Best Starter Credit Cards for (Re)Building Your Credit, 2023
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Despite what television ads may lead you to believe, building credit takes time and doesn’t happen overnight. One of the best methods for building credit is to apply for a starter credit card and then use it wisely. But not all cards are created equal, and knowing which ones are the best starter credit cards can get a little tricky.
By using a starter credit card responsibly, it can open up a world of opportunities for you financially speaking. A starter credit card is perfect when you don't have credit and are seeking your first credit card. They can also help improve your credit score if you have fair credit reported to the credit bureaus, which in turn allows you to qualify for loans with lower interest rates. There are even starter credit cards offering bonuses, cash back, and travel rewards for you to take advantage of.
So whether you’re starting out right now on your personal finance journey, or rebuilding your credit, let’s take a closer look at the best starter credit cards to establish — or re-establish — yourself in the credit world.
Jump To
Overview of the best starter credit cards
Issuer | Best for |
Discover It® Cash Back | Cash back rewards |
Discover It® Secured | Building history and earning cash back |
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One | Studying or traveling abroad |
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | Unlimited cash back potential |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Everyday purchases |
Chase Freedom® Student credit card | Student card with cash back |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Payment flexibility |
Citi Double Cash® Card | Easy cash-back earnings |
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
The best starter credit cards
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back Card
Card Name
Discover it® Cash Back Card
APR
18.24% - 27.24%
Recommended Credit Score
670 to 850
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer Terms
0% intro APR for 15 months from date of account opening.
Intro Offer
0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers and 3% Intro Balance Transfer Fee until November 10, 2023.
Rewards Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically. Unlimited Cashback Match.
Why We Like It
- No annual fee.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com,4 grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
- Get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover It® Secured Credit Card
Card Name
Discover It® Secured Credit Card
APR
28.24%
Recommended Credit Score
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all your other purchases automatically. 2x cash back with Cashback Match, get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
Why We Like It
- Credit-building credit card with limit you set with your deposit.
- Automatic review in 7 months to see if you can transition into an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Card Name
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
APR
29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases.
Special Offer Terms
Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month
Rewards Rate
1% Cash Back on all purchases. 0.25% Cash Back bonus on the cash back you earn each month you pay on time. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
Why We Like It
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- No hidden fees.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Card Name
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
APR
29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
Annual Fee
$39
Special Offer
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back
Special Offer Terms
on every purchase, every day
Rewards Rate
1.5 % Cash Back on every purchase, every day. 5 % Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
Terms
Why We Like It
- Earn unlimited cash back on every purchase.
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn.
- Cash back doesn't expire.
- You can be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Card Name
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
APR
20.49% - 29.24%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)
Special Offer Terms
— worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Rewards Rate
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases
Terms
Why We Like It
- Higher cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back.
- No annual fee.
- Monitor your credit for free access using Chase Credit Journey.
Chase Freedom® Student credit card
Chase Freedom® Student credit card
Card Name
Chase Freedom® Student credit card
APR
19.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Fair, Good, Excellent
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
$50 Bonus
Special Offer Terms
after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards Rate
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases plus $20 Good Standing Rewards after each account anniversary for up to 5 years
Terms
Why We Like It
- No annual fee.
- Earn a credit limit increase after making five monthly payments on time within 10 months from account opening.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back and rewards never expire.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Card Name
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
APR
19.24% - 29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Good, Excellent
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn a $200 statement credit
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Rewards Rate
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Why We Like It
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening.
- Earn cash back at U.S. supermarkets on eligible purchases
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Card Name
Citi Double Cash® Card
APR
19.24% - 29.24%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good, Fair
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn $200 cash back
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Rewards Rate
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
Terms
Why We Like It
- Unlimited cash back earned on every dollar spent.
- Earn cash back when paying your bills on time.
- Intro 0% on balance transfers for 18 months (after which is an ongoing APR of 19.24% - 29.24%)
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
Best starter credit cards summary
Issuer | Cash back | APR | Annual fee |
Discover it® Cash Back | Up to 5% rotating categories, 1% all others | 16.74% to 27.74% | $0 |
Discover It® Secured | 2% at gas stations/restaurants, 1% all others | 27.74% | $0 |
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One | 1% Cash Back on all purchases. 0.25% Cash Back bonus on the cash back you earn each month you pay on time. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). | 29.99% | $0 |
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | 1.5 % Cash Back on every purchase, every day. 5 % Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). | 29.99% | $39 |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases | 20.49% - 29.24% | $0 |
Chase Freedom® Student credit card | Earn 1% cash back on all purchases plus $20 Good Standing Rewards after each account anniversary for up to 5 years | 19.99% | $0 |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases. | 19.24% - 29.99% | $0 |
Citi Double Cash® Card | Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24. | 19.24% - 29.24% | $0 |
FAQs
How do I know which is the best starter credit card?
There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing a starter card. Your credit history and score certainly impact the type of card you can choose. But beyond this, look for a card that rewards you for responsible financial behavior, such as paying on time each month. Once you find a card that fits in these parameters, then you can look at the cash back or reward options. Don’t forget to consider other fees too, such as annual fees, foreign transactions, balance transfers, and late payment fees. All these can add up quickly and impact your wallet throughout the year.
Can I get a starter credit card without credit history?
Yes, it’s possible to get a credit card without credit history. Your best bet is to start with a student credit card or a secured credit card. Both types of credit cards can teach you responsible financial management.
Who should use a starter credit card?
Starter credit cards are essential for those establishing credit, such as students or young professionals, as well as those rebuilding their credit. Some of these cards require a bit of a credit history, while others are perfect for those with no credit history whatsoever. Anyone who wants to improve their credit score (after making on-time payments) and greater financial responsibility, should consider one of these starter credit cards. As your credit improves, it’ll increase the likelihood of you being able to expand your credit one day.
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
The bottom line
Starter credit cards don’t have to be limited to low credit lines and high-interest rates. As you can see, many of these credit cards offer competitive interest rates and a chance to earn additional rewards. As you’re looking for ways to become more financially responsible, a starter credit card may be the first step in the right direction for making better financial decisions.
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Writer
Sara Coleman is a former corporate gal turned creative entrepreneur. She began writing professionally several years ago and now contributes to multiple websites, blogs, and magazines. She’s also an avid reader and can’t resist a great historical fiction novel. Sara holds a BA in journalism from the University of Georgia and can be found supporting her Bulldogs every chance she has. She resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her wonderfully supportive husband and three children. When she’s not ushering her kids to sports and dance lessons, she can be found creating content for her own website, TheProperPen.com.
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