The best first credit cards, according to WalletHub
You'll likely have your first credit card for a while, so you want to choose one that counts
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Choosing the right first credit cards matters more than you might think, since closing it can really affect your credit score.
You want to pick a card that has high approval rates and low annual fees — and one that you’ll keep for a while. Luckily, WalletHub compiled its list of the best first credit cards.
Continue reading to see which made the list and why.
1 / 5
Best first card for students
WalletHub rated the Capital One $COF Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit card the best overall first card for students. It's “a good first credit card because it has a $0 annual fee, reports to the major credit bureaus monthly, and offers great rewards,” WalletHub said. Students get 3% cash back on groceries and streaming services, and 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases, among other perks.
2 / 5
Best first card overall
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Credit: Petal
The Petal 2 Visa $V Credit Card was rated the best first card overall. “It accepts people with limited credit, has a $0 annual fee, and rewards cardholders with 1% cash back on all eligible purchases,” WalletHub said. It did warn that the car has a high APR. It was also rated the best first card for people with no credit history.
3 / 5
Best first card for rewards
Screenshot: Capital One $COF QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
WalletHub said the Capital One $COF QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is the best first card for rewards. It offers 5% cash back for rental cars, vacation rentals, and hotels. It does have a $39 annual fee and high APR, but high interest is normal for a first-time card.
4 / 5
Best first credit card for fair credit
If you already have a loan out or were authorized on someone else’s card but want to open your own, WalletHub recommends the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa $V. It gives 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which can definitely add up.
5 / 5
Best first credit card for rebuilding credit
If your credit score needs some help and you don’t yet have a credit card, WalletHub suggests the Discover $DFS it Secure Credit Card. The card is "great for building credit because it reports account information to the major credit bureaus each month,” WalletHub said. You can get one even with bad credit, but it does require you to put a refundable deposit down that then becomes your credit limit.