Those who spend half that amount on purchases within the bonus categories could double their rewards. For a student spending $1,000 a month on their credit card that would equal at least $120 in cash back a year. While its standard cash back rate of 1% on all purchases is not the highest you’ll see for a rewards card, it makes up for this by paying out a generous 3% on spending categories you’re likely to actually use, like dining, entertainment (including popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu) and groceries (though it excludes superstores like Walmart and Target). If you’re in school and looking to build credit with your first card, consider the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. You will also need proof of employment (like a work-study job) or an adult cosigner. Issuers will waive many of their credit requirements in exchange for information about where you’re enrolled, what degree you’re pursuing, the number of years you’ve been in college and your expected graduation date. Sign-up bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three monthsĮven though many students also have no credit history or a very limited one, many major credit card issuers offer products exclusively designed for undergrad and graduate degree seekers.Bonus rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores.Meaning in under a year, you could be swiping a traditional credit card and well on your way to establishing or rebuilding your credit. In addition to cash back, Discover will reward good repayment behavior by returning your deposit and automatically converting your card to an unsecured one after you make six consecutive on-time monthly payments, assuming you also remain in good standing on all other credit accounts during that period. This unique feature marks Discover as the only major card issuer we found to provide a sign-on or intro offer for a secured card. You’ll see the most bang for your spending in your first year with Discover’s introductory bonus, which matches all the cash back you rack up within your first year. Charge $500 a month on your card and you’ll get at least $60 a year back-use half that monthly sum to finance gas and dining-out and you could get back an additional $30 per year. To get started, you will need to put down at least a $200 deposit, but the card offers 2% cash back on all gas station and restaurant purchases, up to $1,000 per quarter and 1% cash back on all other spending. (Looking for more options? Check out our list of Best Secured Credit Cards. It also offers the clearest and quickest path we found toward conversion to a standard credit card. Our favorite secured card, the Discover it Secured, requires no credit history or credit score for approval, charges no annual fee and offers a generous introductory offer as well as solid rewards for your spending-not something many other secured cards can claim. In return, you can swipe the card like any other, build up your credit score with on-time payments, and receive your deposit back when you close the account. These credit cards require an upfront deposit to use, which acts as your credit limit and lessens the risk to card issuers of extending you a line of credit. Those who’ve avoided credit cards because of a lack of credit history or a poor credit score, should opt for a “secured” card. Intro offer: Cashback Match-all the cash back earned in the first year is doubled on the card’s anniversary.Bonus rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter).To help, Buy Side from WSJ identified the four best first card options for novice credit card users. It’s important you always pay your bill in full each month and choose the right card to begin your credit journey. Credit cards’ benefits can easily be overshadowed if you end up using your card to rack up unnecessary debt, especially with interest charges currently averaging 20%. Then, of course, there are the rewards-from generous sign up bonuses to points and cash back across your spending.īut you need to be careful too. Credit cards also come with stronger purchase and fraud protections than debit cards do. On-time credit card payments can improve your credit score, helping you qualify for better terms on a mortgage or car loan. If you don’t have a credit card-you rely exclusively on a debit card or even pay cash-opening one can have some big financial advantages.
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