Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
If your credit score isn’t great or you barely have any credit history, you’ll need to ease into the world of credit cards. Fortunately, there are beginner credit cards specifically made for credit newcomers, and with many of them, you can get approved with fair credit, bad credit, or no credit at all.
Find the the right starter credit card for you
No credit and limited credit to Excellent
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Average, Fair and Limited
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Earn 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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Average, Fair and Limited
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Here are some of the best starter credit cards to consider if you’re a credit beginner — including several that earn rewards.
Compare the best starter credit cards
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
$100 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
$100 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$100 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair, Limited
Regular APR
17.99% – 27.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Details
Rewards
Earn 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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Fair/New to Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular APR
15.99% – 24.99% Variable
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Details
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
New/Rebuilding
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular APR
25.99% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair and Limited
Regular APR
28.49% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.
Intro offer
20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
17.99% – 27.99% Variable
Intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months)
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Details
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair and Limited
Regular APR
28.49% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Discover it® Student chrome
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Discover it® Student chrome
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Details
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Fair/New to Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular APR
15.99% – 24.99% Variable
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Details
Rewards
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card is issued by WebBank.
Show more
Recommended Credit
No credit and limited credit to Excellent
Regular APR
15.99% – 29.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Intro offer
one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card
Rewards
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Intro offer
one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card
Rewards
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Intro offer
one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card
Recommended Credit
Limited, No Credit
Regular APR
21.74% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
On Capital One®️’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
Pros & Cons
Highlights
The best starter credit card reviews
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
If you’re a college student who likes to go out, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is hard to beat. Cardholders earn 3% cash back on dining, groceries, entertainment, and eligible streaming services with no limits, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
This card is extra appealing because it currently comes with a welcome bonus offer of a $100 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening. It’s possible to qualify with limited credit, so if you’re new to credit cards it’s a solid choice.
You’ll also receive surprisingly good benefits for a no-annual-fee student card, including:
- Price protection***
- Extended warranty***
- Car rental coverage***
- Roadside dispatch***
- Travel accident insurance***
- Complimentary concierge services
Read more about the Capital One SavorOne Student card:
Students who like to maximize rewards should consider the Discover it® Student Cash Back, which is typically available to consumers who don’t have an extensive credit history.
Once you’re approved, you can enroll to earn 5% cash back up to a quarterly maximum limit spent on purchases in categories that rotate each quarter, plus 1% back on everything else (from October 1 to December 31, 2022, you can earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com and on digital wallets on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%). Like other cash-back credit cards from Discover, this card will also match all the rewards you earn at the end of the first account year.
This card also lets you see your credit score for free each month, and you’ll get Social Security Number monitoring, zero fraud liability, and no late fee on your first late payment. Consider signing up if you want to earn rewards and build credit at the same time without an annual fee.
Read more about the Discover it Student Cash Back card:
If you have poor credit or no credit history at all, you may need to get started with a secured credit card. Unlike unsecured credit cards that extend a line of credit without collateral, secured cards require a small cash deposit upfront in order to secure an equally small line of credit.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is widely considered to be the top secured credit card since, unlike other cards in this niche, it doesn’t charge an annual fee or any hidden fees. You’ll also earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%), as well as 1% back on all other purchases. Discover will also match all the rewards you earn at the end of your first account year.
Other top benefits include a free look at your FICO score each month, zero liability for fraudulent purchases, and no late fee on your first late payment. With this card, automatic reviews start at seven months to see if Discover can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Read more about the Discover it Secured card:
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is available to consumers with “average” credit according to Capital One, which brings it into reach for individuals with limited credit or anyone who has made credit mistakes in the past.
This card does charge a $39 annual fee, but you’ll be able to earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and a flat 1.5% cash back for each dollar you spend on other purchases. That’s not bad for a rewards credit card, and it’s especially good for cards available to consumers with average credit.
Capital One also promises to reconsider your credit limit and potentially boost it after you’ve made six on-time payments on your credit card. This card also comes with no foreign transaction fees and several benefits, which is a lot more than many credit cards for average credit offer.
Read more about the Capital One Quicksilver One card:
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is typically only available to consumers with “good” credit or better, but it’s important to note that a good FICO score typically starts in the 670+ range. If you are able to qualify, this card can serve as a starter travel credit card that can help you get accustomed to earning this type of rewards.
Once you sign up, you’ll earn a flat 1.25 miles for each dollar you spend. You can also earn 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. On the redemption side of the equation, you can cash in your Capital One miles for any type of travel at a rate of 1 cent apiece, or for transfers to 18 airline and hotel partners. This card also comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Read more about the Capital One VentureOne:
If you have average credit and want to learn good credit habits without worrying about rewards, consider the Capital One Platinum Credit Card.
This card will likely start you out with a low credit limit, but Capital One says it will consider boosting your limit after you make six on-time payments on your card. This card also comes with no annual fee.
Read more about the Capital One Platinum card:
If you want to save money with low interest for a limited time, look into the Discover it® Student chrome. This card starts you off with a 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then a 15.99% – 24.99% Variable APR.
You’ll also earn 2% cash back on your first $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%) at gas stations and restaurants, plus 1% back on everything else you buy. Discover will also match all the rewards you earn after the first year.
Read more about the Discover it Student Chrome:
The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card (card issued by WebBank) could be ideal for anyone who wants to build good credit that lasts. This card comes with a minimum credit limit of $500, although there’s no annual fee and no fees on late payments. You’ll earn a flat 1% back on all your eligible purchases for the first year, but you have the opportunity to graduate to 1.5% back after you’ve made 12 on-time payments on your credit card.
This card also reports to all three credit bureaus like the other cards on our list, so it can help you build credit as your purchases and payments are reported. You’ll also get access to the powerful Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card Card app, which can help you manage your money better, track your spending, and stay on top of all your bills.
Read more about the Petal 2 Visa Card:
Best for international students: Deserve EDU Mastercard
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students stands out because you don’t absolutely need a Social Security Number to apply, so it’s especially appealing to international students who wouldn’t usually qualify for a US-based credit card. New cardholders can earn a free one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card.
The earning rate isn’t as high as some other starter cards (1% back on all purchases). However, you’ll receive a handful of valuable benefits, including cell phone protection. When you use the card to pay your wireless bill, you’ll be covered for damage or theft up to $600 with a $50 deductible, up to $1,000 per year.
You’ll also receive rental car insurance when you pay with your card, and there are no foreign transaction fees for international purchases.
Best for small businesses: Capital One Spark Classic for Business
There aren’t many small-business cards geared to folks with average credit, but the Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
could be a good starting point. This no-annual-fee card offers 1% cash back on all purchases, and it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, either.
Employee cards are free, so you’ll earn rewards and qualify for protection on employee purchases. Other benefits include travel and emergency assistance services, secondary car rental insurance, purchase protection against damage or theft, and an extended warranty on eligible items.
Other credit card guides to read
If you already have a decent credit score and are looking for a new credit card to maximize your spending, check out the following guides:
Starter credit card frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When you’re ready to start building credit for the first time, it’s smart to have a basic understanding of how credit cards can help.
Read our step-by-step guide that shows you how to apply for a credit card and find out more about how to improve your chances of approval if you’ve never opened a card before. You can check your credit score online for free. From there, you can figure out which credit card can help you build credit that lasts.
The following questions and answers provide some basic guidelines to follow.
It really depends on your credit score and where you’re at in your credit journey. If you’ve never had a credit card before, it’s likely you’ll have to get started with a secured credit card that requires a cash deposit in order to shore up a small line of credit.
If your FICO credit score is at least “fair,” or above 580, on the other hand, you may qualify for a card geared to consumers with average credit.
When you’re first starting out, secured credit cards are the easiest to get approved for. This type of credit card requires an initial cash deposit to secure a line of credit that is typically for the same amount. For example, you may put down a cash deposit of $500 in order to secure a $500 line of credit.
With the requirement for collateral in place, almost anyone can get approved for a secured credit card regardless of their credit score. Also note that, once you use your secured credit card to establish a reasonable amount of credit history, you can cancel or upgrade your card provided your account is in good standing. At that point, your initial security deposit would be refunded to you.
Building credit with a credit card isn’t overly difficult, but you may have a better initial experience if you start the process off slowly. Use your credit card for regular purchases you can afford to pay off each month. When your bill comes due, make sure to pay at least the minimum payment and hopefully your entire credit card balance.
As you make payments each month, those payments will be reported to the three credit bureaus. Over time, you’ll build a history of responsible credit use that can help boost your credit score.
You can have one credit card or several. It’s totally up to you.
When you’re first building credit, however, it makes sense to limit yourself to a single card. This way, you can spend time building responsible credit habits before you add more cards and complicate your finances.
How quickly you’ll raise your credit score depends on a whole host of factors including whether you have any credit history at all, whether you have negative marks on your credit report, and the way you handle credit in the short term.
Your best bet is signing up for a credit card that can aid you in building credit, then using it for regular purchases that you pay in full each month. This will help you build a history of on-time payments while keeping your credit utilization low.
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If your credit score isn’t great or you barely have any credit history, you’ll need to ease into the world of credit cards. Fortunately, there are beginner credit cards specifically made for credit newcomers, and with many of them, you can get approved with fair credit, bad credit, or no credit at all.
Find the the right starter credit card for you
No credit and limited credit to Excellent
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Average, Fair and Limited
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Earn 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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Average, Fair and Limited
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Here are some of the best starter credit cards to consider if you’re a credit beginner — including several that earn rewards.
Compare the best starter credit cards
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
$100 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
$100 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$100 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair, Limited
Regular APR
17.99% – 27.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Details
Rewards
Earn 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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Fair/New to Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular APR
15.99% – 24.99% Variable
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Details
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
New/Rebuilding
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular APR
25.99% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair and Limited
Regular APR
28.49% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.
Intro offer
20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
17.99% – 27.99% Variable
Intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months)
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Details
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair and Limited
Regular APR
28.49% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Discover it® Student chrome
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Discover it® Student chrome
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Details
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Fair/New to Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular APR
15.99% – 24.99% Variable
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Details
Rewards
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card is issued by WebBank.
Show more
Recommended Credit
No credit and limited credit to Excellent
Regular APR
15.99% – 29.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Intro offer
one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card
Rewards
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Intro offer
one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card
Rewards
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Intro offer
one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card
Recommended Credit
Limited, No Credit
Regular APR
21.74% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
On Capital One®️’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
Pros & Cons
Highlights
The best starter credit card reviews
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
If you’re a college student who likes to go out, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is hard to beat. Cardholders earn 3% cash back on dining, groceries, entertainment, and eligible streaming services with no limits, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
This card is extra appealing because it currently comes with a welcome bonus offer of a $100 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening. It’s possible to qualify with limited credit, so if you’re new to credit cards it’s a solid choice.
You’ll also receive surprisingly good benefits for a no-annual-fee student card, including:
- Price protection***
- Extended warranty***
- Car rental coverage***
- Roadside dispatch***
- Travel accident insurance***
- Complimentary concierge services
Read more about the Capital One SavorOne Student card:
Students who like to maximize rewards should consider the Discover it® Student Cash Back, which is typically available to consumers who don’t have an extensive credit history.
Once you’re approved, you can enroll to earn 5% cash back up to a quarterly maximum limit spent on purchases in categories that rotate each quarter, plus 1% back on everything else (from October 1 to December 31, 2022, you can earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com and on digital wallets on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%). Like other cash-back credit cards from Discover, this card will also match all the rewards you earn at the end of the first account year.
This card also lets you see your credit score for free each month, and you’ll get Social Security Number monitoring, zero fraud liability, and no late fee on your first late payment. Consider signing up if you want to earn rewards and build credit at the same time without an annual fee.
Read more about the Discover it Student Cash Back card:
If you have poor credit or no credit history at all, you may need to get started with a secured credit card. Unlike unsecured credit cards that extend a line of credit without collateral, secured cards require a small cash deposit upfront in order to secure an equally small line of credit.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is widely considered to be the top secured credit card since, unlike other cards in this niche, it doesn’t charge an annual fee or any hidden fees. You’ll also earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%), as well as 1% back on all other purchases. Discover will also match all the rewards you earn at the end of your first account year.
Other top benefits include a free look at your FICO score each month, zero liability for fraudulent purchases, and no late fee on your first late payment. With this card, automatic reviews start at seven months to see if Discover can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Read more about the Discover it Secured card:
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is available to consumers with “average” credit according to Capital One, which brings it into reach for individuals with limited credit or anyone who has made credit mistakes in the past.
This card does charge a $39 annual fee, but you’ll be able to earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and a flat 1.5% cash back for each dollar you spend on other purchases. That’s not bad for a rewards credit card, and it’s especially good for cards available to consumers with average credit.
Capital One also promises to reconsider your credit limit and potentially boost it after you’ve made six on-time payments on your credit card. This card also comes with no foreign transaction fees and several benefits, which is a lot more than many credit cards for average credit offer.
Read more about the Capital One Quicksilver One card:
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is typically only available to consumers with “good” credit or better, but it’s important to note that a good FICO score typically starts in the 670+ range. If you are able to qualify, this card can serve as a starter travel credit card that can help you get accustomed to earning this type of rewards.
Once you sign up, you’ll earn a flat 1.25 miles for each dollar you spend. You can also earn 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. On the redemption side of the equation, you can cash in your Capital One miles for any type of travel at a rate of 1 cent apiece, or for transfers to 18 airline and hotel partners. This card also comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Read more about the Capital One VentureOne:
If you have average credit and want to learn good credit habits without worrying about rewards, consider the Capital One Platinum Credit Card.
This card will likely start you out with a low credit limit, but Capital One says it will consider boosting your limit after you make six on-time payments on your card. This card also comes with no annual fee.
Read more about the Capital One Platinum card:
If you want to save money with low interest for a limited time, look into the Discover it® Student chrome. This card starts you off with a 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then a 15.99% – 24.99% Variable APR.
You’ll also earn 2% cash back on your first $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%) at gas stations and restaurants, plus 1% back on everything else you buy. Discover will also match all the rewards you earn after the first year.
Read more about the Discover it Student Chrome:
The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card (card issued by WebBank) could be ideal for anyone who wants to build good credit that lasts. This card comes with a minimum credit limit of $500, although there’s no annual fee and no fees on late payments. You’ll earn a flat 1% back on all your eligible purchases for the first year, but you have the opportunity to graduate to 1.5% back after you’ve made 12 on-time payments on your credit card.
This card also reports to all three credit bureaus like the other cards on our list, so it can help you build credit as your purchases and payments are reported. You’ll also get access to the powerful Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card Card app, which can help you manage your money better, track your spending, and stay on top of all your bills.
Read more about the Petal 2 Visa Card:
Best for international students: Deserve EDU Mastercard
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students stands out because you don’t absolutely need a Social Security Number to apply, so it’s especially appealing to international students who wouldn’t usually qualify for a US-based credit card. New cardholders can earn a free one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card.
The earning rate isn’t as high as some other starter cards (1% back on all purchases). However, you’ll receive a handful of valuable benefits, including cell phone protection. When you use the card to pay your wireless bill, you’ll be covered for damage or theft up to $600 with a $50 deductible, up to $1,000 per year.
You’ll also receive rental car insurance when you pay with your card, and there are no foreign transaction fees for international purchases.
Best for small businesses: Capital One Spark Classic for Business
There aren’t many small-business cards geared to folks with average credit, but the Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
could be a good starting point. This no-annual-fee card offers 1% cash back on all purchases, and it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, either.
Employee cards are free, so you’ll earn rewards and qualify for protection on employee purchases. Other benefits include travel and emergency assistance services, secondary car rental insurance, purchase protection against damage or theft, and an extended warranty on eligible items.
Other credit card guides to read
If you already have a decent credit score and are looking for a new credit card to maximize your spending, check out the following guides:
Starter credit card frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When you’re ready to start building credit for the first time, it’s smart to have a basic understanding of how credit cards can help.
Read our step-by-step guide that shows you how to apply for a credit card and find out more about how to improve your chances of approval if you’ve never opened a card before. You can check your credit score online for free. From there, you can figure out which credit card can help you build credit that lasts.
The following questions and answers provide some basic guidelines to follow.
It really depends on your credit score and where you’re at in your credit journey. If you’ve never had a credit card before, it’s likely you’ll have to get started with a secured credit card that requires a cash deposit in order to shore up a small line of credit.
If your FICO credit score is at least “fair,” or above 580, on the other hand, you may qualify for a card geared to consumers with average credit.
When you’re first starting out, secured credit cards are the easiest to get approved for. This type of credit card requires an initial cash deposit to secure a line of credit that is typically for the same amount. For example, you may put down a cash deposit of $500 in order to secure a $500 line of credit.
With the requirement for collateral in place, almost anyone can get approved for a secured credit card regardless of their credit score. Also note that, once you use your secured credit card to establish a reasonable amount of credit history, you can cancel or upgrade your card provided your account is in good standing. At that point, your initial security deposit would be refunded to you.
Building credit with a credit card isn’t overly difficult, but you may have a better initial experience if you start the process off slowly. Use your credit card for regular purchases you can afford to pay off each month. When your bill comes due, make sure to pay at least the minimum payment and hopefully your entire credit card balance.
As you make payments each month, those payments will be reported to the three credit bureaus. Over time, you’ll build a history of responsible credit use that can help boost your credit score.
You can have one credit card or several. It’s totally up to you.
When you’re first building credit, however, it makes sense to limit yourself to a single card. This way, you can spend time building responsible credit habits before you add more cards and complicate your finances.
How quickly you’ll raise your credit score depends on a whole host of factors including whether you have any credit history at all, whether you have negative marks on your credit report, and the way you handle credit in the short term.
Your best bet is signing up for a credit card that can aid you in building credit, then using it for regular purchases that you pay in full each month. This will help you build a history of on-time payments while keeping your credit utilization low.
