A Starter Guide for a Starter Card

Personal Finance

Feb 19

So you’ve read through this map, you know how credit works and how to be responsible with a card, and you’re ready to get started. But which card should you actually get? A quick search of “credit card offers” will result in endless lists of suggested cards, each with its own varying package of benefits and terms. To help you get started, I’ve assembled a handful of credit cards that I would personally recommend as good “starter cards”. That is, credit cards that are available to those without much of a credit history, are available to young adults and students, and offer the best benefits package possible. Of course, what is truly the right card for you depends on your personal spending habits and needs/desires - but the cards below are good places to start. If you already have a savings or checking account with some bank, it may also be easier to get a credit card with that bank. At the very least, you can compare the benefits of the cards listed below to what your bank offers!

Some disclaimers before going in: anytime a recommendation is made, there’s some personal bias at play - I encourage you to do your own research into which card is best for you. While these recommendations are researched, no one knows what’s best for you more than yourself. Take a look at your own spending habits, bank branches in your area, your personal banking history, and decide which card (and bank) you like the best. Ultimately, don’t spend too much time worrying about this. It’s better to get out there and start building your credit score with any card than it is to get overwhelmed trying to choose one and struggling to get started.