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Best Starter Credit Cards

Writer's picture: Points By JPoints By J

Updated: Dec 11, 2024

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!


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.

Learn more about the Savor Student card here.


Best Starter Credit Cards
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

  • No annual fee

Learn more about the Freedom Rise card here.


If your spending habits change regularly:

Citi Custom Cash Card

This card's rewards adapt to what you spend the most money on!

  • Earn 5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle up to $500 spent (1% cash back on all other purchases)

  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.

  • Sign-up bonus is $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months

Learn more about the Custom Cash 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.

  • Welcome offer is $200 in statement credits after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR, 18.74% to 29.74% (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

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

Learn more about the Blue Cash Everyday card here.


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.

Points By J Best Credit Cards

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I'm J. I've helped hundreds of thousands of people to travel more for free. I created Points By J to consolidate my biggest financial revelations and game changing lessons. 

 

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DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed financial advisor. All of the information found on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice.

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