March 1, 2023
*Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
This article was last updated March 1, 2023 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.
This $0 Discover it® Secured Credit Card — offering 1-2% cash back on every purchase — is the best beginner credit card. It’s a secured credit card widely available to consumers with fair, poor or limited credit.
Because we’re dependent upon credit for so many of life’s major events — including buying a car, purchasing a home and even (at times) getting a job — it’s crucial to establish good credit history at an early age. Signing up for a credit card, and using it responsibly, is a great way for those who are new to credit to build their credit profile.
The best first credit card for you will depend on your credit score and the extent of your credit history, though there are plenty of starter credit cards available to people with poor or limited credit. In any case, there are some key features to look for in good starter credit cards. You’ll want to find a card with a low or no annual fee, a low interest rate, monthly reporting to credit bureaus to help build credit, and, if possible, a card that earns cash back. Avoid cards with high fees, penalties, and interest rates. For college students with limited credit history, a student credit card can be an excellent choice. A secured credit card best fits those with poor credit seeking to rebuild their score.
Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Rewards rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically
Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an all-around excellent choice for beginners, allowing you to build credit and earn cash back with a $0 annual fee card. As a secured card, you’ll have to provide a refundable security deposit of at least $200 that will determine your credit line. The ability to earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in quarterly spend) and 1% on all other purchases is rare among secured credit cards.
Pros & cons:
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is intended for those with Poor/Limited credit. After you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded.
If this happens, your card will transition to a Discover it® chrome. Note, Discover will evaluate your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover as well as other issuers or lenders. You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card doesn’t charge a fee the first time you pay late; after that, the late fee will be up to $41. But keep in mind that on-time payments are the No. 1 factor influencing your credit score.
In addition, if you carry a balance on your card from month to month, you will be subject to interest charges on a 27.49% Variable APR.
Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Rewards rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically
Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an all-around excellent choice for beginners, allowing you to build credit and earn cash back with a $0 annual fee card. As a secured card, you’ll have to provide a refundable security deposit of at least $200 that will determine your credit line. The ability to earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in quarterly spend) and 1% on all other purchases is rare among secured credit cards.
Pros & cons:
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is intended for those with Poor/Limited credit. After you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded.
If this happens, your card will transition to a Discover it® chrome. Note, Discover will evaluate your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover as well as other issuers or lenders. You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card doesn’t charge a fee the first time you pay late; after that, the late fee will be up to $41. But keep in mind that on-time payments are the No. 1 factor influencing your credit score.
In addition, if you carry a balance on your card from month to month, you will be subject to interest charges on a 27.49% Variable APR.
Sign-up bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Rewards rate: 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Why we picked this card: With an excellent welcome offer, high ongoing rewards rate of 2X miles per $1 spent and a slew of great travel benefits, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice among basic travel rewards cards. It does require Excellent/Good credit and charges a $95 annual fee, so it isn’t an option if your score is in the poor to fair range. However, it is one of the best credit cards for beginners to travel credit cards with higher credit scores.
Pros & cons:
If you have established Excellent/Good credit but are new to travel credit cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice. The card is a great way to ease beginners into the wide world of travel rewards cards.
The card does charge a $95 annual fee, but the excellent welcome offer, ability to earn 2X miles on every purchase, and array of other travel benefits and protections can be well worth the fee. Enjoy perks such as no foreign transaction fees, auto rental collision damage waiver, travel accident insurance coverage, and the ability to transfer your miles to partner travel programs.
Keep in mind that the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card does require good to excellent credit. If you have limited credit history or a poor credit score, you’re unlikely to be approved for the card.
Sign-up bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Rewards rate: 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Why we picked this card: With an excellent welcome offer, high ongoing rewards rate of 2X miles per $1 spent and a slew of great travel benefits, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice among basic travel rewards cards. It does require Excellent/Good credit and charges a $95 annual fee, so it isn’t an option if your score is in the poor to fair range. However, it is one of the best credit cards for beginners to travel credit cards with higher credit scores.
Pros & cons:
If you have established Excellent/Good credit but are new to travel credit cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice. The card is a great way to ease beginners into the wide world of travel rewards cards.
The card does charge a $95 annual fee, but the excellent welcome offer, ability to earn 2X miles on every purchase, and array of other travel benefits and protections can be well worth the fee. Enjoy perks such as no foreign transaction fees, auto rental collision damage waiver, travel accident insurance coverage, and the ability to transfer your miles to partner travel programs.
Keep in mind that the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card does require good to excellent credit. If you have limited credit history or a poor credit score, you’re unlikely to be approved for the card.
Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Rewards rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically
Why we picked this card: It’s hard to find a more rewarding student credit card than the Discover it® Student Cash Back. You can earn an exceptional rate of cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating quarterly categories, all for a $0 annual fee. Not to mention that the card matches all the cash back you earn in the first year for new cardholders.
Pros & cons:
The Discover it® Student Cash Back can help students build a solid credit history and credit score while also earning rewards in popular spending categories.
If you need to finance a large purchase, like a laptop or school books, you can do so interest free for half a year with the Discover it® Student Cash Back. The card offers a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then an ongoing 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR. Plus, receive a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR will apply.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is designed for students with Fair/Limited credit. Just know, to apply for this card, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. address, have a Social Security number and show proof of education.
Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Rewards rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically
Why we picked this card: It’s hard to find a more rewarding student credit card than the Discover it® Student Cash Back. You can earn an exceptional rate of cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating quarterly categories, all for a $0 annual fee. Not to mention that the card matches all the cash back you earn in the first year for new cardholders.
Pros & cons:
The Discover it® Student Cash Back can help students build a solid credit history and credit score while also earning rewards in popular spending categories.
If you need to finance a large purchase, like a laptop or school books, you can do so interest free for half a year with the Discover it® Student Cash Back. The card offers a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then an ongoing 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR. Plus, receive a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR will apply.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is designed for students with Fair/Limited credit. Just know, to apply for this card, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. address, have a Social Security number and show proof of education.
Sign-up bonus: N/A
Rewards rate: Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
Why we picked this card: There are few better options with those looking to build a credit history while earning rewards. Not to mention the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is completely fee free. There is no annual fee, no late fees, no returned payment fees, and not even foreign transaction fees. This makes the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card a winner among the best credit cards for beginners with no credit.
Pros & cons:
The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is designed for people with N/A credit looking to build their credit history and increase their score through responsible use. The card reports to the three major credit bureaus, which will help you build your credit profile and score through responsible use.
The complete lack of fees is a key feature. The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card has no fees of any kind, not even a late payment fee. You’ll also earn 1- to 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases, and even more at select merchants — up to 10%
If you don’t have a credit history or score, don’t worry. The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card takes other factors into consideration. At time of application, you’ll be able link your bank account for an evaluation of your cash flow, which can be used to determine whether you’re eligible for a Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, and what your credit limit will be.
Sign-up bonus: N/A
Rewards rate: Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
Why we picked this card: There are few better options with those looking to build a credit history while earning rewards. Not to mention the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is completely fee free. There is no annual fee, no late fees, no returned payment fees, and not even foreign transaction fees. This makes the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card a winner among the best credit cards for beginners with no credit.
Pros & cons:
The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is designed for people with N/A credit looking to build their credit history and increase their score through responsible use. The card reports to the three major credit bureaus, which will help you build your credit profile and score through responsible use.
The complete lack of fees is a key feature. The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card has no fees of any kind, not even a late payment fee. You’ll also earn 1- to 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases, and even more at select merchants — up to 10%
If you don’t have a credit history or score, don’t worry. The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card takes other factors into consideration. At time of application, you’ll be able link your bank account for an evaluation of your cash flow, which can be used to determine whether you’re eligible for a Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, and what your credit limit will be.
Sign-up bonus: N/A
Rewards rate: None
Why we picked this card: The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is designed for people who have Poor/Limited credit and may not even qualify for a secured card, since it doesn’t require a credit check to be approved. It charges a reasonable annual fee and APR, and you can increase your credit score through responsibly using the card.
Pros & cons:
Because the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check when you apply, it may be your best option if your credit is too bad to get approval for a traditional card, or even a secured card, that requires a review of your credit history. And while this card doesn’t require that you have a bank account for approval (which some secured cards require), you will have to provide some financial information, including your annual income, monthly housing payment and housing payment type.
Unfortunately, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t offer the option to transition to an unsecured card after demonstrating responsible card usage. Therefore, the only way to get your deposit back is to pay your balance in full and close the account once your credit improves to the point where you can qualify for an unsecured card.
Sign-up bonus: N/A
Rewards rate: None
Why we picked this card: The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is designed for people who have Poor/Limited credit and may not even qualify for a secured card, since it doesn’t require a credit check to be approved. It charges a reasonable annual fee and APR, and you can increase your credit score through responsibly using the card.
Pros & cons:
Because the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check when you apply, it may be your best option if your credit is too bad to get approval for a traditional card, or even a secured card, that requires a review of your credit history. And while this card doesn’t require that you have a bank account for approval (which some secured cards require), you will have to provide some financial information, including your annual income, monthly housing payment and housing payment type.
Unfortunately, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t offer the option to transition to an unsecured card after demonstrating responsible card usage. Therefore, the only way to get your deposit back is to pay your balance in full and close the account once your credit improves to the point where you can qualify for an unsecured card.
Sign-up bonus: N/A
Rewards rate: Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is the rare business credit card that doesn’t require good to excellent credit. It’s the easiest Capital One business card to qualify for, and it still has a $0 annual fee and earns cash back. It’s a great fit for a business owner with Fair credit looking to build their credit history and raise their score.
Pros & cons:
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is best for business owners with fair credit, since most business credit cards require applicants to have good or excellent credit. It’s a good choice if you’re building credit — and earns cash back at a 1% flat rate and charges a $0 annual fee.
The card also earns Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Be wary of carrying a balance on the Capital One Spark Classic for Business. You’ll be paying a high variable APR of 29.74% (Variable)
Sign-up bonus: N/A
Rewards rate: Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is the rare business credit card that doesn’t require good to excellent credit. It’s the easiest Capital One business card to qualify for, and it still has a $0 annual fee and earns cash back. It’s a great fit for a business owner with Fair credit looking to build their credit history and raise their score.
Pros & cons:
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is best for business owners with fair credit, since most business credit cards require applicants to have good or excellent credit. It’s a good choice if you’re building credit — and earns cash back at a 1% flat rate and charges a $0 annual fee.
The card also earns Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Be wary of carrying a balance on the Capital One Spark Classic for Business. You’ll be paying a high variable APR of 29.74% (Variable)
Sign-up bonus: No bonus
Rewards rate: Non-rewards Card
Why we picked this card: If you’re looking to build credit but don’t have the funds for a large deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is the card for you. It requires a minimal refundable security deposit of $200 or less. The lack of an annual fee and guaranteed reporting to the three major credit bureaus will help you build credit and work toward an unsecured card.
Pros & cons:
If you’re interested in using a secured card to help boost your credit, but don’t want to put down a large deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a great option.
That said, you’ll have to apply and be approved before your minimum deposit is determined, and you’re not guaranteed to get one of the lower deposit amounts.
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card doesn’t offer a rewards program; however, after six months of demonstrating responsible card usage, Capital One will review your eligibility for a credit limit increase.
Sign-up bonus: No bonus
Rewards rate: Non-rewards Card
Why we picked this card: If you’re looking to build credit but don’t have the funds for a large deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is the card for you. It requires a minimal refundable security deposit of $200 or less. The lack of an annual fee and guaranteed reporting to the three major credit bureaus will help you build credit and work toward an unsecured card.
Pros & cons:
If you’re interested in using a secured card to help boost your credit, but don’t want to put down a large deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a great option.
That said, you’ll have to apply and be approved before your minimum deposit is determined, and you’re not guaranteed to get one of the lower deposit amounts.
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card doesn’t offer a rewards program; however, after six months of demonstrating responsible card usage, Capital One will review your eligibility for a credit limit increase.
Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Rewards rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically
Why we picked this card: For those who have established good credit already, the Discover it® Cash Back is a solid choice. Its $0 annual fee, quarterly rotating categories, and simple rewards structure make it ideal for credit card beginners. It also offers an Unlimited Cashback Match offered the first year, where Discover will double all cash back earned for new cardholders.
Pros & cons:
The Discover it® Cash Back is great for credit card beginners who have already established a good credit profile. It’s also a perfect option if you’re looking for a card with a 0% introductory APR offer.
The rotating quarterly categories offer one of the highest rewards rates you can find. Keep in mind that you need to activate the 5% bonus each quarter. The card earns 1% cash back on everything else, which isn’t nearly as enticing.
The Discover it® Cash Back is also a great choice for people looking to finance a major purchase, since it includes a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Afterwards, a 16.49% - 27.49% Variable APR applies.
Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Rewards rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically
Why we picked this card: For those who have established good credit already, the Discover it® Cash Back is a solid choice. Its $0 annual fee, quarterly rotating categories, and simple rewards structure make it ideal for credit card beginners. It also offers an Unlimited Cashback Match offered the first year, where Discover will double all cash back earned for new cardholders.
Pros & cons:
The Discover it® Cash Back is great for credit card beginners who have already established a good credit profile. It’s also a perfect option if you’re looking for a card with a 0% introductory APR offer.
The rotating quarterly categories offer one of the highest rewards rates you can find. Keep in mind that you need to activate the 5% bonus each quarter. The card earns 1% cash back on everything else, which isn’t nearly as enticing.
The Discover it® Cash Back is also a great choice for people looking to finance a major purchase, since it includes a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Afterwards, a 16.49% - 27.49% Variable APR applies.
Rewards rate: 1% unlimited cash back on ALL purchases
Why we picked this card: The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students allows international students studying in the U.S. to easily obtain a U.S. credit card, making it unique among beginner credit cards. It also includes additional benefits geared toward college students, including one year of complimentary Amazon Prime Student, cell phone protection and no foreign transaction fees. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with 1% cash back.
Pros & cons:
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is a great financial tool for international students studying at U.S. colleges.
While many credit cards require a Social Security number to apply, international students can be approved for the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students without one. Just know, if you’re an international student studying in the U.S., you will need to add your SSN in order for the account and payment history show up on your credit reports.
Rewards rate: 1% unlimited cash back on ALL purchases
Why we picked this card: The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students allows international students studying in the U.S. to easily obtain a U.S. credit card, making it unique among beginner credit cards. It also includes additional benefits geared toward college students, including one year of complimentary Amazon Prime Student, cell phone protection and no foreign transaction fees. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with 1% cash back.
Pros & cons:
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is a great financial tool for international students studying at U.S. colleges.
While many credit cards require a Social Security number to apply, international students can be approved for the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students without one. Just know, if you’re an international student studying in the U.S., you will need to add your SSN in order for the account and payment history show up on your credit reports.
| Credit Card | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | Intro Balance Transfer Rate | Regular Balance Transfer Rate | Balance Transfer Fee | Recommended Credit | Card Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
|
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically | $0 | N/A | 27.49% Variable APR | 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months | 27.49% Variable APR | 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* | Poor/Limited | Discover it® Secured Credit Card Review |
|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
|
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | $95 | N/A | 20.24% - 28.24% (Variable) | N/A | 20.24% - 28.24% (Variable) | $0 at this Transfer APR | Excellent/Good | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Review |
|
Discover it® Student Cash Back
|
Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. | 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically | $0 | 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases | 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR | 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months | 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR | 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* | Fair/Limited | Discover it® Student Cash Back Review |
|
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card
|
N/A | Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants | $0 | N/A | Variable APR between 17.49% - 31.49% | N/A | N/A | None | N/A | Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card Review |
|
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
|
N/A | None | $35 | N/A | 21.89% (variable) | N/A | N/A | N/A | Poor/Limited | OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Review |
|
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
|
N/A | Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | $0 | N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | N/A | Fair | Capital One Spark Classic for Business Review |
|
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
|
No bonus | Non-rewards Card | $0 | N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | $0 at this Transfer APR | Poor/Limited | Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card Review |
|
Discover it® Cash Back
|
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. | 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically | $0 | 0% Intro APR for 15 months | 16.49% - 27.49% Variable APR | 0% Intro APR for 15 months | 16.49% - 27.49% Variable APR | 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* | Excellent/Good | Discover it® Cash Back Review |
|
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
|
up to $69 in statement credits for Amazon Prime Student when you use your card to sign up for a subscription | 1% unlimited cash back on ALL purchases | $0 | N/A | 22.99% variable | N/A | N/A (Balance Transfers are not available) | N/A (Balance Transfers are not available) | Excellent/Good/Limited | Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students Review |
To select the best card for each of these categories, our credit card experts compared cards designed for individuals with poor, limited and average credit on LendingTree.com and issuer sites.
We chose our top picks based on a variety of factors, including each card’s annual fee, interest rate, rewards program and more.
Other factors that came into play when making our selections were the benefits offered by the card and the opportunity to increase your credit line with responsible card usage.
Choosing a starter credit card can seem daunting, but by answering a few key questions, you can help narrow down your search. For example:
If you’re not ready to open your own credit card, you can ask a family member to add you as an authorized user and begin building credit that way. Once you’ve established a fair or good credit score and are comfortable using plastic to pay for purchases, you can open your own card down the road. If you’re not yet 18 and can’t have your own account, it could still be a great idea to be added as an authorized user on a parent’s card. This will help build your credit before you enter college and adulthood.
Student credit cards
These cards are geared toward college students with limited credit history. Most offer a lower credit limit than traditional cards. But they are a great way to build credit history.
Secured credit cards
These cards are designed for those with poor or limited credit who need to build or rebuild their credit history. Secured cards require a refundable security deposit of at least $200. As you demonstrate responsible credit card usage, most will allow you to graduate to an unsecured card, and your deposit will be refunded.
Simple rewards cards
Most cards offering cash back rewards require at least good credit. If you have built up a decent credit history and have a good credit score, consider a simple cash back card such as the Discover it® Cash Back.
Business credit cards
These cards are designed for business owners who want to have a separate credit card strictly for business purchases. It’s rare to find a business card for people with fair credit, but the Capital One Spark Classic for Business is one option available.
| Beginner credit card | Annual fee | Credit needed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | $0 | Excellent/Good |
| Bank of America | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students | $0 | Excellent/Good |
| Capital One | Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 | Fair/Limited |
| Chase | Chase Freedom® Student credit card | $0 | Excellent/Good |
| Discover | Discover it® Student Cash Back | $0 | Fair/Limited |
| Citi | Citi® Secured Mastercard® | $0 | Limited |
| Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | $0 | Excellent/Good |
| U.S. Bank | U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card | $0 | Poor/Limited |
Getting your first credit card may seem intimidating, but it isn’t difficult. Here’s how to set yourself up for success when applying for your first credit card:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
You can check your credit score in a variety of ways without generating a hard inquiry, which won’t negatively affect it. For example, you can request a free copy of your FICO Score every 30 days through Experian, or you can sign up for a free credit score through My LendingTree.
In addition, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the three major credit bureaus to provide individuals with one free credit report each year through AnnualCreditReport.com, as well as any time that a company takes adverse action against you, such as rejecting you for a credit card or loan.
FICO considers a score of 670 to 739 to be a good credit score. According to Discover, the “good credit” category generally includes dependable borrowers who may have been slightly late on a payment in the past or who may not have a long credit history.
Capital One, on the other hand, states that a good credit candidate has not declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan in the past five years. In addition, the individual has a credit card or loan and has not been more than 30 days late on any payments in the last year.
A secured card requires you to submit a security deposit, which typically serves as your line of credit; this will protect the issuer in the event you don’t pay off what you charge to the card. The deposit is generally refundable if you pay off your card balance in full and close the account, or if the issuer transitions you to an unsecured card.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
