Congratulations! You’re asking questions and seeking answers and those are the right steps toward a responsible financial future. Whether you’re starting out or starting over because of past financial mistakes, everyone has to start somewhere.
For most people, that starting place is a secured or student credit card. If you have a solid relationship with an existing bank or credit union, as well as a reliable income, you may also be able to qualify for a traditional credit card with that existing bank.
At this point, your journey is about building your credit card understanding and establishing responsible habits. Those responsible habits can help build your credit score and lead to better financial options for your future, whether you’re rebuilding a score that’s taken a substantial hit or starting from scratch.
Here are a few top cards for people who are just getting started (or restarted) on their credit card journey.
Top secured credit card
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This isn’t a rewards card, but rewards aren’t the goal when you’re building a credit score. We like this card because your security deposit could be as low as $49 to establish your initial $200 line of credit (security deposits are $49, $99 or $200, based on creditworthiness). Furthermore, this is the rare secured card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Top cash back rewards card
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Discover doesn’t require a credit score to qualify for this card, making it a solid choice for people just starting out. Furthermore, while rewards aren’t the goal at this point in your credit card journey, it sure is nice to earn some.
Top card for lower interest rates
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Ideally, you’re paying off your card every month so you don’t have to worry about interest charges. But if interest charges are affecting you, you want them to be as low as possible. This card offers a relatively low rate for a secured card.
Top card for students
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Discover is a perennial recommendation for top first or student credit card. There are nice protections for first-time cardholders as well as low fees. Plus, as an added bonus, you can earn some nice rewards with this card.
