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Best First Credit Cards
Top Picks for Beginners & Young Adults
Mitch Duffy
March 19, 2025
So, you’re ready to dive into the world of credit cards?
Congrats! This is your first step toward building credit, earning rewards, and maybe even funding your next coffee addiction (hey, we listen and we don’t judge). But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Don’t worry—we’ve got your back.
When I got my first credit card, I had no idea what I was doing — but luckily, my dad did. He set me up as an authorized user on his Costco credit card, paying off the balance every month while my credit quietly grew in the background. At the time, I just thought it was cool to have my name on a card (and swipe it for a nice churro or ice cream bar at the food court–oh how I miss when they sold those). But that head start meant that when I was ready for my own card I had a solid credit score and way more options than I would’ve otherwise, which allowed me to get the Chase Freedom (a great card!).
Not everyone gets that kind of setup, and if you’re starting from scratch, don’t worry. The good news? You can build credit, earn rewards, and avoid rookie mistakes, all with the right starter card. Let’s break it down.
The Best First Credit Cards Are Simple and Rewarding
When you’re just starting out, you don’t need a card that’s fancier than a five-star resort. Keep it simple.
Here’s what to prioritize:
Low or No Annual Fees: Because why pay for a card when you’re just getting started?
Credit-Building: Look for cards that report to credit bureaus to help you build that score.
And the Icing on the Top:
Beginner-Friendly Rewards: Cash-back or points that don’t require a PhD to understand.
Low APR: Just in case you carry a balance (but try not to, okay?).
Student and starter credit cards are perfect for this. They’re designed with newbies in mind, so they are easy to use and packed with features to help you build credit without breaking a sweat.
Top Picks for First-Time Credit Card Users
Here are some standout options for beginners!
“I Have Someone Who Can Cosign or Add Me as an Authorized User”
If you have someone willing to vouch for you, these cards are a great starting point:
 (Authorized User) | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back with no annual fee, plus a $25 bonus when you set up automatic payments. A Chase account with $250+ can boost approval odds. |
 (Authorized User) | Get unlimited 1.5% cash back, no annual fee, and a $200 bonus after spending $500 in three months. No foreign transaction fees make it great for travel. |
 (Cosigner + Authorized User) | No annual fee and 5% cash back in two categories you choose, 2% in one everyday category, and 1% on all else. Perfect for customizing rewards to your spending. |
 (Cosigner + Authorized User) | Get 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on everything else. No annual fee, a $200 bonus, and a 0% intro APR for 15 months. |
🚨Disclaimer🚨
Heads up: Many big banks no longer allow co-signers on credit card applications (besides select Bank of America and U.S. Bank cards). If you’re a student or new to credit, consider applying for a student credit card, becoming an authorized user on a parent's card, or starting with a secured credit card instead.
“I Have Nobody to Vouch for my Credit Card Application 🙁 (Secured Cards)”
No co-signer? No problem. These secured cards help you build credit from zero to hero, on your own:
 | Earn 2% cash back on gas and dining (up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter), plus unlimited 1% cash back on everything else. No annual fee, and you can graduate to an unsecured card with responsible use. Start with a refundable deposit as low as $200, up to $2,500, which sets your credit limit. |
 | Build credit while earning rewards! Get unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, plus 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Start with a refundable deposit as low as $200. |
Secured Cards for No Credit History
If you’re starting from scratch, secured cards are your best friend. You’ll put down a refundable deposit (usually 200−500), and that becomes your credit limit.
Try the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card—it’s beginner-friendly and helps you build credit fast.
Student Cards (For College Students)
Designed specifically for students looking to build credit while earning rewards:
 | Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500 when activated) and 1% on everything else. Plus, Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year—no annual fee. |
 | Get 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and grocery stores (excluding superstores), plus 1% on everything else. Also, earn 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% on travel booked through Capital One. |
 | Earn 3% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel, 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and transit, plus 1% on everything else. Get a $50 Amazon Gift Card upon approval—no annual fee. |
 | Earn 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases with no foreign transaction fees. A great option for study-abroad trips and travel. |
How to Get Approved (Even with No Credit History)
No credit? No problem. Here’s how to boost your approval odds:
Show Steady Income: Lenders want to know you can pay your bills. Even a part-time job counts!
Consider a Co-Signer or Authorized User Status: If you’re struggling to get approved, having someone with good credit vouch for you can help.
Start Small: Secured cards or student cards are designed for people with little to no credit history.
Pro tip: Pay your bills on time, keep your balances low, and watch your credit score grow. It’s like leveling up in real life.
Closing RemarksYour first credit card is like your first car—it doesn’t need to be flashy, but it should get you where you need to go. Choose one that’s simple, rewarding, and helps you build credit without the stress. Now go forth, swipe responsibly, and maybe treat yourself to a latte with those rewards. You’ve earned it. ☕✨ Yours Truly, Mitch |  Don’t be like Swiper-Swipe Responsibly! |
Already started on your credit journey and looking for an upgrade? Or looking for more great credit cards? At Luci, we’ve done the heavy lifting to find the best cards for you.
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