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Getting Your First Credit Card

6 min read

Last Updated: December 10, 2024

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

You need to be 18 or older to apply for your first credit card.
First-time credit card users should look at secured credit cards or student credit cards as their best options.
Using your first credit card responsibly can help you build a credit history.

Getting your first credit card is a big deal. It may be one of the first major financial decisions young people make on their own. If you're a student or someone who's never had a credit card before, it's normal to have questions, such as:

When should you get your first credit card?
How do you know if you’re ready for your first credit card?
How do you get a credit card for the first time?
What is the best first credit card for beginners?

There's no one "right" time to apply for your first credit card. It all depends on the individual but having the information you need before you apply can help make the decision easier.

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This guide for first-time credit card users will walk you through some simple ways to determine if you're ready for this big financial step.

Before you apply for your first credit card

Review these basic questions before you apply for your first credit card.

Are you the minimum age?

You have to be at least 18 years old to open your own starter credit card account. If you’re younger, then you're not quite ready to apply for your first credit card.

Good news, though: Although you can't open your own credit card before 18, a parent, family member, or trusted friend may be able to add you as an authorized user on one of their credit accounts. As an authorized user, you typically receive your own card, which you can use to start building credit history of your own if the credit card issuer reports authorized users to credit bureaus.

But keep in mind, if the primary account holder doesn't manage their card responsibly, their negative activity may appear on your credit report, according to Experian^®. A primary account holder's poor credit decisions could make it more difficult for you to build good credit later on.

Are you financially responsible?

It’s important to consider your overall financial picture as you start using a credit card. As a first-time credit card user, it’s vital to learn good credit habits, like keeping your spending well below your credit limit, paying your bill on time each month, and repaying your balance in full whenever possible. If you already make strategic, thoughtful decisions about purchases—especially big, expensive ones—responsible practices may likely carry over into how you manage your credit cards, keeping you on track when it comes to responsible spending and building credit history.

The skills you use to manage a credit card could also help you with other financial tools, like personal loans. Plus, knowing how to use credit responsibly can help you avoid difficult credit card debt if you have to use your starter card for an emergency or other unexpected expenses.

Do you understand the basics of credit cards?

When it comes to deciding if now is the right time to apply for your first credit card, it's important to know the basics of how credit cards work. That way, you could avoid poor credit card decisions so you don’t end up with credit card debt that's difficult to manage.

It’s especially important to understand how your credit score works and how it can impact your financial future. Your credit card company reports your credit card activity to credit bureaus, who use it to build your credit report. The information in your credit report contributes to your credit score. A strong credit score helps you qualify for not only the best credit card rates, but also personal loan rates, mortgages, and more.

It's also a good idea to have some basic knowledge of how an interest rate works. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains that interest is the cost of borrowing money, usually expressed as a percentage of the amount borrowed. Carrying a credit card balance could leave you owing interest charges, especially if you have a high interest rate. Late payments can cause your balance to grow as late fees and interest charges add up. Understanding simple concepts like these can help you avoid unnecessary fees and charges so you can build a credit history you’re proud of.

Good first credit cards to consider

If you answered “yes” to the previous questions, then you might be ready for your first credit card. Here are some of the best credit-builder cards for beginners:

Secured credit card

A secured credit card requires collateral–a security deposit–to open an account. The security deposit reduces the risk credit card issuers take on by lending to you, so these cards may be easier to qualify for than unsecured credit cards. You can usually graduate to an unsecured card after you’ve consistently used your secured card responsibly.

Did you know?

The Discover it^® Secured Credit Card may be a good choice for your first credit card because it can help you build your credit history¹ while you earn credit card rewards.

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Student credit card

If you're a college student looking for your first credit card, a student credit card could be a good choice. Student credit cards are among the best first credit card options because credit card issuers design them specifically for this unique stage of life. Some student credit cards, like the Discover it^® Student Cash Back Card, even offer rewards for things you'd be buying anyway, like gas or groceries.

Choosing the best first-time credit card for you

Deciding if you're ready for your first credit card takes some careful thought and reflection. Instead of rushing, think about your current financial habits to consider if you're truly ready for your first credit card. If so, the next step is researching some of the best first credit cards for your lifestyle and current stage of life. Some factors to keep in mind include:

Interest rates: A good first credit card may have a low introductory interest rate and a competitive standard interest rate after the intro period ends.
Rewards programs: You may benefit most from a first credit card that offers cash back or miles for the purchases you regularly make. A rewards program that lines up with your daily spending habits–like shopping for groceries and filling your gas tank–might provide you the most value.
Credit card fees: If you're on a budget or adjusting to managing credit, you may not want a credit card that charges you just for keeping your account active. A credit card with no annual fee may be a better fit.
Reporting credit activity: A good starter card can help you build credit history. Before you apply for your first credit card, you may want to make sure the credit card company reports credit activity to each main credit bureau–Experian^®, Equifax^®, and TransUnion^®.

After you've been approved and you have your starter credit card in hand, you can enjoy using the card and any perks it offers–responsibly, of course.

Important Information >

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