Getting your first credit card is an exciting milestone in every 19-year-old's life. It's a rite of passage into the world of personal finance and a crucial step in building a healthy credit history. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know which credit card is right for you. In this post, we'll explore the best credit cards for 19-year-olds, breaking down the features, benefits, and tips for choosing the card that will serve your needs and set you up for financial success.
Best Credit Cards For 19 Year Olds Table of Contents
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
This student-friendly credit card offers 5% cashback on rotating categories every quarter, such as gas stations, restaurants, and Amazon.com, up to the quarterly maximum (then 1%). Plus, you'll earn 1% cashback on all other purchases. With no annual fee and a generous cashback program, it's an excellent choice for students looking to make the most of their spending.
Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 5% cashback on rotating categories, up to the quarterly maximum, then 1%
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Good Grades Reward: Get a $20 statement credit each school year when your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to five years
- Free FICO® Credit Score access
2. Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®
Designed with students in mind, this card offers 1% cashback on all purchases, with a bonus 0.25% cashback for paying on-time, bringing the total cashback rate to 1.25%. With no annual fee and access to a higher credit line after six months of on-time payments, this card helps students build good credit habits while earning rewards.
Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 1% cashback on all purchases, with a bonus 0.25% cashback for paying on-time (total cashback rate of 1.25%)
- Access to a higher credit line after six months of on-time payments
- Free access to CreditWise from Capital One
3. Citi® Secured Mastercard®
If your credit history is minimal or nonexistent, a secured credit card like the Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a great option to help you establish a solid credit foundation. By making a security deposit, you'll be granted a credit line equal to the deposit amount. With responsible use and timely payments, you'll be well on your way to building a strong credit history.
Benefits:
- No annual fee
- Helps build credit with responsible use and timely payments
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Security deposit determines credit limit
Best Credit Cards For 19 Year Olds Example:
Imagine you're a 19-year-old college student named Sarah who's looking to get her first credit card. Sarah has a part-time job and regularly spends money on groceries, gas, and entertainment. After evaluating her options, she decides that the Discover it® Student Cash Back card best suits her needs, thanks to the rotating 5% cashback categories and the Good Grades Reward program. By using this card responsibly and paying her balance in full each month, Sarah is able to maximize her cashback rewards while building a solid credit history.
We hope this guide has helped you navigate the world of credit cards for 19-year-olds. Whether you're a student looking to take advantage of cashback rewards or someone without a credit history wanting to build a foundation, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Remember, the key to credit card success is responsible use and timely payments. In no time, you'll be well on your way to building a strong financial future.
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