Best first credit cards to build credit of July 2024
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BLUEPRINT
Updated 5:09 a.m. UTC July 1, 2024
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When you are trying to build your credit, it can feel like a “chicken and the egg” scenario, where you can’t build credit until you’re approved for a credit card, but you can’t be approved for many credit cards until you’ve built your credit.
The top credit cards in this category are designed for new credit card users who don’t have much of a credit history, charge no annual fee and offer cash-back rewards for spending. Our credit cards team studied and curated a list of the very best first credit cards to build credit in 2024.
Editor’s note: This article contains updated information from a previously published story.
Best first credit cards to build credit
- Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best first credit card.
- Discover it® Student Chrome: Best first credit card for students for gas and restaurant spending.
- Chase Freedom Rise℠ *: Best first credit card with a path to increased approval odds.
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card *: Best first secured credit card.
- Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card *: Best first credit card for building credit with no extra fees.
- Deserve Digital First Card™ *: Best first credit card for instant access to credit.
Why trust our credit card experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 35+ cards analyzed.
- 6 data points considered.
- 5-step fact-checking process.
Best first credit card
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best first credit card for students for gas and restaurant spending
Discover it® Student Chrome
Best first credit card with a path to increased approval odds
Chase Freedom Rise℠
*The information for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best first secured credit card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best first credit card for building credit with no extra fees
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
*The information for the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best first credit card for instant access to credit
Deserve Digital First Card™
*The information for the Deserve Digital First Card™ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Compare the best first credit cards to build credit
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of account opening.
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Why this card made the list
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is our top choice for the best first credit card for several reasons: There’s no annual fee, no credit history required and you earn rewards on your spending, all uncommon attributes on a card designed for those new to credit. When you graduate from school, Discover will automatically convert your student card to a standard account.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum once activated and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Why this card made the list
The Discover it® Student Chrome offers a range of features designed specifically for students, making it a solid choice for those who are new to using credit. There’s no credit score required to apply, and the rewards program is tailor-made for students who commute and/or frequently dine out.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
The information for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
The Chase Freedom Rise℠ * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is specifically aimed at people who have never had a credit card before. In fact, the issuer allows you to increase your chances of approval for the card by opening a Chase checking account with a deposit of at least $250 before applying.
Once you get the card, you can earn a statement credit by signing up for autopay, and Chase will evaluate your credit card account in as little as six months for a potential credit limit increase. You also get benefits that many beginner credit cards don’t provide, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty.
The Freedom Rise also offers competitive flat-rate rewards on every purchase.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Welcome bonus: $25 statement credit after enrolling in autopay in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a great way to build credit even if you’ve had missteps in the past, and the issuer provides a preapproval tool to see if you may be eligible for the card without any impact to your credit. Other positive attributes include earning flat-rate rewards on your spending, automatic credit line reviews and a path to potentially get your deposit back. The minimum opening deposit starts at $200, but you can take up to 35 days to contribute funds toward that amount.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on purchases and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Welcome bonus: None.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
The information for the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (issued by WebBank) is a starter credit card that allows you to build your credit history with consistent cash-back rewards, no security deposit and no fees whatsoever. Petal may also consider your money habits to determine eligibility, making it easier for people with limited credit history to get approved. You can also check if you’re preapproved without hurting your credit score.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 1% cash back right away and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Plus, earn 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants.
- Welcome bonus: None.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
The information for the Deserve Digital First Card™ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
If you aren’t sure if you can get approved for a credit card, the Deserve Digital First Card™ * The information for the Deserve Digital First Card™ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers an answer in five minutes or less, and your credit score won’t get dinged if you’re denied. If you are approved, you can add your digital card account to your Apple Pay mobile wallet and start using it right away (it’s not currently compatible with other systems). The card earns cash-back rewards, too.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: Earn up to 1.5% cash back.
- Welcome bonus: None.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. Factors we considered when we developed our rankings included:
- Annual fees.
- Any other fees, like account opening fees, monthly maintenance fees or credit limit request fees.
- If the card earned any rewards and/or a welcome bonus
- If the card requires a security deposit.
- If the card requires a credit score to apply.
Choosing the best first credit card to build credit
When used responsibly, credit cards are a great way to build credit while enjoying a secure and convenient method of payment. These credit cards are ideal for users who have scant or no credit history, and are looking for an additional way to build up their credit profile.
“As consumers set out on their credit journeys, it is important to make sure to monitor your actual FICO Scores, this is the score that is used by 90% of top U.S. lenders. No matter where you are on your credit journey, it is important to check your FICO Scores regularly. Research has shown that consumers who frequently check their FICO Scores are more likely to have a higher score. The good news is, your FICO Scores are dynamic because it changes with your credit behavior, so the FICO Score you have today doesn’t have to be the score you hold on to in the future,” says Tom Quinn, vice president of FICO Scores.
New-to-credit consumers, or those early in their credit journeys, generally perform as well or better than borrowers with established credit and similar risk scores, according to a Jan. 2023 TransUnion global study, “Empowering Credit Inclusion: A Deeper Perspective on New-to-Credit Consumers.”
Some credit cards for those new to credit do offer rewards for spending, which can be a valuable feature — but rewards shouldn’t be your main focus when starting out. Some cards also provide useful benefits, such as the travel and purchase coverage on the Chase Freedom Rise℠ * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. .
But most importantly, these cards exist to help you build your credit by reporting your activity to the three major consumer credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Cardholders should use these products sparingly, and always try to avoid interest by paying their monthly statement balances in full. Pay your bills on time and avoid maxing out your limit, and this will help you build a strong credit history and, in time, enjoy a high credit score.
Our first-hand experience
“If I did it again, I would be more intentional about picking my first credit card. Since your length of credit history makes up 15% of your credit score, ideally you’ll keep your first card permanently and once you’ve built some credit, you can usually upgrade your card to one with more benefits from the same bank while keeping your credit history intact. So my hot tip is, when thinking about what to choose for your first card, also consider the card you eventually want to convert it to when your credit is better.”
Megan Horner, USA TODAY Blueprint editorial director
Guide to opening your first credit card
Getting your first credit cards to build credit can be a valuable way to add to your credit history and build towards a good credit score. Here’s some things to consider when opening your first credit card.
When should you get a credit card?
To open a new credit card account, you must be 18 years of age or older. However, the best time for a person to get their first credit card is when they are able to manage it responsibly. Some adults choose to teach their children to use a credit card responsibly before they are 18 years old by making them authorized users on the parent’s account.
But once children reach the age of 18, and legally become adults, then they may opt to open a credit card in their own name. Doing so offers a secure and convenient method of payment, and helps them to learn personal finance skills. However, young adults ages 18, 19 and 20 are required to show the ability to make payments before they can open a new account.
How to apply for a credit card
Applying for a credit card is, in most cases, pretty easy. After you identify the card that you would like to apply for, many consumers will fill out the application online. Others chose to do so at a bank branch — and credit card applications may occasionally be submitted in the mail.
The form will start off with basic personal information, such as the applicant’s legal name, birth date, address and Social Security number. If you already have an account with the credit card issuer, then you may be able to supply this information by logging in first. The application will also ask for financial details such as employment status and income. It’s also likely that you’ll be asked if you own or rent your home and how much your monthly housing payment is.
If you submit the application online, you will be notified of the status of the card issuer’s decision within a few seconds. You may either be approved or rejected for the card immediately, or you may be told that a decision is pending and that you’ll receive a letter in the mail—typically in seven to 10 days. If that happens, you may still be approved, or you may be denied. If your application is denied, the law states that credit card issuers must provide a reason.
Although applying online is quicker, there may be some advantages to applying for your first credit card in person.
“We’re encouraging potential cardmembers to apply for the [Freedom Rise] in-branch where they can meet with a Chase Banker who can support them with educational tools and information to kick start them on a strong path to financial health and habits,” says Brent Reinhard, general manager of Chase Freedom.
How to get a credit card with little or no credit
Step 1: Choosing the right card
When you are new to credit cards, the most important factor in getting approved for a new account will be choosing the right card. Thankfully, there are some cards that are designed for those with little or no credit. These cards will offer fewer rewards and benefits compared to products intended for those with an established credit history. So long as you choose a card that’s designed for applicants with your credit profile, you’ll have the best chance of being approved.
Step 2: Filling out the application
Make sure that you fill out the application accurately. If you make a mistake with an important biographical detail, such as your birth date or Social Security number, then your application could be denied. You’ll also want to include all the sources of income that you’re eligible to list. By law, you’re able to include the income of your spouse or domestic partner, so long as you have a reasonable expectation of access to the income, for the purpose of repaying a loan. This means if you aren’t currently employed, you can still include the income of your spouse or domestic partner. You can also include other sources of income such as child support, alimony, Social Security and investment income.
Step 3: If you are denied
You shouldn’t take a denial as final. You can always contact the card issuer and see if there’s anything that you can do to have your application reconsidered. Sometimes it’s as simple as correcting a mistake in the application. Other times, you might be offered a different product, like a secured card. This type of card works just like other credit cards, except that they require the payment of a refundable security deposit before an account can be opened. If you have a poor credit score, you may have to consider other options for building up your credit before you can get approved for a card. A credit-builder card, for example, might be one such option.
Tips for building credit for beginners
Once you’ve successfully opened a credit card account, your top priority should be making your payments on time, and avoiding debt. To start off with, use your credit card just for small charges that you can easily pay off. The easiest way to ensure that you make your payments on time is to set up autopay. Thankfully, nearly all credit card issuers offer this option.
The other important thing for beginning credit card users to do is to closely monitor their accounts. Install the mobile app offered by your card issuer, and carefully review your monthly statements. Look for unauthorized charges or charges made in error. But most crucially, be careful not to let your spending get out of control. You should only make purchases on your card that you’ve budgeted for and could still afford to make if you were using cash.
Best types of credit cards to build credit
When you are new to credit, your goal should be to add to your positive credit history and to increase your credit score. There are several types of credit cards that can help you achieve this goal.
First, there are standard, unsecured credit cards that are designed specifically for those who are new to credit. These cards have limited features and benefits, but they don’t require a security deposit. Examples of cards in this category include:
- Chase Freedom Rise℠ * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
- Deserve Digital First Card™ * The information for the Deserve Digital First Card™ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Then there are secured credit cards that require the payment of a refundable security deposit before you can open your account. These cards make the most sense for those who may not qualify for unsecured cards due to past credit problems. The secured card on our list is:
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Finally, there are student credit cards that are designed for applicants who are enrolled full time in a college or university. These cards can be easier to qualify for if you have a limited credit history, and can provide some of the features and benefits you would expect in a card for those with more established credit. Student cards on our list include:
- Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Discover it® Student Chrome
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
You should never have more credit cards than you can manage responsibly. Managing your cards responsibly means always making your payments on-time and avoiding debt.
If you can comfortably manage multiple credit cards responsibly, having two or three can help maximize rewards, by using cards that earn elevated rates on different types of spending. But this is a strategy for down the road — a good rule of thumb is to hold your first card for six months to a year, showing good spending and payment behavior, before opening another.
Yes, in most cases. When you make someone an additional authorized credit card user, the account will typically appear on their credit report. If the primary account holder manages the card responsibly, then this positive credit information will also appear on the credit reports of the additional authorized cardholders. However, there are some exceptions, such as if an issuer doesn’t report activity for authorized users under the age of 18.
If you’re considering asking a parent or other relative to add you as an authorized user on one of their credit cards, first make sure they have good spending and payment habits, or your credit could suffer. Also make sure you discuss with them whether you should use the card at all and how you should repay them for any purchases you might make.
Those new to credit should focus on finding a simple credit card with few fees—for example, a card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees is likely to be a solid choice.
Beginners should also focus on applying for cards that are designed to build credit, as they likely won’t be approved for more premium products intended for those with an established credit history. Finally, if you can avoid interest by regularly paying your monthly statement balances in full, you may wish to consider using a credit card that offers cash-back rewards.
The chances that you’ll be approved for a credit card without demonstrating the ability to pay back a loan are basically zero. However, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 requires card issuers to consider an applicant’s total household income, so long as the applicant has a reasonable expectation of access to the income for the purpose of repaying the loan.
For example, non-working people can include their spouse or domestic partner’s income on a credit card application. You can also include any alimony, child support, Social Security payments or investment income. And college students who receive a regular allowance from their parents may be able to include that as income.
Yes. New citizens and permanent residents can apply for a credit card and build their credit, just like anyone else in the United States, as long as they have a Social Security number. Some issuers will also allow applications with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
*The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, Chase Freedom Rise℠, Deserve Digital First Card™ and Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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