The Ultimate Guide To Getting Your First Credit Card

How about getting your first credit card? Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or just starting to build your financial profile, the right card can help you establish credit, manage spending, and unlock valuable perks.

This guide covers the top starter cards, what you’ll need to qualify, and how to choose the best option for your situation.

What Is A First-Time Credit Card?

A first-time credit card is designed for people with no credit history or a limited credit file. These cards often come with lower credit limits, basic rewards (if any), and features meant to help new users learn responsible credit habits.

There are three main types:

Student Credit Cards – For college students with limited or no income.
Secured Credit Cards – Require a refundable deposit but are easy to qualify for.
Starter Unsecured Credit Cards – No deposit required, but may have higher approval standards.

Who Can Get A Credit Card For The First Time?

To qualify for a credit card, you typically need:

To be at least 18 years old (with income or a co-signer if under 21)
A source of income (job, scholarship, family support, etc.)
A valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
A U.S. mailing address

Credit card issuers evaluate applications based on your credit history (or lack of it), income, and ability to repay. If you’ve never borrowed money or had a credit account before, you’ll likely start with a limited credit line — often around $200 to $1,000.

Best First-Time Credit Cards To Consider

Here are some top options if you’re just getting started:

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Best for: Students who want to earn cash back while building credit.

Rewards: 5% cash back on rotating categories (e.g., Amazon, grocery stores) each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases), 1% on everything else.

Annual Fee: $0

Benefits: Free FICO® score, no late fee on the first late payment, and cash-back match for the first year.

Approval: Designed for students, even with limited credit history.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best for: Anyone needing to build or rebuild credit with a refundable deposit.

Deposit: $49, $99, or $200 (based on creditworthiness) for a $200 starting limit.

Annual Fee: $0

Perks: Automatic credit line reviews after 6 months for potential limit increase.

Good To Know: Use responsibly and graduate to an unsecured card later.

Chase Freedom Rise℠

Best for: First-time applicants with limited income or thin credit files.

Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

Annual Fee: $0

Unique Feature: Higher approval odds if you have a Chase checking account with at least $250.

Tools: Free credit score monitoring and budgeting tools via Chase.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards

Best for: Earning flat-rate cash back with fair credit.

Rewards: 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases.

Annual Fee: $39

Eligibility: Better suited to those with a small credit history or score in the 580–669 range.

Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card

Best for: Those with no credit score but some income.

Rewards: Up to 10% cash back at select local and national merchants.

Annual Fee: $0

Highlights: Uses alternative data, such as income and banking history, to assess applicants.

Credit Limit: $300 to $5,000 based on financial profile.

How To Choose The Right Starter Credit Card

When comparing first-time credit cards, look for:

No Annual Fee

You shouldn't have to pay to build your credit. Many starter cards have no annual fee. If a card charges one, be sure the rewards or features outweigh the cost.

Low Or No Deposit

Secured cards require deposits — ideally, you’ll find one that only needs $200 or less. If you're confident in getting approved, aim for a no-deposit unsecured card.

Credit Reporting

Make sure the card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). This helps you build credit faster with consistent on-time payments.

Upgrade Path

Some cards, like those from Discover and Capital One, allow you to graduate to a better card without closing the account.

Rewards (Optional)

While not the top priority, some first-time cards offer basic rewards. Don't prioritise cash back over building credit — but if both are offered, it's a bonus.

How To Apply For Your First Credit Card?

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Some issuers offer pre-qualification with no impact on your credit. Use this to see your chances of approval before applying.

2. Gather Your Information

Social Security number or ITIN
Monthly income
Employment details
Housing costs

3. Apply Online

Most applications take 5–10 minutes and give instant decisions. If you're approved, your card typically arrives in 7–10 business days.

4. Set Up Auto-Pay

Avoid missed payments and late fees by setting up automatic payments for the minimum due or the complete balance.

Tips To Build Credit With Your First Card

Once approved, how you use your card matters more than the card itself. Follow these tips:

Pay in Full Each Month – Avoid interest charges and build a positive payment history.
Keep Your Utilisation Low – Try not to exceed 30% of your credit limit.
Use It Regularly – Small, frequent purchases (like subscriptions or groceries) help you build credit over time.
Monitor Your Credit Score – Many cards include free access to your score. Track your progress monthly.
Request Credit Limit Increases – After 6–12 months of on-time payments, you may qualify for a higher limit.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Applying for Too Many Cards – Each application creates a hard inquiry that can temporarily lower your score.

Carrying a Balance – Interest can quickly add up, especially on starter cards.

Ignoring Due Dates – Late payments can hurt your score and lead to penalty APRs.

Using the Card for Emergencies Only – Regular use is necessary to build a credit history.

Final Thoughts: Which First Credit Card Should You Choose?

If you're a student, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is a strong pick with valuable rewards and no fees. For those needing a guaranteed approval option, Capital One Platinum Secured offers a dependable way to start building. If you already have a Chase bank account or some income, the Freedom Rise or the Petal® 1 are both worth a look.

Take 10 minutes to pre-qualify online, choose the card that fits your situation, and start building your credit history today. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll open the door to better financial products — from low-interest loans to top-tier rewards cards.