Building credit is an important step toward financial freedom. Having a good credit score is essential for those hoping to buy a house, take out a loan, or start a business, and building that credit should be a top priority for everyone who cares about their finances.

Despite this, over 45 million Americans have no credit at all to speak of. This can severely impact your ability to achieve the financial independence you desire and can cause significant stumbling blocks later on in life.

One of the easiest ways to build up your credit score is with a credit card. However, many people feel like they can’t access this, as most leading credit card providers require you to have some credit already.

Fortunately, you have options. Starter credit cards exist in abundance, to help those with no credit built up their score, easily, cheaply, and quickly. If you’re looking to get starting on your credit-building journey, these are the best credit cards for beginners. 

Best Starter Credit Cards: Discover It Secured Card

If you’re looking for the best credit card for beginners, this is a good place to start.

Designed specifically for people with low or no credit, the Secured Card has no late fee for the first late payment, no penalty APR for late payment, and free access to your FICO score anytime, anywhere. 

Reflex Mastercard 

As the review for this stellar card on CardGuru states; “this is a great card for getting out of a sub-prime credit score and into something nicer”. Approval is instant and all types of credit scores are eligible.

There is a fairly modest $500 initial credit limit, but this can be expanded later down the line. Definitely the best beginner credit card for those who are new to personal finance.

Capital One Platinum Credit Card 

This free-to-apply card with $0 in annual fees has the full package. Cardholders get a full warranty, as well as auto, rental, travel, and roadside assistance insurance included.

If you make your first five repayments on time, you get access to an ever-growing credit limit. This is the best starter credit card for those wanting to get into good habits fast. 

Discover It Student Cashback Card 

Your time as a college student is one of the best times to focus on building your credit.

This one can help your grades and your bank balance; if you provide evidence of a GPA of 3.0 or above, you get rewarded with $20 credit each year.

This card also offers 1% unlimited cashback on all purchases that you make, which will add up nicely over the year. 

Journey Student Rewards Card 

If you’re an international student looking for beginner credit cards, this one also delivers.

This is one of the few cards that has no foreign transaction fees whatsoever, meaning you can make overseas purchases without worrying about the bank taking an extra slice.

If you make your repayments in good time, your cashback gets upped to 1.25%. 

Learn More

If you’re looking for the right starter credit cards for you, then you’re already on the right track to financial freedom. To learn more about how to get your finances on strong footing, make sure to explore our Finance Tag for all of the information you will ever need.