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Choosing your first credit card
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Your first card isn't about rewards. It's about building a credit history cheaply and safely, so that better cards and lower rates are open to you later.
The main options
| Type | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Secured card | You put down a refundable deposit, which usually becomes your credit limit | No credit history, or rebuilding after problems |
| Student card | A regular card designed for students with limited history | College students with some income |
| Starter / no-fee card | A basic card with no annual fee and modest limits | People with thin but clean credit |
| Authorized user | Someone you trust adds you to their card | Getting started on a family member's good history |
Under 21? In the US, card issuers generally need you to show your own income to approve you, so student cards and authorized-user spots are common starting points.
What to look for
- No annual fee. There's no reason to pay a fee while you're building credit.
- Reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), or it won't help build your history.
- A path to graduate. Many secured cards review your account after several months of on-time payments and return your deposit or upgrade you.
- Few fees overall. Watch for monthly maintenance or "program" fees on some subprime cards; avoid those.
Habits that build good credit
Pay on time, every time. Set up autopay for at least the minimum. Payment history is the biggest factor in your score.
Pay in full. Paying the whole statement balance means you never pay interest.
Keep your balance low. Using a small share of your limit looks better than maxing it out.
Use it lightly. A small recurring bill on the card, paid off automatically, is plenty.
Avoid these
Watch out for
- Cards that charge setup, monthly, or "program" fees.
- Applying for lots of cards at once; each application can cause a hard inquiry.
- Treating the credit limit as extra money.
Quick answers
What is the easiest credit card to get with no credit?
Secured cards are usually the easiest to get with no credit history, because your refundable deposit backs the credit line. Becoming an authorized user on a trusted person's card is another common start.
How long does it take to build credit with a first card?
You'll usually have a credit score after about six months of activity reported to the bureaus. Building a strong score takes longer and depends mostly on paying on time.
Should my first credit card have rewards?
Rewards are a bonus, not the goal. A no-fee card that reports to all three bureaus and that you'll pay in full every month matters far more.
Run your own numbers
Is a card's annual fee worth it for you?
Plug in your actual spending and see what a card would really earn after its fee, compared with a simple no-fee card.