The 5 Best First Credit Cards for Beginners [February 2026]
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Top Picks (Quick Summary)
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Card | Welcome Offer and Annual Fee | Benefits |
Chase Sapphire Preferred®  |
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| American Express® Gold Card |
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| Chase Freedom Unlimited® |
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Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express  |
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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card  |
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1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Best Overall Value)
NEW OFFER
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)60,000 75,000 pointsGood to Excellent
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$1,500
$95
19.24% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Why We Like This Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.
Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
- 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
- 2x points on all other travel worldwide
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Card Highlights
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
Benefits for Beginners
- The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great vehicle to start accumulating Chase Ultimate Rewards points, some of the most valuable rewards points you can earn.
- You’ll also receive a generous welcome bonus offer after meeting initial spending requirements.
How You Earn Rewards
- 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
- 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
- 2x points on all other travel worldwide
- Earn more points for purchases that you make at The Shops at Chase
How You Redeem Rewards
- You can redeem Ultimate Rewards points for travel via the Chase Travel portal or transfer points to airline and hotel partners. You can also redeem points to shop on Amazon to purchase gift cards.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has long been the standard as one of the best starter credit cards, as Chase Ultimate Rewards points are flexible travel rewards that offer tremendous value.
2. American Express® Gold Card (Best for Earning Lots of Points)
NEW OFFER
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesApply Now(at Amex's secure site)As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.Good to Excellent
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesU.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Up to $2,200
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Why We Like This Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.
With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.
There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
- 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
- 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
Cons
- $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
- No lounge access
Card Highlights
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
Don’t be deterred by the annual fee on the Amex Gold card, as the earning potential far outweighs the cost.
The card earns big at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide — 2 categories in which you’re probably already spending. Additionally, it doubles as a travel rewards card, earning significant rewards on airline tickets and at AmexTravel.com.
Benefits for Beginners
- You’ll be rewarded for everyday purchases.
- With 4x earnings at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per year, and restaurants, up to $50,000 per year, you’ll earn rewards quickly.
- Up to $120 annual dining credit (up to $10 monthly statement credit) at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment is required.
- The card serves as a solid everyday spending card and a travel rewards card.
- Membership Rewards points are some of the most valuable rewards you can earn.
How You Earn Rewards
- 4x points at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., up to $50,000 per year
- 4x points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per year
- 3x points on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
- 1x points on all other purchases
How You Redeem Rewards
- Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or entertainment.
- The best value per point can be realized when transferring points to select airline or hotel partners.
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited® (No Annual Fee, Low Intro APR)
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesU.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Why We Like This Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
- 1.5% back on all other purchases
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Highlights
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Rewards Center
Benefits for Beginners
The Freedom Unlimited card has a great rewards-earning and redemption structure that is easy to navigate. Additionally, it’s a good starter card that can be paired with premium Chase credit cards (which carry an annual fee) for enhanced redemption value.
How You Earn Rewards
- 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases
- 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases
How You Redeem Rewards
- Rewards are earned in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed for cash, used on Amazon, or applied to travel at a rate of 1 cent per point.
The Chase Ultimate Rewards points you earn on the Freedom Unlimited card increase in value when transferred to a premium Chase card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, because they can be redeemed at greater value for travel through Chase’s portal or transferred to airline or hotel partners.
If you’re not a frequent traveler (the card charges a foreign transaction fee) and want a rewards-earning credit card with straightforward earning and redemption, the Freedom Unlimited card may be a good fit as a starter card for you.
Bottom line: The Freedom Unlimited card is an excellent choice for earning valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points on every purchase, which is why it makes our list of recommended starter cards. When it comes time for redemption, pair the card with a Chase premium credit card to receive much more value.
4. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
SPECIAL OFFER
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesApply Now(at Amex's secure site)As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.Good to Excellent
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesU.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.
As High As $200
$0
19.49%-28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Why We Like This Card
When it comes to cash-back credit cards, there are dozens of options to choose from. So what sets the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express apart from the rest?
This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
- 3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
- 3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
Cons
- Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Card Highlights
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $2,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Are you buying from U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, or online retailers without earning rewards?
If so, that’s a lot of purchases each year that don’t earn rewards, which could help you get closer to your travel goals. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card will change all of that because it rewards those everyday purchases with cash-back.
Benefits for Beginners
- The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card is one of the best starter cards because its everyday bonus categories for earning cash-back likely match up with purchases you’re making anyway. Additionally, this card offers various perks and benefits.
- You’ll earn a welcome bonus statement credit after meeting the minimum spending requirements.
How You Earn Rewards
- 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year (1% after that)
- 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases per year (1% after that)
- 3% cash-back at U.S. online retailers on up to $6,000 in purchases per year (1% after that)
- 1% cash-back on all other purchases
How You Redeem Rewards
- Cash-back can be redeemed for statement credits or used to purchase gift cards and merchandise.
The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card charges a foreign transaction fee, doesn’t offer bonus earnings on travel purchases, and rewards can’t be redeemed for travel. Therefore, it is not a suitable match for frequent travelers (rates & fees).
5. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesApply Now(at Amex's secure site)Up to 90,000 milesGood to Excellent
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesU.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
Up to $1,080
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
19.49%-28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Why We Like This Card
Frequent Delta flyers will love the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. The card offers great benefits that will help save you money, effectively mimics low-level elite status with Delta SkyMiles, and helps you earn miles even faster, all for a low annual fee. Let’s dive into the benefits to see if the Delta Gold card is a good fit for your needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: You can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
- Receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.
- Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Earn rate for Delta flights is relatively low compared to other travel cards
Card Highlights
- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
- When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you can earn: 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Every mile you earn brings you closer to the places you want to go. Turn them into your next trip, use them for seat upgrades, and more.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights and save up to $70 per person on a round-trip Delta flight.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
Benefits for Beginners
- The Delta Gold card is ideal for beginners who live near a Delta hub airport or frequently fly Delta. It has a reasonable annual fee and comes with tons of Delta perks.
- If you’re a frequent Delta flyer, the Delta Gold card will reward you with your first checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions on Delta flights. You’ll also get Zone 5 priority boarding for you and up to 8 travel companions.
- Delta Gold card members get 15% off when using miles to book award travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app.
- You can also get a $200 Delta flight credit if you spend $10,000 in a calendar year.
How You Earn Rewards
- Earn 2x Delta SkyMiles on Delta purchases, as well as at restaurants worldwide, and at U.S. supermarkets
- Earn 1x Delta SkyMiles on all other purchases
How You Redeem Rewards
- The Delta Gold card earns Delta SkyMiles with every purchase. The best use of these SkyMiles is booking flights on Delta or with its partners.
- If your SkyMiles balance is a bit low, you can also top it off by transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles.
The Delta Gold card is a great choice for Delta flyers who are new to the program. You’ll earn Delta SkyMiles with every purchase, and you can redeem those miles for Delta flights with a 15% discount. You’ll also get perks like free checked bags, a 20% statement credit for inflight purchases, and priority boarding every time you fly Delta.