The Best Credit Card for 18-Year-Olds: A Guide to Making Smart Choices
Lifestyle

The Best Credit Card for 18-Year-Olds: A Guide to Making Smart Choices

Getting a credit card may seem complicated as a young adult because you haven’t yet built good credit. However, at 18, you can choose from several credit cards to help you pay for things and start building your credit history with the major credit bureaus.

If you have a credit history, you could qualify for an unsecured credit card with limited credit. Otherwise, you can get a secured or student credit card at this age. Depending on your needs, several attractive card offers exist, including credit cards only for students.

Here’s a guide to making smart choices when choosing the best credit cards for 18-year-olds.

Understanding Credit and Credit Cards

Before you dive into the world of plastics, it’s crucial to grasp why credit is key and how a credit card can be more than just a payment tool. It’s about building a financial foundation that can unlock doors to loans, better interest rates, and the power to afford life’s big purchases.

Importance of Building Credit

Building credit at an early age opens doors to vital financial milestones. Securing a credit card as a young adult lays the groundwork for a robust financial future. A strong credit history matters when you’re ready to rent an apartment or buy a car.

Lenders look at your credit score to decide if they can trust you with a loan.

Managing your credit responsibly from the get-go sets you up for success down the line. Actions like timely payments and smart spending with your first credit card will boost your credibility in the eyes of financial institutions.

This early discipline paves the way for larger loans and favorable interest rates, helping secure your aspirations without unnecessary hurdles.

Benefits of Having A Credit Card

Establishing a solid credit foundation is just the beginning; owning a credit card unlocks several advantages that are hard to ignore. 

Credit cards provide the convenience of making purchases without carrying cash and allow you to handle emergencies or unexpected expenses easily.

They offer an opportunity to build your credit score, which is crucial for financial milestones like getting a lower interest rate on loans or qualifying for additional lines of credit in the future.

Using a credit card responsibly also teaches essential skills in debt management as you learn to maintain low credit utilization and make payments on time. 

Furthermore, many cards come with rewards programs that allow you to earn points, miles, or cash back on everyday purchases—putting money back into your pocket. Some even have 0% introductory financing periods for new purchases or balance transfers, which can be particularly helpful when managing larger expenses. 

With thoughtful use and regular monitoring of your spending habits, having a credit card at 18 becomes an investment in your financial responsibility and independence.

Top Credit Cards for 18-Year-Olds

Some important factors for deciding on the top first credit cards for 18-year-olds include:

  • High approval odds
  • Low fees
  • Low introductory interest rates
  • Rewards

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students stands out with its flexible cash-back program. You earn 3% cash back in a category you choose, like gas, online shopping, or dining.

Plus, get 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Remember there’s a cap on the 3% and 2% categories for the first $2,500 combined each quarter; after that, you still earn an unlimited 1% cash back on purchases.

This card doesn’t just reward spending; it’s also a tool for building credit responsibly. It comes without an annual fee and offers valuable bonus rewards if you meet certain qualifications – making it an excellent choice for students looking to establish their credit history while enjoying some extra perks.

The online banking interface and mobile app are user-friendly, making it easy to monitor spending, check balances, and view the cash-back rewards accumulated. It’s a perfect fit for tech-savvy students who prefer managing their finances digitally.

The card provides added incentives such as introductory APR offers to help manage expenses and save money on interest charges while learning about responsible credit usage.

Discover it® Student Cash Back Card

Get rewarded for smart spending with the Discover it® Student Cash Back card. Ideal for college students, this card merges the benefits of building credit history with the opportunity to earn cash back on purchases.

Enjoy rotating categories every quarter where you can earn up to 5% cash back, from gas stations and restaurants to Amazon.com and grocery stores, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

This student-friendly credit card doesn’t burden your wallet with an annual fee. Pair that with Discover’s generous policy of matching all the cash back earned at the end of your first year, and it’s clear why it stands out in a sea of options.

Plus, managing your account is a breeze through their mobile app or website, making tracking expenses and payments simple for young adults just starting their financial journey.

Another advantage of this card is the U.S.-based customer service, which provides excellent support for queries or concerns. Additionally, the card offers free FICO credit score access, helping students monitor their credit growth. 

Discover it® Student Chrome Card

The Discover it® Student Chrome credit card stands out for 18-year-olds eager to build their credit. With no annual fee, this card makes managing finances easier for students just starting out.

Users enjoy cash-back rewards on every purchase, which means saving money while making necessary purchases. You don’t need an existing credit history to apply, opening doors for those new to the world of credit.

Getting this student credit card is straightforward: you must be 18 years old with a U.S. address and a Social Security number to qualify. College enrollment isn’t required, so you can still benefit from this financial tool even if you take time before starting higher education or pursuing other interests.

It’s designed to help young adults take their first step toward building a solid financial foundation.

The card also offers an automatic cash-back match at the end of the first year, doubling the rewards earned, an exceptional student benefit. Beyond that, a Good Grade Reward program offers a $20 statement credit each school year if your GPA is 3.0 or higher. 

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card stands out for students ready to build their credit history. With this card, you earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.

It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for simple, effective rewards without having to track spending categories.

Avoiding unnecessary fees is crucial when managing finances as a young adult, and this card helps by offering a $0 annual fee. Plus, NerdWallet gives it high marks for its overall value to student users.

The grace period feature is another perk; it allows you to pay off purchases without worrying about interest charges immediately—great for managing those tight budgets that come with college life.

This card offers access to Capital One’s CreditWise tool, an excellent resource for tracking your credit score and learning about credit. The tool provides personalized tips and insights, helping students understand credit better. 

BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students

If you’re a college student starting your credit journey, the BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students might be a smart choice. With no annual fee and an attractive 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, this card eases new users into credit usage without overwhelming costs.

It’s designed especially for individuals with limited credit history, helping students build good credit over time.

Getting approved requires decent credit, but it simplifies managing expenses and learning financial responsibility once in hand. This card stands out by focusing on the essentials rather than rewards, making it less complicated for those just getting to grips with their finances.

Remember, responsible use, like paying bills on time, can pave the way toward better financial tools in the future.

The online banking tools provided with this card are straightforward and helpful for first-time credit card users. These tools include spending tracking and budgeting features, which can be invaluable for students learning to manage their finances effectively. 

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a game changer for college students looking to establish a credit history. With its attractive cash-back rewards on everyday purchases, this card makes it easy to earn money while spending essentials.

Capital One SavorOne is a student card, so you only qualify if you are at a university, community college, or other higher educational institution. It’s an unsecured card, so you must prove some source of income to qualify because they run credit checks. You earn 3% cashback, unlimited, and you can also earn a $50 one-off cash bonus if you make $100 purchases within three months. However, you must pay your monthly balance in full on time during that period to qualify for the cash bonus.

Whether buying textbooks or dining out, you’ll appreciate how this card supports your student lifestyle.

Enjoy the benefits of a credit card without worrying about an annual fee. Keep your account in good standing, and watch as your rewards accumulate with each swipe. The straightforward rewards structure means less hassle and more savings, allowing you to focus on your studies and enjoy college life to the fullest.

In addition, the SavorOne Student Card offers personalized account alerts and 0% fraud liability, ensuring security and convenience. The card also grants access to premium experiences in dining, entertainment, and sports.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card 

Moving from credit cards designed specifically for students, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card is a versatile option for those aiming to establish or rebuild their credit history.

This secured card has the added benefit of cash-back rewards, setting it apart. With 1 – 5% cash back on eligible purchases and no annual fee, young adults can earn while they learn the ropes of responsible credit use.

Cardholders enjoy an introductory APR that makes initial purchases more manageable without immediate high interest rates. Tailored to fit the needs of college students and young adults who might be new to using credit, this card offers a straightforward path toward building a solid financial foundation with measurable perks.

Another highlight is the ability to choose your cash-back categories every quarter, allowing customization based on your spending habits. This card reports to all three major credit bureaus, assisting in building a robust credit profile. 

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students makes earning rewards easy with 1.5 points for every dollar you spend on purchases. 

Perfect for students who have caught the travel bug, this no-annual-fee card comes packed with an appealing introductory bonus—rack up 25,000 points after meeting qualifying conditions.

Imagine turning your textbook buys and coffee runs into a weekend getaway!

This credit card is not just about racking up travel miles; it also supports building a solid credit foundation with a grace period on payments and no annual fee to worry about. 

If you’re an 18-year-old stepping into the world of credit, this top credit card option can help pave the way to financial independence while satisfying your wanderlust without additional cost.

U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Visa

U.S. Bank’s Altitude Go Secured Visa credit card has a higher security deposit requirement than most of $300, which means you have the funds available if needed. The card has no annual fee, and you get rewarded points for every dollar spent on everyday purchases. These include 4 points for eating out and takeouts, 2 for groceries, gas, and EV charging stations, and 1 for other purchases. Also, check out their streaming services credit. Expect an upgrade if you pay your bills on time and use the card regularly.

Chase Freedom Rise

Another of the top credit cards for 18-year-olds is the Chase Freedom Rise. It has no annual fees and is ideal if you are new to credit. However, it charges 3% on foreign transaction fees and has a high annual percentage rate on balances. You earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. It’s an unsecured card, meaning you can expect a variable but highish APR.

 

Best First Credit Cards for 18-Year-Olds

The selection of the best credit cards includes the following based on their approval odds or attractive offers:

Chime Credit Buikder Visa Card

Chime offers an excellent credit builder Visa card with no credit check, annual fee, or interest charges for 18-year-olds. You can automatically transfer Chime’s checking account with no minimum balance or monthly fees to the secure credit builder account.

First Latitude Platinum Mastercard Secured Credit Card

With the First Latitude Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card, you have a secured credit card as a first-time credit card holder. It has a low minimum deposit obligation, starting at $100, while earning rewards of 1% as cashback on purchases. The card has a one-time fee. It allows you to build a credit history since it reports to the three major credit bureaus. There’s an annual fee of $25 for the first year and $35 from the second year onwards.

OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card

If you have bad or no credit, then the OpenSky Secured Visa is the ideal credit card because it has high approval odds. Your credit line matches your security deposit. It has a $35 annual fee, but you can build your credit history across three major reporting agencies and extend your credit line after six months without requiring an additional deposit.

Credit Cards for 18-Year-Olds with No Credit

Unless you plan to live off-the-grid, you must build credit for screenings when looking to rent or purchase a home, buy a car, or get insurance coverage. As an 18-year-old, it’s not very likely that you have had a chance to build up your credit score. However, a credit card is one of the most effective starting methods.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Even though Capital One Platinum Credit Card has no rewards rate, it is excellent for those with limited or average credit. It also has no annual fees, making it a cheaper choice. Additionally, it reports monthly to three major credit bureaus. It requires a refundable security deposit depending on the line of credit they extend based on your credit history and current financial state. As long as you pay your monthly bills on their due date and keep a balance below the card’s credit limit, you have an inexpensive card to help you build your credit history.

Discover It Student Cash Back

If you are a student and are new to credit, Discover it Student Cash Back is another excellent credit card choice. It allows you to gain experience using a credit card even with no credit score. It has a 5% cashback rate after enrolment on rotating bonus categories for up to $1,500 spending per quarter and 1% on other purchases. You get a cashback match at the end of the first year, meaning you double the money earned. There is no annual percentage rate (APR) penalty fee or card fee.

Tomo Credit Card

For someone with no prior credit history, the Tomo Credit Card uses other metrics for evaluating applications, meaning they perform no credit check. The card has no interest charges and no rewards. It also has an annual fee of $2.99. The card reports to three significant credit bureaus.

Building Credit with the Best Credit Card for 18-Year-Olds

Starting your life as a young adult may mean you have your eye on making major purchases soon. That won’t be possible unless you start building credit soon. Here are some excellent credit cards to help you build credit quickly:

Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students

Bank of America’s Travel Rewards for Students is a great card since it has no annual fees and low interest rates with an introductory APR of 0% for 15 billing cycles. It’s also ideal for those studying abroad since there are no foreign transaction fee charges. You get 1.5 points for every dollar you spend, with flexible options for redemption. There’s also a welcome bonus of 25,000 points if you spend at least $1,000 in 90 days. Keep track of your FICO score for free on the online banking or mobile app to help you quickly build credit.

Petal 1 Visa Visa Credit Card

If you have a less-than-perfect credit score, the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card is another powerful way to build it. You won’t need a security deposit, even if you don’t have good credit. The card does have a limited rewards program at selected merchants and no annual fee.

Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card from Bank of America

There are various reward levels on this card, meaning you can earn anything from 1% to 3% cash back depending on the category and the limit of $2,500 in their combined category. After you reach the limit, you earn 1% on all purchases. The minimum refundable security deposit for opening an account is $200. You have no annual fee and access to your FICO score (updated monthly with no charge) from your online banking or mobile app.

Best Starter Credit Cards for 18-Year-Olds

The best starter credit cards include:

Deserve EDU Mastercard

You can apply for the Deserve EDU Mastercard without a security deposit or cosigner. It is also a popular card with international students because they don’t need a social security number to apply. The card has no annual fee and a 1% cashback on all purchases. Another benefit is an Amazon Prime Student membership for a spend of $500 in the first three billing cycles.

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards is for students 18 years or older with a limited credit history, those new to the country, or previously authorized users on another card. Students get cashback rewards of 1.5% on all purchases, but some categories have higher rewards. For example, Uber is 10%, and hotels and rental cars are 5%. You can expect a welcome bonus of $50 if you spend $100 within the first three months. With this card, you won’t pay annual fees or foreign transactions, but you will pay a late payment fee if you don’t settle on time.

Discover It Secured Credit Card

Discover It Secured is easy to get at 18 since it requires no minimum credit or a credit check to qualify. However, you will need a minimum of $200 or a maximum of $2,500 security deposit for approval. Your credit line depends on your deposit amount. The credit card charges no annual or foreign transaction fees. There’s a simple rewards system of 2% on purchases at some places like restaurants and gas stations for up to $1,000 and an unlimited 1% on other purchases. You double your cashback rewards at the end of the first year with a dollar-for-dollar cashback match. Discover It charges a fee for late payments, so avoid them. Discover It reports to three of the more significant credit bureaus. Most importantly, after seven months of proving your creditworthiness, you qualify for a refund of the security deposit and can ask for an upgrade to an unsecured credit card.

Kickstart Your Credit Journey: Savvy Credit Card Choices for 18-Year-Olds

Embarking on your financial journey at 18 brings exciting opportunities, especially regarding credit cards. While building good credit might seem daunting, selecting the right card can lead you to financial success. This guide offers actionable tips and strategies to navigate the world of credit cards smartly.

Understanding Your Options

  1. Unsecured vs. Secured Credit Cards:
    • Unsecured cards don’t require a security deposit but might need proof of income or a credit check.
    • Secured cards are ideal if you’re building credit from scratch, backed by a refundable deposit that often sets your credit limit.
  2. Student Credit Cards:
    • Designed for college students, these cards can offer rewards and lower fees, and are a good start to building credit.

Top Picks for 18-Year-Olds

  • For Cashback Rewards: Look for cards like the Capital One SavorOne Student, offering cashback and bonuses with certain spending limits.
  • Building Credit with Secured Cards: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Visa is an excellent choice with its reward points system and potential for an upgrade with responsible use.
  • No Annual Fee Options: Chase Freedom Rise is a solid pick with its unlimited cashback on purchases.

Best First Credit Cards

  • Easy Approval: Chime Credit Builder Visa and OpenSky Secured Visa are great for those with limited or no credit history.
  • Low Deposit Requirements: The First Latitude Platinum Mastercard Secured Credit Card is ideal for newcomers with a low deposit and cashback rewards.

For Students with No Credit

  • Capital One Platinum Secured: A no-frills, no-annual-fee card perfect for building credit.
  • Discover It Student Cash Back: Offers high cashback rates in rotating categories, ideal for students.

Building Credit Effectively

  • Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students: Earn travel points with no annual fees, suitable for studying abroad.
  • Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card from Bank of America: A versatile card offering varying cashback rates.

Best Starter Cards

  • Deserve EDU Mastercard: A no-security-deposit card, also accessible to international students.
  • Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards: Offers cashback on all purchases, ideal for students with limited credit history.
  • Discover It Secured Credit Card: A straightforward rewards system, great for building credit with responsible use.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your first credit card is a pivotal step in your financial journey. Whether it’s a secured card, a student-focused card, or one with rewards, the key is to use it responsibly. Pay your bills on time, keep balances low, and regularly monitor your credit score. This disciplined approach will help you build a strong credit foundation, opening doors to more financial opportunities in the future.