1. Best Credit Cards
  2. Best Credit Cards For 18 Year Olds

22+ Best Credit Cards for 18 Year Olds (With No Credit History)

Getting a credit card at 18 is exciting! But what do you get? We've got the top options.

Derek Sall - Founder/Personal Finance Expert
Written by

Derek Sall

Derek Sall - Founder/Personal Finance Expert
Written by
Derek Sall
Founder/Personal Finance Expert

Derek has a Bachelor's degree in Finance and a Master's in Business. As a finance manager in the corporate world, he regularly identified and solved problems at the C-suite level. Today, Derek isn't interested in helping big companies. Instead, he's helping individuals win financially—one email, one article, one person at a time.

Learn more about our editorial process

Kacper Kozicki - Editor-in-Chief
Edited by

Kacper Kozicki

Kacper Kozicki - Editor-in-Chief
Edited by
Kacper Kozicki
Editor-in-Chief

Kacper is an editor, writer, and multilingual translator with expertise in producing tailored content for global online brands.

Learn more about our editorial process

Deepti Nickam - Finance Writer
Fact-checking

Deepti Nickam

Deepti Nickam - Finance Writer
Fact-checking
Deepti Nickam
Finance Writer

Content writing and marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in the B2B and B2C sectors. Deepti has written about several subjects, including finance, project management, human resources, and more.

Learn more about our editorial process

August, 07 2023
Edited:
Reviewed:
Updated:

Learn more about our editorial process

22 min

We reviewed dozens of the best credit cards for 18-year-olds and graded them based on the annual fee, APR, intro bonus offer, and the cash back rate. Below are truly the best of the best credit cards for 18-year-olds with no credit history.

Why Trust Us
Advertiser Disclosure
Summary
Building credit with no history
tomo-credit-card

Tomo Credit Card

3.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
0% APR (forever)
Credit needed: Bad to fair (300–600)

72 people chose this card

Learn more
Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

0%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

0%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

0%

Cash advance fees

0%

Foreign transaction fees

0%

Late payment fees

0%

Regular APR

0%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

0%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

0%

Cash advance fees

0%

Foreign transaction fees

0%

Late payment fees

0%

Why we like it

Tomo credit card has no annual fee and a 0% APR (forever).

It accepts folks with no credit score, and has some teen-approved benefits (like free DoorDash for three months, ShopRunner membership, or cellphone protection).

You can’t carry a balance on the card, but your spending power is totally up to you. All you need to do is link your bank accounts and Tomo will establish your credit line based on them—you’ll get a credit limit that works for you.

Pros

  • 0% APR (forever)
  • World Elite Mastercard® benefits
  • No security deposit

Cons

  • Checking account required
  • Cash back only for brand ambassadors
Cash back card with no fees
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–10%
You'll earn up to 1.5% on everyday purchases and up to 10% at selected merchants (if you qualify).
Intro offer
N/A
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Bad to fair (300–600)

117 people chose this

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

N/A

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

N/A

Cash advance fees

N/A

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

N/A

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

N/A

Cash advance fees

N/A

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

Petal 2 Visa® is called “cash back, no fees” for a reason.

To use the card you don’t have to pay any annual, monthly or penalty fees.

It’s a great teen credit card to build credit—there’s no credit check to apply and no security deposit.

You can also make some extra cash on your way to good credit scores—from 1% to 1.5% on everyday purchases, up to 10% at chosen merchants.

Pros

  • No fees
  • No credit check to apply
  • Cash back on everyday purchases

Cons

  • Potentially high APR
Cash back card for students
capital-one-savorone-student-cash-rewards

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–10%
You'll earn 10% back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, 8% on entertainment with the Capital One Entertainmen), 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores), and 1% on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$50
You'll earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
19.99%–29.99% APR
Credit needed: Bad to fair (300–600)

102 people chose this

Learn more

Earn $50 when you spend just $100 in the first 3 months.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

19.99%–29.99%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

19.99%, 25.99% or 29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

19.99%–29.99%

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

No transfer fee with 19.99%–29.99% APR

Cash advance fees

$3 or 3%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Regular APR

19.99%–29.99%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

19.99%, 25.99% or 29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

19.99%–29.99%

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

No transfer fee with 19.99%–29.99% APR

Cash advance fees

$3 or 3%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why we like it

This card was made with students in mind.

It doesn’t charge an annual fee, and lets you earn up to 3% cash back on using streaming services, dining out, or buying groceries.

You can also buy stuff online from wherever you want—there’s no foreign transaction fee.

On top of that, you get a bonus of $50 if you spend $100 in the first three months.

Pros

  • 1%–3% cash back
  • No credit check to apply
  • No annual and no foreign transaction fee

Cons

  • Potentially high APR
Cash back card for students
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Reward rate
1%–5%
You'll earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter (like Amazon), grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum. Plus, 1% cash back on all other purchases is unlimited.
Intro offer
N/A
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Bad to fair (300–600)

34 people chose this

Learn more

Discover matches all the cash back you've earned in the first year.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

If you’re looking for a student credit card, one without an annual fee and with a cash back program is the one to go.

Discover It Student Cash Back checks these boxes, giving you 5% cash back on purchases at restaurants and wholesale clubs.

Additional perk is Discover-only unlimited cash back match—whatever you earn in rewards during first twelve months is doubled.

Pros

  • No annual fee.
  • 5% cash back.
  • Unlimited cash back match in the first year.

Cons

  • Confusing cash back plan.
Top secured card
sable-secured-card

Sable ONE Secured Credit Card

4.4
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%–2%
Earn 2% on select retail spending. Earn an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
Year 1 match
Dollar for dollar match of the cash back you earn in the first year.
15.24% APR
Credit needed: Poor (300–629)

61 people chose this card

Learn more

Dollar-for-dollar cashback match in the first year.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

15.24%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

N/A

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

N/A

Cash advance fees

N/A

Foreign transaction fees

2%

Late payment fees

None

Regular APR

15.24%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

N/A

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

N/A

Cash advance fees

N/A

Foreign transaction fees

2%

Late payment fees

None

Why we like it

Sable offers a new take on credit cards. With this card, you set your credit limit. Sounds crazy, but with a Sable card, you set a budget with the size of the security deposit you want to make. The really good part is there’s no minimum amount, so you can start wherever you’re comfortable and work your way up.

Pros

  • No annual fee.
  • 2% cash back at selected merchants and 1% on all other purchases.
  • Report to all three major credit bureaus.

Cons

  • No intro APR period.
  • You need a Sable debit account to get this card.
Top secured card
card_name
card_name
3.8
Annual fee
annual_fees
You'll need to load this secured card with at least $200 before using it.
Rewards rate
1%–2%
2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter). 1% unlimited cash back on everything else.
Intro offer
bonus_miles
No intro offer.
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Poor (300–629)

22 people chose this

Learn more
Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

What if you don’t even have average credit—but have bad credit instead? Then what do you do for a travel credit card? Not going to lie to you—your options are limited.

Based on our research, the best travel credit card for bad credit is the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. It’s a secured card, so you’ll need to load it with funds (at least $200) before you can start swiping—but it does come with benefits and rewards!

Pros

  • 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter).
  • annual_fees
  • First-year Cashback Match (whatever bonus you earn, Discover will double it with a match of their own).

Cons

  • Limited perks vs. unsecured cards.
  • No flight or hotel rewards.
  • You need a secured deposit to get started.
Top secured card
bank-of-america-r-secured-credit-card

BankAmericard Secured Credit Card

2.8
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
N/A
No rewards
Intro offer
N/A
No welcome bonus
25.74% APR
Credit needed: Poor (300–629)

81 people chose this card

Learn more
Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

25.74%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

25.74%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

28.74%–29.74%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3%

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

$40

Regular APR

25.74%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

25.74%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

28.74%–29.74%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3%

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

$40

Why we like it

Bank of America’s secured card can be a good place to start for anyone with bad credit. Your credit limit is determined by your security deposit, making this an affordable way to build credit without worrying about missed payments. As with some other cards, you can view your FICO score for free too.

Pros

  • No annual fee.
  • A moderate APR.
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus.

Cons

  • $200 deposit required.
  • No rewards program.
  • 3% foreign transaction fee.
Top secured card
capital-one-platinum-secured

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

3
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
30.49% variable APR
Credit needed: Fair (500–600)

72 people chose this card

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

30.49%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

30.49%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

30.49%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

$3 or 3%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Regular APR

30.49%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

30.49%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

30.49%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

$3 or 3%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why we like it

A pretty standard credit card to build credit. It has no annual, monthly, or foreign transaction fees.

It’s a safe bet to apply for it, as it doesn’t pull your credit records.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • No credit check to apply
  • No foreign transaction fee

Cons

  • High APR
Top secured card
citi-secured-mastercard

Citi® Secured Mastercard®

3
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Secured card
Credit needed: Bad to fair (300–600)

28 people chose this card

Learn more
Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

27.49%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

27.49%–29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

$5 or 5%

Cash advance fees

$10 or 5%

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $41

Regular APR

27.49%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

27.49%–29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

$5 or 5%

Cash advance fees

$10 or 5%

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $41

Why we like it

Another take at a secured credit card for a teenager to build credit is a Citi® Secured Mastercard®.

It doesn’t have a fancy rewards program, but it’s a solid option to build credit from scratch. There’s no annual fee, and the card can be used worldwide.

Some reviewers claim it’s hard to increase the credit line on the card.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Accepted worldwide
  • Free FICO scores online

Cons

  • High APR
Top secured card
opensky-secured-credit-card

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Card

3.4
Annual Fee
$35
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Bad to fair (300–600)

17 people chose this card

Learn more
Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

22.64%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

22.64%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

N/A

Cash advance fees

N/A

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $38

Regular APR

22.64%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

22.64%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

N/A

Cash advance fees

N/A

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $38

Why we like it

OpenSky® Secured Visa® is another choice for teens wanting to build credit.

You’ll need a refundable security deposit of $200 which will become your credit limit—allowing you to build your score fast and move on to unsecured credit cards.

Pros

  • Approval rate of 87.4%
  • No credit check to apply
  • No credit score or history to qualify

Cons

  • 22.64% variable APR
Cash back and rewards
chase-freedom-unlimited-credit-card

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card

4.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1.5%–5%
You'll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 5% on travel purchased through Chase.
Intro offer
bonus_miles
bonus_miles_full
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Good to excellent (700–850)

137 people chose this

Earn $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

0% Intro, Regular APR of reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

0% Intro, Regular APR of reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why we like it

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card—it’s all in the title.

bonus_miles_full

Also, the card has no annual or monthly fee. And you get 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen months and earn from 1.5% to 5% in cash back.

Pros

  • 0% intro APR for 15 months
  • Generous cash back and bonus offer
  • DashPass for 3 or 9 months

Cons

  • Potentially high APR
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
Cash back and rewards
bank-of-america-customized-cash-rewards-for-students

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students

4.4
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–3%
You’ll earn 3% and 2% on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then 1%.
Intro offer
$200
You'll earn an online $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
0% Intro APR for 18 months
17.99%–27.99% APR
Credit needed: Bad to fair (300–600)

32 people chose this card

Learn more

$200 cash rewards after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

17.99%–27.99%

Intro APR

0% for 18 billing cycles (applies to purchases and to any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening your account)

Balance transfer rate

0%–27.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

20.99%–29.99%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3%

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Regular APR

17.99%–27.99%

Intro APR

0% for 18 billing cycles (applies to purchases and to any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening your account)

Balance transfer rate

0%–27.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

20.99%–29.99%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3%

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why we like it

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students is another starter card that will help you build credit while also earning some rewards along the way.

For the first $2,500 spent, you can choose the category that will bring you the most rewards (3%). At the same time, you earn 1% or 2% buying groceries.

If you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, you’ll also get a $200 bonus.

Pros

  • Welcome bonus
  • 0% intro APR for the first 18 months
  • Cash back in the category of choice

Cons

  • Potentially high APR
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
Cash back and rewards
U-S-bank-altitude-go-secured-card

U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Card

3.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1x–4x
You'll earn 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations, and EV charging stations, and 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
N/A
Secured card
28.99% APR
Credit needed: Bad to fair (300–600)

11 people chose this card

Learn more
Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

28.99%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

0%–28.74%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum

Cash advance fees

5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $41

Regular APR

28.99%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

0%–28.74%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum

Cash advance fees

5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $41

Why we like it

U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Card is another option for those with fair credit score.

It doesn’t charge an annual fee and you can earn points while doing everyday activities, like dining out or using Netflix.

You can redeem the points you collect as gift cards, cash back, merchandise, and more.

The card is secured, which means you have to put a $300–$5,000 security deposit upfront.

Pros

  • $15 streaming credit
  • Points earned on everyday purchases
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Requires security deposit.
Cashback and rewards
card_name
card_name
4.2
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1–3%
Earn 3% on groceries at US supermarkets, US Online Retail Purchases, and gas at US gas stations (up to $6,000 per year in purchases). Plus, 1% on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
You'll earn $200 back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
0% APR for 15 months
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Good to excellent (700–850)

51 people chose this card

Earn $200 after you spend $2,000 in the first six months.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

Yet another card that does all the talking for itself.

It has no annual fee, and earns you cash back on everyday purchases.

It also offers bonus intro deals, including one-time $200, Disney Bundle credit, and Home Chef credit—a stellar option for a 19-year-old.

Pros

  • No annual fee and bonus offer
  • $0 Buy Now, Pay Later intro Plan It for the first 15 months
  • Up to $84 in the Disney Bundle Credit annually and up to $180 Home Chef Credit annually

Cons

  • Potentially high APR
  • 2.7% foreign transaction fee
Top card for college
card_name
4.2
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Reward rate
1%
Intro offer
bonus_miles
bonus_miles_full
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Good–Excellent (690–850)

42 people chose this card

Learn more

$50 bonus after first purchase is made in the first 3 months.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

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Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

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Balance transfer intro APR

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Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

Not content with a $50 bonus? Chase is offering an extra $20 every year for five years if your account is in good standing. Students can easily earn an increase in their limit, too, just by making five on-time payments in the first ten months.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • 1% cash back on all purchases
  • $50 bonus after the first purchase within three months

Cons

  • No bonus categories.
Top card for college
sallie-mae-ignite

Sallie Mae Ignite Mastercard®

4.2
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%
1% cash back on all purchases.
Intro offer
N/A
0% intro APR for 6 months
17.99%–29.99% APR
Credit needed: Poor (300–629)

8 people chose this card

Learn more

Get a 25% bonus on your cash back rewards when you make 6 consecutive on-time payments.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

17.99%–29.99%

Intro APR

0% for six months.

Balance transfer rate

17.99%–29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

0% for 6 months.

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3% or $5, whichever is higher.

Cash advance fees

5% or $10, whichever is higher.

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $39

Regular APR

17.99%–29.99%

Intro APR

0% for six months.

Balance transfer rate

17.99%–29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

0% for 6 months.

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3% or $5, whichever is higher.

Cash advance fees

5% or $10, whichever is higher.

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $39

Why we like it

The Ignite card doesn’t just encourage you to keep up your payments, it rewards you for it. As well as the bonus offers, you can earn 1% cash back on every purchase. It’s a little on the low side, but Sallie Mae is tailored toward helping students reach financial goals.

Pros

  • No annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR for 6 months.
  • 25% cash back bonus after six on-time payments.

Cons

  • High APR.
Top card for college
card_name
4.6
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Reward rate
1%–2%
Earn 2% on gas and restaurants (up to $1,000 of combined spend each quarter). Earn an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
Cashback match
bonus_miles_full
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Average (630–689)

43 people chose this card

Learn more

Unlimited cashback match in the first year.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

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Balance transfer intro APR

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Cash advance APR

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Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

As with other Discover cards, the major benefit here is in the rewards. If you’re often the designated driver on the way to the game, take the chance to earn some rewards at the pump.

Pros

  • No annual fee.
  • 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations.
  • Unlimited cashback match in the first year.

Cons

  • Complicated rewards.
Top card for college
bank-of-america-unlimited-cash-back-student

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students

4.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1.5%
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Online $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
0% intro APR for 18 months
17.99%–27.99% APR
Credit needed: Good–Excellent (690–850)

36 people chose this card

Learn more

$200 bonus when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

17.99%–27.99%

Intro APR

0% for 18 months.

Balance transfer rate

0% intro APR, then 17.99%–27.99% when the intro period ends.

Balance transfer intro APR

0% for 18 months if you transfer funds in the first 60 days of opening your account.

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3% for direct deposit and check cash advances. 5% for ATM, over the counter, and same-day online advances.

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Regular APR

17.99%–27.99%

Intro APR

0% for 18 months.

Balance transfer rate

0% intro APR, then 17.99%–27.99% when the intro period ends.

Balance transfer intro APR

0% for 18 months if you transfer funds in the first 60 days of opening your account.

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3% for direct deposit and check cash advances. 5% for ATM, over the counter, and same-day online advances.

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why we like it

Spending $1,000 in your first three months of school will be terrifyingly easy, so why not make the most of it and earn some bonus cash? You can earn unlimited cash back, but at 1.5% it’s lower than other providers are offering. Still, with free access to your FICO score, you can ramp up your credit score and have access to better deals in no time.

Pros

  • No annual fee.
  • 0% intro for 18 billing cycles.
  • 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus offer after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.

Cons

  • The best rewards are limited to certain customers.
Top card for travel
card_name
4.6
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Reward rate
1.5x
Earn 1.5 miles for every $1 you spend on all purchases.
Intro offer
bonus_miles
bonus_miles_full
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Good–Excellent (690–850)

31 people chose this card

Learn more

Unlimited cashback match in the first year.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

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Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

If you want to go further, this is the card. Discover guarantees to match your reward miles at the end of your first year, and you can redeem these against a ton of travel purchases, from hotel rooms to airline tickets. If you don’t have a license yet, you can even use them to pay for public transport.

Pros

  • No annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months.
  • Earn 1.5 miles for every dollar you spend.
  • Double your miles with Unlimited Mile Match.

Cons

  • Lower acceptance overseas.
Top card for travel
bank-of-america-travel-rewards-credit-card-for-students

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

4
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1.5x
You'll earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases.
Intro offer
N/A
Intro APR of 0% for 18 billing cycles
17.99%–27.99% APR
Credit needed: Bad to fair (300–629)

21 people chose this card

Learn more

25,000 online bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

17.99%–27.99%

Intro APR

0% for 18 billing cycles (applies to purchases and to any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening your account)

Balance transfer rate

0%–27.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

20.99%–29.99%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Regular APR

17.99%–27.99%

Intro APR

0% for 18 billing cycles (applies to purchases and to any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening your account)

Balance transfer rate

0%–27.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

20.99%–29.99%

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why we like it

Want to travel, study, and earn some extra cash while doing so? Then go for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students.

It earns you 1.5 points for every dollar you spend. And you get 25,000 online bonus points if you spend $1,000 within first three months of account opening.

Plus, with Better Money Habits® you can learn a lot about how to keep your credit health in check.

Pros

  • No annual, monthly, or foreign transaction fees
  • Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend
  • 0% intro APR for the first 18 months

Cons

  • Potentially high APR
  • 3% balance transfer fee
Top card for travel
card_name

Capital One QuicksilverOne

3.6
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Reward rate
1.5%–5%
Intro offer
bonus_miles
No intro offer
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Fair (580–689)

77 people chose this card

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

While this card can be tougher to get (since it’s catered more toward those with average credit), it might be worth a shot considering all the positives.

Pros

  • 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.
  • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • No foreign transaction fee.

Cons

  • High APR.
  • annual_fees
Best flat rate cashback credit card
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Reward rate
1.5%
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Intro offer
bonus_miles
bonus_miles_full
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Good–Excellent (690–850)

149 people chose this card

$200 bonus after spending $500 within the first 90 days.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

You need an excellent credit score to apply, but this is an excellent flat rate cash back credit card at 1.5%. And if traveling is your thing, this is a very good card to have in your pocket. With travel accident insurance and 24-hour travel assistance, you can jet off with peace of mind. Add to that the complimentary concierge service for personalized help wherever you are, and this is a great second credit card after you’ve built up your score.

Pros

  • $0 annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months.
  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
  • $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months of opening account.

Cons

  • No bonus categories.
Best for 19 to 20 year olds
card_name
card_name
4.2
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Rewards Rate
2%
bonus_miles_full
Intro offer
N/A
No intro offer.
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Good–Excellent (690–850)
Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

The Citi® Double Cash Card was one of the first to offer a 2% cash back reward—1% when you charge a purchase, and the other 1% when you pay the bill.  This card is still among the leaders in the cash back space.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers.

Cons

  • foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fee.
  • balance_transfer_fees
Best for 19 to 20 year olds
card_name
card_name
4.2
Annual fee
annual_fees
Reward rate
1x–5x
5x points on travel bought through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). 2x points on other travel purchases. 1x points on everything else.
Intro offer
bonus_miles
bonus_miles_full
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Good–Excellent (690–850)

25 people chose this card

Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.

Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

This is Chase Sapphire Reserve’s more sensible sister. (Not quite as costly, but still comes with benefits.) The Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card is just $95, but has quite a few perks.

Pros

  • Can qualify with a good credit score.
  • Great introductory offer.
  • 5x points on travel bought through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Cons

  • No intro APR offer.
  • Best travel earning rates are only through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Best for 19 to 20 year olds
card_name
3.6
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Reward rate
N/A
No rewards
Intro offer
bonus_miles
bonus_miles_full
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Credit needed: Good–Excellent (690–850)

23 people chose this card

Learn more
Details
Rates/APR

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why we like it

This has to be the most basic card on our list, but it’s one of the most interesting too. As well as a long 0% intro APR period, this card promises no late fees or penalties, ever. This is a no-frills card, with no rewards on offer. If your biggest concern is saving money and having peace of mind as you build credit, this might be a good choice.

Pros

  • $0 annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers.

Cons

  • No rewards.
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Top 10 Credit Cards for 18 Year Olds

Best Credit Card for Building Your Credit Score With No Credit History

And here's the detailed reviews for all of our top credit cards for 18-year-olds—currently 22 of them that made our top list. It's a mixture of student cards, secured cards, and a few alternative cards that dance to the beat of their own drum.

Top Pick–Tomo Credit Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

0%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

0%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

0%

Cash advance fees

0%

Foreign transaction fees

0%

Late payment fees

0%

Why We Love It

You can apply for a Tomo card with no credit history, or with a low score. After linking your bank accounts, you’ll get a credit limit that you can afford and that works for you.

A nifty Auto-pay feature means you don’t have to worry about missing any payments—which is a huge plus if you’re trying to build credit. A lot of cards offer these features, and it’s something to look out for. A big difference with Tomo, though, is its offers of great rewards through partners like DoorDash, HelloFresh, and Lyft.

Before we show you our next pick, we need a quick explainer. You’re about to see a bunch of cards with "secured" in the title, but you may not have heard that term before.

What is a Secured Credit Card?

Secured credit cards use a security deposit as a basis for providing credit. The provider asks you to provide a lump sum before approving their card. Your credit limit is determined by the size of that deposit.

That means you can’t spend more than you can afford.

Great idea, right? It takes a lot of worry out of using credit for the first time. And, using a secured card counts toward building your credit history, like any other card. If that’s your goal, check out other ways of building your credit before committing to a card.

Now that’s out the way, let’s jump back in with the best credit cards for 18-year-olds with no credit history.

Sable ONE Secured Credit Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

15.24%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

N/A

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

N/A

Cash advance fees

N/A

Foreign transaction fees

2%

Late payment fees

None

Why We Like It

Like Tomo, Sable offers a new take on credit cards.

With this card, you set your credit limit. Sounds crazy, but with a Sable card, you set a budget with the size of the security deposit you want to make. The really good part is there’s no minimum amount, so you can start wherever you’re comfortable and work your way up.

You can apply with no credit, and with Sable’s Graduation Program you could level up to an unsecured card in as little as four months. They promise a unique take on data reporting, which can help eighteen-year-olds build their credit score quickly. Sable has some great cash-back rewards with selected merchants like Spotify, Netflix, and Uber. Did I mention their card glows in the dark too?

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

27.99%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

10.99%–27.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

10.99% intro APR for 6 months from date of first transfer, for transfers that post to your account by July 10, 2023

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%–5%

Cash advance fees

$10 or 5%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

None the first time, then up to $41

Why We Like It

Unlike other secured cards, Discover offers some good cash-back rewards. It has a higher APR, but that’s an issue with secured cards across the board. With Discover, you can view your FICO score for free, useful for keeping an eye on your credit score.

You’ll have to make a security deposit, but with an automatic review after seven months you could move to an unsecured card if you keep up with your payments.

Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

17.99%–31.99%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

N/A

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

N/A

Cash advance fees

N/A

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

N/A

Why We Like It

The Petal 2 was designed to help young people who are new to credit. Perfect for eighteen-year-olds. It has features that let you set a budget and track your spending and a great app that easily allows you to view your credit score, keep an eye on payments and find nearby cash-back opportunities.

BankAmericard Secured Credit Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

25.74%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

25.74%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

28.74%–29.74%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3%

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

$40

Why We Like It

Bank of America’s secured card can be a good place to start for anyone with bad credit.

Your credit limit is determined by your security deposit, making this an affordable way to build credit without worrying about missed payments. As with some other cards, you can view your FICO score for free too.

If you’re starting out, you can take advantage of Bank of America’s credit education program to learn how to manage your finances. Trust me, a little learning can go a long way here.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

29.99%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

$3 or 3%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why We Like It

With one of the lowest security deposits, this card can be great for eighteen-year-olds on a tight budget who want to build their credit. You can start with a $200 credit limit, or boost that up to $1,000. Like other cards for building credit, you can keep track of your score for free, this time by using Capital One’s own CreditWise.

Citi® Secured Mastercard®

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

27.24%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

27.24%–29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

$5 or 5%

Cash advance fees

$10 or 5%

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $41

Why We Like It

Citi has designed this card to suit those trying to rebuild their credit. This includes young people with no credit history.

It’s more basic than some of the other cards we’ve featured, but it can be great for young people wanting to build their credit score without worrying about creating unmanageable debt. That’s down to the $2,500 credit limit, a good idea for people not used to using credit cards who might overspend.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

21.89%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

N/A

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

21.89%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

N/A

Cash advance fees

N/A

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $38

Why We Like It

You can apply for an OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card without a credit check, meaning that as long as you can afford the $200 minimum deposit, you’re much more likely to be accepted with a bad or limited credit history.

You can view your FICO score for free, and the flexible payment dates make this card a good choice for eighteen-year-olds who want to build credit with no credit history.

 Apply Now for an Open Sky Card

Best Credit Cards for Cash Back and Rewards

Top Pick–Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

19.99%–29.99%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

19.99%, 25.99% or 29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

19.99%–29.99%

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

No transfer fee with 19.99%–29.99% APR

Cash advance fees

$3 or 3%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why We Love It

With great cash-back offers on ticket and seat prices through Capital One, this student card can help you make the most of college. There’s the option to redeem your cash back for cash, which makes this card one of the most flexible.

To qualify, you’ll have to prove you’re enrolled, but after the college application process that should be a piece of cake.

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

17.99%–26.99%

Intro APR

0% for 6 months on purchases

Balance transfer rate

10.99%–26.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

10.99%

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%–5%

Cash advance fees

$10 or 5%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

None the first time, then up to $41

Why We Like It

Discover’s Unlimited cash back Match means that you’ll end your first year with double the number of rewards that you’ve earned, and you can also redeem your rewards for hard cash.

You don’t need a credit score to apply, so it’s a good choice for students looking to build credit and earn rewards at the same time.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card®

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

19.99%–28.74%

Intro APR

0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Balance transfer rate

0%–28.74%

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

$5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Cash advance fees

$10 or 5%

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why We Like It

This Chase credit card will give your teenage coffers a big boost. That’s not to mention the great cash-back rewards you could earn (an extra 1.5% on everything you buy, on up to $20,000 the first year—worth up to $300 cash back; 6.5% on travel when purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, 3% on all other purchases).

This card offers good cash back at gas stations and on takeout, a pretty impressive combination if you’re 18 (or 19 or 20).

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

17.99%–27.99%

Intro APR

0% for 18 billing cycles (applies to purchases and to any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening your account)

Balance transfer rate

0%–27.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

20.99%–29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3%

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why We Like It

Choosing how you earn cash back is a great idea and can maximize your rewards. Pick between categories like gas, dining, and drug store spending and earn 3% on your purchases.

Perfect for new students who want to dine off campus, or face a long drive home at Thanksgiving.

U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

28.99%

Intro APR

N/A

Balance transfer rate

0%–28.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum

Cash advance fees

5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $41

Why We Like It

The Altitude Go lets you build your credit while earning redeemable points, so it’s a little different. Unlike straight cash back, these points can be traded in for offers in travel, merchandise, or even as cash off your purchases.

If you’re eighteen and without a credit history, this card offers a bit more variety in rewards than the standard secured card, but it has a higher deposit and APR that can’t match some others in that category.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

18.99%–29.99%

Intro APR

0% on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening

Balance transfer rate

0%–29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

$5 or 3%

Cash advance fees

$10 or 5%

Foreign transaction fees

2.7%

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why We Like It

If you’re an avid streamer (and what eighteen-year-old isn’t?) getting this card can net you $7 back each month after using card to spend $12.99 or more each month on eligible subscription to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (enrollment required).

The everyday spending rewards are pretty great too, with opportunities to earn in lots of places. Even better, you don’t have to be a student to apply.

Best Credit Cards for Going to College

Chase Freedom® Student credit card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why We Like It

Not content with a $50 bonus, Chase is offering an extra $20 every year for five years if your account is in good standing. Students can easily earn an increase in their limit, too, just by making five on-time payments in the first ten months.

Sallie Mae Ignite Mastercard

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

17.99%–29.99%

Intro APR

0% for six months.

Balance transfer rate

17.99%–29.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

0% for 6 months.

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3% or $5, whichever is higher.

Cash advance fees

5% or $10, whichever is higher.

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $39

Why We Like It

The Ignite card doesn’t just encourage you to keep up your payments, it rewards you for it. As well as the bonus offers, you can earn 1% cash back on every purchase. It’s a little on the low side, but Sallie Mae is tailored toward helping students reach financial goals.

For all you eighteen-year-old freshmen, it’s a bit like having an extra mom to monitor your finances.

Discover it® Student chrome

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

As with other Discover cards, the major benefit here is in the rewards. If you’re often the designated driver on the way to the game, take the chance to earn some rewards at the pump.

You won’t need a credit score or history to apply, which might be why this card is popular with students looking to build credit.

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

17.99%–27.99%

Intro APR

0% for 18 months.

Balance transfer rate

0% intro APR, then 17.99%–27.99% when the intro period ends.

Balance transfer intro APR

0% for 18 months if you transfer funds in the first 60 days of opening your account.

Cash advance APR

29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3% for direct deposit and check cash advances. 5% for ATM, over the counter, and same-day online advances.

Foreign transaction fees

3%

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why We Like It

Spending $1,000 in your first three months of school will be terrifyingly easy, so why not make the most of it and earn some bonus cash? You can earn unlimited cash back, but at 1.5% it’s lower than other providers are offering. Still, with free access to your FICO score, you can ramp up your credit score and have access to better deals in no time.

Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards

This… is a little trickier. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many travel reward cards geared toward eighteen-year-olds or even students. Unless it’s something that you need, we suggest looking above for some better deals on first-time credit cards.

Top Pick–Discover it® Miles

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why We Love It

If you want to go further, this is the card. Discover guarantees to match your reward miles at the end of your first year, and you can redeem these against a ton of travel purchases, from hotel rooms to airline tickets. If you don’t have a license yet, you can even use them to pay for public transport.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

17.99%–27.99%

Intro APR

0% for 18 billing cycles (applies to purchases and to any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening your account)

Balance transfer rate

0%–27.99%

Balance transfer intro APR

0%

Cash advance APR

20.99%–29.99%

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

$0

Balance transfer fees

3%

Cash advance fees

3%

Foreign transaction fees

None

Late payment fees

Up to $40

Why We Like It

How do 25,000 bonus points sound? Well, if you spend $1,000 in your first three months you’ll earn enough points to get a $250 statement credit toward travel.

With students in mind, eighteen-year-olds will have a great chance to qualify, and no foreign transaction fees make this card ideal for that summer vacation to Europe.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why We Like It

If you’re planning on traveling a lot, then you want to consider the Quicksilver One card. It doesn’t have the travel perks offered by the Quicksilver card, but once you’ve built your credit score, leveling up will be a lot easier. Until then, you can make use of Capital One Travel’s promise of cheap hotel rooms, and earn some cashback at the same time.

Best Credit Cards for 19-Year-Olds and 20-Year-Olds

If you’re older (or planning ahead) you might already want to know what the best second credit cards are (as long as you’ve paid off your first). Most of our recommendations above would suit you, but there are some extra credit cards to think about if you’ve already built a good credit score.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why We Like It

The big brother to our recommended Quicksilver One card.

You need an excellent credit score to apply, but if traveling is your thing, this is a very good card to have in your pocket. With travel accident insurance and 24-hour travel assistance, you can jet off with peace of mind.

Add to that the complimentary concierge service for personalized help wherever you are, and this is a great second credit card after you’ve built up your score.

Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why We Like It

You don’t have to pick a category or plan your spending to earn with this card from Citi.

A lot of cards offer 1% cash back on purchases, but with the Double Cash card, you earn 1% on buying and another 1% when you pay your bill. That gives you plenty of motivation to keep paying on time and improve your credit further.

You can even get your rewards back as cash, either by check or direct deposit. If you’re looking for a second credit card and to boost your balance, this is a good choice.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why We Like It

Another card that uses points rather than cashback. If you have a very good credit score, and you’re a big spender, upgrading to this card might work out great. You can earn in a lot of categories that you might spend a lot on already.

You get travel insurance benefits too, and the 60,000 bonus welcome points can be redeemed for hotels and airfare. A drawback is the high annual fee, but you can offset this by strategically using all those points.

Citi Simplicity® Card

Rates/APR

Type

Description

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Intro APR

intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

Balance transfer rate

balance_transfer_rate

Balance transfer intro APR

balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration

Cash advance APR

cash_advance_apr

Fees

Type

Description

Annual fees

annual_fees

Balance transfer fees

balance_transfer_fees

Cash advance fees

cash_advance_fee

Foreign transaction fees

foreign_transaction_fee

Late payment fees

late_payment_fee

Why We Like It

This has to be the most basic card on our list, but it’s one of the most interesting too. As well as a long 0% intro APR period, this card promises no late fees or penalties, ever.

This is a no-frills card, with no rewards on offer. If your biggest concern is saving money and having peace of mind as you build credit, this might be a good choice.

The Best Credit Cards For 18 Year Olds—The More You Know

Whether you want to build credit, are seeking financial independence, or just like the convenience of paying with plastic, there are dozens of credit cards for 18-year-olds. If you’re just starting, take a look at our quick-start credit card guide for the basics.

This article will show you:

  • More than 20 of the best credit cards for 18-year-olds
  • Tips on getting the most out of each card
  • How to get a credit card at 18

Similar articles:

How to Get a Credit Card at 18

Now that we’ve shown you the best cards out there, it’s time to learn how to get them. The Credit CARD Act (2009)i (the fun Congress has with acronyms) has a clause that stops anyone under twenty-one from solely applying for a credit card. It’s a measure designed to make sure young consumers don’t put themselves into debt they can’t afford, and a way to make sure card companies can get their money back.

So how do you get approved for a credit card at 18?

1. Get a co-signer

Having a ‘co-signer’ means asking someone that’s twenty-one or older to accept liability if you don’t pay your bill.

The card will be yours alone, and you’ll get all the nice credit-building perks and rewards. However, if you don’t pay, your co-signer will have to—and it’ll still have an adverse effect on your credit history.

2. Become an authorized user

A different route from getting a co-signer.

As an authorized user, you can join a card that someone else already has. You’ll be named separately on the account and aren’t solely liable for the bills. You’d still have access to the rewards if you get permission from the main account holder and call the provider.

If you want to go this route, make sure that the card reports data separately for different users. That way you’ll build your credit.

3. Fill in your application

Applying online is as simple as clicking the "apply now" button on your chosen card’s webpage. That’ll open up your application form. To fill it in, you’re going to want a few documents ready. These will be:

  • Your monthly income and expenses
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your mailing address and phone number
  • Employment details
  • Details for your co-signer

After that, you wait. And probably wait some more. The checks and process can take a little while, but you’ll know if you’re approved or not soon.

Read more:

What to Look For in Your First Credit Card

Pay attention to the Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

APRi is a form of interest you’ll pay if you carry a balance from month to month. The lower, the better. Most of the cards we’ve selected have a 0% APR for at least the first year.

Be sure to look for any annual fees

We’ve made sure most of the cards below have no fees attached, but if you aren’t careful, you could be adding more to your bill than you need to.

Have a look at your credit report.

If you’ve already been making payments for a cell phone or on a student loan, you’ll have a credit score that might help you get a card. If not, you might need to build credit first or think about getting a secured credit card.

Dig into cash-back and rewards.

This can be anything from money off gas to offers on dining out. Cards designed for younger people and students can offer some great rewards when spending. Shop around and find the best deals to suit your lifestyle.

Getting a Credit Card at 18 - My Closing Note

There is no right card out there, but there is a right card for you. Consider what your primary goal is: build credit, get money from cash back, or take a reliable card to college. Most likely, it’ll be a mixture of those reasons and more.

Once you’ve picked your card, got your co-signer lined up, filled in your application, and you’re ready to spend, take one last piece of advice. 

Do not go into debt. Don’t spend more than you can afford, always make your payments on time, and pay down your credit card well before you hit your limits. If you find you're going down that road, take a look at our guides to pay card debt off before it gets too bad. There’s also this handy (and free) credit card pay-off calculator, in case you need it now or in the future.

Okay, I’ll put the lecturing voice away. Now get out there and (responsibly) spend! 

Editorial note: For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please see the table of rates & fees.

Editorial disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

Sources

See all

Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009. (2009). PUBLIC LAW, 156. https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/statutes/credit-card-accountability-responsibility-and-disclosure-act-2009-credit-card-act/credit-card-pub-l-111-24_0.pdf

Ways to build credit at 18 | Chase. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/build-credit/how-to-build-credit-at-18

What is a credit card interest rate? What does APR mean? (2020, August 26). Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-card-interest-rate-what-does-apr-mean-en-44/