This $0 Discover it® Secured Credit Card — offering 1-2% cash back on every purchase — is the best beginner credit card. It’s a secured credit card widely available to consumers with fair, poor or limited credit.
Because we’re dependent upon credit for so many of life’s major events — including buying a car, purchasing a home and even (at times) getting a job — it’s crucial to establish good credit history at an early age. Signing up for a credit card, and using it responsibly, is a great way for those who are new to credit to build their credit profile.
The best first credit card for you will depend on your credit score and the extent of your credit history, though there are plenty of starter credit cards available to people with poor or limited credit. In any case, there are some key features to look for in good starter credit cards. You’ll want to find a card with a low or no annual fee, a low interest rate, monthly reporting to credit bureaus to help build credit, and, if possible, a card that earns cash back.
Avoid cards with high fees, penalties, and interest rates. For college students with limited credit history, a student credit card can be an excellent choice. A secured credit card best fits those with poor credit seeking to rebuild their score.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an all-around excellent choice for beginners, allowing you to build credit and earn cash back with a $0 annual fee card. As a secured card, you’ll have to provide a refundable security deposit of at least $200 that will determine your credit line. The ability to 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically — is rare among secured credit cards.
Who’s this card best for?
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is intended for those with limited / poor credit. After you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded. Note, Discover will evaluate your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover as well as other issuers or lenders. You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.The Discover it® Miles card offers simple flat-rate rewards on every purchase making it a great beginner travel card for earning miles. Cardholders get 1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases.
This card also offers an unlimited match of the miles you have earned in your first year, a long into APR and no foreign transaction fee. It does require good / excellent credit, so it isn’t an option if your score is in the poor to fair range. However, it is one of the best credit cards for beginners to travel credit cards with higher credit scores.
Who’s this card best for?
If you have good / excellent credit and are looking for your first travel card, the Discover it® Miles card is a solid choice. While the card does not offer many travel benefits, there is a simple rewards structure that allows you to redeem for travel purchases or cash back. There is also a $0 annual fee, which is hard to find with a travel credit card.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.It’s hard to find a more rewarding student credit card than the Discover it® Student Cash Back. You can earn an exceptional rate of cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating quarterly categories, all for a $0 annual fee. Not to mention that the card matches all the cash back you earn in the first year for new cardholders.
Who’s this card best for?
The Discover it® Student Cash Back can help students build a solid credit history and credit score while also earning rewards in popular spending categories.
If you need to finance a large purchase, like a laptop or school books, you can do so interest free for half a year with the Discover it® Student Cash Back. The card offers a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then an ongoing 17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR. Plus, receive a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR will apply.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is designed for students with limited / fair credit. Just know, to apply for this card, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. address, have a Social Security number and show proof of education.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.There are few better options with those looking to build a credit history while earning rewards. Not to mention the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is completely fee free. There is no annual fee, no late fees, no returned payment fees, and not even foreign transaction fees. This makes the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card a winner among the best credit cards for beginners with no credit.
Who’s this card best for?
The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is designed for people with limited credit looking to build their credit history and increase their score through responsible use. The card reports to the three major credit bureaus, which will help you build your credit profile and score through responsible use.
The complete lack of fees is a key feature. The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card has no fees of any kind, not even a late payment fee. You’ll also earn 1- to 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases, and even more at select merchants — up to 10%.
If you don’t have a credit history or score, don’t worry. The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card takes other factors into consideration. At time of application, you’ll be able link your bank account for an evaluation of your cash flow, which can be used to determine whether you’re eligible for a Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, and what your credit limit will be.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
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The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is designed for people who have poor credit and may not even qualify for a secured card, since it doesn’t require a credit check to be approved. It charges a reasonable annual fee and APR, and you can increase your credit score through responsibly using the card.
Who’s this card best for?
Because the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check when you apply, it may be your best option if your credit is too bad to get approval for a traditional card, or even a secured card, that requires a review of your credit history. And while this card doesn’t require that you have a bank account for approval (which some secured cards require), you will have to provide some financial information, including your annual income, monthly housing payment and housing payment type.
Tthe OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card also offers the option to transition to an unsecured card after demonstrating responsible card usage.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is the rare business credit card that doesn’t require good to excellent credit. It’s the easiest Capital One business card to qualify for, and it still has a $0 annual fee and earns cash back. It’s a great fit for a business owner with Fair credit looking to build their credit history and raise their score.
Who’s this card best for?
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is best for business owners with fair credit, since most business credit cards require applicants to have good or excellent credit. It’s a good choice if you’re building credit — and earns cash back at a 1% flat rate and charges a $0 annual fee.
The card also earns earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel..
Be wary of carrying a balance on the Capital One Spark Classic for Business. You’ll be paying a high variable APR of 29.99% (Variable)
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
If you’re looking to build credit but don’t have the funds for a large deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is the card for you. It requires a minimal refundable security deposit of $200 or less. The lack of an annual fee and guaranteed reporting to the three major credit bureaus will help you build credit and work toward an unsecured card.
Who’s this card best for?
If you’re interested in using a secured card to help boost your credit, but don’t want to put down a large deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a great option.
That said, you’ll have to apply and be approved before your minimum deposit is determined, and you’re not guaranteed to get one of the lower deposit amounts.
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card doesn’t offer a rewards program; however, after six months of demonstrating responsible card usage, Capital One will review your eligibility for a credit limit increase.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.For those who have established good credit already, the Discover it® Cash Back is a solid choice. Its $0 annual fee, quarterly rotating categories, and simple rewards structure make it ideal for credit card beginners. It also offers an Unlimited Cashback Match offered the first year, where Discover will double all cash back earned for new cardholders.
Who’s this card best for?
The Discover it® Cash Back is great for credit card beginners who have already established a good credit profile. It’s also a perfect option if you’re looking for a card with a 0% introductory APR offer.
The rotating quarterly categories offer one of the highest rewards rates you can find. Keep in mind that you need to activate the 5% bonus each quarter. The card earns 1% cash back on everything else, which isn’t nearly as enticing.
The Discover it® Cash Back is also a great choice for people looking to finance a major purchase, since it includes a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Afterwards, a 18.74% - 27.74% Variable APR applies.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Discover it® Secured Credit Card*
|
Winner
|
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | N/A | 27.74% Variable APR | |
|
Discover it® Miles*
|
Travel
|
Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. | 0% Intro APR for 15 months | 18.74% - 27.74% Variable APR | |
|
Discover it® Student Cash Back*
|
Students
|
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. | 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases | 17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR | |
|
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
|
No credit
|
N/A | N/A | 27.99% - 31.49% | |
|
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
No credit check
|
N/A | N/A | 25.14% (variable) |
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
|
Capital One Spark Classic for Business*
|
Business
|
N/A | N/A | 29.99% (Variable) | |
|
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Low deposit
|
N/A | N/A | 29.99% (Variable) |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Discover it® Cash Back*
|
Good credit
|
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! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. | 0% Intro APR for 15 months | 18.74% - 27.74% Variable APR |
To select the best card for each of these categories, our credit card experts compared cards designed for individuals with poor, limited and average credit on LendingTree.com and issuer sites.
We chose our top picks based on a variety of factors, including each card’s annual fee, interest rate, rewards program and more.
Other factors that came into play when making our selections were the benefits offered by the card and the opportunity to increase your credit line with responsible card usage.
Choosing a starter credit card can seem daunting, but by answering a few key questions, you can help narrow down your search. For example:
If you’re not ready to open your own credit card, you can ask a family member to add you as an authorized user and begin building credit that way. Once you’ve established a fair or good credit score and are comfortable using plastic to pay for purchases, you can open your own card down the road. If you’re not yet 18 and can’t have your own account, it could still be a great idea to be added as an authorized user on a parent’s card. This will help build your credit before you enter college and adulthood.
The best credit card for beginners depends on each person’s unique situation and needs. Card eligibility can depend on whether you have limited credit history, if you have bad credit through loan default or bankruptcy, or if you’re a college student or business owner. Here are the primary types of beginner credit cards:
Student credit cards
These cards are geared toward college students with limited credit history. Most offer a lower credit limit than traditional cards. But they are a great way to build credit history.
Secured credit cards
These cards are designed for those with poor or limited credit who need to build or rebuild their credit history. Secured cards require a refundable security deposit of at least $200. As you demonstrate responsible credit card usage, most will allow you to graduate to an unsecured card, and your deposit will be refunded.
Simple rewards cards
Most cards offering cash back rewards require at least good credit. If you have built up a decent credit history and have a good credit score, consider a simple cash back card such as the Discover it® Cash Back.
Business credit cards
These cards are designed for business owners who want to have a separate credit card strictly for business purchases. It’s rare to find a business card for people with fair credit, but the Capital One Spark Classic for Business is one option available.
| Beginner credit card | Annual fee | Recommended credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | $0 | Good / Excellent |
| Bank of America | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students | $0 | Good / Excellent |
| Capital One | Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0* | Limited / Fair |
| Discover | Discover it® Student Cash Back | $0 | Limited / Fair |
| Citi | Citi® Secured Mastercard® | $0 | Limited |
| Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | $0 | Good / Excellent |
| U.S. Bank | U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card | $0 | Limited / Poor |
| Chase | Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card | $0 | Info not available |
Getting your first credit card may seem intimidating, but it isn’t difficult. Here’s how to set yourself up for success when applying for your first credit card:
You can check your credit score in a variety of ways without generating a hard inquiry, which won’t negatively affect it. For example, you can request a free copy of your FICO Score every 30 days through Experian, or you can view your credit credit score with LendingTree Spring.
In addition, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the three major credit bureaus to provide individuals with one free credit report each year through AnnualCreditReport.com, as well as any time that a company takes adverse action against you, such as rejecting you for a credit card or loan.
FICO considers a score of 670 to 739 to be a good credit score. According to Discover, the “good credit” category generally includes dependable borrowers who may have been slightly late on a payment in the past or who may not have a long credit history.
Capital One, on the other hand, states that a good credit candidate has not declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan in the past five years. In addition, the individual has a credit card or loan and has not been more than 30 days late on any payments in the last year.
A secured card requires you to submit a security deposit, which typically serves as your line of credit; this will protect the issuer in the event you don’t pay off what you charge to the card. The deposit is generally refundable if you pay off your card balance in full and close the account, or if the issuer transitions you to an unsecured card.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
The information related to the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, Discover it® Miles, Discover it® Student Cash Back, Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, Capital One Spark Classic for Business, Discover it® Cash Back, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students, Citi® Secured Mastercard®, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card and Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
