual fee

Cons

• High APR

• Requires a deposit

• Limited rewards

4. Best for Bonus Rewards: Citi Double Cash® Card

Source: citi.com

For teens ready to level up, the Citi Double Cash® Card offers double the fun—literally. Earn 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay), which is like getting a standing ovation for paying your bills. With a generous 0% intro APR on balance transfers, it’s a smart pick for anyone wanting rewards and flexibility. It’s a little extra effort for a lot of extra benefits.

Pros

• No annual fee

• Generous rewards

• 0% intro APR on balance transfers

Cons

• High regular APR

• No specific teen-oriented perks

• Requires fair credit

5. Best for Empowerment: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Source: capitalone.com

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card screams “you got this!” with rewards on every purchase and easy approval for teens with fair credit. It’s perfect for those who want a little encouragement while learning the ropes. The $39 annual fee is a small price to pay for unlimited 1.5%-5% cash back, which makes it a solid stepping stone for teens ready to earn while they learn.

Pros

• Straightforward rewards

• Builds credit history

• Reports to all credit bureaus

Cons

• Annual fee

• High APR

• Limited bonus perks

Important facts about credit cards

A credit card can be great finance tool. They offer fraud protection and rewards and help improve your credit. If you find yourself in an emergency, a credit card can save the day. As alluring as they sound, knowing how to responsibly use a credit card is most important. 

Using your card frivolously can bring on a heap of debt with no end in sight. 

Understand how credit is calculated

Below we broke down the five categories of how your credit score is calculated.

• 35% – Payment history 

• 30% – Credit utilization (Debts owed vs. Total Available Credit)

• 15% – Length of credit history 

• 10% – Credit mix 

• 10% – New credit

Start with one line of credit

A line of credit is a loan you can pull from in increments and only pay interest on what you borrow. As you pay back what you borrow, you’re able to pull from the line of credit again. Assuming you’re in good standing with loan terms and making timely payments and that your draw period hasn’t ended.

You might have to get a secured card

If you have bad or no credit, a secured credit card might be a good option to help you improve your credit score. 

A secured card works just like a regular credit card except you’re required to put down a cash deposit, usually equal to the credit limit. This is to reduce the risk that a creditor takes by lending to you. If you don’t pay off your credit card, they’ll use your deposit to pay it off. If you decide to close your secured credit card account or upgrade to an unsecured card, you’ll get your deposit back. 

Never max out your card

Stick to your budget and only borrow what you can afford to pay off in a timely manner. Maxing out your credit card increases your credit utilization, which is the second largest contributor to your credit score. If you max out your credit card, chances are that you’ll go over the limit with interests being added on. 

Your credit score can open doors

Having a high credit score increases your odds for mortgages or being approved for a new apartment rental. More lenders will trust you to pay back borrowed money when you have a better credit rating. Not to mention, you’ll get better interest rates on credit cards, leased or bought vehicles and student loans. 

Some employers are running credit checks to see how their prospective employees would fare when handling company finances. 

Building credit takes time – credit score drops can happen instantly

Improving or rebuilding your credit takes time and effort. You must prioritize on-time payments, paying more than the minimum, and spending wisely. Try setting up automatic payments and reminders to keep you on track. If you do all of these things, you can help improve your credit, however, one late or missed payment can drop your credit score up to 100 points almost instantly! 

What to look for in a credit card as a teen

When applying for a credit card as a teen, know that you’ll need to be 18 years or older. Minors are unable to apply for credit cards on their own and  need look for a few keys factors such as:

Zero interest period: Many credit cards offer an introductory 0% interest rate for a certain period of time. Shop around and see what’s being offered. Read the fine print so you know what happens AFTER the intro period too.

Rewards: Some cards offer airline frequent flyer rewards, hotel discounts and no annual fees. Look for a card that best suits your needs. 

Cash back: Charges like grocery shopping, gas stations and online shopping often earn you cash back points. Use the card like cash and pay it back in full as soon as the bill is due – you’ll bypass interest charges and get paid for using it!

Credit tips: Credit score monitoring and tips often come with your account. These services are helpful when improving your credit score and tracking your progress. Often, they will allow you to check your credit score at any time.  

Just for fun: Find out which TV character reveals the credit card style that’s right for you!

A Bright Financial Future

Selecting the right credit card is a big step toward financial independence for teens. The key is to choose a card that aligns with your needs and promotes healthy habits. Whether you’re after rewards, low fees, or credit-building opportunities, there’s a perfect card out there for you. Start building your financial legacy today!

FAQs

Do you have to be 18 to get a credit card?

Yes, in most cases, you need to be 18. If you’re under 18, you can become an authorized user on a parent’s card.

What credit card should I get at 18?

Look for student-friendly or no-credit-required options like the Capital One Savor Student or Petal® 2 Visa®.

Should you get a credit card at 18?

It depends on your financial responsibility. A credit card can be a great tool to build credit and learn budgeting, but it requires discipline to avoid debt.