Best Starter Credit Cards

Just starting to build your credit? These are the best starter credit cards to help you get established, while also earning rewards and benefits, too.

The #1 thing to keep in mind: always pay off your credit card(s) on time and in full every month. It is so smart to start early with building credit, but it is essential to treat it like a debit card in order to get that credit-building benefit!

One thing I wouldn’t recommend for most beginners is chasing travel points immediately. Build your credit first with a no-annual-fee card, then move into premium travel cards once you’ve established a solid credit history.

If you're a student searching for the best starter credit card:

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Card

Earn cash back on categories you likely spend the most on!

• Unlimited 3% cash back on every dollar spent on dining, entertainment, streaming services and grocery stores (excludes superstores like Walmart and Target)- plus 1% on all other purchases.

• Early spend bonus: Earn $100 when you spend $300 in the first three months

• $0 annual fee

Learn more about the Savor Student card here.

No better time to start than now!

If you want to optimize for cash back and simplicity:

Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card

Simplify your spending with 1.5% back on every dollar spent, with no bonus categories to keep track of. For a lot of people, this simplicity is the key to consistent points-earning success!

I've also had great customer service experiences with my Chase cards. So, if you have any questions as you're getting used to using your new card, they'll be more than happy to help you out.

• 1.5% cash back every dollar spent

• $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account

• You'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months

• $0 annual fee

Learn more about the Freedom Rise card here.

If you've already built some credit history:

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

This card helps you maximize rewards for everyday essentials purchases! Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

• Apply and find out your welcome offer. As high as $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your card within the first 6 months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved:

  • 1. Find out your offer amount

  • 2. Accept the card with your offer

  • 3. Spend $2,000 in 6 months

  • 4. Receive the cash back.

  • *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.49% to 28.49% variable APR (see rates and fees).

• 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year then 1%

• 3% cash back at U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year then 1%

• 3% cash back at U.S. gas on up to $6,000 per year then 1%

• 1% cash back on other purchases

• Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.

• $0 annual fee

Learn more about the Blue Cash Everyday card here.

Tips & Reminders

Your first card doesn’t need to be your forever card. The goal is simply to:

• pay every statement balance in full

• never miss a payment

• keep utilization low (under ~30%, ideally under 10% when your statement closes)

• keep the account open for years

Those responsible habits matter far more than whether you earn 1.5% or 2% cash back.

Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.