Best Credit Cards for First Timers

Starting with a credit card can have a lasting impact on financial growth. The right card should be easy to manage, offer clear approval criteria, and support the process of building credit. Features like reporting to major credit bureaus, minimal fees, and structured rewards can help create a strong financial foundation without unnecessary risk.

Recommended Credit Cards for New Users

Discover it Secured Credit Card

The Discover it Secured Card is ideal for individuals with no credit history. It requires a refundable deposit and includes a cashback program.

• 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined quarterly purchases)
• 1% cashback on other purchases
• No annual fee
• Cashback Match in the first year
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus

This card offers a practical balance of reward potential and structured credit-building.

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

An unsecured card built for applicants with limited or fair credit. It offers simple terms and room to grow.

• No annual fee
• Credit line review after six months of on-time payments
• Digital account access and alerts
• Reports to major credit bureaus

It serves as a no-frills option for building a stable credit history.

Chase Freedom Flex

This card combines flexible rewards with accessibility for users entering the credit market.

• 5% cashback in quarterly rotating categories (on up to $1,500 in combined purchases)
• 3% cashback on dining and drugstores
• 1% cashback on all other purchases
• 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
• No annual fee

Although not marketed as a starter card, it is accessible to those with fair to good credit and offers lasting value.

Citi Rewards+ Card

Citi Rewards+ rounds up every purchase to the nearest 10 points, creating consistent earnings from small transactions.

• No annual fee
• Rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase
• Welcome bonus after qualifying spend
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to Citi Entertainment offers

Its reward structure benefits those who frequently make low-cost purchases.

Petal 2 Cash Back Visa Credit Card

This card evaluates banking history instead of credit scores, making it accessible to individuals with no prior credit.

• No annual fee
• 1% cashback starting rate, increasing to 1.5% with on-time payments
• No late fees
• Budgeting and financial tracking through the Petal app
• Reports to major credit bureaus

It provides an alternative entry point to credit with no hidden charges.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

A flexible cashback card that allows users to choose their top-earning category.

• 3% cashback in a selected category such as gas, online shopping, or dining
• 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined purchases per quarter for 3% and 2% categories)
• 1% on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Customizable reward settings

It offers adaptable benefits that align with everyday monthly spending habits.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash offers flat-rate cashback, making it ideal for users who want consistent value.

• Unlimited 2% cashback on all purchases
• No annual fee
• 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
• Real-time fraud monitoring and mobile access

It removes the need to track categories while offering dependable rewards.

Green Dot Primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card

Designed for users focused purely on building credit, this card keeps terms upfront and straightforward.

• No annual fee
• Fixed APR
• Refundable deposit starting at $200
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus
• Accepted anywhere Visa is used

A suitable option for individuals who want a secure starting point without rewards or rotating offers.

American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card

A rewards card built around household spending, offering cashback in practical categories.

• 3% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), then 1%
• 2% cashback at U.S. gas stations
• 1% cashback on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Access to American Express customer support and security features

It benefits cardholders with consistent expenses on groceries and fuel.

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard

For individuals with travel goals, this card allows early accumulation of airline miles.

• Bonus miles after qualifying for spending
• Earn miles on every purchase
• No foreign transaction fees
• Benefits include priority boarding and in-flight discounts

A specialized option for users seeking to convert everyday purchases into travel rewards.

Synchrony HOME Credit Card

This card is designed for home purchases and large furniture or home improvement expenses.

• Accepted at thousands of participating home retailers
• Promotional financing on qualifying purchases
• No annual fee
• Credit activity reported to major bureaus

Best for individuals making large home-related purchases while building credit responsibly.

SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express

An entry-level business credit card suited for new entrepreneurs and freelancers.

• 5% cashback on U.S. office supply stores and wireless services (up to $50,000 annually)
• 3% on a selected business category, such as gas or advertising
• 1% on all other purchases
• No annual fee for the first year
• Business-oriented expense tracking tools

This product helps small business owners manage spending while building business credit.

Choosing a Credit Card That Supports Financial Growth

Selecting the right card as a new applicant involves more than just approval odds. The best choices combine low fees, clear policies, and reliable reporting to credit bureaus. Whether secured or unsecured, the right card complements your current financial habits and supports responsible usage over time.

Join a vibrant community with the sole mission to achieve financial independence.

View more

Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

See a typo or want to suggest an edit/revision to the content? Use the comment form below for feedback.

At FangWallet, we value editorial integrity and open collaboration in curating quality content for readers to enjoy. Much appreciated for the assist.

---

Did you like our article and find it insightful? We encourage sharing the article link with family and friends to benefit as well - better yet, sharing on social media. Thank you for the support! 🍉

Article Title: Best Credit Cards for First Timers

https://fangwallet.com/2025/05/31/credit-cards-for-new-users/

---

The FangWallet Promise

FangWallet is an editorially independent resource - founded on breaking down challenging financial concepts for anyone to understand since 2014. While we adhere to editorial integrity, note that this post may contain references to products from our partners.

The FangWallet promise is always to have your best interest in mind and be transparent and honest about the financial picture.

---

---

Become an Insider

Subscribe to get a free daily budget planner printable to help get your money on track!

Make passive money the right way. No spam.

* indicates required

First Name

Email Address *

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

---