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Hear from our editors: Best starter credit cards of October 2022

Updated September 30, 2022

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Editorial note: Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Written by: Ben Luthi

If you’re new to credit, your credit card options can be limited. Whether you’re a college student, a young professional or someone else who hasn’t yet had a chance to build credit, these starter credit cards can help you build credit from scratch with little in the way of fuss or fees.

• Best if you’re completely new to credit: Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card
• Best for students: Deserve® EDU Mastercard
• Best for bonus cash back: Discover it® Student Cash Back
• Best secured card for beginners: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
• Best for a limited credit history: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best if you’re completely new to credit: Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card

Here’s why: It’s uncommon to find a credit card designed for people without credit scores that doesn’t require you to put down a hefty security deposit. But that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card .

The credit card issuer decides whether you’re a good fit for the card based on how you manage your finances. The issuer can do this by having you connect your bank accounts, which can show it how you make, save and spend money.

The card also offers the possibility of a high credit limit, with options ranging from $300 to $10,000, based on your finances. Other pluses for this card are the cash back you can earn — a base rate of 1% which can increase when you pay on time — and the fact that there are no fees. (There is a variable purchase APR of 15.24% - 29.24% if you carry a balance, though.)

For more details, read our review of the Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card.

Best for students: Deserve® EDU Mastercard

Here’s why: Any student who’s new to credit could benefit from this card.

You’re not required to have a credit history. If you do have a credit history, the card issuer will consider it in addition to looking at how you manage your money now as part of determining your future credit potential.

New cardholders will receive a one-year membership to Amazon Prime Student when they spend $500 in the first three billing cycles using the card — plus 1% cash back on every purchase. The card charges a $0 annual fee. And its foreign transaction fee? None.

If you like what you see so far, read our review of the Deserve® EDU Mastercard to get the full picture.

Best for bonus cash back: Discover it® Student Cash Back

Here’s why: If you’re a student looking for an unsecured credit card that also offers cash back, this one is a solid choice — provided you’re comfortable keeping track of and activating rotating quarterly bonus categories.

The Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in rotating categories when you activate each quarter. Plus, you’ll get 1% cash back on all other purchases.

In addition, if you’re a new cardholder Discover will match all the rewards you’ve earned at the end of your first year, even if you’ve already redeemed some of them.

The card doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fee. But Discover may not be accepted everywhere you travel — so if you plan to study or travel abroad, make sure to have a backup way to pay for expenses.

Read Discover it® Student Cash Back members’ reviews to learn more.

Best secured card for beginners: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Here’s why: If you’re having a hard time getting approved for an unsecured credit card, this one is a solid choice with a low security deposit requirement, a rewards program, and the chance to convert your account to an unsecured card.

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 spent in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, you’ll get 1% cash back on all other purchases. What’s more, Discover will match all the rewards you earn during your first year with the account.

The minimum security deposit is just $200, and depending on how you use the account and your other credit accounts, you may get your deposit back in as little as seven months.

The card doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fee. Keep in mind, though, that Discover isn’t widely accepted internationally. So if you’re heading abroad, have a backup payment method.

Read our review of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card to see if it fits your needs.

Best for a limited credit history: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Here’s why: Even if you’ve never had a credit card before, you may have already started building credit, whether that’s through an authorized user account or with your student loans. If you’ve got a limited credit history, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers solid value.

The card offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make, plus you may be eligible for a higher credit line after six months. And its foreign transaction fees? None. It makes the card a good choice if you’re planning a trip abroad.

The card’s annual fee is $39, but you can make up for that by spending just $2,600 per year. Also, try to avoid carrying a balance on the card, so you don’t have to pay the 28.49% (Variable) variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.

If you’re on the fence, read our review of Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card to find out more.

How to make the most of the best credit cards for first-time users

If you want to build your credit, a credit card can be a helpful tool. But these starter cards aren’t as impressive as some of the rewards cards you might qualify for once your credit is in better shape. To get there, it’s important to use your starter credit card responsibly.

What does responsible mean? Make sure you pay your bill on time every month. Set up automatic payments or at least a reminder to ensure you don’t forget. If possible, pay the bill in full to avoid interest charges.

Also, keep your balance low relative to the card’s credit limit. Your credit utilization rate, which is the percentage of your limit you’re using at any given time, is an important factor in your credit health, and the lower it is, the better.