6 Best Credit Cards for Beginners, According to John Liang
Credit cards can feel like staring at an endless shelf of cereal boxes — way too many options, most making the same promises. But here's the thing: you don't need to figure this out solo.
YouTube creator John Liang recently posted a video narrowing down his top six credit card picks specifically for people new to the game, and we're breaking down each one. Whether you're all about earning cash back on groceries, racking up points on travel or just want something straightforward with zero annual fees, there's likely a card in his lineup built for how you actually spend.
Be Smart: Maximize Your Rewards: Which Credit Card To Swipe in Every Situation
Good To Know: 7 Low-Risk Accounts Proven to Grow Your Money Up to 13x Faster
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited
Liang’s top credit card pick for beginners is the Chase Freedom Unlimited card. This one offers a $250 bonus when you spend $500 within the first 3 months. New cardholders can also take advantage of a 0% interest rate for the first 15 months. Travel booked through Chase Travel is eligible for 5% cash back, drugstores and dining purchases are eligible for 3%, and everything else earns 1.5%.
2. Discover IT
Next up on Liang’s list is the Discover IT card. The card's biggest draw is its first-year cash back match. However much cash back you earn within the first year of owning the card, Discover will double it. You'll also get a 0% interest rate for the first 15 months you own the card with rotating 5% cash back categories, making it a solid option if you like maximizing different spending buckets.
3. Citi Double Cash
The Citi Double Cash credit card keeps things simple. With this card, you get 2% cash back on everything, a $0 annual fee and a $200 sign-up bonus when you hit $1,500 in spending within six months. No rotating offers to track and no category confusion. Just flat-rate rewards.
4. Bilt Obsidian
The Bilt Obsidian card gives you 3x points on dining and groceries (up to $25,000 annually), 2x on travel and 1.25x on rent or mortgage payments. If your biggest monthly expenses are housing-related, this card turns those payments into real rewards. It also comes with a $200 automatic sign-up bonus.
5. Capital One Savor
This card rewards the lifestyle stuff you probably already do. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on Capital One Travel bookings (including hotels, rental cars and vacation rentals); 3% on groceries, dining, entertainment and streaming; and 1% on everything else. Plus, if you spend $500 in the first three months, and you'll pocket a $200 bonus (if you have an excellent credit rating).
6. Amex Blue Cash Preferred
The Amex Blue Cash card stands out for its 6% cash back on groceries (capped at $6,000 in annual spending) and 3% on gas and transit. If your everyday budget skews toward the supermarket and the pump, this card works hard. You can get up to $300 in cash back after $3,000 in spending within six months, plus a 0% intro rate for 12 months.
The Bottom Line
Liang's best advice? Don't hoard cards. Stick with one or two that match your actual spending patterns. So, pick based on what eats up your paycheck — groceries, dining, travel, rent — not on features you'll never use.
The "best" card won't be the same for everyone. In fact, the best card will be the one that pays you back for doing what you're already doing.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.