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To serve you the best first credit cards, Finder’s credit card experts spent hundreds of hours comparing more than 400 options. To make the choice even easier, we selected the top five cards that stood out with features such as no credit check, alternative credit card approval criteria, low fees and rewards.
Why trust us? Unlike our competitors, Finder’s credit card experts compare and write about all credit cards, including those from providers that aren’t our partners. Our completely unbiased evaluations are meant to help you get the best credit card for your financial situation.
★★★★★
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 14.99% to 23.74% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | 14.99% to 23.74% variable |
| Welcome offer |
$200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months, plus 5% cash back at grocery stores (not including Target® or Walmart®) on up to $12,000 in the first yeares) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year
|
| Estimated welcome offer value | $800 based on Finder's valuation |
| Rewards | 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 5% on Lyft, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases |
★★★★★
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 12.99% to 26.99% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | N/A |
| Estimated welcome offer value | |
| Rewards | 1% cashback, 1.25% after six on-time payments and 1.5% after 12 on-time payments, plus 2% - 10% back from select merchants |
★★★★★
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 15.49% to 24.99% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | N/A |
| Estimated welcome offer value | |
| Rewards | Up to 6% cash back by referring friends. Start with 1% and get an extra 1% for a full year for every friend you bring on board |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 12 statement closing dates (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for the first 12 billing cycles (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable) |
| Welcome offer | $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days |
| Estimated welcome offer value | |
| Rewards | 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category, grocery and wholesale club purchases each quarter, then 1% |
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit required | Starting at $300 |
| Purchase APR | 23.99% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | 23.99% variable |
| Recommended minimum credit score | 300 |
It may seem counter-intuitive but first-timers have access to a variety of credit cards to help build credit and even earn rewards. Here are the most common options for starter credit cards:
This type of card is worth considering for anyone who’s not a student and anyone who has no credit history but has a steady income and low or no debt. To determine your eligibility, providers of this type of card will typically check your income and bill payments, among other financial checks.
Secured cards can be a great choice for anyone who has a bad credit score or no credit history. For this type of card, your finances aren’t generally an issue. That’s because you must make a secured deposit of $200 or more, which acts as your credit limit. This is basically a guarantee that you’ll pay off your balance.
This is a great option for students because there’s rarely a credit score requirement to apply for the card, and you can often earn rewards on your purchases. What’s more, student cards often report to all three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — which can help build credit with responsible card use.
There are two options to get access to standard credit cards — you either become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card or you get one by yourself if you were already an authorized user and have built a credit score. This gives you access to some of the best cashback rewards credit cards, travel rewards cards and more. These are often hard to get if you don’t have at least a good credit score of 670 or higher.
With no credit history, your credit card options are limited. But that doesn’t mean you should give up. Keep an eye out for certain perks and benefits, and you’ll get the right card.
The best starter credit cards should report your card activity to all three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. That way you can easily build your credit with responsible use and get a better card down the line.
If your first credit card also comes with rewards, a signup bonus and even a 0% intro APR period, all the better.
When used responsibly, credit cards can become a convenient, practical and valuable part of your adult finances. If you play your cards right, they may even help you get approved for a home loan or other financial products in the future. And once you’ve become comfortable handling your credit card, consider scoping out a top-rated secondary card that perfectly complements your first.
If you haven’t found the best credit card for your needs, compare other credit card options until you do.
Back to topA new crypto card from the unique Upgrade bank.
A kids’ savings account with a generous interest rate that transitions to a lackluster regular savings account when your child turns 18.
It’s easy to qualify for these online store cards.
Navy Federal’s Visa Buxx card has no fees, but you must qualify for membership with the credit union.
Axie Infinity is an RPG game that is currently dominating the NFT sector. Discover what Axies are, what makes them unique and how you can earn money simply by playing.
A good rewards option for those with average credit.
A strong cashback card if you want to build your credit score.
A must-have for parents looking to teach their little ones healthy money habits early on.
Pay for your rent fee-free using this card.
An underwhelming and overshadowed entertainment credit card.
