We chose the Discover it® Secured Credit Card as the best teen card because it’s easy to obtain if you’re new to building credit. It has a $0 annual fee and earns cash back rewards on every purchase, which means you’ll save money as you build credit as a teen.
Building a solid credit history at an early age is important. A good credit score can help you qualify for a car loan, get an apartment and sometimes may be required to apply for a job.
Teens who are 18 and above can apply for credit cards on their own, but may need a parent to co-sign with them to get an unsecured credit card if their income is too low. Teens who are in college may qualify for student credit cards geared toward applicants with limited credit histories. Another option to consider is putting down a deposit for a secured credit card.
Parents of younger teens can help jump start their teen’s credit history by adding them as an authorized user on a credit card.
The best credit cards for teens are ones that don’t require a credit score and keep fees, like an annual fee, minimal. Our top credit card picks are accessible, inexpensive and some even offer rewards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Earn up to 2% cash back
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee and the opportunity to earn cash back rewards. Plus, you don’t need a credit score to apply. Your security deposit acts as your credit line, which is perfect if you’re starting to build credit.
After seven months, Discover will conduct monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and have your deposit refunded.
If this happens, your card will transition to a Discover it® Chrome. Note, Discover will evaluate your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover, as well as those from other issuers or lenders. You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
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Helps build credit by reporting to the major credit bureaus
Build your credit with responsible card use
A no-frills credit card for teens, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee and reviews for a possible credit line increase in as little as six months. The card reports your credit usage to the three major credit bureaus, which helps in building credit.
After showing responsible use of your card, you may be able to request to move to a Capital One card that offers rewards. Capital One has many great rewards card options for young cardholders, like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Security deposit as low as $49
You may be able to put down a deposit of $49, $99 or $200 to fund a $200 credit line
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card offers the possibility of a very low deposit to secure a $200 credit line. Depending on your credit score, you’ll need to put down a deposit of $49, $99 or $200. There’s a $0 annual fee and when it comes to a foreign transaction fee, there is None.
It doesn’t offer a rewards program, but for now your main concern should be to raise your credit score. By using your card responsibly, Capital One may upgrade you to an unsecured card or you can apply for other rewards credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
No credit check required
Qualify for this card with a poor credit score
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check to be approved and reports your payment history to the three credit bureaus. You’ll pay a reasonable $35 annual fee and a refundable $200 security deposit. You can find no-annual-fee credit cards, but this is a small tradeoff if you want to avoid a credit check when you apply for the card.
Plus, there’s an option to graduate to an unsecured card in as few as six months with responsible use of the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories
Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers teens who are college students a chance to build credit while earning rewards on their purchases. No credit is required to apply, there is a $0 annual fee and a generous rewards program.
You’ll earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. Discover also matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year for new cardholders.
Cardholders even get a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then an ongoing 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR. This makes it helpful for financing a new laptop or dorm room furniture.
The card also comes with a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Earns rewards for travel
Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
Cardholders of the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students earn points that can be used as a statement credit towards travel purchases including flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars or baggage fees.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is an ideal card for students who study abroad, as it has a $0 annual fee and a foreign transaction fee of None.
There’s a 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, after which a regular 18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR applies. The intro offer is helpful in financing large purchases, like plane tickets or furniture for your new apartment.
Cardholders can earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. . Plus, the card offers 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card is a natural choice for teens who have an account with Chase and want to keep their banking all in one place. The $0 annual fee, rewards program and potential credit limit increase make it a very appealing first-time card.
You have better odds of qualifying for the card if you have a Chase checking account with a balance of at least $250. With Chase Freedom Rise℠, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back. Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
Cardholders can track their credit score through the mobile app and may be evaluated for a credit line increase in as little as six months.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Good for going abroad because there’s no foreign transaction fee
When it comes to foreign transaction fees for this card, there are None.
With a simple cash back program and credit-building tools, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is an ideal card for college students beginning their credit journey.
It offers 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
The lack of an annual fee means that you can keep the card for the duration of your college career. And it’s foreign transaction fee is None, so the savings go even further if your studies take you abroad.
The card lacks an intro offer for financing new purchases or balance transfers, so be sure you can pay off your entire statement balance on your payment date to avoid excess interest charges.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Regular APR | Rewards Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Discover it® Secured Credit Card*
|
Winner
|
$0 | 27.49% Variable APR | 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically | |
|
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Building credit
|
$0 | 29.99% (Variable) | Non-rewards Card |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Low security deposit
|
$0 | 29.99% (Variable) | Non-rewards Card |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
No credit
|
$35 | 25.14% (variable) | Earn up to 10% cash back* on everyday purchases |
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
|
Discover it® Student Cash Back*
|
Students
|
$0 | 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR | Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically | |
|
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
Review Coming Soon
|
Student travel
|
$0 | 18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR | 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. | Review Coming Soon |
|
Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card*
Learn More
on Chase's secure site |
Chase
|
$0 | 26.49% Variable | With Chase Freedom Rise℠, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back. |
Learn More
on Chase's secure site |
|
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Capital One
|
$0 | 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable) | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
When it comes to choosing the best credit card for teens, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You have a lot of options, so you can find a card that best fits your spending needs and credit building goals.
Here’s what to look for in a credit card for teens:
This is the most important factor, because you can only build credit if your payment history shows up on your credit report. This is why a debit card doesn’t work to build credit; you’re using your own money, so nothing is reported to the credit bureaus.
There are three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Your ideal card reports to all three to make sure all your bases are covered. When you go to apply for an auto loan, for example, you won’t know from which credit bureau the lender will use to pull your credit report. If your credit card only reports to Equifax, and the auto loan lender pulls from TransUnion, the lender won’t have a complete picture of your credit history.
It allows you to set spending limits
If you plan to add your teen as an authorized user to your own card, you’ll probably want a feature that allows you to limit their spending. Not only does it prevent your teen from going on a spending spree, it protects you in case the card gets in the wrong hands. Older teens may appreciate this feature, or preset alerts, as a way to help keep their spending at a reasonable level.
It has few fees
Before applying for a card, you should carefully read its terms and conditions to make sure it doesn’t include a lot of hidden fees. Cards aimed at applicants with a limited credit history can sometimes charge account set up fees, annual fees and monthly maintenance fees that can amount to more than $100 per year. Fortunately, there are many beginner credit cards with no annual fees, which make great cards for teens.
You should also be aware of penalty fees, including late fees and returned payment fees. Fortunately, these fees can be avoided if you pay your bill on time and in full, especially if you set up automatic bill pay.
For college students who want to travel or study abroad, look for a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. While the usual fee of 3% seems small, when it’s charged multiple times over a week or a year, that amount adds up to a significant number.
It allows an authorized user at a lower age
Since credit cards aren’t issued to minors, the best way to help your teen build credit is to add them as an authorized user on your credit card. Many credit cards allow this, but the age requirement for the authorized user varies between issuers. If you’re opening a new credit card with the intent to add your child to your account, look for a card that has the lowest age requirement. This will allow your child to build credit from age 13 rather than 16.
A teen credit card is one that a young adult can be added to with the intent of using and building credit responsibly. Unlike debit cards for teens, there are no specific credit cards for teens because a child under 18 cannot enter the legal contract required for opening a credit card. However many credit cards allow an adult to add a teen as an authorized user. The age at which a teen can be added as an authorized user varies by card issuer. Even adults under 21 will need a parent or other responsible adult to co-sign for a credit card.
Young adults who are 18 and older can apply for their own credit card, but if they are under 21, a co-signer is typically required. Teens under 18 can often be added to an adult’s credit card as an authorized user.
Each card issuer has its own rules regarding the age of authorized users. Check with the credit card issuer to see their age requirement and verify whether or not they report authorized user accounts to the credit bureau.
Having a credit card is a major privilege; what a teen does with their card — either responsible or irresponsible use — can set a financial trajectory that can stay with them for years to come.
There are several types of cards that teens and young adults can consider to start building credit:
Beginner credit cards: Credit cards for beginners have low credit score requirements, if any. Some even allow you to get a credit card without a Social Security number (SSN). The downside is that they are generally low-frills when it comes to sign-up bonuses and intro APR offers.
Student credit cards: The best student credit cards come with no annual fee and allow you to apply even if you have no credit history. You may earn rewards but remember to charge only what you can afford to pay when your balance comes due.
Secured credit cards: For young people who don’t qualify for an unsecured credit card, a secured card may be an option. You generally need to send in a security deposit to act as your line of credit. It’s refundable if you close your account in good standing or move up to an unsecured card from the same issuer.
It’s normal to have reservations about allowing teens to use a credit card. But, just like learning to drive, using credit is an important part of growing up and provides an opportunity for learning and developing good financial habits.
Credit cards are not necessary for teens, and while they are useful, they do come with risks that parents and teens may prefer to avoid. The following options are good alternative payment methods, but it’s important to remember that none of these can help you build credit.
A secured card requires a refundable deposit, which typically serves as your line of credit. The deposit is used as collateral in case the card user doesn’t pay off the purchases charged to the card. It’s generally refunded if you close your account in good standing or if the card issuer graduates you to an unsecured card.
An unsecured card doesn’t require a deposit so you can start using your card right away. Unsecured cards are typically reserved for those with good credit or higher.
While the requirements may vary based on the issuer, student credit cards generally require the applicant to show proof of enrollment, either full-time or part-time, at a two-year or four-year college. They will also typically need to be 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen or resident and able to show proof of income.
If you want to improve your credit score to help increase your chances of being approved for credit cards or loans, the following steps can help:
No, you cannot build credit with a debit card because it takes money from your checking account, rather than a line of credit from your credit card issuer. To build credit, you need to use a credit card. Personal loans, auto loans and mortgages are other financial tools that help you build credit.
To select the best card for each of these categories, our credit card experts compared student, secured and unsecured credit cards designed for individuals with limited or nonexistent credit on LendingTree.com and issuer sites.
We chose our top picks based on a variety of factors, including the value of the card’s rewards program, the annual fee and the interest rate. Other factors that come into play when making our selection include the benefits offered by the card, as well as the opportunity to increase your credit line or improve your credit score.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
The information related to the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, Discover it® Student Cash Back, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card, Discover it® Chrome, Discover it® Cash Back and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
