The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Friday, March 29, 2024

11 Best First Credit Cards to Have (April 2024)

Best First Credit Card
Brittney Mayer

Written by: Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer
Brittney Mayer

Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.

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Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro
Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has written and edited for major news organizations, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times, and she previously served as an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Florida. Today, Lillian edits all CardRates content for clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement.

See full bio »
Advertiser Disclosure

Life is full of firsts. Your first steps, your first date, your first pizza — each first, whether big or small, is one of the many moments that make up a lifetime. But, some moments are more significant than others.

In fact, some firsts have the ability to set the tone for what’s to come, and, sometimes, to shape your future. Like getting your first credit card. The card you choose — and how you choose to use it — can influence your financial future for years, if not decades to come.

With that in mind, getting your first credit card shouldn’t be a snap decision like those you make in line at your favorite clothing store. Instead, you need to take a good look at all of your options to find the card that best fits your needs and lifestyle. That’s why our experts have picked some cards that are among the best first credit cards available today. In our list, we’ll explore student cards, secured cards, credit-building cards, and much more.

Student | Secured | Build Credit | Cosigner | Store | Good Credit | Prepaid

Best First Cards for College Students

Nearly everything in life has some sort of learning curve, including credit cards. What better time to learn how to use credit cards than while you’re already working on your education? A student credit card can be a great tool for college students looking to establish their credit.

Most student credit cards are the same as any other unsecured credit card, except they’re designed specifically for students, with special perks and benefits aimed at helping students start their credit journey on the right foot. Some of our favorite student cards even let you earn cash back and a statement credit for good grades.

Discover it® Student Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

STUDENT RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

  • 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! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • 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—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Fair/New to Credit

STUDENT RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
  • Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
$0
Average, Fair, Limited
Discover it® Student Chrome Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

STUDENT RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

  • 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! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Fair/New to Credit

Although student credit cards are designed for students, they’re not exempt from CARD Act age restrictions. That means you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and have a cosigner or independent income to qualify for your own credit card account. Otherwise, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old.

On the plus side, money you earn through scholarships, grants, and fellowships can typically be reported as income on your credit card application. This can make it easier to qualify by showing you have the financial means to pay any debt you take on.

Best Secured Cards for First-Time Users

One of the hardest parts about qualifying for a first credit card is that you likely have little to no credit history, which a credit card issuer will generally see as a risky venture. A secured credit card eliminates the risk for credit card issuers by requiring a deposit to secure the credit line.

Aside from the deposit, a secured card works exactly the same as an unsecured card, with the ability to make in-store and online purchases anywhere your card’s network is accepted. With some of our top-rated cards, you may even earn purchase rewards or avoid an annual fee.

Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

SECURED RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • No credit check to apply
  • Adjustable credit limit based on what you transfer from your Chime Checking account to the secured account
  • No interest* or annual fees
  • Chime Checking Account and qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more required to apply. See official application, terms, and details link below.
  • The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
  • *Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply. See here for details.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
$0
None
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Review

at Capital Bank N.A.'ssecure website

SECURED RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

  • New feature! Earn up to 10% cash back* on everyday purchases
  • No credit check to apply. Zero credit risk to apply!
  • Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2 out of 3 OpenSky cardholders increase their credit score by an average of 41 points in just 3 months
  • Get free monthly access to your FICO score in our mobile application
  • Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
  • Fund your card with a low $200 refundable security deposit to get a $200 credit line
  • Apply in less than 5 minutes with our mobile first application
  • Choose the due date that fits your schedule with flexible payment dates
  • Fund your security deposit over 60 days with the option to make partial payments
  • Over 1.4 Million Cardholders Have Used OpenSky Secured Credit Card To Improve Their Credit
  • *See Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
25.64% (variable)
$35
Poor
Discover it® Secured Credit Card Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

SECURED RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
  • 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.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
28.24% Variable APR
$0
New/Rebuilding

One good thing about a secured credit card is that your security deposit is fully refundable. You can reclaim your security deposit at any time simply by closing your account, so long as you have $0 balance and your account is in good standing. In some cases, your security deposit may even earn interest.

Even better, several secured credit cards offer the ability to upgrade to an unsecured card. Some issuers will track your credit progress and automatically upgrade you to an unsecured credit card when they feel you’ve made sufficient improvement. If your card is upgraded, your full security deposit will be refunded.

Best First Cards for Building Credit

While student cards can be a good first option, and secured credit cards can be easy to obtain, what card do you choose if you’re not a student and don’t want to make a deposit? You find an entry-level unsecured starter card designed for first-timers and credit-builders.

With fair or limited credit, you likely won’t be eligible for a top-tier rewards card or 18-month APR deals. That said, you also won’t be relegated to subprime cards with outrageous fees. Our category picks include options without annual fees as well as cards that offer purchase rewards.

FAIR CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
  • Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
  • 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 from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
30.74% (Variable)
$0
Average, Fair, Limited
Discover it® Student Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

FAIR CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

  • 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! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • 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—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Fair/New to Credit

FAIR CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
  • Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
30.74% (Variable)
$39
Average, Fair, Limited

Given that these cards are intended for people to use to build their credit, they tend to fall a little short in the “bells and whistles” department. But don’t just assume you should cancel your card as soon as you become eligible for something with more rewards or better rates.

Instead, consider transitioning your card after your credit improves. Many credit card issuers will allow you to transfer your existing credit line to a different card (so long as you qualify for that card) without needing to cancel your account. This can maintain your account’s age, which can be particularly important for a first credit account.

Best First Cards for Cosigners

According to the CARD Act, 18-year-old applicants need either an independent income (hint: allowances don’t count) or a cosigner to qualify for their own credit card accounts. For students and other young people, meeting the income requirement can be a challenge, making a cosigner the only way to obtain their own credit line.

Unfortunately, most credit card companies don’t allow cosigners, so the options are limited. That said, several major issuers — Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and US Bank, specifically — do allow cosigners for most of their cards, including the competitive rewards cards below.

10. Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card

Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card

  • Receive 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
  • Receive up to $600 in cellphone protection
  • Pay $0 annual fee

(The information related to Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.)

11. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

  • Receive 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
  • Earn 3x points on eating out and ordering in, gas, and travel
  • Pay $0 annual fee

(The information related to Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.)

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

EXPERT'S RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

Before you rush out to find a cosigner, be sure you understand the responsibility you’re asking them to take on. Cosigners are agreeing to be financially responsible for the credit line, meaning they’ll need to repay any debts that the primary cardholder can’t (or won’t) repay.

Additionally, the credit line will be reported to the credit bureaus for both the primary cardholder and the cosigner. This means any bad credit behaviors — such as delinquent payments or, worse, default — will negatively affect the credit of both parties, potentially ruining your cosigner’s good credit.

Best Store Cards for First-Time Users

Closed-loop store cards — those that can only be used with one brand — are usually easier to obtain than other types of cards, thanks to both to being closed-loop and because they tend to have low credit limits. Nearly every brand has its own store credit card, from clothing stores to gas stations and everything in between.

While it’s not a great idea to get a credit card for each store you frequent, starting out with one store credit card for somewhere you shop regularly can be a good way to build credit when you use the card responsibly.

13. Target REDcard

The Target REDcard doesn’t offer traditional cash back that you redeem later. Instead, you’ll save 5% right at checkout, reducing your immediate out-of-pocket costs for everything from bath products to winter wear.

Target REDcard

  • Get 5% off your total purchase at checkout for eligible in-store or online Target purchases
  • Receive exclusive deals & discounts
  • Pay no annual fee

Don’t forget to use your favorite manufacturer’s coupons on top of your Target REDcard discount to earn even more savings every time you shop.

14. Amazon.com Store Card

The Amazon.com Store Card can be a good option for first-timers who are already Amazon Prime members, as cardholders who are Prime members earn 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases.

Amazon.com Store Card

  • Receive special financing on eligible Amazon.com orders of $149 or more made with your card
  • Amazon Prime members get 5% cash back on Amazon purchases
  • Pay no annual card fee (Prime fee may apply)

All cardholders can also access special financing, regardless of Prime membership. However, financing deals come with deferred interest, so be sure to pay off your financed balance well before your promotional period ends.

15. Old Navy Credit Card

The Old Navy Credit Card offers rewards on purchases made at Old Navy, as well as other Gap Inc. brands.

Old Navy Credit Card

  • Earn 5X points per dollar on purchases at Old Navy and other Gap Inc.-brand purchases
  • Reach Navyist status by earning 5,000 points
  • Pay no annual fee

One thing to keep in mind with this card is that rewards are capped at $250 per billing cycle. Rewards earned beyond the monthly cap will be rolled over into the next billing cycle.

Best First Cards for Good Credit

In some cases, you may be looking for your first credit card but already have an established credit profile thanks to other types of credit, such as an auto or student loan or having been an authorized user for a card account in good standing.

Whatever the case, if you already have a good credit score (a FICO Score above 700), your credit card options will be better than those for most first-timers. With good credit, you’ll have your pick from a wide range of rewards credit cards, no-annual-fee cards, and 0%-APR cards — plus cards with all of the above.

Discover it® Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

GOOD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • 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 $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—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 months
0% Intro APR for 15 months
17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good

GOOD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good

GOOD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good

Given the number of options, picking the right rewards credit card can take some research. You’ll want to consider the categories in which you have the most out-of-pocket costs, be it gas stations, groceries, or dining out. Once you know where you spend the most, choose a rewards card that offers bonus points or cash rewards for those purchases.

Of course, rewards may not be your biggest concern. A card with a low interest rate on balance transfers may be better if you’re paying high interest rates on an existing balance. Similarly, if you travel frequently, you may be most interested in a card without foreign transaction fees for more affordable purchasing abroad.

Best Prepaid Cards for First-Timers

If your only reason for obtaining a credit card is to make online purchases, then a prepaid card may be a useful alternative to a credit card. Prepaid cards can be used to make purchases anywhere the network is accepted, including most online retailers.

The benefit to prepaid cards is that they don’t require any kind of credit check or credit history to obtain. You simply connect the card to a bank account, similar to a debit card, and pre-load the card with funds. Purchases are paid from the funds you put on the card, rather than a bank-funded credit line.

Discover® Cashback Debit Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

EXPERT'S RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • Cashback – Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month
  • No. Fees. Period. That means you won’t be charged an account fee on our Cashback Debit account.
  • Early Pay – Get your paycheck up to two days early with no charge
  • No Credit Impact - You can apply without affecting your credit score.
  • Fraud Protection - You’re never responsible for unauthorized debit card purchases. If you suspect someone else has used your debit card without your permission, let us know.
  • Member FDIC
  • Fee-free overdraft protection
  • No minimum opening deposit and no minimum balance
  • Add cash into your account at Walmart stores nationwide
  • Cash access at over 60,000 no-fee ATMs nationwide
  • 100% US-based customer service available 24/7
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
$0
No Credit Needed
Chime® Checking Account Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

EXPERT'S RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

4.1/5.0
  • Your Chime Checking Account comes with a Chime Visa® debit card, no monthly fees or maintenance fees.
  • Avoid out-of-network ATM fees and access to 60,000+ fee-free ATMs¹ — more than the top 3 national banks combined!
  • Direct deposits arrive up to 2 days early.²
  • Disclosures: Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
  • ¹Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
  • ²Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
$0
Not applicable
Brink’s Armored™ Account Review

at Netspend'ssecure website

EXPERT'S RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

  • Brink’s knows Security! 24/7 access to a suite of security benefits to help keep your account armored.
  • Get access to over 100,000 Brink’s Money ATMs.
  • Get paid faster than a paper check with direct deposit.
  • Add funds to your Brink’s Armored Account and use Brinks Armored debit card anywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted.
  • Account opening is subject to registration and ID verification. Terms & fees Apply. Deposit Account is established by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
Variable Monthly Fees
Not applicable

Although prepaid cards can be good tools, they do have a number of downsides, not the least of which is that they don’t report to the three major credit bureaus. While this means that prepaid credit cards can’t hurt your credit, it also means they can’t be used to build a credit history or improve your credit score.

Additionally, prepaid cards lack many of the perks of regular credit cards. Most prepaid cards won’t offer credit card rewards, so you won’t earn points or cash back. They also don’t typically offer the travel and purchase protection benefits provided by most credit cards.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Credit Card?

Once upon a time, the credit card issuers were the first ones to wish you a happy 18th birthday — by way of a slew of credit card invitations in your mailbox. Today, the CARD Act restricts marketing of credit card products to consumers under the age of 21, making it necessary to opt-in to receive invitations before your 21st birthday.

Furthermore, the CARD Act set limitations on when and how young people can qualify for their own credit card accounts. As before the law, you still need to be at least 18 to open your own credit card account — i.e., to be the primary cardholder, not just an authorized user — but there’s now a catch.

Minimum Age for Authorized Users by Issuer

These days, applicants under the age of 21 (but over 18) need to meet one of two conditions to open their own card: have an independent income source or apply with a qualified cosigner.

And no, the allowance you receive from your parents every week does not count as “independent income.”

The only way to obtain a credit card in your name under the age of 18 is to become an authorized user on an adult’s credit card account.

Authorized users are issued their own card and can make purchases as normal, but are not financially responsible for the account. Make sure the primary account holder is responsible, however, as high balances and late payments may reflect poorly on the authorized user’s credit reports as well as the credit of the primary cardholder.

Some credit card companies have a minimum age requirement for authorized users, but other companies will allow authorized users or any age. In many cases, accounts on which you are an authorized user will appear on your credit profile, which can help young people to establish a credit history before they even turn 18.

How Do You Establish & Build Credit?

Having a positive credit history is the simplest way to ensure you can qualify for affordable credit products when you need them. And, given that 15% of your FICO Score is based on your credit history, the sooner you start building it, the better your credit score can be.

All you need to establish a credit profile is to open a credit account. This can be a consumer credit card, but it can also be done with various loan products like auto or student loans. In some cases, a business credit card may also show up on your personal credit report.

The key factor in establishing a credit history is that the lender or issuer must report your payment history and balance information to at least one (but, ideally, all three) of the major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

FICO Score Factors

Once you open a credit line that reports to the credit bureaus, you’ll start building a credit history. It typically takes at least six months of payment history to become eligible for a credit score under most credit scoring models. Most credit score ranges go from 300 up to 850.

It’s important to understand that you don’t start off with a perfect credit score. In fact, most people will likely start off with a low credit score (a FICO Score in the 500 to 600 range) and have to build up from there.

Thankfully, building up your credit score is fairly easy, as you simply need to maintain good credit habits. The most important thing is to always pay your bills on time, making at least your minimum required payment before your due date. (Of course, you’ll ideally pay off your full credit card balance each month to avoid interest fees).

That’s because your payment history is more than a third of your credit score, and even a single delinquent payment — one more than 60 days late — can tank your fledgling score. You should also be cognizant of your credit utilization — avoid maxing out any credit cards — as your credit-to-debt ratio can contribute to up to 30% of your score.

How to Choose Your First Credit Card

Once your credit is well-established and you have your pick of the credit card market, choosing a new card will be about finding a card that offers the best rewards program and the lowest rates.

However, while these are still important factors in selecting a first card, they probably shouldn’t be your main focus. For example, while you’ll still want a low purchase APR on your first card, you likely won’t need a card with a balance transfer offer (balance transfers aren’t useful if you have no balances).

In general, picking the best credit card for your first card will depend on what you can qualify for more than anything else. If you need a cosigner, for instance, your options are limited to issuers and cards that allow cosigners.

Similarly, certain types of rewards cards will likely be out of reach at first. The Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® program, for instance, is very popular for travel rewards, but the cards that earn Ultimate Rewards® generally require at least good credit to qualify, so they’re not a good choice of starter for most people.

Chart of Issuers Allowing Cosigners

Of course, that’s not to say that you can’t earn cash back or points with your first credit card. Plenty of rewards cards are available to those with limited credit, particularly student and secured cards.

Depending on the rewards program, you may even earn bonus points or cash rewards for purchases made in set bonus categories. These cards can be a good way to maximize your rewards for purchases you make most frequently.

You can also find a first credit card that will offer a signup bonus, a one-time bonus that offers you extra cash back or rewards points for reaching a certain spending requirement in the first few months of account opening. Sign-up bonus offers for starter cards won’t be huge, but they’re still valuable additions.

One of the first decisions you’ll likely need to make when selecting a first card is to decide whether you want to go with an unsecured or secured card. Secured cards are much easier to qualify for with no or limited credit, and they can offer better benefits and lower rates. However, they do require a deposit.

Depending on your needs (and means), you may choose a secured card over an unsecured card to obtain a higher credit limit. Most secured cards allow you to obtain a higher credit limit by making a deposit larger than the required minimum.

Other factors can also influence your pick for a first card. If you will be traveling abroad, for instance, you may wish to find a card without foreign transaction fees, rewards credit card or not. You also need to decide if you are willing to pay an annual fee.

Don’t forget that you may want to hang on to your first card for quite a while, so cards without an annual fee can be easier to keep for the long haul.

Chart of Credit Card Fee Frequency

You may also want to factor in things like the issuer and credit card network. The credit card issuer will be who you interact with to manage your account, and you may want an issuer with a reputation for good customer service.

The network you select will determine where you card is accepted, another key factor for travelers. Credit card issuers and networks also offer various perks and credit card benefits — things like rental car insurance and extended warranty protection — that can offer a lot of value if you’ll use them.

Make Your First Credit Card Impression a Good One

Some of life’s firsts are small things, like your first digital music download or your first time eating chili fries. Other firsts, however, can have huge impacts on your life — and on your future.

Despite their ubiquity in today’s world, getting your first credit card should definitely fall into the latter category.

That’s because your first card can set the tone for the rest of your financial future. Picking the right card — and using it responsibly — can put you on the path to good credit later in life, making it easier (and a lot less expensive) to obtain loans and other credit products.

But simply selecting the best card isn’t a guarantee of success. You need to use that card wisely to build credit. This means always, always, always making your payments on time, as well as maintaining low credit card balances and keeping your overall debt levels in check.

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