Do you see the ads for credit cards with huge bonuses and amazing travel perks and feel like they’re for someone else? If you’ve never had a loan or a credit card before, you’re what’s known as “credit invisible.”
This can feel like a frustrating catch-22: you need a good credit history to get a great credit card, but you need a credit card to build a credit history.
It can feel like you’re locked out of the game before you even get a chance to play.
But what if I told you that starting with a blank slate is actually a huge advantage? You have the opportunity to build a perfect credit history from the ground up, and you don’t have to wait to start earning valuable rewards.
This guide is for anyone who is ready to take the first, most important step in their financial journey.
I’m going to show you the best starter cards that are specifically designed to solve the catch-22, help you build an excellent credit score, and let you earn cash back from your very first purchase.
Your First Step: Understanding Secured vs. Student Cards
When you have no credit history, you can’t just apply for a top-tier travel card.
You need to start with a card designed for you. Your two best options are:
- Secured Cards: This is the most accessible on-ramp to credit for most people. A secured card works just like a regular credit card, but you provide a small, refundable security deposit (usually $200) to open the account. That deposit becomes your credit limit. It’s the bank’s way of eliminating their risk, which is why they are so willing to approve applicants with no credit history.
- Student Cards: If you’re a college student, banks see you as a great future customer. They have created specific unsecured cards that are easier for students with limited income and no credit to get approved for.
The Top Starter Cards That Pay You Back
Here are my top picks for cards that not only build your credit but also reward you for using them responsibly.
1. The Best Overall Starter Card: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Why I Picked It: This card is the gold standard for building credit for a reason. It has no annual fee, a clear path to “graduate” to a regular unsecured card, and most importantly, it offers a real cash back program—a rare feature for a secured card.
- The Rewards: You’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% on everything else. Plus, Discover has an incredible Cashback Match program where they will automatically double all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
2. The Best for Students: Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Why I Picked It: This card is a perfect first taste of a “real” rewards card. It has no annual fee and introduces students to the concept of maximizing bonus categories, a key skill for a future rewards expert.
- The Rewards: It offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories like Amazon.com, restaurants, and grocery stores (on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter you activate). It also features the same amazing Cashback Match for the first year, making it one of the most generous student cards available.
3. A Great Secured Alternative: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards
- Why I Picked It: If you prefer simplicity over rotating categories, this is an outstanding choice. It offers a simple, flat cash back rate on every single purchase, so you never have to worry about where you’re shopping.
- The Rewards: You earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Like the Discover it Secured, it has a path to graduation and reports to all three credit bureaus, ensuring your good habits are being recorded.
Anya’s Insight: My little brother asked me how to get his first credit card, and I gave him this exact advice. I told him to think of his first card like joining a new gym. You don’t start by trying to lift the heaviest weights. You start with a simple, consistent routine to build a strong foundation. Using a secured card for a small, regular purchase and paying it off every month is the perfect financial workout to build a powerful credit score for the future.
Your 4-Step Game Plan for Success
- Choose Your Card: Pick the one that best fits your situation (student or non-student, rotating categories or flat-rate).
- Use It Wisely (and Sparingly): Once approved, use your new card for one or two small, regular purchases each month, like a streaming service or your cell phone bill. The goal is not to spend a lot, but to create a record of activity.
- Follow the Two Golden Rules: 1) Pay your bill on time, every time. 2) Pay your bill in full, every time. Set up autopay to make this effortless.
- Track Your Progress: After about six months of this perfect, consistent history, you’ll likely have your very first FICO® score! You can check it for free through your card issuer’s app or website.
Ready to Build Your Credit & Earn Rewards?
Starting with no credit isn’t a disadvantage; it’s a fresh start. You have the power to build a perfect credit history from day one. By choosing one of these cards and using it responsibly, you’re not just getting a piece of plastic—you’re opening the door to a better financial future and earning rewards along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I get denied for one of these cards?
Don’t be discouraged. It can happen. Sometimes it’s best to wait a few months, ensure you have a steady income, and try again. You can also visit a local credit union, as they are often more willing to work with members of their community.
Do I really get my security deposit back?
Yes. The security deposit is 100% your money. When the bank sees you’ve been using the card responsibly for a number of months (typically 7-12), they will often automatically “graduate” you to an unsecured card and refund your full deposit.
How long until I can get a “real” travel card?
After about 12 months of perfect payment history with your starter card, your credit score will likely be in the “good” range. At that point, you will start to qualify for the excellent no-annual-fee travel and cash back cards.
WalletAware shares education, not individualized financial advice. Always confirm current terms on the issuer’s site before applying.