Featured Partner Offer
Discover it® Student Cash Back
On Discover's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Discover's Website
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations,Read More
Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match™
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
Credit Score
Fair/New to Credit
Editorial Review
Here’s an excellent way for students with average or limited credit scores to gain experience managing credit. No annual fee, no penalty APR, plus up to 5% cashback rewards in rotating categories (up to a quarterly cap with enrollment, 1% back on other purchases) earn this card an “A” in our book.
Pros & Cons
- 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories after enrollment
- First-year Cashback Match
- Intro APR on purchases for 6 months
- 5% bonus cash-back rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending on select categories
- Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
- Low 1% base reward rate
Card Details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Credit Cards for Teens of 2024
Best Cash-Back Card for Teens in College
Discover it® Student Cash Back
On Discover's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Discover's Website
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations,Read More
Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match™
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
Credit Score
Fair/New to Credit
Our Expert Take
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a rewards powerhouse that allows you to maximize cash back on several everyday spending categories throughout the year. It may even make sense to hold onto this one after you graduate.
Why We Like It
The card earns an impressive 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and more, up to the quarterly maximum once activated. Plus, automatically earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases, giving you more flexibility compared to options that have fixed bonus categories. The unique welcome offer is also a plus because there’s no minimum spending requirement and no limit to how much you can earn: Unlimited Cashback Match™ – Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
Finally, it’s crucial that you make it a priority to pay off your balance in full each month. But if you need some flexibility right now, you can use the card’s short introductory APR offer on purchases. You can get a 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
What We Don’t Like
While the card’s bonus rewards rate is solid, you have to activate the bonus each quarter. What’s more, the amount you can earn is capped based on your quarterly spending, and all nonbonus spending earns just 1% back. Additionally, you can only get approved for the card if you’re a college student.
Who It’s Best For
This card is ideal for teens enrolled in a college or university program who want to maximize their cash back or take advantage of an introductory APR promotion.
Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
An engaging and fun student credit card, the Discover it® Student Cash Back combines useful benefits for cardholders to learn about building credit history while earning extra cash back each quarter on select categories.
Pros & Cons
- 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories after enrollment
- First-year Cashback Match
- Intro APR on purchases for 6 months
- 5% bonus cash-back rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending on select categories
- Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
- Low 1% base reward rate
Card Details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Travel Benefits Card for Authorized Users
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10Read More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual Fee
$395
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent(750 - 850)
Our Expert Take
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Cardoffers premium rewards and travel perks to both primary cardholders and authorized users. Even if you don’t travel often, the card is an excellent choice.
Why We Like It
Like other premium travel cards, the Venture X offers complimentary airport lounge access as a card benefit. But with the Venture X, that perk also extends to authorized users, elevating your airport experience every time you travel.
If you plan to study abroad, you’ll enjoy no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees) on your purchases. There’s no annual fee for authorized users.
What We Don’t Like
The Venture X requires excellent credit, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get approved for it on your own. This option works only if your parent has the card or chooses to apply for it, which can be a tough sell if they’re unwilling to pay the annual fee.
Also, keep in mind that other card benefits, including the annual $300 Capital One Travel credit, 10,000-mile anniversary bonus and application fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, are not available to authorized users.
Who It’s Best For
This card would benefit teens with parents who have the card or are eligible to apply for the card. In particular, the card’s travel benefits can be worthwhile if you’re planning to attend college out of state and want to travel home frequently or you’re thinking about studying abroad.
Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
If you’re looking for lofty perks without a lofty annual fee (rates & fees), the Venture X fits the bill. While other cards with elite benefits run nearly $700 a year, you’ll only pay a little more than half that for the Venture X. And you’ll still get Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounge access for you and your guests, an annual travel credit and solid earnings on everyday purchases.
Pros & Cons
- Annual fee lower than others in its category
- Annual travel credit through Capital One Travel and anniversary miles alone could justify the annual fee
- Miles are easy to earn and easy to use
- Lack of domestic airline and upscale hotel travel partners
- Capital One lounge network in its infancy
- Lack of hotel status benefits
Card Details
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Secured Credit Card for Teens
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.7
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Limited, Bad
Our Expert Take
Whether you want to build credit from scratch or rebuild your credit history after some missteps, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) offers all of the features you’d want in a secured card.
Why We Like It
The card offers a high, flat rewards rate on every purchase you make. You’ll also be eligible for an unsecured credit line increase in as little as six months.
If you use the card responsibly over time, you could qualify to get your deposit refunded and your account converted to an unsecured card. In contrast, many other secured cards require closing your account to get your deposit back.
What We Don’t Like
While the card has great benefits, you’ll still need to come up with a minimum of $200 as a security deposit, and there’s no set timeline for getting those funds back.
With a small credit limit, you’ll also need to be careful about using the card too frequently. If your credit utilization rate—your balance divided by your limit—is consistently above 30%, it could hurt your credit score instead of helping it.
Who It’s Best For
Teens who don’t qualify for an unsecured starter credit card or are willing to deal with a security deposit in the short term to enjoy solid cash-back rewards in the long term should consider this card.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back reward on all eligible purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Ability to graduate to an unsecured card with good payment behavior
- No bonus categories other than Capital One Travel bookings
- $200 minimum opening deposit
Card Details
- No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you’re approved in seconds
- Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
- Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Teen Rewards Card for Dining and Entertainment
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 8% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® andRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn $50 bonus
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
Our Expert Take
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Cardis a smart choice for college students who want to make the most of their spending on food and entertainment.
Why We Like It
The card offers a solid rewards rate on common spending categories, including dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores. You can also earn a small welcome bonus during the first few months.
If you’re planning to study abroad, you’ll enjoy no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees) on your purchases.
What We Don’t Like
The card is exclusively designed for young adults enrolled in higher education programs, so if you’re not planning to attend college or aren’t yet enrolled, this won’t be an option.
Additionally, Capital One requires that you have at least a limited credit history to get approved, making the card a nonstarter for someone looking to build credit from scratch.
Who It’s Best For
This card is designed specifically for college students who have at least some credit history and want to earn great rewards on food and entertainment purchases.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Excellent cash back rewards
- No low introductory APR
- Limited bonus cash back reward categories
Card Details
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
- Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Card for Authorized Users With Transaction Limits
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
On American Express's Website
4.1
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 6% Reward Rate
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); Earn 6% cashRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn $250
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Regular APR
19.24%-29.99% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
Despite its annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees) packs a rewards punch with its impressive rates on everyday spending categories and new cardholder incentives. What’s more, parents with teens can control how much their authorized users spend.
Why We Like It
The Blue Cash Preferred Card’s rewards rates on U.S. supermarket purchases and select U.S. streaming subscriptions are tough to beat, but it’s also a solid card for gas and transit.
In addition to a welcome bonus and an introductory APR, you’ll also get up to $84 in statement credits each year ($7 back monthly) when you use the card to pay for an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription (enrollment required). That’s enough to cover most of the card’s annual fee.
While you’re unlikely to get approved for the card on your own as a teen, a parent can open an account and set you up as an authorized user. Amex also allows cardholders to set spending limits as low as $200 for authorized users.
What We Don’t Like
While the card offers great rewards, you may still think twice about applying due to the annual fee. Also, if you spend a lot on groceries, you may max out the spending cap on bonus cash back, leaving you with a low base rewards rate of 1% after that.
Who It’s Best For
The Blue Cash Preferred card would be best for parents who want to let their teen learn how to use a card as an authorized user with some spending limits in place.
Expert Commentary
Ben Luthi
Contributor
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Contributor
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Contributor
You’ll have a hard time finding a better cash-back rate on groceries and streaming, and the Disney Bundle credit nearly neutralizes the cost of the annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- High cash-back rewards in several categories of spending
- No enrollment is required, cash back is automatic
- Comes with several travel benefits and protections
- Charges an annual fee
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets is capped at $6,000 in annual spending (then 1%)
Card Details
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.99%.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
- Terms Apply.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Flexible Rewards Card for Teens in College
Chase Freedom Rise®
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
3.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
1.5X Reward Rate
Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
Welcome Bonus
$25 statement credit
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
26.99% Variable
Credit Score
New To Credit / Limited Credit
Our Expert Take
Whether or not you’re a college student, the Chase Freedom Rise® offers an opportunity to build your credit history from scratch while earning solid rewards.
Why We Like It
The card offers a high, flat rewards rate on every purchase you make, along with a small bonus for setting up automatic payments on your account in the first three months.
As you use the card and other forms of credit responsibly, you could qualify to have your account upgraded to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®in as little as 12 months. The Freedom Unlimited offers the same base rewards rate with some additional bonus rewards categories.
What We Don’t Like
To maximize your chances of getting approved, you’ll need a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250. If you don’t bank with Chase, switching could be a hassle.
Who It’s Best For
People who bank with Chase and want to establish or build their credit history without needing to provide a security deposit would make the most of this card.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- $0 annual fee
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
- 5% back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025
- Low-cost financing on purchases over $100 with Chase Pay Over Time℠
- No bonus categories (except for Lyft)
- High APR
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
- May not be eligible for balance transfers
- Increased odds of approval for depositing money in a Chase checking account, which requires an extra step that may or may not help you get the card
Card Details
- Increase your approval chances – Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
- Earn Cash Back – 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.
- Credit Limit Increase – As a Freedom Rise cardmember, you’ll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
- Free Credit Score – Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
- No Annual Fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® card.
- Member FDIC
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.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Unsecured Card to Build Credit
Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card *
2.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 10% Cash Back
2%-10% cash back at select merchants
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
25.24% - 34.74% Variable
Credit Score
Fair/No Credit
Our Expert Take
With no annual fee, security deposit or credit history required, the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card* fills a niche some teens may be looking for, though it’s otherwise an unexciting card.
Why We Like It
Like some of the other cards on our list, the Petal 1 Visa Card doesn’t require a credit history to get approved. Instead, it looks at your bank account to evaluate your financial responsibility.
The card also offers up to 10% cash back with select merchant offers and a chance of securing a credit limit of up to $5,000. Even if you don’t qualify for a high credit limit upon approval, there’s an opportunity to get credit limit increases over time.
What We Don’t Like
Unlike some of our other top choices, the Petal 1 Visa Card doesn’t offer rewards on all purchases. The card’s APR is also high, even compared to other starter credit cards that don’t require a credit score.
Who It’s Best For
This card would be best for those looking to build credit from scratch and an opportunity for a relatively high credit limit.
Pros & Cons
- No security deposit required
- No annual fee
- Earns rewards
- Rewards only available at select merchants
- No balance transfer option available
Card Details
- Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Credit Card for Teens With No Credit
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
2.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
N/A
Credit Score
Poor, Average (0 - 649)
Our Expert Take
The 5 Things To Know About The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card requires a security deposit, but it offers much more flexibility than standard secured credit cards.
Why We Like It
The card pegs your credit limit to your secured account balance, but you can add or withdraw money from that account as you desire, giving you more flexibility with your money. You also don’t have to worry about interest charges¹ because payments are automatic.
Additionally, there’s no credit check when you apply, which is good for people who are new to credit or have negative marks on their credit reports.
What We Don’t Like
You’ll need to have a Chime checking account to get approved for the card², which can be a hassle if you don’t already bank with Chime. Additionally, the card doesn’t offer rewards of any kind.
Who It’s Best For
Teens looking to build credit without a credit check or the potential threat of interest charge will find this card valuable.
Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
The Chime Credit Builder credit card ensures you spend only what you have, a great way to stay on the path toward financial wellness.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fees
- No annual interest charges
- No minimum security deposit requirement
- Use your deposit to pay for your monthly balance (though you must replenish it afterward)
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- You need a direct deposit account with Chime
- Can’t get a credit limit greater than your deposit
- No option to graduate to an unsecured card
Card Details
- No interest charges¹
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- No minimum security deposit required²
- No credit check to apply
- Turn on Safer Credit Building and your balance will be automatically paid on time, every month. We’ll keep the major credit bureaus updated
- Whether it’s gas or groceries, now everyday purchases can count toward building credit
- We’re here to help you break free from fees, annual interest, and large security deposits
¹Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
²Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Summary of the Best Credit Cards for Teens 2024
Credit Card
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Chase Freedom Rise®
Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card *
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best Cash-Back Card for Teens in College
Fair/New to Credit
$0
Cashback Match™
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best Travel Benefits Card for Authorized Users
Excellent
$395
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best Secured Credit Card for Teens
Limited, Bad
$0
N/A
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best Teen Rewards Card for Dining and Entertainment
Average, Fair, Limited
$0
Earn $50 bonus
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best Card for Authorized Users With Transaction Limits
Excellent/Good
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Earn $250
Chase Freedom Rise®
Best Flexible Rewards Card for Teens in College
New To Credit / Limited Credit
$0
$25 statement credit
Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card *
Best Unsecured Card to Build Credit
Fair/No Credit
$0
N/A
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Best Credit Card for Teens With No Credit
Poor, Average
$0
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
N/A
Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
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.
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