Best Starter Credit Cards for Gen Z in 2025
Published by Speed Credit
Table of Contents
- What to Look for in Your First Credit Card
- Top 5 Starter Credit Cards for Gen Z (2025)
- How to Choose the Right Card for You
- Tips to Use Your First Card the Smart Way
- Next Up: Why Credit Matters More Than You Think in Your 20s
What to Look for in Your First Credit Card
You don’t need something flashy. You need something safe, simple, and reliable. Look for:
- No annual fee
- Low credit requirements (or no credit check)
- Reports to all 3 bureaus to help build your score
- Cashback rewards (even 1% adds up!)
- No security deposit if you qualify
Top 5 Starter Credit Cards for Gen Z (2025)
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
- 5% cashback in rotating categories
- Good Grade Reward: $20 for a 3.0 GPA or higher
- No annual fee + free FICO® score
2. Capital One QuicksilverOne®
- 1.5% unlimited cashback on everything
- Low credit requirements
- $39 annual fee—but strong rewards make up for it
3. Chime Credit Builder Visa®
- No credit check to apply
- Builds credit with no interest or fees
- Must use Chime’s spending account (super beginner-friendly)
4. Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa
- No credit history required
- Cashback at select merchants
- Uses cash flow to approve—not credit score
5. Capital One Platinum Secured
- Low security deposit ($49, $99, or $200)
- No annual fee
- Graduates to an unsecured card with on-time payments
How to Choose the Right Card for You
Ask yourself:
- Do I have a job or consistent income?
- Can I afford a deposit (secured card)?
- Do I want rewards—or just want to build credit?
Pro Tip: You can always upgrade later. Just get in the game.
Tips to Use Your First Card the Smart Way
- Use it for 1–2 bills per month (like gas, groceries, or Spotify)
- Pay in full every single month—never carry a balance
- Keep your usage under 10% of the limit
- Turn on autopay + alerts so you never miss a due date
That’s how you build credit without building debt.
Next Up: Why Credit Matters More Than You Think in Your 20s
Most people ignore their credit until they need it—and then it’s too late. In the next post, we’ll show you how good credit in your 20s can change everything. Read it here: Why Credit Matters More Than You Think in Your 20s
