Find your perfect card in 30 seconds.
Check your approval odds so you can shop smarter.
How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
Advertising Disclosure
LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).
American Express Disclosure
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Best Credit Cards for Beginners in May 2025
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
Our top pick for best credit card for beginners
Our top pick for best credit card for beginners
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
This $0 Discover it® Secured Credit Card — offering 1-2% cash back on every purchase — is the best beginner credit card. It’s a secured credit card widely available to consumers with fair, poor or limited credit.
Citi is an advertising partner.
Because we’re dependent upon credit for so many of life’s major events — including buying a car, purchasing a home and even (at times) getting a job — it’s crucial to establish good credit history at an early age. Signing up for a credit card, and using it responsibly, is a great way for those who are new to credit to build their credit profile.
The best first credit card for you will depend on your credit score and the extent of your credit history, though there are plenty of starter credit cards available to people with poor or limited credit. In any case, there are some key features to look for in good starter credit cards. You’ll want to find a card with a low or no annual fee, a low interest rate, monthly reporting to credit bureaus to help build credit, and, if possible, a card that earns cash back.
Avoid cards with high fees, penalties, and interest rates. For college students with limited credit history, a student credit card can be an excellent choice. A secured credit card best fits those with poor credit seeking to rebuild their score.
Best beginner credit cards in December 2023
Winner: Best credit card for beginners
Discover it® Secured Credit Card*
LendingTree's Review
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- $0 annual fee
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- Earns 1-2% cash back on all purchases
- Unlimited cash back match the first cardmember year
- Requires a minimum $200 refundable security deposit
- High APR
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an all-around excellent choice for beginners, allowing you to build credit and earn cash back with a $0 annual fee card. As a secured card, you’ll have to provide a refundable security deposit of at least $200 that will determine your credit line. The ability to 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically — is rare among secured credit cards.
Who’s this card best for?
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is intended for those with limited / poor credit. After you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded. Note, Discover will evaluate your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover as well as other issuers or lenders. You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.
- No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on the dark web. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
*The information related to the Discover it® Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Best travel credit card for beginners
Discover it® Miles*
LendingTree's Review
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- Flat-rate rewards on all purchases
- First year rewards match
- Long intro APR
- $0 annual fee
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- No travel benefits
- Miles can’t be transferred
The Discover it® Miles card offers simple flat-rate rewards on every purchase making it a great beginner travel card for earning miles. Cardholders get 1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases.
This card also offers an unlimited match of the miles you have earned in your first year, a long into APR and no foreign transaction fee. It does require good / excellent credit, so it isn’t an option if your score is in the poor to fair range. However, it is one of the best credit cards for beginners to travel credit cards with higher credit scores.
Who’s this card best for?
If you have good / excellent credit and are looking for your first travel card, the Discover it® Miles card is a solid choice. While the card does not offer many travel benefits, there is a simple rewards structure that allows you to redeem for travel purchases or cash back. There is also a $0 annual fee, which is hard to find with a travel credit card.
- UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. You could turn 35,000 Miles into 70,000 Miles.
- Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
- No annual fee.
- Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants, and more.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
- Terms and conditions apply.
*The information related to the Discover it® Miles has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Best starter credit card for students
Discover it® Student Cash Back*
LendingTree's Review
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- Earn rewards while building credit
- Excellent 5% cash back in popular spending categories
- $0 annual fee
- First year unlimited cashback match
- Only available to college students
- Quarterly bonus categories are capped at $1,500
- No traditional sign-up bonus
It’s hard to find a more rewarding student credit card than the Discover it® Student Cash Back. You can earn an exceptional rate of cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating quarterly categories, all for a $0 annual fee. Not to mention that the card matches all the cash back you earn in the first year for new cardholders.
Who’s this card best for?
The Discover it® Student Cash Back can help students build a solid credit history and credit score while also earning rewards in popular spending categories.
If you need to finance a large purchase, like a laptop or school books, you can do so interest free for half a year with the Discover it® Student Cash Back. The card offers a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then an ongoing 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR. Plus, receive a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR will apply.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is designed for students with limited / fair credit. Just know, to apply for this card, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. address, have a Social Security number and show proof of education.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No credit score required to apply.
- No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
*The information related to the Discover it® Student Cash Back has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Best for beginners with no credit
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
LendingTree's Review
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- No fees whatsoever — no annual fee, no late fees, no other fees
- Earn up to 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases
- Earn anywhere from 1-10% cash back at select merchants
- Qualify with a cash flow evaluation rather than credit score
- High variable APR
- No sign-up bonus
There are few better options with those looking to build a credit history while earning rewards. Not to mention the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is completely fee free. There is no annual fee, no late fees, no returned payment fees, and not even foreign transaction fees. This makes the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card a winner among the best credit cards for beginners with no credit.
Who’s this card best for?
The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is designed for people with limited credit looking to build their credit history and increase their score through responsible use. The card reports to the three major credit bureaus, which will help you build your credit profile and score through responsible use.
The complete lack of fees is a key feature. The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card has no fees of any kind, not even a late payment fee. You’ll also earn 1- to 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases, and even more at select merchants — up to 10%.
If you don’t have a credit history or score, don’t worry. The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card takes other factors into consideration. At time of application, you’ll be able link your bank account for an evaluation of your cash flow, which can be used to determine whether you’re eligible for a Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, and what your credit limit will be.
- No fees whatsoever. No late fee, foreign transaction fee, annual fee, or any-other-kind-of-fee, fee.
- Variable APRs range from 28.49% - 30.49%
- Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away
- 2% - 10% cash back at select merchants
- $300 - $10,000 credit limits
- No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we'll create your Cash Score instead.
- See if you're pre-approved within minutes without impacting your credit score.
- Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members.
- Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
- No deposits required
- Card issued by WebBank
*The information related to the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Best for no credit check
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card*
LendingTree's Review
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- No credit check required
- Qualify with a security deposit as low as $200
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Reasonable $35 annual fee
- Reasonable 23.89% (variable) APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Does not offer cash back or rewards
The opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is designed for people who have limited / Poor / Fair credit and may not even qualify for a secured card, since it doesn’t require a credit check to be approved. It charges a reasonable annual fee and APR, and you can increase your credit score through responsibly using the card.
Who’s this card best for?
Because the opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check when you apply, it may be your best option if your credit is too bad to get approval for a traditional card, or even a secured card, that requires a review of your credit history. And while this card doesn’t require that you have a bank account for approval (which some secured cards require), you will have to provide some financial information, including your annual income, monthly housing payment and housing payment type.
Tthe opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card also offers the option to transition to an unsecured card after demonstrating responsible card usage.
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
- Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
- Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Start with just $200—secure your credit line with a refundable deposit
- Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
- Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
- More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
- Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
*The information related to the opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Best starter business credit card
Capital One Spark Classic for Business*
LendingTree's Review
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- $0 annual fee
- Available to business owners with a lower credit score
- Earns 1% unlimited cash back
- Foreign transaction fees: $0
- No sign-up bonus
- High variable APR
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is the rare business credit card that doesn’t require good to excellent credit. It’s the easiest Capital One business card to qualify for, and it still has a $0 annual fee and earns cash back. It’s a great fit for a business owner with Fair credit looking to build their credit history and raise their score.
Who’s this card best for?
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is best for business owners with fair credit, since most business credit cards require applicants to have good or excellent credit. It’s a good choice if you’re building credit — and earns cash back at a 1% flat rate and charges a $0 annual fee.
The card also earns earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, with no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel..
Be wary of carrying a balance on the Capital One Spark Classic for Business. You’ll be paying a high variable APR of 28.99% (Variable)
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, with no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel.
- No annual fee
- Build and strengthen credit for your business by using this credit card responsibly
- $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
- No foreign transaction fees
*The information related to the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Best starter credit card for bad credit with a low deposit
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card*
LendingTree's Review
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- $0 annual fee
- Low refundable security deposit of $49, $99, or $200
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- Foreign transaction fees: None
- Maximum credit limit, even after review
- No sign-up bonus
- Doesn’t earn rewards
If you’re looking to build credit but don’t have the funds for a large deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is the card for you. It requires a minimal refundable security deposit of $200 or less. The lack of an annual fee and guaranteed reporting to the three major credit bureaus will help you build credit and work toward an unsecured card.
Who’s this card best for?
If you’re interested in using a secured card to help boost your credit, but don’t want to put down a large deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a great option.
That said, you’ll have to apply and be approved before your minimum deposit is determined, and you’re not guaranteed to get one of the lower deposit amounts.
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card doesn’t offer a rewards program; however, after six months of demonstrating responsible card usage, Capital One will review your eligibility for a credit limit increase.
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
- Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get at least a $200 initial credit line
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
- Top rated mobile app
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
*The information related to the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Best for beginners with good credit
Discover it® Cash Back*
LendingTree's Review
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- Earn an extraordinary rate of cash back on rotating quarterly categories
- Earn 1% cash back on everything else
- First year Unlimited Cashback Match, only from Discover
- Intro APR of over a year on purchases
- $0 annual fee
- Only available to consumers with good credit or better
- Quarterly bonus categories are capped at $1,500 in spend
For those who have established good credit already, the Discover it® Cash Back is a solid choice. Its $0 annual fee, quarterly rotating categories, and simple rewards structure make it ideal for credit card beginners. It also offers an Unlimited Cashback Match offered the first year, where Discover will double all cash back earned for new cardholders.
Who’s this card best for?
The Discover it® Cash Back is great for credit card beginners who have already established a good credit profile. It’s also a perfect option if you’re looking for a card with a 0% introductory APR offer.
The rotating quarterly categories offer one of the highest rewards rates you can find. Keep in mind that you need to activate the 5% bonus each quarter. The card earns 1% cash back on everything else, which isn’t nearly as enticing.
The Discover it® Cash Back is also a great choice for people looking to finance a major purchase, since it includes a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Afterwards, a 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR applies.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
*The information related to the Discover it® Cash Back has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Side-by-side comparison of the best credit cards for beginners
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Discover it® Secured Credit Card*
|
Winner
|
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | N/A | 26.49% Variable APR | |
|
Discover it® Miles*
|
Travel
|
Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. You could turn 35,000 Miles into 70,000 Miles. | 0% Intro APR for 15 months | 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR | |
|
Discover it® Student Cash Back*
|
Students
|
Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. | 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases | 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR | |
|
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
|
No credit
|
N/A | N/A | 28.49% - 30.49% | |
|
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card*
|
No credit check
|
N/A | N/A | 23.89% (variable) | |
|
Capital One Spark Classic for Business*
|
Business
|
N/A | N/A | 28.99% (Variable) | |
|
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card*
|
Low deposit
|
N/A | N/A | 28.99% (Variable) | |
|
Discover it® Cash Back*
|
Good credit
|
Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. | 0% Intro APR for 15 months | 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR |
*The information related to the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, Discover it® Miles, Discover it® Student Cash Back, Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, Capital One Spark Classic for Business, Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card and Discover it® Cash Back has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms Apply.
Methodology: How we chose the best credit cards for beginners
To select the best card for each of these categories, our credit card experts compared cards designed for individuals with poor, limited and average credit on LendingTree.com and issuer sites.
We chose our top picks based on a variety of factors, including each card’s annual fee, interest rate, rewards program and more.
Other factors that came into play when making our selections were the benefits offered by the card and the opportunity to increase your credit line with responsible card usage.
How to choose a credit card for the first time
Choosing a starter credit card can seem daunting, but by answering a few key questions, you can help narrow down your search. For example:
- What is your credit score? Knowing your credit score is a quick way to gain insight into which cards you may qualify for. For example, if your FICO Score falls within the 580 to 669 range, you may be able to be approved for a card designed for those with fair credit.
- Do you qualify for a student card? You may qualify for a student credit card if you’re age 18 or older, in college and can prove a source of steady income.
- Do you have a bad credit history? If you’re new to credit cards, but have a history of paying other bills, such as rent or car payments, late (or not at all), your best option may be a secured card or a credit card that doesn’t conduct a credit check.
- Do you want to earn rewards? Not all credit cards available to beginners offer rewards. However, for those in college or with limited credit history, you can still often qualify for a card offering rewards. Even secured credit cards sometimes offer cash back. Many of the best credit cards for beginners we highlight offer rewards.
- What other benefits are useful to you? Many cards offer additional perks and benefits. These range from travel benefits, to purchase protection, to merchant-specific offers.
If you’re not ready to open your own credit card, you can ask a family member to add you as an authorized user and begin building credit that way. Once you’ve established a fair or good credit score and are comfortable using plastic to pay for purchases, you can open your own card down the road. If you’re not yet 18 and can’t have your own account, it could still be a great idea to be added as an authorized user on a parent’s card. This will help build your credit before you enter college and adulthood.
What's the best credit card for beginners?
The best credit card for beginners depends on each person’s unique situation and needs. Card eligibility can depend on whether you have limited credit history, if you have bad credit through loan default or bankruptcy, or if you’re a college student or business owner. Here are the primary types of beginner credit cards:
-
Student credit cards
These cards are geared toward college students with limited credit history. Most offer a lower credit limit than traditional cards. But they are a great way to build credit history.
-
Secured credit cards
These cards are designed for those with poor or limited credit who need to build or rebuild their credit history. Secured cards require a refundable security deposit of at least $200. As you demonstrate responsible credit card usage, most will allow you to graduate to an unsecured card, and your deposit will be refunded.
-
Simple rewards cards
Most cards offering cash back rewards require at least good credit. If you have built up a decent credit history and have a good credit score, consider a simple cash back card such as the Discover it® Cash Back.
-
Business credit cards
These cards are designed for business owners who want to have a separate credit card strictly for business purchases. It’s rare to find a business card for people with fair credit, but the Capital One Spark Classic for Business is one option available.
Which banks offer credit cards for beginners?
| Beginner credit card | Annual fee | Recommended credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | $0 | Good / Excellent |
| Bank of America | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students | $0 | Good / Excellent |
| Capital One | Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0* | Limited / Fair |
| Discover | Discover it® Student Cash Back | $0 | Limited / Fair |
| Citi | Citi® Secured Mastercard® | $0 | Limited |
| Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | $0 | Good / Excellent |
| U.S. Bank | U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card | $0 | Limited / Poor |
| Chase | Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card | $0 | Info not available |
**To see rates & fees for Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.
How to get a credit card for the first time
Getting your first credit card may seem intimidating, but it isn’t difficult. Here’s how to set yourself up for success when applying for your first credit card:
- Check your credit. Before applying, you should know your credit score and the score range required for the card you want. You can get free access to your credit report through annualcreditreport.com. You can also sign up for a free credit score through LendingTree Spring.
- Decide how you want to apply. Applying online through an issuer’s website is the fastest and easiest way to apply for a credit card. However, you can also apply in-person at a bank branch, over the phone or by mail.
- Gather the required information. Make sure you have all required information readily available. Besides your name, birthdate, phone number, email and physical address, you’ll need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), gross income, monthly housing costs and additional employment and/or business information.
- Apply for the card. When ready, complete and submit the application. You’ll get one of three typical responses: instant approval, application under review or immediate denial.
- Be prepared to follow up. If you’re not instantly approved for a card, don’t worry. It may take several days for an issuer to review your application. You can often check the status of your application. Sometimes issuers will request additional information from you before making a decision.
- Don’t panic when your credit score drops. When you apply for a credit card or loan, the lender typically performs a credit check. This is a “hard” credit inquiry. The number of hard pulls within the previous 24 months is one of the factors that influences your score, so you may see your score go down slightly after applying for a credit card.
- Dealing with denial. If you aren’t approved for a card, it’s not the end of the world. However, you’ll want to understand why. Issuers are required to provide a reason for the denial within 30 days, and most will send you a letter stating why they denied you. You may need to improve your credit score through continued on-time payments of existing accounts, reduce your credit utilization by paying down balances or simply wait.
If you’re under 21, it may be especially hard to obtain an unsecured card due to provisions in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009. You’ll have to show the issuer you have a steady source of income, typically from a job.
Credit card tips for beginners
- Don’t rush into a decision. There are plenty of products out there. Take your time to compare starter credit cards. If a card doesn’t seem like it will work well for you after an initial review, move on to another one. Take your time and be confident in the card you choose.
- Look for $0 annual fee cards. While there are many excellent cards out there with annual fees, it’s best to get your feet wet with a card that doesn’t charge one.
- Leverage your situation. If you’re a college student with little to no credit history, there are cards intended specifically for you. Use your student status, as it may let you qualify for a better card than you could otherwise get, such as the Discover it® Student Cash Back.
- Use your card responsibly. Building credit takes time. Consistently demonstrate responsible credit card use by making your monthly payment on time. Try not to run your credit balance up to the limit, either. Both of these will negatively affect your credit score.
- Fully pay off your balance each month. While paying on time is most important, it’s even better to pay off your balance in full each statement cycle. This means you won’t pay any interest on your purchases.
- Don’t cancel your card. Your first credit card is one that you’ll want to keep open. Issuers take into consideration the average age of your credit card accounts. Even if you move on to a better card once you’ve developed a good or excellent credit score, it is beneficial to keep your first card account open.
*To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card, U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Citi® Secured Mastercard® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Frequently asked questions
You can check your credit score in a variety of ways without generating a hard inquiry, which won’t negatively affect it. For example, you can request a free copy of your FICO Score every 30 days through Experian, or you can view your credit credit score with LendingTree Spring.
In addition, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the three major credit bureaus to provide individuals with one free credit report each year through AnnualCreditReport.com, as well as any time that a company takes adverse action against you, such as rejecting you for a credit card or loan.
FICO considers a score of 670 to 739 to be a good credit score. According to Discover, the “good credit” category generally includes dependable borrowers who may have been slightly late on a payment in the past or who may not have a long credit history.
Capital One, on the other hand, states that a good credit candidate has not declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan in the past five years. In addition, the individual has a credit card or loan and has not been more than 30 days late on any payments in the last year.
A secured card requires you to submit a security deposit, which typically serves as your line of credit; this will protect the issuer in the event you don’t pay off what you charge to the card. The deposit is generally refundable if you pay off your card balance in full and close the account, or if the issuer transitions you to an unsecured card.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, Discover it® Miles, Discover it® Student Cash Back, Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, Capital One Spark Classic for Business, Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, Discover it® Cash Back, Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students, Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, Citi® Secured Mastercard®, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card and Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
