Top 5 Beginner Credit Cards

There are a lot of great beginner credit cards out there and it is difficult to know which one to choose so I have compiled a Top 5 Beginner Credit Cards list. This list is based on a few factors such as annual fee, credit card score range, approval rate, and sign up bonus. This list is aimed towards individuals with Fair to Good credit score, typically ranging from (580 – 739).

Before going into this list please be aware that I am not a CPA or financial advisor, this list is strictly a recommendation and you should always do your research and consult your financial advisor. Also some of these links are affiliate links so if you decide to use my link please note that I will receive some type of compensation and that income will help me fund this blog.

Honorable Mention: AMEX – Blue

Blue from American Express is in my bonus spot because it is one of the easiest AMEX cards to get. It is not the best card by any means but deserves to be an honorable mention if you want your first AMEX card. When applying for Blue you’ll need about a 700 FICO Score depending on income and other factors. This is the lowest score you’ll need to get into the AMEX network. If you’re the kind of person who really wants to get your first AMEX card and earn Membership Reward Points I think this is your best bet. Once you’ve become an established AMEX customer it will be easier to apply for cards like the AMEX Everyday, Blue Cash Everyday and Blue Cash Preferred.

What Benefits Comes with Blue from American Express

1. No Annual Fee
2. 1x Membership Points on Every Eligible Purchase
3. 2x Membership Points at Amextravel.com
4. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
5. Global Assist Hotline
6. American Express Experiences
7. Fraud Protection
8. Plan it and Split It.

Cons:

1. This card does not give you any sign up bonuses.
2. No revolving categories
3. Hard to get approved without Credit History

5. QuicksilverOne from Capital One

Officially starting off this list at Number 5 is the QuicksilverOne from Capital One. The QuicksilverOne from Capital One is a good entry level card to start earning cash back if you have a Fair FICO Score. This is the only card on this list with an annual fee but also includes no foreign transaction fee, and has the lowest FICO Score approval. If your FICO Score is between 630-689 and you’re looking for a cash back credit card, this one is for you.

What Benefits Comes with QuicksilverOne from Capital One

1. Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
2. Fair Credit score approval
3. Automatic credit line reviews *After 6 months
4. CreditWise
5. Fraud Coverage
6. Tap to Pay
7. No foreign transaction fee

Cons:

1. Annual fee of $39
2. Annual fee not waived first year
3. Max of 1.5% cash back
4. No revolving categories
5. No Bonus
6. No travel protection

4. Citi Double Cash

Although the Citi Double Cash card comes in at the number 4 slot, it is still regarded as one of the top cards for beginners. It is highly recommended to people starting out their credit card journey and looking to add some cash back. The great thing is that you can earn up to 2% cash back on every purchase. You automatically get 1% cash back on all purchases and another 1% when you pay for those purchases. This is a good tactic because it will motivate you to pay off your purchases on time. As with most cards in this range, there is no annual fee.

What Benefits Comes with Citi Double Cash

1. Up to 2% Cash back and is unlimited in all categories
2. No annual fee
3. 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers
4. No category restrictions
5. Can use cash back as statement credit, direct deposit, check, or convert to points

Cons:

1. Charges 3% foreign transaction fee
2. Need a FICO Score around 760
3. No signup Bonus
4. No travel insurance or protection

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Freedom Unlimited is an excellent entry level credit card and a great way to begin your journey in the Chase system of Credit Cards. Not only does this card not have an annual fee but you’re able to get up to 5% cash back. You will need a 690 or higher FICO Score to be approved so it is still obtainable for most depending on income and other factors. My first card was the original Chase Freedom and then replaced it with the Freedom Unlimited which I still have today.

Earn $200 cash back with Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card.

What Benefits Comes with Chase Freedom Unlimited

1. $0 annual fee
2. $200 bonus after $500 spent within first 3 months
3. 5% cash back on grocery stores
4. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
5. 3% cash back on dining, takeout, and eligible delivery services
6. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
7. 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
8. 0% APR for 15 months from account opening
9. Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

Cons:

1. No revolving categories
2. Needs 690 FICO Score
3. Chase has 5/24 rule
4. 3% Foreign Transaction Fee every time used outside of the US

2. Discover IT

The Discover It card from Discover is my number 2 choice for top entry level credit cards. This card boasts 5% cash back on quarterly categories, 1% cash back on all other purchases, 2x with cash back match for first year, and no annual fee. This is a great all around card for any credit card beginner, and you’ll need a FICO Score of 700 depending on income and other factors.

What Benefits Comes with Discover it

1. 0 annual fee
2. 5% cash back on quarterly categories
3. 1% cash back on all other purchases
4. 2x Cash back match at the end of the first year
5. 0% Intro APR for 14 months on purchases or balance transfers
6. No foreign transaction fees

Cons:

1. No Bonus offer
2. No Travel protection
3. Needs 700+ FICO Score

1. Chase Freedom Flex

When compiling this list I always knew the number one choice would be the Freedom Flex. This card checks all the boxes, no annual fee, bonus offer, 5% cash back on quarterly categories, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining, 3% on drugstore purchases, 1% on everything else. You will need a FICO Score of 700 depending on income and other factors. This is a great first card to have and an entry way into the Chase system of Credit Cards.

Earn $200 cash back with Chase Freedom Flex credit card.

What Benefits Comes with Chase Freedom Flex

1. No annual fee
2. $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within first 3 months of account opening
3. 5% Cash back on quarterly categories
4. 5% Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
5. 3% Cash back on dining, takeout, and eligible delivery services
6. 3% Cash back on drugstore purchases
7. 1% Cash back on everything else
8. Liability protection
9. Extended Warranty Protection
10. Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
11. Cell Phone Protection
12. 0% Intro APR for 15 months of account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Cons:

1. Charges 3% foreign transaction fee
2. 690+ FICO Score
3. Chases 5/24 rule
4. Target and Walmart not considered Grocery Stores

Conclusion

Hopefully this list has helped you with your credit card decision and sets you on the right path to begin your credit card journey. If you enjoyed this list please consider subscribing to our newsletter because we will continue to put out more credit card content. Thank you.