Best First Credit Cards to Build Credit
If this is your first time using your credit, you might not have a very high score yet. Luckily, there are credit cards designed for people with no credit history. Here's where to get started
Key Takeaways
Match the card to your goal. First-time options range from the Discover it® Student Cash Back for rewards to the Capital One Platinum for credit building, the Petal® 2 for no credit history and the Wells Fargo Platinum for low interest. Pick the card that fits where you are right now.
Watch the fine print before you apply. Look for a $0 annual fee, a reasonable annual percentage rate and reporting to all three credit bureaus. Foreign transaction fees, cash advance fees and rotating category caps can quietly eat into your rewards.
Boost your approval odds fast. Check your credit score, apply at your current bank or credit union, give accurate info on the application and consider a credit builder loan or becoming an authorized user to start a credit history.
Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors
1. Best for Cash Back: Discover it® Student Cash Back
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is perfect for students who want to earn rewards while learning the ropes of credit management. It offers 5% cash back on rotating categories like gas, groceries and restaurants and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.
Intro bonus: Unlimited Cash back Match – Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of your first year | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: 3% during promo period, then 5% |
Regular APR: 16.49% – 25.49% variable | Foreign transaction fee: None |
Pros
High cash back in rotating categories
No annual fee
Cash back match for the first year
Cons
Requires some credit history
Rotating categories require activation
High cash advance fee
2. Best for Building Credit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is designed for those with average credit looking to build or rebuild their credit history. It has no annual fee and offers access to a higher credit line after making your first five monthly payments on time.
Intro bonus: None | Cash advance fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: No balance transfers |
Regular APR: 28.99% variable | Foreign transaction fee: None |
Pros
No annual fee
Credit limit increases after on-time payments
Easy approval for fair credit
Cons
High regular APR
No rewards program
No intro APR offers
3. Best for Students: Discover it® Student Chrome
The Discover it® Student Chrome card is perfect for college students looking to earn cash back on everyday purchases. This card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro bonus: None | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: 3% for six months, then 5% after |
Regular APR: 16.49% – 25.49% variable | Foreign transaction fee: None |
Pros
High cash back in everyday categories
No annual fee
Cash back match for the first year
Cons
Requires some credit history
Quarterly spending cap for higher cash back
High cash advance fee
4. Best for Low Interest: Wells Fargo Platinum Card
If you’re looking for a low-interest starter card, the Wells Fargo Platinum Card may be just the thing. With 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months, you can pay off big expenses without accruing interest.
Intro bonus: None | Balance transfer fee: 3% within the first four months, then 5% |
Annual fee: $0 | Cash advance fee: Varies |
Regular APR: 18.49% – 28.49% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
Pros
Long intro APR period
No annual fee
Low regular APR
Cons
No rewards program
Foreign transaction fee
5. Best for No Annual Fee: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Perfect for beginners who want to avoid fees and still earn cash back, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. Plus, you get a generous 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months.
Intro bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater |
Regular APR: 18.24%-27.74% | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
Pros
Cash back on all purchases
No annual fee
Generous intro APR and bonus
Cons
Balance transfer fee
Foreign transaction fee
High cash advance fee
6. Best for Rewards: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Students can earn 3% cash back in a category of their choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases with the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card. There’s no annual fee and a solid intro APR offer.
Intro bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days | Cash advance fee: $10 or 3%, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transaction intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days your account is open |
Regular APR: 17.49%-27.49% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
Pros
Customizable cash back categories
No annual fee
Solid intro bonus
Cons
Foreign transaction fee
Requires good credit
7. Best for Travel: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Ideal for students planning to travel, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards offers unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees. There’s also a great intro APR on purchases.
Intro bonus: 25,000 online bonus points and a $250 travel or dining statement credit value after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days | Balance transfer fee: Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction, 5% after that |
Annual fee: None | Cash advance fee: 4% |
Regular APR: 17.49%-27.49% variable | Foreign transaction fee: None |
Pros
No foreign transaction fees
Travel rewards
No annual fee
Cons
Requires good credit
High cash advance fee
8. Best for Easy Approval: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is great for those with fair credit who want rewards. You get 1.5% cash back on every purchase and access to a higher credit line after making your first five monthly payments on time.
Intro bonus: Earn $200 once you spend $500 within three months | Balance transfer fee: No Transfer Fee with this Transfer APR; 4% on the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a Promotional APR |
Annual fee: $0 | Cash advance fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
Regular APR: 29.99% variable | Foreign transaction fee: None |
Pros
Cash back on all purchases
Easy approval
Credit limit increases after on-time payments
Cons
Annual fee
High regular APR
No intro APR offers
9. Best for No Credit History: Petal® 2 Credit Card
Perfect for those with no credit history, the Petal® 2 Credit Card offers 1% cash back on all purchases, which increases to 1.5% after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Plus, there are no fees whatsoever.
Intro bonus: None | Cash advance fee: None |
Annual fee: None | Balance transfer fee: None |
Regular APR: 28.24% – 30.24% variable | Foreign transaction fee: None |
Pros
No fees
No credit history required
Increasing cash back for good behavior
Cons
No intro APR offers
Limited rewards program
High regular APR for those with low credit
10. Best for Young Adults: Citi Rewards+® Card
Young adults will love the Citi Rewards+® Card for its unique feature of rounding up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase. Earn 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 yearly, then 1X points on all other purchases.
Intro bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in three months | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: Intro fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first four months of account opening; after that, 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) |
Regular APR: 1 8.49% – 28.49% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
Pros
Unique points rounding feature
No annual fee
Intro bonus
Cons
Foreign transaction fee
Limited rewards categories
High cash advance fee
Should You Get a Credit Card?
A credit card can be a fantastic tool for building credit, earning rewards, and managing finances, but it’s not for everyone. A credit card can be incredibly beneficial if you’re responsible with spending and can pay your balance in full each month.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Credit Card
Before you dive into the world of credit cards, let’s weigh the pros and cons to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
• Access to rewards and perks • Builds credit history and score • Can offer fraud protection and insurance benefits | • Potential for debt if not managed properly • High interest rates if you carry a balance • Temptation to overspend |
How To Get Approved for Your First Credit Card
Ready to apply? Here are ways that may increase your chances of approval.
Check your credit score: Know where you stand, generally the better your credit the greater your chances are for approval.
Provide accurate information on your application: Double-check everything.
Start with your current bank or credit union: They may have options tailored for you.
Build credit history through alternative means: Consider a credit builder loan or become an authorized user on someone else’s card. Explore more ways to help build credit here.
Considering a way to build your credit? MoneyLion offers a free and convenient way to find offers from our trusted partners to help you improve your credit:
What Are the Key Features To Look for in a First Credit Card?
When choosing your first card, consider these factors to make the best choice:
Annual fee: Avoid if possible, as there are plenty of no-fee options.
Interest rates: Look for low interest rates to avoid costly debt.
Credit-building potential: Ensure the card reports to credit bureaus.
Reasonable credit limits: Start small and grow with your credit score.
Rewards: Does the credit card offer cash back, miles or other rewards that you could benefit from?
FAQs
Can I get a rewards credit card as my first card?
Yes, many first credit cards offer rewards, especially student cards with cash back or points programs.
Are store credit cards good for first-time applicants?
Store credit cards can be easier to get approved for but often come with higher interest rates and limited use.
How can I build credit with my first credit card?
Use your card regularly but responsibly, keep your balance low, and always pay on time to build a strong credit history.
Key Terms
Annual percentage rate (APR): The yearly cost of borrowing on a credit card, including interest and certain fees. A lower APR can help if you carry a balance.
Annual fee: A yearly charge some credit cards add for account access or benefits. Many starter cards skip this fee, which can help keep costs down.
Balance transfer: Moving debt from one credit card to another, usually to save on interest. Balance transfers often come with a fee.
Cash advance: Using your credit card to get cash. Cash advances usually start charging interest right away and may include a separate fee.
Credit score: A three-digit number that shows how you’ve handled credit. Lenders use it to help decide whether to approve you and what rates to offer.
Sources:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Credit cards key terms
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What is a balance transfer fee? Can a balance transfer fee be charged on a zero-percent interest rate offer?
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Credit card contract definitions
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What is a credit score?
Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors
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