The best 8 credit cards for beginners: Build credit and earn rewards

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New to the world of credit cards? Choosing a card that aligns with your spending habits, offers valuable rewards, and helps you build a solid credit history is important. 

Here are our picks for the best beginner credit cards. We evaluated each card based on credit score requirements, annual fees, rewards, and additional benefits.

Whether you're looking to earn cash back on everyday purchases, rack up travel miles for your dream vacation, or establish a positive credit history, there’s a card out there. 

Best starter credit cards 

While credit newbies may not be able to access luxury travel benefits or above-average rewards, there are still cards you can qualify for. The best beginner credit cards offer entry into the world of credit and provide an opportunity to boost your score. 

• Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate cash back 
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for tiered cash back 
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for travel rewards
• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best secured card 
• Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for college students 
• Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card: Best for no credit 
• OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for no credit check 
• Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Best for increasing credit limit

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate cash back 

Who this card is for: Individuals with fair credit want to earn flat-rate cash back on their purchases. 

Rewards: 

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases 
• Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 

Annual fee: $39 

With this card, you'll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, regardless of the category. This means you don't have to worry about keeping track of rotating bonus categories or spending limits. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposit, or gift cards. 

One of the standout features of the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card is its low annual fee of just $39. While some cash back cards charge no annual fee, they often require a higher credit score. 

The QuicksilverOne card is more accessible to those with average credit, making it a great option for beginners. Plus, Capital One will review your account for a credit limit increase after six months of on-time payments, providing an opportunity to improve your credit score further. 

Consider pairing this card with another Capital One card to maximize rewards.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for tiered cash back 

Who it’s best for: Those who dine out and spend frequently at drugstores, and want to earn something back from their everyday spending. 

Rewards: 

• 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) 
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel 
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and on drugstore purchases 
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases 

Annual fee: $0 

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the best cash back cards out there, offering a simple way to earn elevated cash back. 

With this card, you'll earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, similar to the Capital One QuicksilverOne. However, you can earn 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases. 

One of the most appealing aspects of the Freedom Unlimited is its $0 annual fee. Plus, if you have a Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred, you can pool rewards to unlock more redemption value through Chase's travel portal.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for travel rewards 

Who this card is for: Those who want to earn flexible travel rewards for a lower annual fee. 

Rewards: 

• 5X points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards 
• 5X total points on Lyft rides (Through March 2025) 
• 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases 
• 2X points on other travel 
• 1X points on other purchases 

Annual fee: $95

If you love to travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a top-notch travel credit card for beginners. This card offers a solid welcome bonus, elevated points on travel purchases, and robust travel protections. You'll also earn bonus points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries. 

One of the key advantages of the Sapphire Preferred is its versatility. You can redeem points through the Chase portal or transfer them to over a dozen travel partners at a 1:1 ratio, unlocking even more value. This flexibility makes the Sapphire Preferred an ideal card for beginners who want to earn travel rewards. 

Though this card does come with a $95 annual fee, the value of the rewards and benefits can outweigh this cost for frequent travelers. The card also offers perks like trip insurance, baggage delay insurance, and primary rental car coverage.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best secured card 

Who this card is for: Individuals who want to build and access more credit. 

Rewards: None 

Annual fee: $0 

A secured credit card can be an excellent starting point for beginners with limited or no credit history. Secured cards require a cash deposit that serves as collateral, reducing the risk for the issuer and making it easier to qualify. The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is one of the best credit builder cards, offering a pathway to building credit with responsible use. 

With the Platinum Secured card, you'll need to make a refundable security deposit of $49, $99, or $200, depending on your creditworthiness. This deposit will determine your initial credit limit. 

While the card doesn't offer rewards, it's designed to help you establish credit by reporting your payments to the credit bureaus. One feature of the Platinum Secured card is the opportunity for a credit limit increase. 

Capital One reviews your account for a higher credit line after just six months of on-time payments and responsible use. This can help you improve your credit utilization ratio and boost your credit score.

Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for college students 

Who this card is for: College students who want to build credit while earning rewards on their spending. 

Rewards: 

• 5% cash back on each quarter’s activated rotating categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases, then 1%) 
• 1% on all other purchases 

Annual fee: $0 

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an excellent card for students looking to earn rewards while establishing credit. With this card, you'll earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter). 

You'll also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. The bonus categories often include everyday expenses like groceries, gas stations, and dining out. This makes it easy for students to maximize rewards. 

Discover also offers a unique welcome bonus for new cardholders. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you've earned, effectively doubling your rewards. This can be a significant bonus for students who use their cards regularly. 

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card also comes with a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for students studying or traveling abroad.

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card: Best for no credit 

Who this card is for: Individuals with no credit history who won't qualify for a traditional credit card.

 Rewards: 

• Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases or up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases when you make 12 on-time payments 
• 2%-10% cash back at select merchants 

Annual fee: $0 

If you're new to credit and haven't yet established a credit history, the Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card is a solid option. Rather than relying on credit scores, Petal uses an underwriting model that accounts for income, savings, and spending to determine approval. This means you may qualify for the card despite no prior credit history. 

The Petal 2 card offers a cash back rewards program that incentivizes responsible credit use. You'll earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases, but this rate can increase up to 1.5% after 12 on-time monthly payments. 

The card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no late payment fees. Petal also provides a mobile app with budgeting tools and credit score tracking to help you stay on top of your finances.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for no credit check 

Who this card is for: Those who want to build credit and access a higher credit limit without a credit check. 

Rewards: None 

Annual fee: $35 

Those who have experienced credit challenges may appreciate the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. Unlike other cards, OpenSky doesn't require a credit check, making it more accessible. 

To start with the OpenSky card, you must make a refundable security deposit of at least $200. This deposit will determine your credit limit. OpenSky reports payment activity to the major credit bureaus, helping you build a positive credit history. 

While the OpenSky card does have an annual fee of $35, it's a small price to pay for the opportunity to build credit when other options may not be available. The card also offers the flexibility to increase your credit limit by making additional deposits.

Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Best for increasing credit limit 

Who it’s best for: Credit builders who want more spending flexibility 

Rewards: None 

Annual fee: $0 

As a beginner, one of your main goals should be establishing a strong credit history and gradually increasing your credit limit. 

The Capital One Platinum card is designed with this in mind, offering the potential for credit limit increases over time. With responsible use and on-time payments, you may qualify for a higher credit line in as little as six months. 

The Platinum card is meant for those with average credit. While the card doesn't offer rewards, its main focus is on helping you improve your credit standing. Capital One offers free credit monitoring, which can help you track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

How to build credit as a beginner 

Building a positive credit history is one of the most important reasons to get a credit card. Your credit score is a crucial factor that lenders, landlords, and even employers consider when deciding your financial reliability. A good credit score can open doors to better loan terms, lower interest rates, and more opportunities in the future. 

When you use a credit card smartly, you show lenders you can manage credit. This means making on-time payments, keeping your credit utilization low, and avoiding maxing out your credit limit. Each month, your card issuer reports your payments to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Over time, this positive payment history contributes to a higher credit score.

One key factor in building credit is maintaining a low credit utilization ratio. This ratio represents the amount of credit you use compared to your total credit limit. Experts recommend keeping your credit utilization below 30%.

Another important habit is to pay your credit card bill on time every month. Late payments can significantly negatively impact your credit score and may result in added fees and interest charges. Consider setting up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date. 

It's also a good idea to monitor your credit report regularly. Many issuers provide free credit score tracking. Reviewing your report can help you identify areas for improvement and catch any potential errors or fraud early on.

Choosing the right credit card for your goals 

When selecting your first credit card, choosing one that aligns with your goals and spending habits is important. Different cards offer various rewards and benefits, so reviewing your options can help you find the best card. 

• Start by assessing your spending and identifying where you spend the most money. For example, if you dine out a lot, a credit card that offers bonus rewards at restaurants could be a good fit. A card with travel rewards might be a smart choice if you're a regular traveler. 
• Are you focused on building credit, or do you want to earn rewards? Some cards offer straightforward cash back, while others provide points or miles that can be redeemed for travel.
• Some cards charge annual fees, which can be worth paying if the rewards outweigh the cost. As a beginner, you may want to start with a no annual fee card to lower your expenses while you get comfortable managing credit. 
• Sign-up bonuses can be enticing, but you must ensure you can meet the requirements to qualify. Don't overspend just to earn a bonus — this can lead to high balances and potential debt. 
• Consider your likelihood of approval when applying for a credit card. You may need to start with a secured credit card or a card designed for those with limited credit history. Over time, as you build your credit, you'll likely become eligible for better card offers.

Managing your first credit card 

Once you've received your first credit card, it's a good idea to use it responsibly. Here are some best practices to keep in mind: 

1. Create a budget and track your expenses. Before using your card, establish a budget to ensure you're not spending more than you can afford to pay back. Regularly track your purchases and compare them against your budget to stay on track. 
2. Pay your bill on time and in full. Consistently making on-time payments is crucial for building credit. Aim to pay your credit card balance monthly to avoid interest charges. If you can't pay in full, always make at least the minimum payment by the due date. 
3. Keep your credit utilization low. Aim to keep your credit card balance well below your credit limit. High credit utilization can negatively impact your credit score, so keep your balance below 30% of your available credit. 
4. Avoid maxing out your credit card. Maxing out your credit card can hurt your credit score and may signal to lenders that you're overextended. If you're consistently hitting your credit limit, consider requesting a credit limit increase or making more frequent payments throughout the month. 
5. Monitor your credit score and report. Regularly check your credit score and review your credit report for errors or suspicious activity. 
6. Use your credit card for everyday purchases. To build credit, using your credit card regularly is important, but only for purchases you can afford to pay back. Stick to your budget and avoid using your credit card for impulse buys or expensive items you can't pay off quickly. 
7. Know when to consider upgrading or changing cards. As your credit improves and your financial needs change, you may consider upgrading to a credit card with better rewards or features. But be cautious about applying for too many cards at once, as this can lead to multiple hard inquiries on your credit report and potentially lower your credit score. 

Frequently asked questions about beginner cards 

What credit score do I need to get approved for a credit card?

The credit score you need to get approved depends on the card issuer and the specific card you're applying for. Generally, a good credit score (670 or higher) will give you the best chances of approval for most cards. Some credit cards are designed for those with fair (580-669) or limited credit history. Secured credit cards are also an option for those with poor credit or no credit history, as they require a cash deposit that serves as collateral.

How do I apply for a credit card?

To apply for a credit card, you must provide personal information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, and income. You can usually apply online through the credit card issuer's website. The issuer will review your application to determine your eligibility.

What should I do if my credit card application is denied?

If your credit card application is denied, don't be discouraged. The issuer will send you a letter explaining the reason for the denial. Some common reasons for denial include insufficient income, limited credit history, or a low credit score. 

To improve your chances of approval, focus on building your credit by making on-time payments on your existing credit accounts, keeping your credit utilization low, and disputing any errors on your credit report.

How can I avoid paying interest on my credit card?

To avoid paying interest on your credit card, pay your balance in full each month by the due date. Credit card issuers often offer a grace period between the end of your billing cycle and the payment due date. During this period, you can pay your balance without incurring interest charges. 

But, if you carry a balance from one month to the next, you'll be charged interest on your outstanding balance. If you cannot pay in full, aim to pay as much as possible to minimize interest charges.

Can I have more than one credit card as a beginner?

As a beginner, starting with one credit card to build credit responsibly is generally recommended. However, as you become more comfortable managing credit and your credit score improves, you may consider adding a second card to maximize rewards or take advantage of different benefits. 

Just be sure to manage all your credit cards responsibly and avoid applying for too many cards quickly, as this can negatively impact your credit score. 

The bottom line 

By understanding your financial goals and spending habits, you can find a card that fits your needs. Whether you're looking to earn cash back, travel rewards, or establish a positive credit history, a card on this list can help you achieve your goals. 

Remember, the key to success with credit cards is to use them responsibly. Always make timely payments, keep your balances low, and avoid overspending. By developing good credit habits, you'll be well on your way to building a strong financial foundation and unlocking even greater opportunities in the future. 

Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.