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Brooklyn leads the content team behind product reviews and ratings at Motley Fool Money, ensuring readers get well-researched, expert-backed insights to make smarter financial decisions. With nearly seven years working full-time in financial content -- four of them at The Motley Fool -- she has developed a deep passion for personal finance, from investing strategies to everyday money management. Her financial goals include buying a house and planning as many trips as her budget allows. In her free time, you’ll likely find her listening to a pop culture podcast or telling anyone who will listen to get a high-yield savings account.
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I got my first credit card five years ago, and I still remember staring at my computer screen thinking, how the heck do I choose?! There were so many options, and it felt overwhelming. But getting a credit card is actually one of the most exciting financial moves you can make -- the world of rewards and credit-building is officially open to you.
If you're in the same boat I was back then, don't worry. I'll walk you through exactly how to get your first credit card, step by step.
1. Understand how credit cards work
A credit card lets you borrow money up to a set limit and pay it back later. If you pay your balance in full each month, you won't owe any interest. If you carry a balance, you'll be charged interest on the remaining amount.
2. Check your credit score (or build credit if needed)
Your credit score plays a big role in determining which credit cards you can get. It's based on factors like your payment history, debt levels, and credit history length.
How to check your credit score
You can check your score on free credit monitoring services like Credit Karma or Experian. Or, sometimes your bank or credit card issuer will provide something similar. Chase Bank provides me with my score through its Chase Credit Journey® service.
If you have no credit score
If you're applying for your first credit card, you might not have a credit score yet. That's okay -- there are cards designed for people with no credit history. Here are some ways you can start building credit:
Consider a secured credit card. Think of these like a card with training wheels. They require a refundable deposit and help you build credit over time. Once you prove responsible use, you can upgrade to a better card.
Become an authorized user. A family member can add you to their credit card, helping you benefit from their good credit history. When they pay their card off on time, your score goes up.
Look for student or beginner-friendly cards. Many issuers offer credit cards specifically for students or first-time applicants.
The key to getting your first credit card is showing lenders you can be responsible with credit, even if you're just getting started.
3. Choose the right first credit card for you
Look for beginner-friendly options
If you're new to credit, look for beginner-friendly options like student credit cards, secured credit cards, or cards designed for people with no credit history.
Secured credit cards
If you're not a student and have no credit history, a secured credit card is your best option. These cards require a refundable deposit (typically $300 to $500) to open an account, which usually sets your credit limit. A higher deposit means a higher limit.
If you default, the issuer can use your deposit to cover the balance. Many secured cards have no annual fees, and some even offer small rewards but don't focus on points. The goal is to build credit so you can qualify for better cards later.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Credit Score:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: New/Rebuilding Under(579)
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
New/Rebuilding Under(579)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months
Regular APR
27.24% Variable APR
Rewards
2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically
1% - 2% Cashback
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
We think this card has among the highest cash back potential for a secured card with no annual fee. The key is the Unlimited Cashback Match — Discover automatically matches the cash back new cardholders earn at the end of the first year. This card could be perfect for you if you're new to credit, or rebuilding after past troubles.
Cash back rewards
Great welcome bonus offer
No annual fee
Can graduate to an unsecured card
Minimum deposit amount
No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
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, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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. Activate by mobile app for free.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
Terms and conditions apply.
Student credit cards are designed for college students with little to no credit history, making them some of the easiest cards to get. Issuers want to build long-term relationships, so these cards often come with perks like no annual fees and rewards similar to regular consumer cards.
For example, the Discover it® Student Cash Back offers a unique perk: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. The standard Discover it® Cash Back offers the same benefit. The key difference? Student cards usually come with lower credit limits.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair (300-669)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Fair (300-669)
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Welcome Offer:
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Welcome Offer:
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
25,000 points
Rewards Program:
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
1% - 5% Cashback
Rewards Program:
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
1.5-3 points per dollar
Intro APR:
Purchases: 0%, 6 months
Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months
Intro APR:
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers
may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR:
17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR
Regular APR:
18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee:
$0
Annual Fee:
$0
Highlights:
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Earn 5% Cashback Bonus® at Grocery Stores and Wholesale Clubs, April 1 through June 30, 2025, on up to $1,500 in purchases, when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
No credit score required to apply.
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. Activate by mobile app for free.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
Terms and conditions apply.
Highlights:
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
When comparing options, pay close attention to the interest rate (APR) and fees. A lower APR means you'll pay less interest if you carry a balance -- though ideally, you should aim to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges altogether.
Also, check if the card has an annual fee. Some beginner-friendly cards charge one, but there are plenty of solid options without it. All the cards we recommend above don't have one.
Consider rewards and perks
Finally, consider whether the card offers rewards and perks. Some beginner credit cards provide cash back on everyday purchases (like Discover it® Student Cash Back), while others offer travel points or purchase protection (like Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students). While rewards shouldn't be your main priority when getting your first card, they can be a nice bonus if you're choosing between two similar options.
The right first credit card should help you build credit, avoid unnecessary costs, and provide useful benefits -- without making it too easy to fall into debt.
4. Gather the information you need to apply
Before you apply for your first credit card, make sure you have everything ready to go. Here's what you'll need:
Proof of identity: Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Proof of income: This can be pay stubs, details from your employer, or even proof of income from a side hustle or part-time job. Don't worry, part-time work counts too!
Basic financial information: Rent or mortgage payments, existing debts, and bank account details.
Card issuers will use this info to determine if you qualify and to set your credit limit. It might feel like a lot, but don't worry, it's all standard, and having these details on hand will make the process smoother.
5. Apply for your first credit card
Alright, you're ready to go! Applying for your first credit card is exciting, and now you know exactly what to expect. Here's what you need to know:
Where to apply
Online: Most issuers allow you to apply through their website in just a few minutes. In fact, if you're applying to one of our recommendations above, you can apply right here from the links on this page.
At a bank or credit union: If you have an account with a bank, they may offer better approval odds.
Through prequalification tools: Some issuers let you check if you qualify without impacting your credit score.
How to increase your chances of approval
Apply for a card that matches your credit profile. If you're just starting out with no or little credit, it's important to apply for a card that's designed for beginners. Don't apply for a card that requires excellent credit if you're just beginning your credit card journey.
And don't overapply. Too many applications at once can hurt your chances. Focus on a few cards that are the right fit.
Once you're approved, your new card should arrive in the mail within seven to 14 days.
6. Use your credit card responsibly
Now that you have your card, it's time to make the most of it. Remember, responsible use is key to building a great credit history.
Pay your balance in full each month. This is the best way to avoid interest charges and keep your credit utilization low. Carrying a balance isn't necessary to build credit -- what matters most is paying on time.
Always make at least the minimum payment. Missing a payment can hurt your credit score and lead to late fees. Setting up autopay ensures you never miss a due date.
Keep your credit utilization low. Try to use less than 30% of your credit limit to show lenders you're responsible. For example, if your limit is $1,000, aim to keep your balance under $300 at any time.
Monitor your credit score. Many credit card issuers offer free credit tracking tools, so take advantage of them. Regularly checking your score helps you spot errors or signs of fraud early.
By following these habits, you'll build a strong credit history and set yourself up for better financial opportunities, like higher credit limits, better rewards, and lower interest rates in the future.
Take the first step toward financial independence
You're ready to take control of your financial future, and building credit is the first step. Choosing the right card today can help you establish the credit history needed for future opportunities like better loans, higher credit limits, and more.
We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
1% - 5% Cashback
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending
$200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
2% cash rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Intro:
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening
Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases
25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
1.5-3 points per dollar
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Intro:
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers
may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Yes, but you may need to apply for a secured credit card or use alternative income sources like financial aid or part-time work.
Try applying for a secured credit card, becoming an authorized user, or building your credit before reapplying.
If you have no credit history, a secured credit card is a great way to start building credit.
It usually takes three to six months of responsible credit card use to generate a credit score, and longer to build strong credit.
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Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Brooklyn Welch has positions in Amazon and Visa. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Mastercard, Target, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Visa.
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