Best Credit Cards for 18 Year Olds

Best Credit Cards for 18 Year Olds

When you turn 18, it's a time of new adventures and responsibilities, like voting and managing your finances. In the past, getting your first credit card was a common rite of passage for 18-year-olds, but the CARD Act of 2009 changed the rules.

Now, the CARD Act requires those under 21 to have a cosigner or a reliable source of income to qualify for a credit card. This has narrowed the options for 18-year-olds looking to establish credit, but there are still credit cards designed to help them build a solid credit history and financial foundation.

To get a credit card in their own name, individuals under 21 must demonstrate a consistent income that can cover credit card debt, and this income doesn't have to come solely from a job; it can include income from scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Students can benefit from credit cards tailored to their needs, offering flexibility in credit requirements and accommodating those who are new to building a credit history.

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

This card is a good choice for students who want to earn cash back on their everyday purchases and enjoy additional perks like Uber discounts. Plus, it offers security features and has no annual or foreign transaction fees. The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for students. Here's what you should know:

Cash Back: You can earn 1.5% cash back on all your purchases, no matter what you buy.

Early Spend Bonus: If you spend $100 in the first three months, you'll get a $50 bonus.

Uber Perks: You'll earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats. You'll also get complimentary Uber One membership statement credits until 11/14/2024.

Security: You won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges with $0 Fraud Liability.

Fees: There are no annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees.

Card Security: You can lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if you lose it or it's stolen.

Discover it® Student Cash Back

This card is designed for students, offering cash back rewards, privacy protection, and the opportunity to build credit with responsible use. The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a good choice for students. Here's what you should know:

Intro Offer: In your first year, Discover matches all the cash back you earn. If you earn $50, they double it to $100, and it keeps going with no limits.

Cash Back: You can get 5% cash back on certain types of purchases that change each quarter, like groceries, restaurants, and gas stations. Plus, you automatically earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

No Credit Score Needed: You don't need a credit score to apply.

Privacy Protection: Discover helps you remove your personal information from select people-search sites that might sell your data. It's free and you can activate it through the mobile app.

Fees: There's no annual fee, and using this card responsibly can help you build your credit.

Intro APR: You get a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 6 months. After that, the standard variable purchase APR, which can range from 18.24% to 27.24%, applies.

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for students and offers the following benefits:

• You can earn 1.5% cash back on all your purchases, which means you get money back for everything you buy.
• There's an Early Spend Bonus - spend $100 in the first three months and earn $50 as a bonus.
• You'll get 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats, and there are complimentary Uber One membership statement credits until 11/14/2024.
• Your peace of mind is ensured with $0 Fraud Liability, meaning you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges.
• This card has no annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees, making it cost-effective.
• If you ever misplace, lose, or have your card stolen, you can lock it using the Capital One Mobile app for added security.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students

The card features contactless payment for added security and convenience. The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students offers several features:

• You can earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus by making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• You can choose a category to earn 3% cash back, and you'll automatically get 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined purchases in your chosen category, grocery stores, and wholesale clubs each quarter). All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
• The card now includes expanded categories like 3% cash back on Gas and Online Shopping, which covers Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Stations and Cable, Streaming, Internet, and Phone Services.
• There is no annual fee, and your rewards don't expire.
• You get a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the introductory period, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, with a 3% fee for balance transfers.
• Responsible credit card use can help you build your credit history, and you can access your FICO® Score for free through Online Banking or the Mobile Banking app.

Discover it® Student Chrome

This card is tailored for students, offering cash back rewards, privacy protection, and an opportunity to build a credit history with no annual fee. The Discover it® Student Chrome card is designed for students and offers these features:

• Intro Offer: In your first year, Discover matches all the cash back you earn, with no limits. So, if you earn $50, they double it to $100.
• Cash Back: You get 2% cash back on purchases at Gas Stations and Restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
• No Credit Score Needed: You don't need a credit score to apply for this card.
• Privacy Protection: Discover helps you remove your personal information from select people-search sites that might sell your data, and you can activate this feature through the mobile app.
• There is no annual fee, and using this card responsibly can help you build your credit.
• You get a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 6 months, and after that, the standard variable purchase APR, ranging from 18.24% to 27.24%, applies.