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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 back and rent reporting.2
Account details in this blog are for informational purposes only and are accurate as of April 16. 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.
Keep reading to learn about some of the best starter credit cards that offer low fees, easy approval, and features that help beginners build credit responsibly.
7 best credit cards for beginners
1. Chime CardTM
Chime Card offers a unique approach to building credit.3 Unlike most secured credit cards, it doesn’t require a minimum security deposit4 or charge interest.1 Instead, money added to your Chime Checking Account5 is automatically transferred to your Chime Card Secured Deposit Account and becomes your spending limit.6 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 credit cards often require good credit history, but Chime removes this barrier, making it easier for first-timers to get started.
Another benefit of Chime Card is the ability to earn 5% cash back on a category of choice.7 Activate this benefit by receiving qualifying direct deposits and becoming a Chime Prime member.‡ You can also use Chime Card to withdraw cash from more than 47,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.1
Chime Card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Experian®, Equifax®, and TransUnion®), helping you build your credit history and increasing your chances of approval for future credit cards and loans. Chime Card customers are able to use their on-time rent payments in the app to help raise their credit score.2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No credit check requirement | No unsecured card options |
| No annual fee or interest charges1 | |
| 5% cash back on a category of choice7 with qualifying direct deposits | |
| Access to additional perks via Chime Prime | |
| Fee-free cash withdrawals at more than 47,000 ATMs nationwide1 |
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 16.49% to 25.49% applies. The card has no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly option for first-time cardholders.8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5% cash back in rotating categories | 16.49%–25.49% regular APR |
| 1% cash back on all other purchases | Only available for students |
| Introductory 0% APR for six months | |
| First-year cash back match | |
| No annual fee |
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 may qualify for a higher credit limit.
One thing to note: this card has a variable APR of 28.99%, which is much higher than the average credit card APR of 21.52%.9 Paying off your balance in full each month can help you avoid interest charges.10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases | 28.99% variable APR |
| Credit limit increase eligibility in as little as six months | $39 annual fee |
| Accepts applicants with limited credit history | |
| Additional benefits through Capital One Travel |
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 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 charge any fees. The card has a variable 28.24% to 30.24% APR, which is high compared to the average of 21.52%.9
Rewards start at 1% cash back on all purchases and can increase to 1.5% after 12 months of on-time payments.11 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.12
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual, late, or foreign transaction fees | 28.24%–30.24% 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 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 28.99%, which is higher than the average of 21.52%.9 Therefore, it’s important to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.13
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual fee | 28.99% 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 Card
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. 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 lead to your credit limit increasing over time.14
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases | 25.24% 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 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 credit.15
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants | International merchants are less likely to accept Discover16 |
| 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 seven 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.
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.
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 Chime Card. These types of cards require little or no credit history, have low fees, and help you build credit 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 history, which is important for loans and mortgages. You can earn rewards like cash back, and credit cards offer protections to limit the impact of fraudulent charges for purchases both in-person and online.
Are there credit cards with no income requirements?
Some credit cards may ask for proof of income, but there are still credit cards that ask for proof of employment. Then there are exceptions like the Chime Card, which uses your Secured Deposit Account balance as your limit. Secured cards, like the Discover it Secured, also have no income requirement. Instead, they use a refundable security deposit to set your credit limit.