It is so important to start your credit journey off right. Because your credit history is so fresh, every decision you make matters significantly. This is why having a clear roadmap through your first five years of card ownership is almost necessary.
Credit cards are a very powerful financial tool. Once someone has access to a line of credit and understands how to manage their money relatively well, there should be no reason to use a debit card again. Credit should become the method to purchase nearly everything.
With that said, here is my list for the top 3 cards everyone 21 and under should work to get. These are the best starter cards and set you up for success in the future (I'm talking 800+ credit scores here folks).
Discover It® Student Cashback
Extremely beginner-friendly, an incredible rotating 5% cash back offer, and a clear pathway for future bigger and 'better' cards.
This is hands down the best starter credit card on the market right now. If you want to build your credit while having access to pretty legit rewards, this is the card for you. Most importantly, it has a $0 annual fee which is something any new cardholder should be looking for. Personally, I don't recommend anyone should pay an annual fee for a credit card until at least 21 (unless a unique scenario calls for it).
Typically, individuals with little to no credit history will be given a $1000-3000 line of credit with the Discover It, but you can always request it to be higher after consistent and responsible use.
AMEX Blue Cash Everyday®
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