Best Credit Cards for Young Adults of March 2023
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ALSO SEE: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best credit cards for couples || Best credit cards for new homeowners || Best credit cards for college students
Welcome to young adulthood! With that entry-level salary and growing collection of expenses, your life is getting more complicated. The way you pay for things is going to need to keep up. Here are some of the best credit cards for young adults, whether you’re totally new to using them, or you’re looking for something less basic than your starter card.
Some of our selections for the best credit cards for young adults can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.
ALSO SEE: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best credit cards for couples || Best credit cards for new homeowners || Best credit cards for college students
Welcome to young adulthood! With that entry-level salary and growing collection of expenses, your life is getting more complicated. The way you pay for things is going to need to keep up. Here are some of the best credit cards for young adults, whether you’re totally new to using them, or you’re looking for something less basic than your starter card.
Some of our selections for the best credit cards for young adults can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.
Find the right credit card for you.
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Best Credit Cards for Young Adults From Our Partners
Our pick for
If you're still building credit
If you have a limited credit history, or none at all, you’ll need to build credit before you can move up to cards with more perks. Secured credit cards, where you make a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit, can be a way to do this.
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
$0
1%-2%
Cashback
Cashback Match™
An introduction to cash back: The $0-annual-fee Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands out for its cash-back rewards and the opportunity to move up to a regular unsecured card after a few months of responsible card use.
An introduction to cash back: The $0-annual-fee Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands out for its cash-back rewards and the opportunity to move up to a regular unsecured card after a few months of responsible card use.
Pros
You’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 per quarter in combined spending. All other purchases earn 1% back. There’s a bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Payment activity is reported to all three credit bureaus, and after seven months, Discover begins automatically reviewing your account to determine whether you’d be eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your security deposit back.
Cons
As with any secured card, you have to tie up money in a security deposit. The minimum deposit on the card is $200.
No credit score required to apply.
No Annual Fee.
Use your tax refund to fund your security deposit and start building your credit history. Your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
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. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
on Chime's website
on Chime's website
$0
N/A
N/A
Goof-proof card management:The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is a $0-annual-fee secured card with a twist, as it allows you to avoid two big credit card traps: getting into debt and missing a payment.
Goof-proof card management:The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is a $0-annual-fee secured card with a twist, as it allows you to avoid two big credit card traps: getting into debt and missing a payment.
Pros
Instead of requiring a traditional deposit, this card is linked to a Chime checking account. The money in that account serves as your deposit, and the card doesn't allow you to spend more than you have. You can add more money to the account to increase your limit. The bill is due in full each month, so interest never accrues; you can also set it up so your bill is paid out of the account automatically.
Cons
You must have a Chime checking account to use the card. Once your credit improves, there's no option to upgrade to a traditional, unsecured card; you'll have to go somewhere else for your next card. And while this card's guardrails can keep you out of trouble, they could also leave you unprepared to manage other kinds of credit later on.
The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
No credit check to apply, no annual fees or interest, and no minimum security deposit required. No stress! Additional terms apply.
Use your secured Credit Builder card everywhere VISA is accepted, including on everyday purchases, such as gas and groceries.
Help build your credit history with your own money. The money you move into the Credit Builder secured account is the amount you can spend on your card (no minimum deposit required!). Turn on Safer Credit Building and have your monthly balance automatically paid on time. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®.
Increase your credit score by an average of 30 points, with regular, on-time payments.¹
Turn on transaction notifications to receive real-time transaction alerts. Then, use Chime’s instant in-app disable card feature to help prevent unauthorized activities.
Live support 24/7 to assist you around the clock.
Now you can use your Credit Builder card fee-free at over 60K+ in-network ATMs at retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and more! Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at Moneypass ATMs in 7-Eleven locations, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATMs.
Apply for a secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card once you sign up for a Chime Spending Account and receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more. See www.chime.com to learn more.
Our pick for
If you want cash back rewards
Once you’ve attained a good credit score — generally defined as a score above 690 — the list of credit cards you may be eligible for begins to grow, and those cards offer pretty sweet benefits. As far as flexibility goes, it’s hard to beat cash back.
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
2%
Cashback
$200
Keeping it simple: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is about as straightforward as it gets: 2% cash back on all purchases, with no categories to track or limits to worry about.
Keeping it simple: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is about as straightforward as it gets: 2% cash back on all purchases, with no categories to track or limits to worry about.
Pros
In addition to 2% cash back — the best no-strings-attached rate available on a $0-annual-fee card — the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card comes with a great sign-up bonus and even an intro APR promotion.
Cons
You can find higher cash-back rates in specific, popular spending categories, if you're OK with keeping track of reward structures.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
$0 annual fee
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
1%-6%
Cashback
$250
Everyday spending categories: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the ideal card for those settling into a household, with high rewards in categories where a lot of people spend a lot of money.
Everyday spending categories: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the ideal card for those settling into a household, with high rewards in categories where a lot of people spend a lot of money.
Pros
This card's stellar rewards at U.S. supermarkets — 6% cash back on up to $6,000 a year in spending, then 1% — and its 3% rate at U.S. gas stations have long made it a favorite. You also get 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and 3% on transit, including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses. All other purchases earn 1% back. A handsome welcome offer make the card even more attractive.
Cons
The high rewards come at a cost, as the card has an annual fee — currently $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. You can make back that cost fairly easily, though.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.74% to 29.74%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
1%-10%
Cashback
$200
For going out or staying in: Some cards offer good rewards for those who cook and entertain at home; others give you more of an incentive to go out. The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is the rare card that does both.
For going out or staying in: Some cards offer good rewards for those who cook and entertain at home; others give you more of an incentive to go out. The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is the rare card that does both.
Pros
For going out: You earn 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, and 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases. For staying in: 3% cash back at grocery stores and on select streaming services. All other purchases earn 1%. There's also a good sign-up bonus, not to mention an intro APR offer. That's a lot of value packed into a card with no annual fee.
Cons
If your spending is more concentrated in one food category over the other — dining out or cooking at home — you might do better with a card that specializes in one of those areas.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
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
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
No foreign transaction fee
No annual fee
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
Maximizing your rewards: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a little complicated, but it pays up to 5% cash back in an array of categories. If you're interested in getting into the rewards maximizing game, it's a great card to start with.
Maximizing your rewards: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a little complicated, but it pays up to 5% cash back in an array of categories. If you're interested in getting into the rewards maximizing game, it's a great card to start with.
Pros
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is unusual in that it has both bonus rewards categories that change and categories that stay the same. You earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter in rotating categories that you activate. You also earn 5% on travel booked through Chase. You earn 3% on dining and at drugstores. Other spending earns 1%. There's a solid bonus offer, too.
Cons
You have to opt in to the bonus categories every quarter, which can be a hassle. The rotating 5% categories might not be a good fit for everyone.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Our pick for
If you want a travel credit card
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
1x-3x
Points
20,000
Points
No annual fee: Getting started with the rewards points? The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a terrific place to start, earning 3X rewards in a variety of categories with a $0 annual fee.
No annual fee: Getting started with the rewards points? The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a terrific place to start, earning 3X rewards in a variety of categories with a $0 annual fee.
Pros
You earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining, travel, gas, EV charging, popular streaming services and cell phone plans. Everything else earns 1 point per dollar. Not only can you use points for travel, but you can also redeem them for cash back, gift cards or purchases where you check out with PayPal. The card also has a decent bonus offer.
Cons
You don't get the perks of a dedicated airline or hotel card, and there's no option to transfer points to airline or hotel programs.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases
$0 annual fee
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR thereafter
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$95
2x-5x
Miles
75,000
Miles
Straightforward rewards plus perks: With its easy-to-understand rewards and $95 annual feel, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the gateway to fancier travel cards you may gravitate toward later on.
Straightforward rewards plus perks: With its easy-to-understand rewards and $95 annual feel, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the gateway to fancier travel cards you may gravitate toward later on.
Pros
This card earns 2 miles per dollar on purchases, rising to 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. A statement credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can save you time at the airport and more than offset the annual fee in the first year. Redeem miles for any travel expense, use them to book travel through Capital One, or transfer them to partner airline and hotel programs.
Cons
You won't get the perks of a dedicated airline or hotel card, like free checked bags or upgrades. You can transfer miles to several airline loyalty programs, but domestic options are scant.
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Confirm details on issuer's website when applying.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Our pick for: Building credit — rewards
Like other secured credit cards for people building or rebuilding credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a cash security deposit. Unlike most others, it offers rewards. But what really makes it stand out from the competition is its upgrade possibilities. The issuer has a process in place for automatically reviewing accounts for possible transition to an unsecured card. Read our review.
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: Building credit — easy card management
If you have credit card debt, hold off on a cash-back or travel rewards card until you pay off that debt. The amount of interest you’re paying will eliminate the value of any cash-back or travel rewards you’d earn.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Cash back — simplicity
Venmo Credit Card
Our pick for: Cash back — customized rewards and cool features
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Cash back — everyday spending categories
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Cash back — going out or staying in
Love the night life but dead-set against paying an annual fee? Consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It pays a lower cash-back rate on dining and entertainment than the regular Savor card, but the rewards are nevertheless quite good. The sign-up bonus is smaller than on the annual-fee version, too, but it's still solid. Read our review.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Our pick for: Cash back — maximizing rewards
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Our pick for: Travel rewards — no annual fee
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Travel rewards — straightforward rewards plus perks
• • •
To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, see this page.
Last updated on March 23, 2023
