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Key takeaways
- The best starter credit cards can help you build a positive credit history over time with responsible use.
- Consider cards that don’t charge fees and offer perks and benefits, like cash back.
- Paying your credit card bill on time each month helps boost your credit score while practicing responsible financial behavior.
- Chime CardTM has no annual fees, no interest,¹ and perks like cash back² and rent reporting.³
Account details in this blog are for informational purposes only and are accurate as of Dec. 8, 2025. Check the latest account details and agreements before signing up for any financial product.
Third-party brands and companies are mentioned for informational purposes only. Chime does not sponsor, endorse, or partner with any of these brands or companies, and they do not sponsor or endorse Chime.
To determine the best starter credit cards, Chime’s finance writers considered various criteria, including annual fees, APR, card benefits, and the amount of credit history required to apply. We then applied our knowledge of the credit card industry to find appropriate credit cards for these ranking factors.
Getting your first credit card is a big financial step. A starter credit card can help you build your credit history, show your ability to make on-time payments, and qualify for better financial products in the future. But with so many options available, choosing the right card can feel overwhelming.
Learn about some of the best starter credit cards that offer low fees, easy approval, and features that help beginners build credit responsibly.
What is a starter credit card?
To get approved for a traditional credit card, you typically need to have an existing credit history. That can make getting your first credit card harder – but not impossible.
A starter credit card is specifically designed for people with no credit history or poor credit. This type of card is a tool that helps you build or boost your credit so you can improve your chances of approval for a traditional credit card or a loan.
This type of card is often the easiest credit card to get because it doesn’t require a credit check (which also means it won’t negatively impact your credit score). Some starter credit cards are secured by a cash deposit, which serves as collateral and also your credit limit. Others, like student credit cards, might require a co-signer to act as a guarantor.
How to pick the best starter credit card for 2026
Choosing credit cards for no credit doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s how to find your ideal card to start building your credit history.
- Choose the type of credit card. Many starter credit cards are secured, meaning you put down a security deposit (typically at least $200) to act as collateral and your credit limit. Others may be unsecured with no deposit required, but these may be harder to qualify for.
- Look into fees. Some starter credit cards may charge annual or monthly fees, which can add up fast. The best credit cards for new credit builders have low or no fees.
- Check interest rates. A credit card’s annual percentage rate (APR) tells you how much you’ll pay in interest on your purchases. Some, like Chime Card, don’t charge interest,1 while others may have higher rates than the national average.
- Research rewards. Not all starter credit cards offer rewards like cash back, but some do. Credit card rewards can help you earn cash back or other perks for your everyday spending.
- Check whether the card issuer reports to all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). Reporting on-time payments to all three bureaus helps you build credit faster.
- Look for built-in credit-building tools, such as free credit monitoring or in-app financial education, to help you better understand how to improve your credit score.
- Check whether you can upgrade. After several months of responsibly using a secured credit card, your card issuer may upgrade you to an unsecured credit card and refund your security deposit.
7 best credit cards for beginners
From unsecured cards for bad credit to secured credit cards, these are the best starter credit cards for building or boosting your credit score.
1. Chime Card™
Chime Card offers a unique approach to building credit.⁴ Unlike most secured credit cards, it doesn’t require a minimum security deposit⁵ or charge interest.¹ Instead, money added to your Chime Checking Account⁶ is automatically transferred to your Chime Card Secured Deposit Account and becomes your spending limit.⁷ This can help you avoid overspending.
One of the biggest advantages of this card is that there’s no credit check required to apply. Traditional starter credit cards often require a credit history or proof of income, but Chime removes these barriers, making it easier for first-timers to get started.
Another benefit of Chime Card is the ability to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on rotating purchase categories every three months.² Activate this benefit by enrolling in direct deposit and becoming a Chime+ member.‡ You can also use Chime Card to withdraw cash from more than 47,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.⁸
Chime Card reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build your credit history and increasing your chances of approval for future credit cards and loans. And soon, Chime Card customers will be able to use their on-time rent payments in the app to help raise their credit score.³
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No credit check requirement | No unsecured card options |
| No annual fee or interest charges1 | |
| Unlimited 1.5% cash back on rotating categories2 | |
| Access to additional perks via Chime+‡ | |
| Fee-free cash withdrawals at more than 47,000 ATMs nationwide |
Who is this card for?
Chime Card makes it easy for beginners to build credit and avoid the pitfalls of credit card debt. Plus, you have full control over your spending since you set your own limit – and you can earn cash back on your purchases!
2. Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card
The Discover it Student Cash Back Credit Card is designed specifically for students with limited credit history. This card offers 5% cash back in rotating categories, like gas stations, restaurants, and online shopping, up to a quarterly maximum of $1,500 in purchases.
All other purchases earn an unlimited 1% cash back. Discover offers a first-year cash back match, so the rewards you earn in your first year are doubled.
The Discover it Student Cash Back Card has an introductory 0% APR on purchases for six months, which can help students make larger purchases and pay them off over time. After that introductory period, the Standard Variable Purchase APR of 16.74% to 25.74% applies. The card has no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly option for first-time cardholders.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5% cash back in rotating categories | 16.74%–25.74% regular APR |
| 1% cash back on all other purchases | Only available for students |
| Introductory 0% APR for six months | |
| First-year cash back match |
Who is this card for?
The Discover it Student Cash Back Credit Card is a solid choice for students who want to build credit and earn rewards.
3. QuicksilverOne from Capital One®
The QuicksilverOne from Capital One is ideal for beginners who want a simple rewards card with unlimited cash back. Unlike some other starter credit cards, this card doesn’t offer different bonus categories; instead, you earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, no matter what you buy.
QuicksilverOne has a $39 annual fee, which might be worth it if you use the card regularly to earn cash back rewards. Capital One offers an automatic credit line review in as little as six months, meaning you can qualify for a higher credit limit.
One thing to note: this card has a variable APR of 29.49%, which is much higher than the average credit card APR of 22.83%. Paying off your balance in full each month can help you avoid interest charges.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases | 29.49% variable APR |
| Credit limit increase eligibility in as little as six months | $39 annual fee |
| Accepts applicants with limited credit history |
Who is this card for?
The QuicksilverOne card rewards you with unlimited cash back on every purchase while helping you build credit.
4. Petal 2 Visa Credit Card
The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card is one of the best starter credit cards for those seeking no fees and cash-back rewards. Unlike some beginner credit cards that charge annual fees, late fees, or foreign transaction fees, this card has no fees. The card has a variable APR of 28.49% to 30.49%, which is higher than the average of 22.83%.
Rewards start at 1% cash back on all purchases and can increase to 1.5% after 12 months of on-time payments. Using the card responsibly over time can lead to a higher credit limit, which lowers your credit utilization ratio and improves your overall credit score.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual, late, or foreign transaction fees | 28.49%–30.49% variable APR |
| 1% to 1.5% cash back on all purchases | |
| Higher credit limits are available over time |
Who is this card for?
The Petal 2 Visa is a solid beginner credit card with no fees and a cash-back rewards program.
5. Platinum Mastercard® from Capital One
The Platinum Mastercard from Capital One is designed for first-time applicants who need a straightforward card to build up their credit history. It doesn’t offer cash back rewards or perks, but it might prove a more accessible option with relatively simple approval criteria.
One of the card’s standout features is its automatic credit limit review, which can occur after six months of making on-time payments. A higher credit limit can improve your credit score, potentially resulting in more favorable interest rates on other types of loans.
The card also has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for beginners. However, it does have a variable APR of 29.49%, which is higher than the average of 22.83%. Therefore, it’s important to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual fee | 29.49% APR |
| Credit limit increase eligibility in as little as six months | No cash back rewards or perks |
| No security deposit required |
Who is this card for?
Capital One’s Platinum Mastercard is an accessible starter credit card that has a simple approval process and no annual fee.
6. Chase® Freedom Rise® Credit Card10
The Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card is a smart option for first-time applicants seeking a starter card with no annual fee. Designed for those with limited credit history, the card provides an opportunity to build credit while also earning rewards.
One of the standout features of this card is its 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases. This is similar to the Capital One QuicksilverOne card, but without the annual fee. Chase states that having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 may improve your chances of approval for the card, making it a solid choice for those who already bank with Chase.
The Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card also offers annual automatic credit limit reviews, which may increase your credit limit over time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases | 25.49% variable APR |
| No annual fee | |
| Potentially higher approval chances with a Chase checking account | |
| Earn a $25 statement credit for enrolling in automatic payments |
Who is this card for?
This card is a good choice if you’re an existing Chase customer and want to earn cash back while establishing a positive credit history.
7. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
The Discover it Secured Credit Card is a good option for those new to credit who are having trouble qualifying for traditional starter credit cards. It requires a refundable security deposit (starting at $200), but in return, it provides access to a credit card that helps you build credit the longer you use it.
This card offers cash back rewards, which is less common for a secured card. Cardholders 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. Discover will match all the cash back you earn in your first year, with no limits.
After six consecutive months of responsible use, Discover reviews your account to see if you qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured card, which can allow you to get your deposit refunded. It also reports to all three major credit bureaus, which is helpful if you’re looking to build or rebuild your credit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants | International merchants are less likely to accept Discover |
| 1% cash back on all other purchases | Minimum $200 security deposit required |
| Cash back match doubles your first-year earnings | |
| No annual fee | |
| Potential upgrade to an unsecured card after six months |
Who is this card for?
The Discover it Secured Credit Card offers cash back rewards while allowing you to transition to an unsecured credit card after seven months of responsible use.
Start smart, build strong
Choosing the right starter credit card is a positive first step toward building a strong financial future. Whether you prioritize no fees, student rewards, or cash back, using a credit card responsibly can help raise your credit score over time.
Looking to improve your credit score? Learn more about the best credit cards for building credit.
Frequently asked questions about starter credit cards
What’s the best type of credit card for a first-time cardholder?
Some of the best starter credit cards are student cards or secured cards, like the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card. These types of cards require little or no credit history, have low fees, and help you build credit2 over time. If possible, look for cards that report to all three credit bureaus to maximize their credit-building benefits.
Why should I get a credit card?
Credit cards help build credit history2, which is important for loans and mortgages. You can earn rewards like cash back, and credit cards offer fraud protection. This makes using credit cards potentially safer than debit cards for purchases both in-person and online.
Are there credit cards with no income requirements?
Many credit cards require proof of income, but exceptions include the Chime Credit Builder (which uses your Secure Deposit Account balance as your limit) and Petal 2 Visa (which analyzes your banking history instead of your credit). Secured cards like the Discover it Secured also have no income requirement, instead using a refundable security deposit to set your credit limit.