Summary
| Name | Score | Visit | Annual Fee | Regular APR | Intro Offer | Credit Needed | Disclaimer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.svg) | 7.6 | Visittomocredit.com | $0 | 0% | N/A | Bad to fair (300–600) | ||
 | 8.8 | Visitpetalcard.com | $0 | 18.24% - 32.24% | N/A | Bad to fair (300-600) | ||
 | 8.8 | Visit capitalone.com | $0 | 19.99%–29.99% | $50 | Bad to fair (300–600) | ||
 | 9.2 | Visitdiscover.com | $0 | 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR | N/A | Bad to fair (300–600) | ||
 | 8.8 | Visitsablecard.com | $0 | 15.24% | Year 1 match | Poor (300–629) | ||
 | 7.6 | Visitdiscover.com | $0 | 28.24% Variable APR | N/A | Poor (300–629) | ||
 | 5.6 | Visitbankofamerica.com | $0 | 25.74% | N/A | Poor (300–629) | ||
 | 6.0 | Visitciti.com | $0 | 27.24% | N/A | Bad to fair (300–600) | ||
 | 6.8 | Visitopenskycc.com | $35 | 22.64% | N/A | Bad to fair (300–600) | ||
 | 9.6 | Visitcreditcards.chase.com | $0 | 20.49% - 29.24% Variable | SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back | Good to excellent (700–850) | ||
 | 8.8 | Visitbankofamerica.com | $0 | 17.99%–27.99% | $200 | Bad to fair (300–600) | ||
 | 7.2 | Visitusbank.com | $0 | 28.99% | N/A | Bad to fair (300–600) | ||
 | 8.4 | Visitamericanexpress.com | $0 | 18.99%–29.99% | $200 | Good to excellent (700–850) | ||
 | 8.4 | Visitcreditcards.chase.com | $0 | 19.99% Variable | $50 Bonus | Good–Excellent (690–850) | ||
 | 8.4 | Visitsalliemae.com | $0 | 17.99%–29.99% | N/A | Poor (300–629) | ||
 | 9.2 | Visitdiscover.com | $0 | 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR | Cashback match | Average (630–689) | ||
.svg) | 7.8 | Visitbankofamerica.com | $0 | 17.99%–27.99% | $200 | Good–Excellent (690–850) | ||
 | 9.2 | Visitdiscover.com | $0 | 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR | N/A | Good–Excellent (690–850) | ||
 | 8.0 | Visitbankofamerica.com | $0 | 17.99%–27.99% | N/A | Bad to fair (300–629) | ||
 | 9.6 | Visitcapitalone.com | $39 | 30.74% (Variable) | N/A | Fair (580–689) | ||
 | 9.2 | Visitciti.com | $0 | 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | N/A | Excellent (690–850) | ||
 | 8.4 | Visitcreditcards.chase.com | $95 | 21.49%-28.49% Variable | Earn 60,000 bonus points | Good–Excellent (690–850) | ||
 | 7.2 | Visitciti.com | $0 | 19.24% - 29.99 (Variable) | N/A | Good–Excellent (690–850) |
Top 10 Credit Cards for 18 Year Olds
Tomo credit card: For rebuilding credit with no credit history
Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® credit card: Best for cash back with no fees
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards credit card: Cash back card for students
Discover it® Student Cash Back: Cash back card for students
Sable ONE Secured card: Top secured card
Discover it® Secured credit card: Top secured card
BankAmericard Secured credit card: Top secured card
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Top secured card
Citi® Secured Mastercard®: Top secured card
Opensky® Secured Visa® card: Top secured card
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
Building credit with no history
Tomo Credit Card
3.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
72 people chose this 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 ofbuilding 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.
Top secured card
Sable ONE Secured Credit Card
4.4
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%–2%
Intro offer
Year 1 match
Dollar-for-dollar cashback match in the first year.
61 people chose this 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. Thereally 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?
Top secured card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
3.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–2%
Intro offer
N/A
Earn 2% cashback bonus gas station and restaurant purchases each quarter.
89 people chose this 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.
Cashback with no fees
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa®
3.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–10%
Intro offer
N/A
171 people chose this 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.
Top secured card
BankAmericard Secured Credit Card
2.8
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
81 people chose this 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
Top secured card
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
3
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
72 people chose this card
Learn more
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.
*All information about Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by Moneyzine.com. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is no longer available through Moneyzine.com.
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Top secured card
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
3
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
28 people chose this card
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.
Top secured card
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Card
3.4
Annual Fee
$35
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
17 people chose this 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.
Best Credit Cards for Cash Back and Rewards
Cash back and rewards
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–10%
Intro offer
$50
Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months.
65 people chose this 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.
Cash back and rewards
Discover it® Student Cash Back
4.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
5%
Intro offer
N/A
5% cash back on groceries, gas stations, and Amazon purchases.
53 people chose this card
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.
Cash back and rewards
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card®
4.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1.5%–5%
Intro offer
$200
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy in year one.
49 people chose this 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).
Cash back and rewards
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students
4.4
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–3%
Intro offer
$200
$200 cash rewards after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
32 people chose this card
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.
Cash back and rewards
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Card
3.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1x–4x
Intro offer
N/A
11 people chose this 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.
Cashback and rewards
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
4.2
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1–3%
Intro offer
$200
Earn $200 after you spend $2,000 in the first six months.
51 people chose this card
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
Top card for college
Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
4.2
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%
Intro offer
$50 Bonus
$50 bonus after first purchase is made in the first 3 months.
42 people chose this card
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 19.99% Variable |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | N/A |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% Variable |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
Cash advance fees | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. |
Foreign transaction fees | 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars |
Late payment fees |
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.
Top card for college
Sallie Mae Ignite Mastercard®
4.2
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%
Intro offer
N/A
Get a 25% bonus on your cash back rewards when you make 6 consecutive on-time payments.
8 people chose this card
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.
Top card for college
Discover it® Student Chrome
4.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1%–2%
Intro offer
Cashback match
Unlimited cashback match in the first year.
43 people chose this card
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR |
Intro APR | 0% Intro APR 6 months |
Balance transfer rate | 10.99% Intro APR |
Balance transfer intro APR | 10.99% Intro APR 6 months |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% Variable APR |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* |
Cash advance fees | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41. |
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.
Top card for college
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
4.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1.5%
Intro offer
$200
$200 bonus when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.
36 people chose this card
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
Top card for travel
Discover it® Miles
4.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1.5x
Intro offer
N/A
Unlimited cashback match in the first year.
31 people chose this card
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR |
Intro APR | 0% Intro APR 15 months |
Balance transfer rate | 0% Intro APR |
Balance transfer intro APR | 0% Intro APR 15 months |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% Variable APR |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* |
Cash advance fees | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41. |
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.
Top card for travel
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
4
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1.5x
Intro offer
N/A
25,000 online bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.
21 people chose this
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.
Top card for travel
Capital One QuicksilverOne
3.6
Annual Fee
$39
Reward rate
1.5%–5%
Intro offer
N/A
77 people chose this card
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 30.74% (Variable) |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | N/A |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | 30.74% (Variable) |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $39 |
Balance transfer fees | $0 at the Transfer APR, 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you |
Cash advance fees | 3% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $3 |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | Up to $40 |
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.
*All information about Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Moneyzine.com. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is no longer available through Moneyzine.com.
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.
Best flat rate cashback credit card
Capital One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.8
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
1.5%
Intro offer
One-time $200 cash bonus
$200 bonus after spending $500 within the first 90 days.
149 people chose this card
Learn more
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) |
Intro APR | 0% intro on purchases 15 months |
Balance transfer rate | 0% intro on balance transfers |
Balance transfer intro APR | 0% intro on balance transfers 15 months |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% (Variable) |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | 3% for the first 15 months or at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time. No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR |
Cash advance fees | 3% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $3 |
Foreign transaction fees | None |
Late payment fees | Up to $40 |
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
Best for 19 to 20 year olds
Citi® Double Cash Card
4.2
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2%
Intro offer
N/A
90 people chose this card
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | 0% |
Balance transfer intro APR | 0% 18 months |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% (Variable) |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min). |
Cash advance fees | 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum |
Foreign transaction fees | 3% |
Late payment fees | Up to $41 |
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.
Best for 19 to 20 year olds
Chase Sapphire Preferred
4.2
Annual fee
$95
Reward rate
1x–5x
Intro offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
25 people chose this card
Learn more
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 21.49%-28.49% Variable |
Intro APR | N/A |
Balance transfer rate | N/A |
Balance transfer intro APR | N/A |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% Variable |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $95 |
Balance transfer fees | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
Cash advance fees | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. |
Foreign transaction fees | $0 |
Late payment fees | N/A |
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
Best for 19 to 20 year olds
Citi Simplicity® Card
3.6
Annual Fee
$0
Reward rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
23 people chose this card
Rates/APR
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Regular APR | 19.24% - 29.99 (Variable) |
Intro APR | 0% 12 months on Purchases |
Balance transfer rate | 0% |
Balance transfer intro APR | 0% intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfer |
Cash advance APR | 29.99% (Variable) |
Fees
TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
Annual fees | $0 |
Balance transfer fees | Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min) |
Cash advance fees | 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum |
Foreign transaction fees | 3% |
Late payment fees | No Late Fees |
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.
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) (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)
APR 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.
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