Log in
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 history2, 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 best type of credit card for beginners can feel overwhelming.
To help make the process easier, we researched some of the best starter credit cards for 2025, focusing on low fees, easy approval, and features that help beginners build credit2 responsibly. Below, you’ll find Chime’s picks for some of the best credit card options for people with no credit history.
7 best credit cards for beginners
1. Chime® Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card1
Best for: No credit check and responsible credit building
The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for beginners because it offers a unique approach to building credit.2 Unlike most secured credit cards, it doesn’t require a minimum security deposit3 or charge interest.* Instead, you move money from your Chime Checking Account4 to set your spending limit, helping you avoid overspending.
One of the biggest advantages of this card is that there’s no credit check 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.
Plus, Credit Builder reports to all three major credit bureaus – Experian®, Equifax®, and TransUnion® – helping you build your payment history2 and increase your approval chances for future credit cards and loans.
Key features & benefits
- No credit check required
- No annual fees, interest,* or late fees
- No minimum security deposit3
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
Why it’s great for beginners: With no annual fees or interest,* the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card makes it easy to build credit2 and avoid the pitfalls of credit card debt. Plus, you have full control over your spending since you set your own limit.
Apply for the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card today.
2. Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card5
Best for: Students looking to earn rewards
If you’re a student looking to build credit while also earning rewards, the Discover it Student Cash Back Credit Card could be a helpful choice. It’s designed specifically for students with limited credit history and offers cash back rewards, making it a solid card for students and beginners alike.
One of the card’s top highlights is the 5% cash back you earn in rotating categories like gas stations, restaurants, and online shopping (up to a quarterly maximum of $1,500 in purchases, then dropping down to 1%). 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.
Another nice benefit of the Discover it Student Cash Back Card is its introductory 0% APR on purchases for six months. This can help students make larger purchases and pay them off over time. After that introductory period, the Standard Variable Purchase APR of 17.24% to 26.24% applies. The card has no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly option for first-time cardholders.
Key features & benefits
- 5% cash back in rotating categories
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Introductory 0% APR for six months
- First-year cash back match
- Reports to major credit bureaus
Why it’s great for beginners: Students can build credit while enjoying cash back rewards and an introductory 0% APR period to manage expenses more easily.
3. QuicksilverOne from Capital One®6
Best for: Earning unlimited cash back
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.
The QuicksilverOne from Capital One comes with a $39 annual fee. This fee 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 29.74%, compared to the average credit card APR of 22.80%,7 so try to pay off your balance in full each month.
Key features & benefits
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
- Credit limit increase eligibility in as little as six months
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Accepts applicants with limited credit history
Why it’s great for beginners: It rewards you with cash back on every purchase while helping you build credit.
4. Petal 2 Visa Credit Card8
Best for: No fees and cash back rewards
The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card is one of the best starter credit cards for those looking for no fees and cash back rewards. Unlike some beginner credit cards that charge annual fees, late fees, or foreign transaction fees, this card does not have fees. Its APR is variable, starting at 28.99%, which is high compared to the average of 22.80%.7
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 helps lower your credit utilization ratio and can improve your overall credit score.
Key features & benefits
- No fees (no annual, late, or foreign transaction fees)
- 1% to 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Higher credit limits available over time
Why it’s great for beginners: This is a solid option if you want a beginner credit card with no fees and a cash-back rewards program.
5. Platinum Mastercard® from Capital One9
Best for: Simple approval with no annual fee
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 in as little as six months of on-time payments. A higher credit limit can lead to improvements in your credit score, potentially leading to 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 29.74%, which is higher than the average of 22.80%7, so it’s important to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Key features & benefits
- No annual fee
- Credit limit increase eligibility in as little as six months
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- No security deposit required
Why it’s great for beginners: It can be a more accessible starter credit card to qualify for, helping you build your credit history as you make on-time payments.
6. Chase® Freedom Rise® Credit Card10
Best for: Building credit with a traditional bank
The Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card is a smart option for first-time applicants looking for a starter credit 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, which is similar to the Capital One QuicksilverOne card, but without the annual fee. Chase also states that having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 may improve your approval chances for the card, making it a more obvious choice for those who already bank with Chase.10
The Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card also offers automatic credit limit reviews, which may lead to your credit limit increasing over time. It reports to all three major credit bureaus, so every on-time payment helps build your credit history.
Key features & benefits
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Potentially higher approval chances with a Chase checking account
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Earn a $25 statement credit for enrolling in automatic payments
Why it’s great for beginners: The card offers cash back rewards while helping you establish your credit history.
7. Discover it® Secured Credit Card11
Best for: Secured credit card with cash back rewards
For anyone new to credit who’s having trouble qualifying for traditional starter credit cards, the Discover it Secured Credit Card is a secured card option. 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.
After seven 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 credit2.
Key features & benefits
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- cash back match doubles your first-year earnings
- No annual fee
- Potential upgrade to an unsecured card after seven months
Why it’s great for beginners: It offers cash back rewards while allowing you to transition to an unsecured credit card after 7 months of responsible use.
Start smart, build strong
Choosing the right starter credit card is your first step toward building a strong financial future. Whether you prioritize no fees, student rewards, or cash back, using a credit card responsibly – which includes paying on time and keeping your balances low – can help raise your credit score over time.
Looking to improve your credit score? Learn more about the best credit cards for building credit2.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.