The top starter credit cards are easy to get, have no annual fee and report your payments to the three major credit bureaus. The right card for you depends on your situation. Options include secured credit cards — which require refundable upfront deposits — student credit cards and alternative credit cards from smaller issuers that evaluate applicants' creditworthiness on factors other than FICO credit scores. Many starter cards even offer rewards. Explore the options below and apply for the one that's right for you.
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Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for 15 Months of 0% Intro APR, Plus Useful Bonus Categories, Flexible Rewards and Outstanding Welcome Offer
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Bonus Cash Back Categories
Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for A great card for a student learning to handle credit
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best for An excellent option for people building or rebuilding credit
Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for A top-notch starter card, especially if you spend a lot on gas and at restaurants
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students: Best for Decent Ongoing Rewards, a Rich Intro Offer, and a Lengthy 0% Intro APR Offer
Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Excellent for 15 Months of 0% Intro APR, Plus Useful Bonus Categories, Flexible Rewards and Outstanding Welcome Offer | $0 | 1.5%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | |
![]() Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Excellent for Bonus Cash Back Categories | $0 | 1%-8% | $50 | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
![]() Discover it® Student Cash Back Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Excellent for A great card for a student learning to handle credit | $0 | 1%-5% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
Excellent for An excellent option for people building or rebuilding credit | $0 | N/A | N/A | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | |
![]() Discover it® Student Chrome Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Excellent for A top-notch starter card, especially if you spend a lot on gas and at restaurants | $0 | 1%-2% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
![]() Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Excellent for Decent Ongoing Rewards, a Rich Intro Offer, and a Lengthy 0% Intro APR Offer | $0 | 1.5x-3x | 25,000 | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |