Your First Credit Card: What to Get and Why

Your first credit card is a milestone. Chosen well and used responsibly, it starts a credit history that serves you for life.

Best First Cards

Easiest approval:

• Discover it Secured (deposit = limit)
• Capital One Platinum Secured

For students:

• Discover it Student Cash Back
• Capital One Journey

If you have some history:

• Discover it Chrome
• Capital One QuicksilverOne

Common First Card Mistakes

• Using credit as “extra money” (it’s not)
• Only paying the minimum
• Missing payments
• Maxing out the card
• Closing the account after getting a better card

Last updated: January 2026 Affiliate disclosure: ShortcutBest may earn a commission when you apply through our links.