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If you’re new to credit, it can be challenging to get approved for traditional credit cards. That’s where starter credit cards come in — they’re designed for people with limited or no credit history. Most of the cards on this list are ideal for people new to credit, but some are intended for people who have already established a positive credit history.
Without further ado, these are the best credit cards currently available for beginners.
Our top picks for the best credit cards for beginners
Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. Earn 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
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Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
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This card doesn’t earn any rewards.
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Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel platform.
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Earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. gas stations (then 1%), 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year on online retail purchases (then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
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This card doesn’t earn any rewards.
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Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel platform.
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This card doesn’t earn any rewards.
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Credit Builder Accounts & Certificates of Deposit made/held by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., SouthState Bank, N.A., First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval.
Self Visa® Credit Card issued by Lead Bank or SouthState Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. See self.inc for details.
*Sample loans: $25/mo, 24 mos, $9 admin fee, 15.92% APR; $35/mo, 24 mos, $9 admin fee, 15.97% APR; $48/mo, 24 mos, $9 admin fee, 15.72% APR; $150/mo, 24 mos, $9 admin fee, 15.88% APR. See self.com/pricing
A starter credit card is intended specifically for people who have limited or no credit history. Most come with relaxed approval criteria, making them easier to get than standard credit cards. The best starter credit cards give you access to credit, but more importantly, they help you build a credit profile.
Beginner credit cards give you access to a line of credit. You can charge purchases up to the credit limit and pay them back later. If you carry a balance, most card issuers charge interest on the unpaid sum. The interest depends on your annual percentage rate (APR) — the amount you pay to use credit.
Since beginner credit cards tend to have higher APRs than other cards, it’s a good idea to pay off your balance every month. That way, you won’t get hit with large interest fees. If you qualify for a card with 0% intro APR, remember that it will increase after the introductory period ends.
As you use your first credit card, the issuer reports your activity to the major credit bureaus — Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. If you make payments on time, stay within your credit limit and minimize the amount of credit you’re using, you can increase your credit score.
Thinking about opening a credit card for beginners? Make sure you’re aware of the pros and cons:
You might consider a beginner’s credit card if you’re new to credit; these cards are ideal if you’ve never had a credit card or a loan. They can also be useful if you need to rebuild your credit.
The goal of starter credit cards is to establish a solid credit history. That way, it’s easier to get approved for home loans, auto loans and have access to the best credit cards.
Better credit can also help you:
The best beginner credit cards also come with additional perks such as rewards and fraud protection. Many include car rental insurance, extended warranties and purchase protections.
If you’re searching for a first-time credit card, there are a few types to consider.
Student credit cards are exclusively for students and you may be able to qualify with a very limited or nonexistent credit history. Shop around — credit card companies know that students can turn into long-term customers, so they often offer special products and perks.
Secured credit cards require you to put up a security deposit in cash. This money serves as collateral; if you don’t make payments, the card issuer keeps your deposit. These cards are relatively easy to get even if you have a low credit score or a spotty credit history. As long as you make payments on time, they offer an effective way to build credit.
Unsecured credit cards don’t require a security deposit. However, the issuer will assess your credit score, credit history, income and debt before making an approval decision. Starter cards often have fewer approval requirements, but they may have high APRs and lower credit limits.
To help you choose the best first credit card for your needs, keep the following factors in mind.
Make sure the card issuer reports to all three credit bureaus — that way, making timely payments will have the biggest impact on your credit score. While you’re at it, check to see if you can upgrade to a better card with the same issuer after a period of responsible use.
The APR on starter cards is usually higher than the rates charged on standard cards, but it’s still a consideration. After all, the APR will have a big impact on how much you pay to carry a balance. If you have a good credit score, look for cards that offer lower rates for well-qualified applicants.
Read the card terms to understand the fees you’ll pay if you take a cash advance, make a late payment or transfer a balance from another card. Most beginner cards have a $0 annual fee, but it’s a good idea to verify the amount. If you’re a traveler, make sure to check foreign transaction fees; they can add up over the course of one vacation.
Does the card offer a rewards program? If so, does it match your spending patterns? Look at redemption options carefully — some rewards cards will send a check or give you statement credits, while others have more limited options. It’s also important to look at welcome offers; if you can meet the spending threshold, these offers can pay off in extra rewards.
Check the benefits that come with the card. Common options include:
You can apply for starter credit cards online through the “learn more” button next to each card above.
Here’s what you can expect to provide during the application process:
Every application you submit results in a hard credit pull; applying for multiple starter credit cards can hurt your credit score.
If you don’t use a credit card responsibly, having one can cause more harm than good.
Here are a few best practices to help you get the most value from your beginner credit card:
This helps you avoid excess debt; it also reduces your risk of defaulting or missing payments.
By doing so, you’ll avoid interest charges — a must, since your APR will likely be high.
By authorizing the card issuer to withdraw funds from your checking account automatically, you won’t have to remember to make payments on time.
This lets you see how different actions, such as reducing credit utilization and making on-time payments, can impact your score.
If you’re struggling to qualify for a starter credit card, there are a few other ways to manage your finances.
A debit card lets you make purchases with a card using the funds in your bank account. However, it won’t help you build credit.
These cards can be used at a single retailer or family of brands. They’re easy to get approved for, but often have high interest rates. As long as you make your payments regularly, they can help you build credit.
Making payments on a personal loan is a good way to build credit. Your bank or credit union likely offers several options. If you can’t get approved, look for credit-building loans through brick-and-mortar and online banks.
Becoming an authorized user on a family member’s or friend’s credit card can help you build credit. However, the cardholder’s actions can impact your credit — missed payments or a high credit utilization rate can affect you negatively.
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For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please visit this page.
If you have no credit history, look for cards designed for building or repairing credit. Applying for a secured card can also be a great way to start building credit.
To choose the best starter card, evaluate the interest rate, welcome offer and rewards program. If you need to get a secured card, look at the minimum deposit requirements and opportunities to increase your credit limit in the future.
The best credit card for a first-time applicant depends on your history. If you’re a college student, look for student cards — they make it easy to get approved, even if you’ve never had a credit card before. If you’ve had a loan or another form of credit in the past, look for cards that require a fair or good credit history.
It’s usually easiest to get approved for a secured credit card. Some assess your credit score, but many simply require that you make a security deposit.
To qualify for a beginner credit card, you likely need at least some type of income. Certain cards also require you to have some credit history.
Elizabeth Smith is an experienced travel and finance writer who specializes in topics including credit cards, travel insurance, and personal finance. Travel insurance, in particular, has both professional and personal significance for Smith. She’s traveled to 73 countries, and has extensive experience choosing and using various policies — she understands how valuable the right plan can be in an emergency, and loves to help readers find the perfect fit.
Smith comes to the world of finance from a scientific and technical background. She spent more than 10 years writing about engineering, science, and technology for universities and private companies. When she’s not writing or traveling, Smith can usually be found hiking or Nordic skiing.
* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.
