The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

7 Best Starter Credit Cards (March 2024)

Best Starter 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.

See full bio »

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

Some folks in search of the best starter credit card may already have a credit history from other types of credit, but chances are the majority of people are simply looking for a good card to use to establish their credit history for the first time.

If you’re of the former group and already have a good credit history, you don’t really need a “starter” card, per se. Instead, your credit will likely qualify for any number of prime cards, so find a quality rewards credit card and charge responsibly.

On the other hand, if you’re in the latter group and are new to credit — keep reading; we’ve got some solid card options ideal for establishing and building your credit profile. You can find starter cards that are unsecured or secured, designed for students and businesses, and even cards that offer rewards on every purchase. We’ll take a look at starter credit cards in each of these categories and more. And we’ll also dive into some common questions around credit cards such as learning the difference between secured and unsecured cards and the value of store-brands cards.

Overall | Secured | Students
18 to 21 | Under 18 | No Annual Fee
Rewards | Businesses | Immigrants

Best Overall Starter Cards

Some of us like the full story; we want to know everything about a topic so we can make fully informed choices. At the same time, some folks simply want the executive summary, the gist of the story. If you’re just looking for the overall best starter cards to quickly narrow down your options, here’s the TL;DR on starter credit cards.

NO/LIMITED CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.7

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

This is, essentially, the epitome of the starter credit card. It’s unsecured, so you won’t need a deposit, and it has no annual fee, so you won’t need to pay just to keep the card in your wallet. Without a credit history, new cardholders will get a low limit, but paying on time for the first five months can unlock a larger limit.

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

If you have the money to make a decent deposit, this secured card can be a wonderful credit-building tool. It offers purchase rewards and you can set your limit through your deposit. Plus, Discover monitors your account and will automatically upgrade you to an unsecured card when you become eligible.

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

A lot of banks offer cards specifically for college students, but this option from Discover is one of the best. It has great purchase rewards and low fees. Cardholders can even keep track of their credit-building progress with a free FICO Score report each month.

Best Secured Starter Cards

The biggest hurdle most consumers will face when applying for their first credit card is the lack of credit history. Credit card issuers use your credit profile to determine how risky it is to lend you money; basically, they want to know how likely you are to repay what you borrow. Without a credit history, many issuers consider you to be a high-risk applicant.

Secured credit cards can help reduce the risk to the issuer and make it easier to qualify for a credit card with no or limited credit history. That’s because secured cards require a refundable cash deposit to open and maintain. If the cardholder defaults, the deposit can be used to cover any outstanding debt. This allows issuers to offer lower rates and fees and better benefits without taking on extra risk.

SECURED RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

  • 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 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
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
30.74% (Variable)
$0
Limited, Bad

One of the few cards with the potential to be partially secured, this card has a tiered minimum deposit requirement that can vary based on your qualifications. While the card doesn’t earn purchase rewards, it also doesn’t charge an annual fee, plus cardholders have access to a range of Capital One and Mastercard benefits like $0 Fraud Liability.

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 of the best secured cards available, this card offers cash back on every purchase, a rarity in the secured card realm. Discover will also monitor your account and potentially upgrade you to an unsecured card over time.

6. SunTrust Secured Credit Card with Cash Rewards

The SunTrust Secured Credit Card with Cash Rewards is an upgradable secured card with a low minimum deposit requirement of just $300 for a credit line of equal size. The card charges a small annual fee, but it also comes with cash back rewards that can help make up the cost.

SunTrust Secured Credit Card with Cash Rewards

  • Earn 2% cash back on up to $6,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases each year
  • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Pay a $32 annual fee

In addition to being fully refundable when your account is upgraded or you close your account with a $0 balance, the deposit you put down for this card will earn a small amount of interest while your account remains open and in good standing.

Best Starter Cards for College Students

One of the best times to start building credit is while in college, and not just because it can help you graduate with your credit profile already established. College students also have access to a number of student-centered credit cards specifically designed to help them establish credit.

Student credit cards have flexible credit requirements that mean you typically won’t need any form of credit history to qualify. These cards also usually charge no annual fee, and most will even provide some type of purchase rewards. Additionally, many student cards allow you to include income from grants and scholarships on your application.

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

This card is almost identical to the non-student version, including the same cash back rewards structure. Students who refer a friend that applies and is approved will earn a reward in the form of statement credit.

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

Similar to Discover’s other student card, this option is also very similar to its non-student counterpart. It has cash back rewards, as well as the same referral statement credit reward opportunity.

Best Starter Cards for 18- to 21-Year-Olds (with Cosigners)

According to the CARD Act of 2009, you must be at least 18 years old to qualify for your own credit card — but that’s not all. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 21, you will also need a verifiable independent income or a cosigner over the age of 21 to qualify for your own credit card account.

For young people who would otherwise have trouble qualifying for a card due to income restrictions, cosigners can be a good way to not only get a card, but to get a good quality card. Keep in mind that cosigners are putting their own credit on the line, so be sure you can responsibly use a credit card before asking someone to cosign for you.

9. Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card

Wells Fargo is one of the handful of major banks that allow cosigners on credit card applications. This option is a good starter card that charges no annual fee in addition to offering unlimited cash back rewards that don’t require activating or tracking bonus categories.

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

Cardholders even get mobile phone protection when they pay their bill with their card.

(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.)

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.

Bank of America is another major bank that allows credit card cosigners. The bank offers several good cards from which to choose, but this card is probably the best starter card option thanks to its lack of an annual fee and its high cash back earning potential. There’s also a student version of this card.

11. U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank is the last of the major issuers that accept cosigners on credit card applications. The U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card is one of the best U.S. Bank credit cards to start with, as it not only charges no annual fee, but it also allows users to pick their own rewards categories.

U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card

      • Earn 5% cash back in two categories of your choosing, plus 2% cash back in an additional category you select
      • Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
      • Pay no annual fee

Cardholders can choose from a variety of bonus categories, including some that are rare for bonus rewards like furniture stores and fitness centers. Categories can rotate each quarter, or users can choose the same categories all year long.

Best Starter Cards for Teens Under 18 Years Old

Legally, young people under the age of 18 can’t open their own credit card accounts, so applying for a credit card — with or without a cosigner — simply isn’t an option. Many card issuers will allow underage authorized users, so if you really want your child to have credit, you may be able to add them to your existing credit card accounts.

However, if you don’t want to give your teen access to your credit lines, another good way to introduce them to using cards and managing money is to go with a prepaid card. As with credit cards, prepaid cards can be used to make purchases in stores and online, but, unlike credit cards, prepaid cards aren’t associated with a credit line, so they won’t impact your child’s credit profile.

NetSpend® Visa® Prepaid Card Review

at NetSpend'ssecure website

EXPERT'S RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

  • With Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster than a paper check.
  • No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card.
  • Use the Netspend Mobile App to manage your Card Account on the go and enroll to get text messages or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply).
  • Card use is subject to activation and ID verification. Terms and Costs apply.
  • Card issued by Pathward N.A., Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Visa debit card is accepted.
  • See additional NetSpend® Prepaid Visa® details.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
Variable Monthly Fee
Not applicable

This card gives you the option of paying a flat monthly fee for unlimited transactions or paying a per-transaction fee with no monthly fee. If your teen will only be making a handful of purchases, the per-transaction plan may be the better deal, but for daily use, the monthly plan will probably be the more affordable option. (Have your teen work out the math as a good exercise in cost analysis!)

Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Debit Account Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

EXPERT'S RATING

★★★★★
4.6

OVERALL RATING

4.0/5.0
  • A reloadable prepaid debit account that can be used anywhere American Express® cards are accepted
  • Get your paycheck up to 2 days faster with free direct deposit
  • Shop with added confidence and Purchase Protection, which can help protect eligible purchases made with the card against accidental damage and theft for up to 120 days from the date of purchase
  • Get free ATM access at over 37,000 MoneyPass® ATM locations. It's free to add cash to your account at Family Dollar locations and free to transfer money to other Bluebird Accountholders.
  • With Roadside Assistance, you can call us in case of emergency for coordination and assistance services to help you get on your way
  • Pay no monthly fees or foreign transaction fees
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Not applicable

The Bluebird® by American Express is a good low-fee option, as it doesn’t charge a monthly fee or a transaction fee. Plus, cardholders enjoy fee-free ATM access at thousands of MoneyPass® ATMs around the country.

Reloading is also free through direct deposit, mobile check capture, or by using cash or a debit card at Walmart. Cards can also be reloaded at additional retailers for a fee.

Best Starter Cards with No Annual Fee

Although often demonized, annual fees aren’t all bad. Some high-rate rewards cards more than make up for their annual fee in cash back or points, and when you get into the realm of top-tier travel rewards cards, the perks and benefits alone can be worth the annual fee if you can make the most of them.

Of course, those high-cost, high-rewards credit cards are not starter cards. In most cases, there’s no reason to pay an annual fee if all you want to do is build credit. Many quality starter cards can be found that won’t charge you an annual fee just to keep them in your wallet, so you can build credit without it costing you a fortune.

NO/LIMITED CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.7

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

A simple, straightforward starter card, this option has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no penalty APR. You probably won’t get a five-digit credit limit, especially as a new cardholder, but making your first five payments on time can unlock a higher credit line, and Capital One is known for offering unsolicited credit limit increases on a regular basis.

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 of the few starter cards with cash back rewards, this is a good option for anyone who wants to earn while they build credit. Responsible card use can get you an upgrade to an unsecured product, and upgrading or closing your account with a $0 balance will get your full deposit refunded.

SECURED RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

  • 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 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
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
30.74% (Variable)
$0
Limited, Bad

This is a basic card without a lot of bells and whistles, but it’s a solid option for building credit. It offers the possibility of being partially secured to start, as well as offering an increased credit line — with no additional deposit needed — for making the first five payments on time. This card can also be upgraded to an unsecured card for most users.

Best Starter Cards with Purchase Rewards

Long before you get your first credit card, you’ll likely read an article or forum post about how somebody got rich on credit card rewards. While this sounds like a great deal — who doesn’t want to make money just for spending money? — the high-dollar rewards cards aren’t for beginners.

Not only do those cards require good to excellent credit to qualify, but you should also learn how to responsibly use credit cards before taking on big rewards cards with big annual fees. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on rewards entirely. You can find some good starter cards that offer unlimited purchase rewards, giving you a lower-stakes way of trying out the rewards game.

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

With only a reasonable minimum deposit required, this option is great for earning rewards on your everyday purchases. Cardholders can even keep track of their credit-building progress with a free FICO Score report each month.

NO/LIMITED CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.6

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

This is a good option for consumers who want an unsecured starter card that offers rewards, as it provides unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. However, it does come with an annual fee, so do the math to make sure you’ll earn enough in rewards to make the annual fee worth paying.

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

A great pick for students, this card earns the same cash back rewards as the non-student version. Cardholders can even keep track of their credit-building progress with a free FICO Score report each month.

Best Starter Cards for Businesses

Starting a new business comes with a lot of expenses, and qualifying for business credit can be a challenge when you’re just starting to build your company. Happily, many business credit cards don’t actually require you to have an established business credit profile to qualify for a business card.

Instead, you can rely on your personal credit to prove to the bank that you (and your business) can handle a business credit line. Which is a good thing, as there are many important reasons to keep your business and personal credit separate — not the least of which is the really great rewards and perks offered by business credit cards these days.

20. Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

This card is currently not available.

Business Rating

★★★★★
N/A

OVERALL RATING

N/A
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Additional Disclosure: Information for this card not reviewed by or provided by Capital One.

If both your personal and business credit profiles could use a little sprucing up or need a little more age, this card may be your best fit. It’s designed to be a starter card for small businesses, and it has some of the most flexible credit requirements of the business cards from major banks. Plus, it has no annual fee and offers cash back rewards so you can earn while you build credit.

BUSINESS CARD RATING

★★★★★
4.6

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
  • Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • No Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months
N/A
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent

Business owners who have good personal credit should definitely explore this option, which has the whole package. Cardholders can earn up to 5% cash back rewards on eligible purchases, enjoy a big signup bonus for meeting the spending requirement, and even enjoy an introductory APR deal to help keep interest costs down as you build your business. And, that’s all with no annual fee.

BUSINESS CARD RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months
N/A 12 months
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent

If the idea of a no-fee cash back card appeals to you, but the idea of tracking bonus categories does not, then this card may be for you. You’ll get a solid signup bonus, unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, no categories required, and an introductory 0% APR offer on new purchases. Keep in mind you’ll need at least good personal credit to qualify.

Best Starter Cards for Foreign Students & Immigrants

One of the biggest challenges faced by students and immigrants coming to the U.S. is establishing and building credit, especially because credit profiles from other countries aren’t generally accepted by U.S. creditors. Adding to the issue is the fact that the vast majority of cards will require a U.S. Social Security number just to apply.

In general, the nature of your visa or immigration status will determine whether you can qualify for a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number); if you can qualify, this is likely the best route to take. However, a handful of credit card issuers will approve some applicants without a Social Security number, but it will often vary on a case-by-case basis.

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

A good option for students of all types, this card will require a U.S. Social Security number as a part of the application process, but it has no minimum credit history requirements. Approved applicants can look forward to a solid credit-building card with competitive purchase rewards.

24. BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card

Bank of America is one of the few major banks that reportedly allows potential cardholders to fill out an application without a Social Security number, but you’ll need to head into a local bank or call customer service to do so, as you can’t complete the form online. The BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card is the issuer’s primary starter card, and it will require a deposit to open.

BankAmericard Secured Credit Card

      • Card can be used anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted — not a debit or prepaid card
      • Make a minimum $300 deposit
      • Pay a $0 annual fee

While it does have an annual fee, this is a no-frills card, with no purchase rewards or signup offers. But, the card’s availability to applicants without a Social Security number and lack of a credit history requirement may trump its lack of features for some consumers.

25. Deserve Edu Mastercard®

The Deserve Edu Mastercard® is ideally designed for foreign students who need to build credit in the U.S. while attending college. The card doesn’t require a U.S. Social Security number, nor does it require any previous U.S. credit history.

Deserve Edu Mastercard®

      • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all eligible net purchases made with your card
      • Deserve will pay for Amazon Prime Student, up to $49 lifetime total
      • Pay no annual fee

As an unsecured card, this option doesn’t require any form of collateral or a cash deposit to open. Applicants will be expected to provide details about their college enrollment when applying for this card.

How Do You Apply for a Credit Card?

A few decades ago, applying for a new credit card was a long process that involved a lot of waiting by the mailbox. These days, you can apply for nearly any credit card easily online, and most applications will receive a decision almost instantly.

So, to apply for a credit card, you just need to head to the issuer’s website and find the application page for the card you want. You’ll fill out some basic personal and financial information, including:

      • Your name
      • Your phone number
      • Your physical address
      • Your email address
      • Your date of birth
      • Your Social Security number
      • Your employment status
      • Your annual income
      • Which type of bank account you have
      • How much you spend on housing each month

If you’re applying for a specific type of card, like a student credit card or business credit card, you may also have to provide answers to additional questions, such as the school in which you’re enrolled or your company’s annual revenue.

Once you’ve filled out the required information, you’ll be presented with the card’s terms and conditions, as well as the issuer’s required disclosures. You should at least skim all of the documents you’re presented with to avoid future surprises.

After you submit your application, the issuer’s decision algorithms will go to work pulling your credit and evaluating your risk. In most cases, you’ll get a decision after a few minutes. Occasionally, the bank needs to confirm information in your application or ask for additional data, which may mean you’ll need to call before you can get a decision.

Do You Need to Be a Student for a Student Credit Card?

Any list of the best starter credit cards is likely to include at least a few student cards, for multiple reasons, not the least of which is that many people just starting to build credit happen to be in college. Student cards also tend to have lower fees and better perks than other starter cards.

Given their value, it’s understandable to wonder if you can start out with a student card — even if you’re not a student. Unfortunately, the vast majority of student credit cards are only available to actual students who are enrolled in an accredited college or university.

Some student cards may accept other types of schools, like technical schools, as an acceptable educational institution for the purposes of qualifying, but that may vary based on the issuer. If you’re not a student of any type, however, you’re most likely not going to be eligible.

What’s the Difference Between Unsecured & Secured Cards?

As you may have noticed while browsing our list of top cards, credit cards come in two main types: unsecured cards and secured cards. Both types of cards can be used to make purchases, both online and in-store, and both cards can have revolving balances.

In fact, there is only one real difference between a secured card and an unsecured card: the deposit. Secured credit cards require a cash deposit to open the account, and that deposit must remain in a secured savings account the entire time your secured credit card account is open.

A fully secured card will have a credit limit exactly equal to the size of the deposit. A secured card that offers a higher credit line than can be covered by the deposit is said to be partially secured. So, unsecured credit cards are basically any credit card that doesn’t require any form of collateral or deposit.

Unsecured vs Secured Credit Cards

While unsecured credit cards are appealing because you don’t need to fork over a deposit, they’re also a greater financial risk for the credit card issuer than secured cards. So, when it comes to a starter card, secured credit cards will typically have lower rates and fees and better rewards than unsecured starter cards because of the reduced risk.

Are Store Credit Cards Good for Building Credit?

As you go through our list of top starter cards, it may occur to you that we didn’t put any store credit cards on the list. While this may seem like an oversight, it’s actually for a good reason: store cards make poor starter cards.

In addition to being a good tool for establishing and building credit, your first credit card should be a learning tool that prepares you for responsibly handling other credit products in the future. Store cards, however, are rife with limits and restrictions that reduce their usefulness in this regard.

First off, most store credit cards — at least, the ones that are the easiest to get — are closed-loop cards, meaning they can only be used to make purchases with the brand that issued it. So, if you get an Express Credit Card, you can only use it to make purchases with Express. And it’s the same with the rewards; rewards you earn with your Express card can only be used toward Express purchases.

A good starter card should be open-loop so you can use it to make purchases you’d be making anyway as you build credit. Closed-loop store cards encourage you to make purchases you may not have made without the card, especially if you’re trying to use the card regularly as you build payment history.

Additionally, store credit cards tend to have remarkably high interest rates, meaning carrying even a small balance can get expensive in a hurry. In fact, most store cards charge interest rates that are comparable only to subprime credit cards that are designed for consumers with bad credit. Even without a credit history, you can usually find open-loop cards with lower rates.

What’s the Best Way to Build Credit with a Credit Card?

Once you have your first credit card, the trick is to use it responsibly so you can get your credit history started on the right foot. If you don’t need the card for everyday purchasing, the simplest way to build credit with a credit card is often to automate the process.

How to Build Credit with a Credit Card

Basically, you can use your new credit card to automatically pay a small monthly recurring bill, such as a cellphone plan or a subscription streaming service bill.

Then, go into your online banking account to set up automatic credit card payments, ensuring your card is paid in full each month before the due date.

With everything automated and your balance paid in full every billing cycle, you shouldn’t have to worry about your credit card payments ever being late or being charged interest on your purchases.

After six months, you’ll have enough payment history to qualify for a credit score. And, after about a year of building positive payment history, you should qualify for any number of great prime rewards cards.

If you’d prefer to use your card more regularly, you can still take advantage of things like automatic card payments, just be sure you keep an eye on your balances so you don’t overdraft. Additionally, be sure to keep your balance low relative to your credit line — i.e., avoid maxing out your card — as this can negatively affect your credit score.

Regardless of the method you choose, always, always, always make at least the minimum required credit card payment before your due date each billing cycle. Your payment history is 35% of your FICO credit score, and late payments can cause lots of credit damage, especially when you’re just starting to build credit.

Should You Pay an Annual Fee to Earn Cash Back or Points?

One of the most common factors you’ll need to consider when looking for a new credit card — no matter how many cards you have — is whether any given card is worth paying an annual fee to own.

Outside the subprime card realm, most credit cards with annual fees charge the fee to help pay for purchase rewards or other card benefits. This means you’ll need to — objectively — look at the real value of what the card offers you and your spending habits.

For example, consider hypothetical credit cards Card A and Card B. Card A offers 2% cash back and has a $50 annual fee, while Card B only offers 1% cash back, but it has no annual fee. In this case, whether it is worth paying the $50 annual fee to unlock a higher rewards rate will depend entirely on how much spend you put on the card.

As the table below shows, Card A definitely earns more cash back, but, when you subtract the $50 annual fee from your earnings, the rewards from Card B actually come out ahead until the point at which you reach $5,000 in spending.

Cash Back Earnings at 1% and 2%

So, if you’re a light spender who won’t use your card much, you’ll actually be better off with the lower rate and lower fees of Card B. However, if you know you’ll use your card frequently and will likely put more than $5,000 a year of spend on the card, then Card A may present the better value, even with an annual fee.

Of course, this is often the simplest case. Credit cards that offer additional benefits, such as hotel status or travel credits, can make the math more complicated, as can cards that waive the annual fee for the first year, offer a signup bonus, or have an introductory 0% APR offer. Be sure to consider all of the factors when making your decision.

Can You Build Credit Without a Credit Card?

An important thing to remember about starter credit cards is just that: They’re for starting out. It’s important not to get caught up comparing entry-level credit cards to the big, fancy, rewards-rich cards available to more established cardholders.

If the options are simply not appealing and you’re considering trying to build credit without a credit card, good news — it’s entirely possible to do so. Most credit products, including personal, auto, and student loans, can be used to establish your credit profile and build your credit history.

That being said, credit cards are generally the easiest and most affordable way to build credit. That’s because any loan will have interest fees, and most will also have origination or administration fees, while credit cards can be used entirely for free, when used responsibly.

Furthermore, choosing a good starter card can do wonders for your long-term credit-building, especially if you get a card with no annual fee. You’ll be able to leave the account open indefinitely, which means your credit history will age along with your card account. Since creditors like to see long credit histories, older accounts are nice to have on your reports.

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