What are some good starter credit cards for students?

Question

The best first credit card is Discover it® Secured Credit Card because it offers 2% cash back on the first $1,000 spent per quarter at gas stations and restaurants and 1% everywhere else. Those are the best rewards you’ll find on any credit card for first-timers. Plus, Discover will match all the rewards earned during the first year on the first account anniversary. Discover it Secured Credit Card has a $0 annual fee, but it does require a refundable $200+ security deposit to open the account. The credit limit is equal to the amount of the deposit, up to $2,500. … read full answer

If you’d rather not put down a deposit, there are some good unsecured first-time credit card offers as well.

Best for no deposit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card is the best unsecured credit card for first-timers because it has a $0 annual fee. The downside is that Capital One Platinum does not provide rewards.

Best for rewards with no deposit: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases but has a $39 annual fee.

Like all Capital One cards, both of those options do not charge foreign transaction fees. Some of the best first credit cards are targeted specifically toward students. Only people enrolled in school can get them, but they provide some of the best terms and rewards.

Best for students: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is the best credit card for first-timers who are still in school in large part because it offers a bonus of 25,000 points for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. It also gives 3 points / $1 spent at the BofA Travel Center and 1.5 points / $1 everywhere else. To top it off, the annual fee is $0.

Even if you’ve never had a credit card before and don’t have a credit history, you should have high chances to qualify for any of these cards if you have an income.

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Answer 1 · 2021-05-22 11:14:51

Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator

@m_adams • 05/22/21 This answer was first published on 05/21/21 and it was last updated on 05/22/21.For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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One of the best starter credit cards for students is the Chase Freedom® Student credit card because it has a $0 annual fee and gives you $50 after your first purchase made in the first 3 months. This card also offers 1% cash back on all purchases.

Nearly all student credit cards qualify as starter credit cards because you can get approved for them with limited or no credit history.

In general, student credit cards are the best starter credit cards because they’re easy to get without prior experience yet offer far better terms than an inexperienced applicant would ordinarily command. That’s because lenders want to appeal to students in the hope of gaining a long-term customer who may land a well-paying job upon graduation.

Ultimately, you can check out our editors’ latest picks on the best starter credit cards for students to see which better suits your needs.

Answer 2 · 2019-09-09 02:24:22

Karen Moroz, WalletHub Mortgage Analyst

@nycKaren • 09/09/19 This answer was first published on 09/09/19. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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The best starter credit cards for students aren’t necessarily all “student credit cards.” For example, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good choice that’s open to anyone with limited. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases for a $39 annual fee.

Students who want the highest possible approval odds can opt for secured credit cards. Secured cards are good for building credit and require a refundable security deposit. The deposit sets your credit limit and establishes collateral for the lender.

Answer 3 · 2019-12-16 09:44:45

William Drake, WalletHub Analyst

@will_drake • 12/16/19 This answer was first published on 12/16/19. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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The Discover it Student chrome is a top choice, but the Capital One Journey is a solid option as well.

What are some good starter credit cards for students?

Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator

2021's Best Student Credit Cards with No Credit

Karen Moroz, WalletHub Mortgage Analyst

William Drake, WalletHub Analyst

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