We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our
goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you
with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original
and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare
information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with
confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to,
American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and
Discover.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.
The advice in this article is offered by the
team independent of any bank or credit card issuer.
This article may contain
from our partners, and terms may apply to offers linked or accessed through this page.
as of posting date, but offers mentioned may have expired.
The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we have a mission to demystify the credit cards industry — regardless or where you are in your journey — and make it one
you can navigate with confidence. Our team is full of a diverse range of experts from credit card pros to data analysts and, most importantly,
people who shop for credit cards just like you. With this combination of expertise and perspectives, we keep close tabs on the credit
card industry year-round to:
Meet you wherever you are in your credit card journey to guide your information search and help you understand your options.
Consistently provide up-to-date, reliable market information so you're well-equipped to make confident decisions.
Reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible, so you can make the right decision for you.
At Bankrate, we focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience.
Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels. At each step of the way,
we fact-check ourselves to prioritize accuracy so we can continue to be here for your every next.
Editorial integrity
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first.
Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right
financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have
editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial
content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and
our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you
make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced
by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked
to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and
dependable information.
How we make money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master
your money for over four decades.
We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to
succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict
editorial policy,
so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and
reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial
decisions. The content created by our editorial
staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and
useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison
service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and
services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore,
this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within
listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity
and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary
website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your
self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear
on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not
include information about every financial or credit product or service.
If you’re looking for the best starter credit card to begin your credit journey, you’ll want to choose a card that helps you build your credit quickly while ideally adding features like rewards and purchase protections. Since you likely won’t have access to some of the top credit cards, you’ll want to focus on what you can successfully apply for.
Regardless of your credit history, you should start by checking your credit score. Once you understand your score, you can narrow your search and determine which card best suits your needs.
2%Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
1%Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Bankrate’s view
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a secured credit card, so your credit limit equals your deposit, which you’ll get back when you close or upgrade the card. Secured cards are some of the easiest to get approved for and can help you build credit over time with responsible use.
It’s also a great starter card to earn rewards, getting 2 percent back on up to $1,000 in combined gas station and restaurant spending each quarter (then 1 percent) and 1 percent back on other purchases. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.
Pros
The straightforward earning rate on this card is reasonable compared to other cards for fair credit.
The card balances earning rewards and building credit to help you learn the ropes of responsible credit use.
Cons
You must spend at least $2,600 annually to earn enough cash back to offset the annual fee.
There’s no welcome offer or intro APR to provide extra initial value.
Card Details
No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO® Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
5%Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
1.5%Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Bankrate’s view
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a sound starter card if you have a limited or less-than-ideal credit history. You can earn solid flat-rate rewards while building credit since the card reports your activity to all three credit bureaus. While the card has a annual fee, it offers surprisingly good benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, automatic account reviews, travel assistance services and free credit monitoring. (See Rates & Fees)
Pros
The straightforward earning rate on this card is reasonable compared to other cards for fair credit.
The card balances earning rewards and building credit to help you learn the ropes of responsible credit use.
Cons
You must spend at least $2,600 annually to earn enough cash back to offset the annual fee.
There’s no welcome offer or intro APR to provide extra initial value.
Card Details
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is an unsecured card that helps you build credit with responsible use, and it’s fairly easy to qualify for. Since you won’t earn rewards, your goal should be to learn positive credit habits, like maintaining your credit utilization ratio and making on-time payments. You’ll have access to free credit monitoring, and you can be considered automatically for a credit limit increase in as quickly as six months, which is one of the fastest review timeframes available.
Pros
You won’t need to put down a security deposit with this card.
Credit limit increases with the card can help you maintain your credit utilization ratio.
Cons
Other credit-building cards offer rewards on purchases.
The card has a potentially high APR, which makes carrying a balance very expensive.
Card Details
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
Up to 10%Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
Bankrate’s view
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a secured credit card that doesn’t require a credit check to apply, making it a good starter card option for someone with no credit or a recent bankruptcy. While it does have a $35 annual fee, the card reports your payments to the three credit bureaus, which can help you build credit regardless of your credit situation.
Pros
You can access this card without a credit history.
Its security deposit limit is up to $3,000, which can help with maintaining credit utilization ratios.
Cons
You can only earn rewards through card-linked merchant offers.
This card charges an annual fee, which might be difficult to manage if you have a low starting credit limit.
Card Details
Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 OpenSky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
Start with just $200—secure your credit line with a refundable deposit
Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used OpenSky® to build better credit!
1.5%With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
Bankrate’s view
The Chase Freedom Rise® is an ideal starter card for students, providing many benefits from the full-fledged Chase Freedom Unlimited® card. The main drawback is that you can only apply in person at a Chase branch. Chase also recommends having a checking or savings account with at least $250 to improve your approval odds. You’ll also earn a statement credit for setting up automatic payments, which can help you graduate to the Freedom Unlimited card after 12 months.
Pros
You’ll get many features of the Freedom Unlimited, one of the top no-annual-fee rewards cards.
You’ll get Chase’s excellent travel protection with this card.
Cons
You can only apply for this card in a Chase branch.
It has a high APR that can make carrying a balance expensive for students.
Card Details
Increase your approval chances - Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
Earn Cash Back - With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
Credit Limit Increase - As a Freedom Rise cardmember, you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
Free Credit Score - Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
No Annual Fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® card.
Your ideal starter credit card should match your spending habits and financial goals. Here are some steps to consider as you begin your search.
Check your credit score
Before you apply for a starter credit card, it’s helpful to know where you stand regarding your credit by checking your credit score online. If your credit score is below the fair range, you may need to apply for a secured credit card. You may also find your credit score is better than you thought, but you’ll never know unless you check.
Consider credit-building features
If your credit isn’t as good as you’d like, you may need to focus on starter cards that can help you build your credit. However, credit-building cards aren’t likely to offer many rewards, if any. Examine your credit to find the right balance between rewards and credit building, using our advice for building credit as a guide.
Consider earning rewards
If you’re interested in starter credit cards that offer rewards and have the credit to qualify, compare rewards programs and the redemption options available. Some starter credit cards with rewards only let you redeem for a statement credit, but many of the best rewards credit cards also let you redeem points for gift cards, travel and more.
Compare benefits
Many starter cards also offer perks like travel insurance, purchase protection or credit-building tools that can be useful in different ways, depending on your circumstances. If you’re focusing on credit building, the ability to monitor your progress can be a valuable teaching tool. If you’re planning upcoming travel, travel insurance and protections can save you significant money when issues arise.
Examine the rates and fees
As you compare starter credit cards, you should closely examine the rates and fees associated with maintaining your account. If the card charges an annual fee, see if there are any added features to justify that cost. If you need to carry a balance, pay close attention to the APR to determine how much interest you’ll face. If you can budget to pay your monthly balance in full or at least keep a lower balance and stay under your credit limit, you’ll avoid costly interest charges, late fees and over-the-limit fees.
Once you’ve got your starter credit card, you can start building up credit by using it responsibly. Here are some pointers on how to get the most out of your starter credit card.
Pay your bill on time. Whether you pay in full or not, be sure to make your payments by the due date. If you miss a payment, not only will you be charged late fees, but those late payments can negatively affect your credit score.
Maintain good credit utilization. If possible, you don’t want to use more than 30 percent of your available credit. The lower your balance is compared to your credit limit, the better your credit utilization ratio will be.
Check for mistakes and monitor your progress. Check your statement for any mistakes. If your card gives you access to credit monitoring features, check your score regularly. You’re also entitled by law to receive a free copy of your credit report each year from the three credit bureaus, which you can get from AnnualCreditReport.com. Be sure to address any errors promptly to avoid long-term issues.
Don’t apply for too many cards. Applying for credit impacts your credit score. Credit card issuers usually do a “hard pull” of your credit, also known as a hard inquiry, which remains on your report for up to two years. While the impact is minimal if you use your card responsibly, applying for too many credit cards can drop your score significantly.
Know when it’s time to move on. Starter cards should not be a long-term solution. Ideally, once you’ve built your credit to a better place, you’ll want to switch your card to a better version (if available) or open a new card that provides more benefits. If you have a secured card, see if unsecured options are available. Either way, don’t hesitate to move forward once your starter card has outlived its usefulness.
Figuring out the best starter credit card depends on your credit history, spending needs and future financial goals. Once you have a good sense of where you are and where you are trying to go, you can use Bankrate’s CardMatch tool for more personalized recommendations. Once you find the right credit card, you’ll be on your way to better credit by using your new card responsibly.
Frequently asked questions
You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card. If you are younger than 21, you’ll need proof of income or a co-signer (like a parent), according to the Credit CARD Act of 2009.
Yes, you can build credit without a credit card. Your parents can help from a young age by adding you as an authorized user to their card. If you have any existing loans, such as student or auto loans, paying those down will also help. You might also consider taking out a credit-builder loan to establish your credit.
Whether you’re buying or renting a car or home, taking out loans for education, or even finding employment, having a good credit score is how lenders determine whether you can be trusted to pay back your debts. The better your score, the more favorable terms you’re likely to get.
Quick citation guide
Select a citation to automatically copy to clipboard.
APA:
Flanigan, R. (2025, June 02). Best starter credit cards. Bankrate. Retrieved June 08, 2025, from https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/building-credit/best-starter-credit-cards/
We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our
goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you
with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original
and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare
information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with
confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to,
American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and
Discover.
The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we have a mission to demystify the credit cards industry — regardless or where you are in your journey — and make it one
you can navigate with confidence. Our team is full of a diverse range of experts from credit card pros to data analysts and, most importantly,
people who shop for credit cards just like you. With this combination of expertise and perspectives, we keep close tabs on the credit
card industry year-round to:
Meet you wherever you are in your credit card journey to guide your information search and help you understand your options.
Consistently provide up-to-date, reliable market information so you're well-equipped to make confident decisions.
Reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible, so you can make the right decision for you.
At Bankrate, we focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience.
Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels. At each step of the way,
we fact-check ourselves to prioritize accuracy so we can continue to be here for your every next.
Editorial integrity
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first.
Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right
financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have
editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial
content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and
our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you
make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced
by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked
to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and
dependable information.
How we make money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master
your money for over four decades.
We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to
succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict
editorial policy,
so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and
reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial
decisions. The content created by our editorial
staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and
useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison
service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and
services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore,
this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within
listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity
and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary
website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your
self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear
on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not
include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Quick citation guide
Select a citation to automatically copy to clipboard.
APA:
Flanigan, R. (2025, June 02). Best starter credit cards. Bankrate. Retrieved June 08, 2025, from https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/building-credit/best-starter-credit-cards/
