Introduction
After nearly 10 plus years in the credit card game and earning millions of points and miles, I have seen firsthand how important it is to start smart with a good beginner credit card. A positive first experience with a credit card can lead to a greater understanding of the benefits and rewards that credit cards offer. In this blog, I will discuss my top six credit cards for beginners in 2024. Stick around until the end because I will reveal a card that is currently offering one of the highest signup bonuses on the market.
Best Credit Cards 2024
1. City Custom Cash
Coming in at number six is the City Custom Cash credit card. This card offers a $200 signup bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months. The card also provides a 0% promotional APR for the first 15 months. The standout feature of this card is its earning potential. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on their highest spending category, such as restaurants, gas stations, or grocery stores. The cash back is earned in the form of City ThankYou points. A pro tip for this card is that if you already have a double cash or a City American Airlines credit card, you can product change it to a Custom Cash card and maximize your cash back potential.
2. Chase Amazon Prime
Next up is the Chase Amazon Prime credit card. This card offers a $100 Amazon gift card as a signup bonus. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on all purchases made at amazon.com and Whole Foods, as well as 2% cash back on gas stations, restaurants, and local transit. The card also provides a 0% promotional APR and has no foreign transaction fees. This card is especially useful for college students or frequent travelers who use Amazon and Whole Foods regularly.
3. Capital One Quicksilver
At number four is the Capital One Quicksilver credit card. This card offers a $200 signup bonus after spending $300 in the first 3 months. The card also provides a 0% promotional APR for the first 15 months. Cardholders earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no limits or categories to worry about. One unique benefit of this card is the complimentary Uber Eats membership until November 14th, 2024. Cardholders can enjoy $0 delivery fees, discounts on eligible orders, and top-rated drivers.
4. Wells Fargo Autograph
Coming in at number three is the Wells Fargo Autograph credit card. This card offers 30,000 points as a signup bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months. Cardholders earn three points for every dollar spent on various categories, such as restaurants, travel, gas stations, streaming services, and phone plans. One standout feature of this card is the cell phone protection it offers. If you pay your cell phone bill with this card, you are covered for up to $600 in case of damage. Another exciting possibility is the potential introduction of Transfer Partners for the Wells Fargo Autograph card. If this happens, cardholders will be able to transfer their points to airline or flight partners and unlock even more value.
5. Discover It
Next up is the Discover It credit card. This card offers unlimited cash back match in the first year, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, up to a maximum spend of $1,500. For all other purchases, cardholders earn 1% cash back. One significant advantage of this card is its easy approval process, making it accessible to many beginners. The Discover It card also has no foreign transaction fees.
6. Chase Freedom Unlimited
Finally, the number one credit card for beginners in 2024 is the Chase Freedom Unlimited. This card offers a $200 signup bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months. However, an even more exciting offer is an unlimited cash back match in the first year. Cardholders earn five points for every dollar spent on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, three points for dining, and 1.5 points for all other purchases. With the cash back match, this effectively becomes a 10x catch-all card for the first year. The Chase Freedom Unlimited card also comes with various benefits, such as complimentary DashPass, 5% cash back on Lyft rides, and complimentary Instacart Plus for three months. Being part of the Chase ecosystem allows cardholders to earn valuable points and transfer them to airline or flight partners.
Best Credit Card 2024 for Beginners
Starting off smart with a good beginner credit card is crucial for a positive credit card experience. The City Custom Cash, Chase Amazon Prime, Capital One Quicksilver, Wells Fargo Autograph, Discover It, and Chase Freedom Unlimited are all excellent options for beginners in 2024. Each card offers unique benefits and rewards, making them suitable for different spending habits and preferences. By choosing the right credit card and understanding how to maximize its benefits, beginners can set themselves up for success in the world of credit cards.