If you’re a student, a first-time credit card seeker or someone with poor or no credit history, it’s natural to assume a good credit card is likely out of your reach. But you actually have several great options. While most of these cards have higher-than-usual interest rates, the top ones allow you to earn cash back/rewards while you’re on your journey to build your credit.
Best First Credit Cards for No Credit in 2024
The best starter credit cards are cards you can qualify for with little to no credit history. We’ve selected the top offers based on our unique ranking algorithm so that you can easily find a card that works well for you.
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
Lee Huffman
Credit Card and Personal Finance Expert
Lee Huffman is a credit card and personal finance expert at MoneyGeek. He has spent 18 years as a financial planner and corporate finance manager, with 12 years of experience writing about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance and other personal finance topics. His writings are published on The Points Guy, Investopedia and NerdWallet. Huffman earned his business management degree from Pepperdine University and his master's degree in eBusiness from the University of Phoenix. He enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less and live better through the power of travel rewards.
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
Lee Huffman
Credit Card and Personal Finance Expert
Lee Huffman is a credit card and personal finance expert at MoneyGeek. He has spent 18 years as a financial planner and corporate finance manager, with 12 years of experience writing about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance and other personal finance topics. His writings are published on The Points Guy, Investopedia and NerdWallet. Huffman earned his business management degree from Pepperdine University and his master's degree in eBusiness from the University of Phoenix. He enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less and live better through the power of travel rewards.
Updated: October 8, 2024
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A common factor that connects all the top first-time credit cards is that you may qualify for them even if you don’t have a well-established or good credit history. While some such cards come with annual fees, others don’t. Since issuers make these cards available to people with poor or no credit histories, they tend to come with higher interest rates than cards meant for consumers with good to excellent credit.
Depending on the first credit card you get, you might be able to earn rewards or cash back. If you plan to use your card outside the U.S., consider getting one that charges no foreign transaction fees. Added perks that come with these cards also need your attention.
We aim to simplify how you look for a suitable first-time credit card after accounting for your specific requirements through useful tips, tables, card selections and more.
MoneyGeek’s Take: Top First-Time Credit Cards in 2024
The best beginner credit cards are usually ones that come with no annual fees, although there are a few exceptions. We’ve selected the best of the lot based on other aspects as well. These include annual percentage rates (APRs), rewards/cash back and additional benefits. You get more options to choose from further down the page.
Credit Card | MoneyGeek Rating | Rewards Summary | Annual Fee |
---|---|---|---|
Earn 1% – 5% cash back | $0 On Issuer's Site | ||
1% cash back on every purchase | $0 On Issuer's Site | ||
Earn up to 1.25% Cash Back | $0 On Issuer's Site | ||
N/A | $0 On Issuer's Site | ||
No Rewards | $0 On Issuer's Site | ||
Earn 1.5%–5% cash back | $39 On Issuer's Site | ||
N/A | $75 the first year; $99 thereafter On Issuer's Site | ||
Earn 1% cash back | $75 first year, then $99 annually On Issuer's Site | ||
N/A | $36 the first year. Billed $3 dollars per month thereafter. $0 On Issuer's Site | ||
N/A | $49 On Issuer's Site | ||
N/A | $0 On Issuer's Site |
The links in the table above will take you to one of our partner's sites where you can compare and apply for a selected credit card.
On This Page:
Best First-Time Credit Cards in 2024
MoneyGeek experts have narrowed down on the best first-time credit cards after accounting for factors such as the creditworthiness required to apply, annual fees, APRs, rewards/cash back and added perks. We are quick to highlight a card’s advantages as well as possible drawbacks.
>>MORE: How to Show Credit Worthiness Without Credit
Best First-Time Credit Cards for Anyone
The best first-time credit cards for the general population are typically ones that come with no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees and offer rewards or cash back. Some of these cards come with introductory spend-based bonus offers too.
Capital One Platinum Credit Card - Ideal for building credit without paying annual or foreign transaction fees
This beginner’s credit card from Capital One comes with no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees. Capital One automatically considers cardholders for higher credit lines in as little as six months. Setting up automatic payments is possible. Free access to CreditWise lets you easily monitor your TransUnion VantageScore 3.0 credit score.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card - Great for earning cash back on all purchases
This Capital One card makes it to the list of best credit cards for beginners because it offers 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases. However, it charges an annual fee of $39. You pay no foreign transaction fees when you use this card outside of the U.S. Monitoring your credit score is easy through the free-to-use CreditWise platform. You may also set up automatic payments to ensure that you never miss a payment.
Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® - Good for people with less-than-perfect credit
The Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® issued by Celtic Bank is available to people with less-than-perfect credit. You get to choose from different colors and designs. It comes with an annual fee that varies from $0 to $99 based on eligibility criteria. You pay a 1% foreign transaction fee when you use this card outside of the U.S.
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit - Good for earning cash back on gas, groceries and internet, mobile phone, satellite TV and cable services
This Credit One Bank credit card for beginners requires that you pay a $75 annual fee for the first year and $99 per year after that. Choosing your payment date is possible, which makes it easier to match your pay schedule. You get 1% cash back on everyday spending across multiple categories. This card comes with a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a solid choice for those looking for straightforward functionality. With no hidden fees and a quick approval process, it's user-friendly and transparent. The potential for credit line enhancement in just six months and complimentary credit score monitoring are great tools for those focused on financial growth. While it doesn't offer a rewards system, and its APR is on the higher side, its features like 24/7 account access, contactless payments and payment flexibility make it a reliable card for everyday use.
- PROS
- No annual or hidden fees
- Fast approval process
- Potential for higher credit line
- Free credit score monitoring
CONS- No reward system
- High APR
- No annual or hidden fees.
- You automatically get a higher credit line review in six months.
- See if you're approved in seconds.
- Using the card responsibly can help build your credit. You can monitor your credit score for free with CreditWise from Capital One.
- Receive a $0 Fraud Liability protection, ensuring you are not responsible for unauthorized charges.
- Access your account 24/7 from your desktop or smartphone using Capital One's app.
- You can check out quickly and securely using the card's contactless feature.
- You can pay by check, online or at a local branch with no fees. You're allowed to choose the monthly due date that works best for you.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a streamlined cash back experience without the fuss of tracking rotating categories, ensuring consistent rewards on all purchases. Its stand-out features include the potential for credit line increases, top-notch fraud protection and complimentary credit monitoring. While it comes with an annual fee, the card promises enhanced returns for travel enthusiasts, especially when booking hotels and rental cars. However, be cautious of the APR and note that some enhanced rewards are tied to specific partners. This option might be your match if you want a card that combines convenience with diverse rewards.
- PROS
- Earn cash back on all purchases
- No expiration and categories on cash back
- Higher credit line potential
- $0 Fraud Liability included
- Free credit tracking
CONS- Has an annual fee
- High APR
- High reward rate is limited to specific partners
- 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 six months.
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability, so you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges.
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use.
- 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.
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone.
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
We found this card to be great for people who have less-than-perfect creditworthiness and wish to build positive payment histories.
All three major credit bureaus receive information about your payments to this card.
Plus, you might qualify even if you have filed for bankruptcy in the past.
- PROS
- Apply with less-than-perfect credit
- Possibility of no annual fee
- Choose your card's design at no extra cost
- No cash advance fees in the first year
- No need to provide security deposit
- Quick online pre-qualification
- Fraud protection
CONS- No rewards or cash back
- High APR for cash advances
- Penalty APR applies if you make a late payment
- Foreign transaction fees
- Reports payments to three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), giving you easy means to build or rebuild your credit.
- Applying for this unsecured credit card requires no collateral.
- Annual fee may vary from $0 to $99.
The information for the Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® has been collected independently by Moneygeek.com. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Folks wanting a card with easy to access cash back rewards and fast prequalification should check out the Credit One Bank Unsecured Visa card. Qualification is free and secure, allowing you to see if you’ll be approved before submitting your credit score to a hard credit check.
If you’re approved, you’ll benefit from 1% cash back on eligible purchases in a variety of categories, such as telecommunication services, groceries and gas. If you have a more middling credit score, you may see a manageable or even no annual fee, though it depends on your cardholder agreement.
Regardless, you’ll enjoy free access to your credit score via Experian, as well as limited protection against card loss or theft. From time to time, you’ll find that Credit One Bank will review your account for potential credit line increases.
Ultimately, this card is a solid pick if you want to start building credit and earning cash back but don’t yet have the credit to secure more attractive offers.
- PROS
- Wide-ranging cash back rewards on gas, groceries, etc.
- Potential credit line increases as your credit score rises
- Annual fee of $99, $75 for the first year
- Easy to see if you prequalify
- Free online access to Experian credit score
- Zero fraud liability protection for lost or stolen cards
CONS- Annual fee can be high, as can the interest rate
- Includes foreign transaction and late fees
- 3% or $1 foreign transaction fee
- Late fee of up to $39
- 1% cash back on eligible gas, grocery and service purchases/subscriptions for satellite TV, mobile phone, cable and internet
Best Secured Credit Cards for Beginners
Qualifying for a secured credit card is typically easier than a regular credit card because the former requires you to pay a security deposit. Depending on your need, the best option might come with a low minimum security deposit requirement or let you get a high credit limit by paying a large security deposit. The top cards from this category usually do away with annual fees.
Capital One Secured Mastercard - Best for building credit without paying annual or foreign transaction fees
The Secured Mastercard from Capital One is a good first credit card to build credit as it comes with no annual fees or foreign transaction fees. The starting credit limit is $200, and it requires a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200, depending on your eligibility. However, you may go as high as $1,000 with a larger deposit. Choosing your own due date is possible. Capital One reviews your account for an automatic increase in credit line in as few as six months.
Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card - Ideal for those seeking credit limits of up to $3,000
This secured credit card for first-time users from Merrick Bank requires a $200 security deposit, which also serves as your credit line. If you make your first seven minimum monthly payments on time, your credit line increases to $400. You have the option of increasing your security deposit and corresponding credit limit to as much as $3,000. This card comes with a $36 annual fee for the first year, and you are billed $3 per month thereafter. Using this card outside of the U.S. comes with a 2% foreign transaction fee.
OakStone Platinum Secured Mastercard® - Good for people who need high credit limits of up to $5,000
The OakStone Platinum Secured Mastercard® comes with a $49 annual fee. Depending on the security deposit you provide, your credit line may vary from $200 to $5,000. Foreign transaction fees stand at 3%.
Citi® Secured Mastercard® - Good for building credit without paying annual fees
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® can make for a good beginner’s credit card, given that it charges no annual fee. However, using this card outside of the country comes with a 3% foreign transaction fee. You need to provide at least a $200 security deposit that serves as your credit limit, and this amount may go up to $2,500.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card is an accessible and rewarding secured credit card. It requires an initial deposit of at least $200. But once you make that deposit, you have the potential to double your line of credit without having to make another deposit at all.
Just make your monthly payments on time for seven months in a row without a hiccup. After the seventh billing cycle is complete, Merrick will automatically double your line of credit to $400.
Furthermore, those on-time payments will be reported directly to the three big credit bureaus, allowing you to build your credit over time. You can check your credit score regularly thanks to free FICO access, which is included with your account.
Other benefits include fraud liability protection and a host of online budgeting tools. All in all, this secured credit card is a perfect pick for folks looking to rebuild their credit and who want to build good financial discipline – there’s an attractive reward waiting at the end of seven months!
- PROS
- Reports to all three credit bureaus each month
- Free FICO score access
- $0 fraud liability protection
- Lets you quickly double your credit limit
CONS- APR can be high
- Foreign transaction fees
- Deposit $200 initially. Following on-time payments for 7 months, credit line is doubled to $400 w/o requiring another deposit
- $36 annual fee for the first year., billed at $3 dollars per month thereafter.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
We recommend the OakStone Platinum Secured Mastercard® for people who wish to build their creditworthiness because it reports cardholders’ payment histories to the nation’s top three credit bureaus. This card comes with a competitive APR on purchases and has no penalty rate. However, you need to pay an annual fee of $49. If you use this card outside of the U.S., you’ll need to pay a 3% foreign transaction fee.
You may choose to get a credit line of $200 to $5,000, provided you’re able to pay the corresponding amount as a security deposit.
You may apply for this card even if you have a discharged bankruptcy listed in your credit bureau file. In addition, it comes with no minimum credit score requirement.
- PROS
- Security deposit and corresponding credit line may vary from $200 to $5,000
- Competitive APR on purchases
- Reports to top three credit bureaus
- No minimum credit score requirement
- Lets you apply even if you have a discharged bankruptcy
CONS- Annual fees
- Foreign transaction fees
- Late and returned payment fees
- Comes with a credit limit of $200 to $5,000, which you need to provide as a security deposit
- Apply with no credit history or if you have a discharged bankruptcy ruling in your credit report
- Low variable APR on purchases
- Annual fee of $49
- 3% foreign transaction fees
- Reports payment history to Experian, TransUnion and Equifax
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is an excellent starter card for those building or rebuilding their credit. It reports to major credit bureaus, boosting credit history with responsible use. The card requires a security deposit, which doubles as your credit limit, ensuring controlled spending. Its standout feature is free access to your FICO score, a valuable tool for monitoring credit progress. With no annual fee and worldwide acceptance, it's both cost-effective and globally functional. The card also offers digital wallet compatibility, flexible payment options and robust security features like ID Theft Protection, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
- PROS
- No annual fee
- Reports to major credit bureaus
- With security protections
- Free FICO score access
CONS- Security deposit required
- High purchase APR
- No rewards program
- No annual fee
- Security deposit required, determining the credit limit (minimum $200, up to $2,500)
- Accepts customers with little or no credit history
- Helps build credit with monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus
- Free access to your FICO score online
- Accepted worldwide wherever Mastercard® is accepted
- Auto Pay and account alerts for easier account management
- Flexible payment due dates, allowing you to choose your payment date
- Online, phone and mobile app account management available 24/7
- Credit qualification criteria include income and debt review
- Digital Wallets for secure and convenient online, app and in-store shopping
- Complete protection against unauthorized charges
- Get Mastercard® ID Theft Protection™ at no extra cost
- Purchase APR of 27.74% (variable)
Ideally, the card that you choose will increase your credit limit or convert to an unsecured card after you've been responsible with your credit for a period of time. A higher limit adds flexibility to your finances and can increase your credit score by lowering your utilization ratio. — Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com
Best Starter Credit Cards for Students
The best starter credit cards for students don’t require that you have an extensive credit history, and you may qualify for a few even if you have no credit history at all. The leading cards from this segment offer rewards or cash back. It is also common for good student credit cards to charge no annual fees.
Chase Freedom® Student credit Card - Good for earning cash back and getting an automatic credit limit increase
This student credit card from Chase comes with no annual fees. It offers $20 Good Standing Rewards after each account anniversary for up to five years. All purchases come with 1% cash back. This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. You qualify for an increase in credit limit by meeting some credit criteria and making five monthly payments on time within 10 months of account opening.
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students - Ideal for earning cash back and receiving cell phone protection
You pay no annual fees or foreign transaction fees for using the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students. It offers 1% cash back on all purchases. You may apply for this card as an international student since its application does not require a Social Security number. This card offers Amazon Prime Student membership for a year if you meet some basic requirements as well as cell phone protection.
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One Card - Best for earning cash back and paying no foreign transaction fees
The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One Card charges no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees. All purchases you make come with 1% cash back, which increases to 1.25% if you pay your bill on time. You also stand to earn a $5 statement credit per month for 12 months on specific streaming subscriptions by making your payments on time.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
This card has no annual fee, provides cell phone protection and offers a solid cash back rate: 1% back on all purchases. Students also receive one year free of Amazon Prime Student after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles — a spending requirement many students will likely find easy to meet if they open this account at the start of a new semester.
Finally, this card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for anyone looking to study abroad.
- PROS
- Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases
- There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee
- You will have complimentary Amazon Prime Student for a year
- Complimentary cell phone protection when you use your card to pay your cell phone bill
- Do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply
- Access to Mastercard Platinum benefits
CONS- High APR on purchases
- Students earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
- There’s no annual fee, nor are there foreign transaction fees.
- Cardholders receive Amazon Prime Student for one year.
- Cell phone protection (up to $600) is included when you pay your phone bill with your card.
- Mastercard Platinum benefits, such as rental car insurance, are included.
- Easy-to-use app helps you manage your account and pause access to your card if you misplace it — all on the go.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
This card offers 1% cash back on all your purchases, which may make paying top dollar for those textbooks slightly easier on the wallet. Paying your bill on time boosts that cash back to a total of 1.25% for the month.
This card has zero foreign transaction fees, which is an excellent feature for international students or those who anticipate studying abroad.
- PROS
- Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases, with a jump to 1.25% cash back when you pay your bills on time.
- There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee.
- After six months, Capital One will reexamine your credit profile to see if you are eligible for a higher credit line. This can give students more purchasing power and flexibility without opening another card.
CONS- High APR on purchases
- Lack of robust benefits
- Cardholders receive 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Pay your bill on time and receive a 0.25% cash back bonus on top of that.
- $0 fraud liability policy provides peace of mind.
- There are no foreign transaction fees, which is great for travelers.
- You have unlimited access to CreditWise from Capital One so you can check in on your credit profile at any time.
- There’s no cosigner required, although one may be helpful.
- When making purchases online, you can generate virtual card numbers so that your actual card number is kept private.
Quick Tips for Comparing First-Time Credit Card Offers
Starter credit cards are typically easier to qualify for than conventional credit cards meant for people with at least good credit. In addition, they give you access to revolving lines of credit, just like regular credit cards. However, these cards may come with several differences as well, which is why you need to pay attention to various aspects.
- Annual fees: Annual fees of starter credit cards usually range from $0 to $99.
- APR: It is common for starter credit cards to come with higher APRs than regular cards. However, APRs may vary significantly from one starter card to the next, thereby warranting your attention (read more about APR vs. APY).
- Rewards/cash back: While the best cards from this category offer rewards or cash back, they usually offer low earn rates. For instance, the Chase Freedom® Student credit Card, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students and the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One Card offer just 1% cash back on purchases. If you qualify for a rewards or cash back card, you might stand to benefit through higher earn rates.
- Need for deposit: This aspect requires your attention if you plan to get a secured card. Typically, the security deposit you provide functions as your credit limit, although this is not always the case. For example, while the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card comes with an initial credit line of $200, you need to pay a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200 based on its eligibility criteria.
- Introductory offers: Some of the best credit cards for beginners come with introductory spending-based offers. For example, you may stand to earn a $50 cash reward if you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.
- Foreign transaction fees: If you intend to use your new credit card outside of the U.S., getting one that does not charge foreign transaction fees makes sense. With cards that charge this fee, the amount charged typically varies up to 3% of each international transaction.
- Additional features: While starter cards don’t usually offer much in the form of added perks, you may expect features such as fraud protection and free credit score access.
>> More: A Guide to Your First Credit Card
How to Get a Credit Card for the First Time
Getting your first credit card is relatively straightforward, provided you know what steps to follow. For instance, you’ll need to keep different types of information close at hand to get through the application process quickly.
Start by checking if you have an existing credit report and credit score
This might be the case if you’ve taken out a student loan, been an authorized user on someone else’s card, or if your rent or bill payments have been reported to credit bureaus. Once you know your credit score, you can look for cards that fit the bill accordingly.
Compare available credit cards based on factors such as APRs, fees and rewards/cash back
If you’re an existing student, consider applying for any of the student credit cards listed in the table above. If you have no credit history and have difficulty qualifying for a regular starter card, getting a secured card might be an option. No matter what type of card you’re looking for, compare the top ones from the category across parameters such as fees, APRs, rewards/cash back and added perks
If you’re 18 to 21 years of age, you need to show that you earn adequate independent income to repay your debt, otherwise, you must have a cosigner. There is no minimum income requirement specified by issuers of student cards, and most let you add income from multiple sources.
Apply online, over the phone or in person
Depending on the card issuer you select, you might be able to initiate the application process online, over the phone or in person. Irrespective of how you choose to apply, the information you need to provide remains the same.
- Your name and Social Security number (a few cards don’t require SSNs)
- Your phone number, residential address and email address
- Details about your income and housing costs
- Housing status (homeowner, renter or living rent-free)
- Time spent at current residence
How to Use a Credit Card to Build Credit
A credit card gives you the ability to build credit in different ways. The first is by making all your payments on time. This is because credit card issuers report payment histories to credit bureaus.
While making payments on time helps build credit, making late payments or defaulting on a credit card debt has an adverse effect on your credit score. Your payment history is the most important factor that affects your creditworthiness, accounting for 35% of your FICO score.
>> More: How to Build Credit as a College Student
The other way you may use a credit card to improve your credit score is by keeping your credit utilization ratio low. This refers to the amount you’ve used from your total available credit.
For example, if your only credit card comes with a credit limit of $500, and you’ve used $400 of this limit, your credit utilization ratio is 80%. Ideally, your credit utilization ratio should be below 30%. This aspect accounts for 30% of your FICO score. So, if you have a credit card with a credit limit of $1,000, keep its outstanding balance below $300.
The longer you maintain your first credit card, the better it is for your credit score. This is because your credit length history accounts for 15% of your FICO score.
If you already have a student or an auto loan, getting a credit card may help improve your credit score. This is because your credit mix accounts for 10% of your FICO score.
Incidentally, applying for multiple credit cards in quick succession may affect your credit score adversely. This is because the number of hard inquiries that lenders carry out when you apply for credit and how many credit accounts you’ve opened recently account for 10% of your FICO score.
How Fast Can I Rebuild My Credit?
Know that there is no way to improve your credit score overnight, and the answer to how quickly you can rebuild your credit depends on several factors. In most cases, getting your credit score to an acceptable level takes six months or longer. If you have poor or fair credit, the best way to reach the average or good range is by making your payments on time, making more than the minimum monthly payments, not accumulating more debt and not applying for new credit. If you’re aiming for excellent creditworthiness, the process may take two to three years or even longer.
Is It Worth Getting a Credit Card?
Getting a credit card might be worth your while if you wish to build credit by developing healthy financial habits.
You might also benefit by getting a credit card that offers rewards/cash back, provided the value of your rewards/cash back exceeds the cost of the card through its annual fee and interest. If you plan to maintain revolving balances in your account, you may want to consider getting a low APR card instead of a rewards card.
Using a credit card also makes it easy to avoid losing money through fraudulent transactions. For instance, in case of possible misuse of your debit card, the money disappears from your bank account straight away.
However, if you detect a fraudulent transaction on your credit card, you simply need to notify your card provider about it, and the card provider then works on resolving the matter. As long as you notify your credit card provider in time, you are not held liable for unauthorized transactions.
How We Rank First-Time Credit Cards
Our lists of the best credit cards are based on publicly available data from card issuers and other reputable sources like the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. We review each card’s fees, interest rates, rewards, benefits and more to assign a rating for each feature. These ratings are stack ranked and weighted for each card category to determine our top selections for each type of user. Because card details change regularly, we revisit our data each month to update our ratings, recommendations and other card information as needed. Learn more about our data collection and ranking process.
Top Rating Criteria for First Time Credit Cards
Recommended Credit
APR
Annual Fee
FAQs About First-Time Credit Cards
Improve the odds of finding the best first-time credit card by understanding the answers to other commonly asked questions about how these cards work and what to expect when you use them.
Some of the credit cards you may qualify for easily despite having a poor or short credit history include the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, the Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® and the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® Card for Rebuilding Credit.
The best first credit cards are ones that are made available to people with little or no credit histories. The top ones tend to come with no annual fees. Some offer cash back/rewards as well.
If you're 18 to 21 years old, you need to show that you earn enough independent income or get a cosigner. Even if you're older than 21 years of age, the income you earn still plays a role. While some starter credit cards require that you have a basic credit history in place, others do not. Most such cards are made available to people who can provide valid SSNs.
It's never too early or late to get a credit card, provided you use it responsibly. Getting a credit card while still in college might work well for you if you use it to build a good credit history. This way, you’ll have access to more competitive financial products and interest rates going forward.
If you have an existing banking relationship with a bank or a credit union, this might be a good place to look for your first credit card, as you may stand a better chance of approval. If this is not the case, it’s best to compare your alternatives based on your specific requirements before making a decision.
If you’ve received your beginner credit card without any credit history, you can expect to see your first FICO score after six months of reported payment history. Given that multiple factors affect your credit score, the time it takes to get to a good credit score may vary from one to two years or more. While you get some good options to choose from once you have average credit, the best cards are typically made available for those who have good to excellent credit.
If you get a secured credit card to be your first credit card, you’ll need to use it for at least six months before the generation of your first FICO score.
Examples of starter credit cards that do not charge international fees include the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students and the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One Card.
You can apply for a credit builder card with little to no credit history. Once you receive your card, you get to use it like a regular credit card. You get access to a predetermined line of credit, which you may access at any time. While you get the option of making minimum monthly payments toward your outstanding balance, paying it off in full every month is better as this helps you avoid interest charges. If you use your credit builder card responsibly, you can expect to improve your creditworthiness over time.
When you apply for a new credit card, you may expect the card issuer to carry out a hard inquiry of your credit report. This lowers your credit score slightly. Going forward, if you use your credit card in the right manner, you may expect to see positive changes in as little as six months.
Some of the best credit cards you can apply for with no credit include the Platinum Secured Card from Capital One, the OakStone Platinum Secured Mastercard®, the Petal 2 Visa Card, and the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students.
Now that you know how the best credit cards to build credit work, select one after considering your existing creditworthiness and other individual requirements. When comparing your options, make sure you pay attention to aspects such as fees, interest rates, rewards and added benefits.
Next Steps
Experts Tips on Finding the Best First-Time Credit Cards
- What APR might someone with no credit history expect from their first credit card?
- Can immigrant workers and international students without Social Security numbers apply for credit cards?
- Are there any benefits of getting a credit card while still in college?
- Is there any particular credit card issuer that's better than the others for first-time credit card users?
*The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is no longer available.
All information about the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One has been collected independently by Moneygeek.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
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.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- Capital One. "Platinum Secured from Capital One." Accessed October 8, 2024.
- Discover. "Discover it Student Card." Accessed October 8, 2024.
- Discover. "Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students." Accessed October 8, 2024.
- Petal. "Petal 2 Visa Card." Accessed October 8, 2024.
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