Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (2024)

Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (1)

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On this page

  • Our top picks in 2024
  • Side-by-side comparison
  • How to choose the best credit card for teens
  • What is a teen card?
  • Pros and cons of credit cards for teens
  • Benefits of credit cards for teens
  • Alternative options for teens
  • FAQs
  • Methodology

Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (3)Written by

Charlotte Zhang

Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (4)Written by

Tracy Brackman

Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (5)Edited by

Robin Ratcliff

Updated on:

Content was accurate at the time of publication.

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Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (6)

Our winner for the best teen card

Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (7)

Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (8)

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Apply Now

on Discover's secure site

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

We chose the Discover it® Secured Credit Card as the best teen card because it’s easy to obtain if you’re new to building credit. It has a $0 annual fee and earns cash back rewards on every purchase, which means you’ll save money as you build credit as a teen.

Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (10)

Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (11)

Apply Now

on Discover's secure site

Find your perfect card in 30 seconds. Check your approval odds so you can shop smarter.

Building a solid credit history at an early age is important. A good credit score can help you qualify for a car loan, get an apartment and sometimes may be required to apply for a job.

Teens who are 18 and above can apply for credit cards on their own, but may need a parent to co-sign with them to get an unsecured credit card if their income is too low. Teens who are in college may qualify for student credit cards geared toward applicants with limited credit histories. Another option to consider is putting down a deposit for a secured credit card.

Parents of younger teens can help jump start their teen’s credit history by adding them as an authorized user on a credit card.

The best credit cards for teens are ones that don’t require a credit score and keep fees, like an annual fee, minimal. Our top credit card picks are accessible, inexpensive and some even offer rewards.

8 Best Credit Cards for Teens

  • Winner: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
  • Best credit card for teens with fair credit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card
  • Best low deposit credit card for teensCapital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
  • Best credit card for teens with no credit: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
  • Best credit card for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back
  • Best travel credit card for students: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
  • Best Chase credit card for teens: Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card
  • Best Capital One student card: Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Winner

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

LendingTree's ReviewBest Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (14)

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

4.2

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LendingTree's ReviewBest Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (18)

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

4.2

Apply Now

on Discover's secure site

Earn up to 2% cash back

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Recommended Credit

Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion

300-600

Limited / Poor

Get Your Free Credit Score

Intro Purchase APRN/A

Regular Purchase APR28.24% Variable APR

Annual Fee$0

  • $0 annual fee
  • Helps build or rebuild credit with responsible use
  • Offers cash back on every purchase
  • Free FICO credit score
  • Requires security deposit
  • Limited credit line initially
  • Not widely accepted outside the U.S.
  • High APR

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee and the opportunity to earn cash back rewards. Plus, you don’t need a credit score to apply. Your security deposit acts as your credit line, which is perfect if you’re starting to build credit.

After seven months, Discover will conduct monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and have your deposit refunded.

If this happens, your card will transition to aDiscover it® Chrome. Note, Discover will evaluate your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover, as well as those from other issuers or lenders. You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.

  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
  • Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • 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.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Terms and conditions apply.

Best for fair credit

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

LendingTree's ReviewBest Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (20)

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

4.1

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LendingTree's ReviewBest Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (24)

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

4.1

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

Helps build credit by reporting to the major credit bureaus

Build your credit with responsible card use

Recommended Credit

Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion

600-660

Limited / Fair

Get Your Free Credit Score

Intro Purchase APRN/A

Regular Purchase APR29.99% (Variable)

Annual Fee$0

  • $0 annual fee
  • Credit line reviews after six months of timely payments
  • Fraud coverage and alerts
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No rewards program
  • Limited benefits compared to other cards
  • Very high APR

A no-frills credit card for teens, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee and reviews for a possible credit line increase in as little as six months. The card reports your credit usage to the three major credit bureaus, which helps in building credit.

After showing responsible use of your card, you may be able to request to move to a Capital One card that offers rewards. Capital One has many great rewards card options for young cardholders, like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

  • No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
  • Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
  • Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
  • Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
  • Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
  • For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Best for low deposit

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

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How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

3.8

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How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

3.8

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

Security deposit as low as $49

You may be able to put down a deposit of $49, $99 or $200 to fund a $200 credit line

Recommended Credit

Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion

300-600

Limited / Poor

Get Your Free Credit Score

Intro Purchase APRN/A

Regular Purchase APR29.99% (Variable)

Annual Fee$0

  • Helps build credit with responsible use
  • Possibility of a very low deposit
  • $0 annual fee
  • Access to credit-building tools and resources
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Requires a security deposit
  • Limited benefits compared to other cards
  • Very high APR
  • No rewards program

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card offers the possibility of a very low deposit to secure a $200 credit line. Depending on your credit score, you’ll need to put down a deposit of $49, $99 or $200. There’s a $0 annual fee and when it comes to a foreign transaction fee, there is None.

It doesn’t offer a rewards program, but for now your main concern should be to raise your credit score. By using your card responsibly, Capital One may upgrade you to an unsecured card or you can apply for other rewards credit cards.

  • No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
  • Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
  • 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
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
  • Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
  • For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Best for no credit

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

LendingTree's ReviewBest Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (32)

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

2.3

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LendingTree's ReviewBest Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (36)

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

2.3

Apply Now

on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site

No credit check required

Qualify for this card with a poor credit score

Recommended Credit

Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion

300-600

Poor

Get Your Free Credit Score

Intro Purchase APRN/A

Regular Purchase APR25.64% (variable)

Annual Fee$35

  • No credit check required for approval
  • Reports to the three credit bureaus
  • Chance to graduate to an unsecured card
  • Security deposit required
  • Annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fee

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check to be approved and reports your payment history to the three credit bureaus. You’ll pay a reasonable $35 annual fee and a refundable $200 security deposit. You can find no-annual-fee credit cards, but this is a small tradeoff if you want to avoid a credit check when you apply for the card.

Plus, there’s an option to graduate to an unsecured card in as few as six months with responsible use of the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.

  • New feature! Earn up to 10% cash back* on everyday purchases
  • No credit check to apply. Zero credit risk to apply!
  • Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2 out of 3 OpenSky cardholders increase their credit score by an average of 41 points in just 3 months
  • Get free monthly access to your FICO score in our mobile application
  • Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
  • Fund your card with a low $200 refundable security deposit to get a $200 credit line
  • Apply in less than 5 minutes with our mobile first application
  • Choose the due date that fits your schedule with flexible payment dates
  • Fund your security deposit over 60 days with the option to make partial payments
  • Over 1.4 Million Cardholders Have Used OpenSky Secured Credit Card To Improve Their Credit
  • *See Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information

Best for students

Discover it® Student Cash Back

LendingTree's ReviewBest Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (38)

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

4.9

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LendingTree's ReviewBest Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (42)

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

4.9

Apply Now

on Discover's secure site

Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories

Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

Recommended Credit

Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion

600-660

Limited / Fair

Get Your Free Credit Score

Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases

Regular Purchase APR18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Annual Fee$0

  • $0 annual fee
  • No credit score required to apply
  • Great cash back rewards program
  • Designed specifically for students
  • High APR for those with lower credit scores
  • Not widely accepted outside the U.S.

The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers teens who are college students a chance to build credit while earning rewards on their purchases. No credit is required to apply, there is a $0 annual fee and a generous rewards program.

You’ll earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. Discover also matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year for new cardholders.

Cardholders even get a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then an ongoing 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR. This makes it helpful for financing a new laptop or dorm room furniture.

The card also comes with a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR.

  • 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.

Best for student travel

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*

LendingTree's ReviewBest Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (44)

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.


4.9

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LendingTree's ReviewBest Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (48)

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.


4.9

Review Coming Soon

Earns rewards for travel

Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.

Recommended Credit

Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion

660-850

Good / Excellent

Get Your Free Credit Score

Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Regular Purchase APR19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR

Annual Fee$0

  • Designed specifically for students who travel
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • Good sign-up bonus
  • Earns flexible points for travel rewards
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • High APR for those with lower credit
  • Requires good / excellent credit

Cardholders of the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students earn points that can be used as a statement credit towards travel purchases including flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars or baggage fees.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is an ideal card for students who study abroad, as it has a $0 annual fee and a foreign transaction fee of None.

There’s a 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, after which a regular 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR applies. The intro offer is helpful in financing large purchases, like plane tickets or furniture for your new apartment.

Cardholders can earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. Plus, the card offers 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

*The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best for Chase credit card

Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card*

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How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

4.8

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How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

4.8

Learn More

on Chase's secure site

Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases

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.

Recommended Credit

Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion

660-850

Good / Excellent

Get Your Free Credit Score

Intro Purchase APRN/A

Regular Purchase APR26.99% Variable

Annual Fee$0

  • $0 annual fee
  • Credit monitoring tools
  • Rewards program
  • Must apply in a Chase branch
  • High APR

The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card is a natural choice for teens who have an account with Chase and want to keep their banking all in one place. The $0 annual fee, rewards program and potential credit limit increase make it a very appealing first-time card.

You have better odds of qualifying for the card if you have a Chase checking account with a balance of at least $250. 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.

Cardholders can track their credit score through the mobile app and may be evaluated for a credit line increase in as little as six months.

  • 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 Chase 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

*The information related to the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best for Capital One student card

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

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How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

4.5

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How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.

4.5

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

Good for going abroad because there’s no foreign transaction fee

When it comes to foreign transaction fees for this card, there are None.

Recommended Credit

Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion

600-660

Limited / Fair

Get Your Free Credit Score

Intro Purchase APRN/A

Regular Purchase APR19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Annual Fee$0

  • Earn sign-up bonus
  • $0 annual fee
  • Competitive flat-rate rewards
  • Good for building credit
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No intro APR
  • High interest rate

With a simple cash back program and credit-building tools, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is an ideal card for college students beginning their credit journey.

It offers 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).

The lack of an annual fee means that you can keep the card for the duration of your college career. And as for foreign transaction fees, there is none, so the savings go even further if your studies take you abroad.

The card lacks an intro offer for financing new purchases or balance transfers, so be sure you can pay off your entire statement balance on your payment date to avoid excess interest charges.

  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • 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
  • Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
  • 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
  • For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Side-by-side comparison of the best teen cards

Credit Cards Our Ratings Annual FeeRegular APRRewards Rate
Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Apply Now

on Discover's secure site

4.2

Winner

$028.24% Variable APREarn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Apply Now

on Discover's secure site

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

4.1

Building credit

$029.99% (Variable)Non-rewards Card

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

3.8

Low security deposit

$029.99% (Variable)Non-rewards Card

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Apply Now

on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site

2.3

No credit

$3525.64% (variable)Earn up to 10% cash back* on everyday purchases

Apply Now

on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Apply Now

on Discover's secure site

4.9

Students

$018.24% - 27.24% Variable APREarn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

Apply Now

on Discover's secure site

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*

Review Coming Soon

4.9

Student travel

$019.24% - 29.24% Variable APR1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. Review Coming Soon
Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card*

Learn More

on Chase's secure site

4.8

Chase

$026.99% VariableWith 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.

Learn More

on Chase's secure site

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

4.5

Capital One

$019.99% - 29.99% (Variable)1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

*The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students and Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms Apply.

How to choose the best credit card for teens

When it comes to choosing the best credit card for teens, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You have a lot of options, so you can find a card that best fits your spending needs and credit building goals.

Here’s what to look for in a credit card for teens:

It reports to the three credit bureaus.

  • This is the most important factor, because you can only build credit if your payment history shows up on your credit report. This is why a debit card doesn’t work to build credit; you’re using your own money, so nothing is reported to the credit bureaus.

    There are three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Your ideal card reports to all three to make sure all your bases are covered. When you go to apply for an auto loan, for example, you won’t know from which credit bureau the lender will use to pull your credit report. If your credit card only reports to Equifax, and the auto loan lender pulls from TransUnion, the lender won’t have a complete picture of your credit history.

  • It allows you to set spending limits

    If you plan to add your teen as an authorized user to your own card, you’ll probably want a feature that allows you to limit their spending. Not only does it prevent your teen from going on a spending spree, it protects you in case the card gets in the wrong hands. Older teens may appreciate this feature, or preset alerts, as a way to help keep their spending at a reasonable level.

  • It has few fees

    Before applying for a card, you should carefully read its terms and conditions to make sure it doesn’t include a lot of hidden fees. Cards aimed at applicants with a limited credit history can sometimes charge account set up fees, annual fees and monthly maintenance fees that can amount to more than $100 per year. Fortunately, there are many beginner credit cards with no annual fees, which make great cards for teens.

    You should also be aware of penalty fees, including late fees and returned payment fees. Fortunately, these fees can be avoided if you pay your bill on time and in full, especially if you set up automatic bill pay.

    For college students who want to travel or study abroad, look for a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. While the usual fee of 3% seems small, when it’s charged multiple times over a week or a year, that amount adds up to a significant number.

  • It allows an authorized user at a lower age

    Since credit cards aren’t issued to minors, the best way to help your teen build credit is to add them as an authorized user on your credit card. Many credit cards allow this, but the age requirement for the authorized user varies between issuers. If you’re opening a new credit card with the intent to add your child to your account, look for a card that has the lowest age requirement. This will allow your child to build credit from age 13 rather than 16.

What is a teen card?

A teen credit card is one that a young adult can be added to with the intent of using and building credit responsibly. Unlike debit cards for teens, there are no specific credit cards for teens because a child under 18 cannot enter the legal contract required for opening a credit card. However many credit cards allow an adult to add a teen as an authorized user. The age at which a teen can be added as an authorized user varies by card issuer. Even adults under 21 will need a parent or other responsible adult to co-sign for a credit card.

Who can get a teen card?

Young adults who are 18 and older can apply for their own credit card, but if they are under 21, a co-signer is typically required. Teens under 18 can often be added to an adult’s credit card as an authorized user.

Each card issuer has its own rules regarding the age of authorized users. Check with the credit card issuer to see their age requirement and verify whether or not they report authorized user accounts to the credit bureau.

Having a credit card is a major privilege; what a teen does with their card — either responsible or irresponsible use — can set a financial trajectory that can stay with them for years to come.

There are several types of cards that teens and young adults can consider to start building credit:

Beginner credit cards: Credit cards for beginners have low credit score requirements, if any. Some even allow you to get a credit card without a Social Security number (SSN). The downside is that they are generally low-frills when it comes to sign-up bonuses and intro APR offers.

Student credit cards: The best student credit cards come with no annual fee and allow you to apply even if you have no credit history. You may earn rewards but remember to charge only what you can afford to pay when your balance comes due.

Secured credit cards: For young people who don’t qualify for an unsecured credit card, a secured card may be an option. You generally need to send in a security deposit to act as your line of credit. It’s refundable if you close your account in good standing or move up to an unsecured card from the same issuer.

Pros and cons of credit cards for teens

  • Parents of authorized users can monitor spending
  • Teens can learn to use credit as a tool
  • Helps build a credit history
  • Useful in an emergency situation
  • Convenient payment option
  • Can be a safer option than using cash
  • Potential to earn rewards
  • Potential to overspend and get into debt
  • Irresponsible use can set up a bad track record
  • Teens can only be added as an authorized user before age 18
  • Teens over 18 may have trouble qualifying for a credit card

Benefits of credit cards for teens

It’s normal to have reservations about allowing teens to use a credit card. But, just like learning to drive, using credit is an important part of growing up and provides an opportunity for learning and developing good financial habits.

  • Teens can develop responsible financial habits with credit cards. If you help your teen manage their first credit card, you can teach them to handle credit responsibly. Setting a spending limit for an authorized user is a good way to ensure they don’t overspend. Also involve them in checking the balance and paying the bill so they can see where the money is coming from.
  • Credit cards help establish a credit history for big purchases down the road. A strong credit history helps get better interest rates when it comes to getting a car loan or a mortgage. A LendingTree study found that those who have very good credit save nearly $50,000 in interest on a mortgage than those with fair credit.
  • Credit cards can be useful in an emergency situation. A credit card can also come in handy for emergencies like having to pay additional expenses while away at college or unexpected car repairs.
  • Credit cards can be more useful and safer than cash. Credit cards are a convenient payment option that come with useful protections such as zero-liability for unauthorized purchases. These protections can make credit cards a safer bet than using cash or a debit card. When a teen goes on an overnight trip to an amusem*nt park and takes a handful of $20 bills and loses them, the money’s gone for good. But if your teen loses a credit card, you likely won’t be out any money. As long as you report the lost card, its zero liability protection should cover you.
  • You can earn rewards with credit cards. Everyone loves rewards and many teen credit cards are also rewards credit cards. Cardholders earn rewards from their spending which are accumulated as points, miles or cash back. Points and miles come with a variety of redemption options, including cash, statement credits or gift cards.

Alternatives to credit cards for teens

Credit cards are not necessary for teens, and while they are useful, they do come with risks that parents and teens may prefer to avoid. The following options are good alternative payment methods, but it’s important to remember that none of these can help you build credit.

  • Prepaid card: Banks and credit card issuers readily sell prepaid cards that resemble a mashup of credit card and gift card. They can be used almost anywhere cards are accepted and aren’t tied to a certain retailer. These can be used online or in stores and are generally issued by Visa or Mastercard. They may have some security features, but it’s best to treat these as cash; if you lose it, your money is gone.
  • Debit card: A debit card is linked to your checking account, which means your own money is withdrawn from your account whenever you use it. Unlike cash, a debit card gives you the convenience of paying with a card, without the risk of building up debt from overspending. However, know that if a debit card gets in the wrong hands, you will be responsible for charges, and you may not be able to recover the money that was withdrawn from your account. Each bank has its own policy on how it handles investigations and reimbursem*nt of the funds in question.
  • Cash: Cash is a great first teaching tool to help teens and kids understand how money works. Unlike a card, which looks and feels the same no matter how much you use it, as you spend a $100 bill, the amount in your wallet reflects the purchases you make. However, cash can be easily lost or stolen and you can’t use it for online purchases.

Frequently asked questions

A secured card requires a refundable deposit, which typically serves as your line of credit. The deposit is used as collateral in case the card user doesn’t pay off the purchases charged to the card. It’s generally refunded if you close your account in good standing or if the card issuer graduates you to an unsecured card.

An unsecured card doesn’t require a deposit so you can start using your card right away. Unsecured cards are typically reserved for those with good credit or higher.

While the requirements may vary based on the issuer, student credit cards generally require the applicant to show proof of enrollment, either full-time or part-time, at a two-year or four-year college. They will also typically need to be 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen or resident and able to show proof of income.

If you want to improve your credit score to help increase your chances of being approved for credit cards or loans, the following steps can help:

  • Pay your bills on time and in full each month
  • Maintain a low credit utilization ratio
  • Minimize the amount of new accounts you open

No, you cannot build credit with a debit card because it takes money from your checking account, rather than a line of credit from your credit card issuer. To build credit, you need to use a credit card. Personal loans, auto loans and mortgages are other financial tools that help you build credit.

Methodology

To select the best card for each of these categories, our credit card experts compared student, secured and unsecured credit cards designed for individuals with limited or nonexistent credit on LendingTree.com and issuer sites.

We chose our top picks based on a variety of factors, including the value of the card’s rewards program, the annual fee and the interest rate.Other factors that come into play when making our selection include the benefits offered by the card, as well as the opportunity to increase your credit line or improve your credit score.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.

Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (80)

Charlotte Zhang

Charlotte Zhang is a credit cards writer at LendingTree, where she explains credit cards and other personal finance topics in simple terms to help readers with financial decisions.

Charlotte believes learning about personal finance is a vital skill to prepare people for different financial scenarios in life.

Prior to joining LendingTree in 2023, she spent more than a decade contributing to personal finance and insurance websites, as well as parenting, education and travel websites and magazines. Before writing professionally, she taught English in China for over a decade.

Outside of work, she enjoys knitting, spending time with her husband and two kids and leading 4-H activities for community youth.

Specialties

  • Credit card reviews
  • Credit scores and building credit
  • Budgeting
  • Life insurance

Achievements

  • 14+ years of personal finance writing experience
  • 60+ articles written for LendingTree
  • Writing has also been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, The Penny Hoarder, Money Under 30 and The Simple Dollar

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Martin Luther College

Charlotte’s favorite credit cards

“I love the simplicity of cash back credit cards. I use the Discover it® Cash Back for its rotating categories and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to get 2% back on everything else.”

Read More

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Best Credit Cards for Teens in 2024 | LendingTree (2024)
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