Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Restaurants, Entertainment, Daily use
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Best Credit Cards for College Graduates

If you’re a college graduate, it’s time to get serious about your financial well-being. And part of that is choosing the right credit card for your personal needs. Keep reading to find out details about how to choose the right card for your lifestyle.

By Hanna Volkava
Updated December 11, 2024

Best Credit Cards for Graduates in December 2024

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Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card best for Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Restaurants, Entertainment, Daily use

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SavorOne Rewards Capital One
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
4.27
scorer
Credit score
Excellent (740-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
    • 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $200 Cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Introductory APR for the first 15 months that your account is open
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card rewards cardholders with 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, grocery stores (excluding Walmart and Target), streaming services, and 1% on all other purchases.

  • Pros:
    • Unlimited rewards that never expire
    • Access to CreditWise
    • No foreign transaction fees
  • Cons:
    • Relatively high regular APR of 19.99% - 29.99%
  • Benefits:
    • $200 cash bonus (once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening);
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases;
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees;
    • Complimentary Concierge Service;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • Travel Accident Insurance;
    • 24-hour Travel Assistance Services.
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Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card best for Fair credit

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QuicksilverOne Capital One
Annual fee:
$39 annually
Regular APR:
29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.6
scorer
Credit score
Fair to Good (580-739)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make, and you never have to activate rotating categories. In addition, your rewards never expire as long as your account is in good standing. You’ll also get protection in the form of $0 fraud liability on unauthorized transactions. You won’t pay any foreign transaction fees, so this is a good choice if you plan to travel outside the U.S.

  • Pros:
    • 1.5% cash back on all purchases
    • No limit on earning rewards/no expiration on rewards
    • Be considered automatically for a higher credit line in as little as six months
    • $0 fraud liability
  • Cons:
    • $39 annual fee
    • No intro APR offer for balance transfers or purchases
    • No sign-up bonus
    • 29.99% variable APR
  • Benefits:
    • 1.5% Cash Back;
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees;
    • Autopay;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • Card Lock;
    • ATM Location Services.
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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card best for International students

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Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Capital One
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.43
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1.5% Cash Back on all purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $50 Cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good option for earning Cash Back on general spending.

    The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has a high interest rate of 19.99% - 29.99% (variable APR). The Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The card has a balance transfer fee of 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Cons:
    • High APR
    • No 0% intro APR offer
  • Benefits:
    • $50 bonus (once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening);
    • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase;
    • Fraud Liability;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • Travel Accident Insurance;
    • Capital One Shopping;
    • Complimentary Concierge Service;
    • 24-hour Travel Assistance Services.
View all Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards details
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Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card best for International students

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SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Capital One
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.87
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 8% Cash Back on Capital One entertainment purchases.
    • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    • 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services & at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $50 Cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 8% Cash Back on Capital One entertainment purchases, and 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases.

    The SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has a high interest rate of 19.99% - 29.99% (variable APR).

    The Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Balance Transfer Fee: 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Cons:
    • High APR
    • No 0% intro APR offer
  • Benefits:
    • $50 Cash bonus (once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening);
    • 8% Cash Back on Capital One entertainment purchases;
    • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel;
    • 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®);
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases;
    • Fraud Liability;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • Travel Accident Insurance;
    • Complimentary Concierge Service;
    • 24-hour Travel Assistance Services.
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Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card best for Single mom, Without SSN

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Secured Mastercard® Capital One
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
2.39
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Poor (0-579)
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One Platinum Secured Mastercard® lets you see if you’re approved without any risk to your credit score. This card requires a refundable security deposit of $49, $99, or $200, which will give you a credit line of $200 (you can also deposit up to $1,000 to increase your credit line). You won’t pay foreign transaction, annual, replacement card, or authorized user fees. The card comes with a relatively high variable APR of 28.49%. You can get your deposit back and possibly upgrade to an unsecured Platinum card when you use the card responsibly. Capital One will also automatically consider cardholders for a higher credit limit in as little as six months, and it offers flexible payment due dates that work with your budget.

  • Pros:
    • $0 fraud liability
    • Personalized payments
    • No hidden fees
    • Automatic consideration for a higher credit limit
  • Cons:
    • No rewards program
    • 28.49% variable APR
  • Benefits:
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • Refundable Deposit;
    • Capital One CreditWise;
    • Eno®, your Capital One assistant;
    • Virtual Card Numbers from Eno;
    • Emergency Card Replacement;
    • ATM Location Services;
    • MasterRental Coverage;
    • 24/7 Customer Service.
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First Access Visa® Card best for Low income

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First Access Visa® The Bank of Missouri
Annual fee:
$75.00 for the 1st year, $48.00 after
Regular APR:
35.99%
Our Rating:
4.2
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Fair (0-669)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Access Credit Card.
  • Issuer name:
    The Bank of Missouri
  • Details:

    The First Access Visa® Card is a true VISA® credit card that does not require perfect credit for approval.

    The First Access Visa® Card's APR: 35.99%.

    The First Access Visa® Card is not a secured credit card, meaning applicants don’t have to have the amount of their credit limit as a deposit.

    Read full review

  • Pros:
    • Available to those with bad credit
    • Reports to three major credit bureaus
    • Easy application
    • No security deposit
  • Cons:
    • High APR
    • Several fees
    • Low credit limit
  • Benefits:
    • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments made to your First Access Credit Card;
    • First Access Visa credit card accepted nationwide;
    • Rebuild your credit;
    • Easy and Secure Online Application.
View all First Access Visa® details
Apply now
On the First Access Visa® Card secure website
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Apply now
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Synovus Bank
Annual fee:
$49 annually
Regular APR:
14.49% Variable
Our Rating:
3.8
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Fair (0-669)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments.
  • Issuer name:
    Synovus Bank
  • Details:

    The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is a secured credit card for people with a limited credit history.

    The Card earns 1% Cash Back rewards on payments.

    The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® comes with an annual fee of $49. The card's APR: 14.49% (Variable for purchases), 23.49% (Variable for cash advances).

    Read full review

  • Pros:
    • Low APR for Purchases
    • No Minimum Credit Score Required
    • Reports to Three Major Credit Bureaus
    • Suitable Range of Credit Limit
  • Cons:
    • High Annual Fee
    • High Transaction Fees on Cash Advance
    • High Penalty Fees
    • Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Benefits:
    • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments;
    • Accepted Nationwide;
    • No Minimum Credit Score;
    • No Credit History Required.
View all First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured details
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On First Progress’s site
Card detail

Chase Freedom Unlimited® best for Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Daily use

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
20.49% - 29.24% Variable
Our Rating:
5
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5% Cash Back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
    • 3% Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
    • 3% Cash Back on drugstore purchases.
    • 1.5% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $200 Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Intro APR for the first 15 months that your Account is open
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    20.49% - 29.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    The Chase Freedom Unlimited® rewards you with 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, Lyft purchases (through March 2022), and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 you spend during the first year. You’ll also get 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on everything else. You’ll receive a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months and, if you spend $500 in the first three months, you’ll get $200 cash back. There is no annual fee for the card, and the APR is 20.49% - 29.24% variable.

  • Pros:
    • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
    • Great rewards that don’t expire and have no minimum redemption amount
    • Redeem rewards for cash, travel, gift cards, Amazon purchases, and more
    • No annual fee
    • $200 sign-up bonus
  • Cons:
    • You’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify
  • Benefits:
    • Zero Liability Protection;
    • $200 intro bonus;
    • 5 percent Cash Back on all travel purchased via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal;
    • 3 percent back on dining;
    • 3 percent back at drugstores;
    • 1.5 percent Cash Back on general purchases;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance;
    • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services;
    • 24/7 Fraud Protection;
    • Redeem for Cash Back;
    • Gift cards.
Card detail

Chase Sapphire Preferred® best for Travel, Restaurants, Daily use

Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Annual fee:
$95 annually
Regular APR:
22.49% - 29.49% Variable
Our Rating:
4.22
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • $50 Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
    • 5x Points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit.
    • 3x Points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
    • 3x Points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
    • 3x Points on select streaming services.
    • 2x Points on other travel purchases.
    • 1x Point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 60,000x Bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    22.49% - 29.49% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good choice for those who love to travel, thanks to a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, no blackout or expiration dates, no point limits, and an additional 25% bonus on your rewards redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. You can transfer points at 1:1 value to frequent flyer partner programs and pay for travel with points (either in full or partially). You can also combine points from other Chase credit cards, which work with the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. You’ll receive access to sports, entertainment, and culinary events through Chase’s VIP events and experiences, and a free DashPass subscription for one year, in addition to a host of benefits and perks related to travel. You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on all travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit); 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery shopping; 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases; and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

  • Pros:
    • 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
    • Redeem rewards for cash, statement credit, travel, gift cards, Amazon purchases, and more
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Refer a friend for the card and earn 20,000 points per approval (up to 100,000 points per year)
  • Cons:
    • $95 annual fee
    • Rewards worth less if not redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Benefits:
    • 60,000 Bonus Points;
    • $50 in statement credits;
    • 5x points on travel;
    • 3x points on dining;
    • 3x points on online grocery purchases;
    • 3x points on select streaming services;
    • 2x points on other travel purchases;
    • 25% more redemption value;
    • 1:1 Point Transfer;
    • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Baggage Delay Insurance;
    • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services.
Card detail

American Express® EveryDay® best for Honeymoon

EveryDay® American Express
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
18.24% - 29.24% Variable
Our Rating:
3.92
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 20% Use your Card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% more points on those purchases less returns and credits.
    • 2x Points at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1x.
    • 1x Points on other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 10,000x Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in purchases in your first 6 months.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Introductory APR for the first 15 months from the date of account opening
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    18.24% - 29.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    Get the American Express® EveryDay® Credit Card, and you can earn 10,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $2,000 during the first six months. Rewards come in the form of 2 points per dollar on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 2 points per dollar spent on amextravel.com, 1 point per dollar on other purchases, and a 20% bonus when you make 20+ purchases during a billing cycle. The card comes with a 0% APR intro period (on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR, 18.24% - 29.24%).

  • Pros:
    • 0% intro APR for purchases for 15 months
    • Wide range of points redemption categories
    • Purchase protection and car rental insurance
    • Transfer points at 1:1 ratio to Amex travel partners
  • Cons:
    • $6,000 annual limit on 2x points for grocery purchases
    • Fees on some point transfers; for example, if you transfer Membership Rewards points to a U.S.-based airline (Delta, JetBlue, or Hawaiian), you’ll pay a fee of 0.06 cents per point transferred, with a maximum fee of $99
  • Benefits:
    • Earn 20% Extra Points;
    • 10,000 Membership Rewards® Points;
    • 2x Points at U.S. Supermarkets;
    • 2x Membership Rewards® Points at Amextravel.com;
    • 1x Points on Other Eligible Purchases;
    • Membership Rewards® Program;
    • Use Points for Your Charges;
    • Membership Rewards® Pay with Points;
    • Transfer Points to Frequent Traveler Programs;
    • Global Assist® Hotline;
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • Terms Apply.
Card detail

Short Review of Best Credit Cards for College Graduates

NameBest forRewards RateAPRApply
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.27
Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Restaurants, Entertainment, Daily use
  • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores.
  • 19.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
    3.6
    Fair credit
  • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • 29.99% VariableLearn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
    3.43
    International students
  • 1.5% Cash Back on all purchases.
  • 19.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
    3.87
    International students
  • 8% Cash Back on Capital One entertainment purchases.
  • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services & at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
  • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • 19.99% - 29.99% VariableLearn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
    2.39
    Single mom, Without SSN
  • This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points.
  • 29.99% VariableLearn more
    on our partner’s site
    First Access Visa® Card
    4.2
    Low income
  • 1% Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Access Credit Card.
  • 35.99%Apply now
    On the First Access Visa® Card secure website
    First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
    3.8
  • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments.
  • 14.49% VariableApply now
    On First Progress’s site
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®
    5
    Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Daily use
  • 5% Cash Back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
  • 3% Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
  • 3% Cash Back on drugstore purchases.
  • 1.5% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • 20.49% - 29.24% VariableLearn more
    Chase Sapphire Preferred®
    4.22
    Travel, Restaurants, Daily use
  • $50 Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • 5x Points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit.
  • 3x Points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
  • 3x Points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
  • 3x Points on select streaming services.
  • 2x Points on other travel purchases.
  • 1x Point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • 22.49% - 29.49% VariableLearn more
    American Express® EveryDay®
    3.92
    Honeymoon
  • 20% Use your Card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% more points on those purchases less returns and credits.
  • 2x Points at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1x.
  • 1x Points on other purchases.
  • 18.24% - 29.24% VariableLearn more

    Who should apply for?

    Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    Foodies would be a good match for the card because the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards gives 3% cash back on dining and grocery stores. It’s also a good choice for those who like to travel, thanks to its no foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, and 24/7 travel assistance services.

    Read more about Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great starter card if you want to build your credit. Use it responsibly, and you’ll be automatically considered for a higher credit limit in as little as six months. You can monitor your credit profile for free with the CreditWise app and get customized alerts via the Capital One app to help you manage your account.

    Read more about Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

    Although the Capital One Platinum Secured Mastercard® doesn’t offer a rewards program, it features a possibility of a lower security deposit, reasonable fees, and an easy way to get a higher credit line, which makes it a good card for those looking to build credit or who have made some credit mistakes in the past.

    Read more about Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

    Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a card designed for those who want an all-purpose cash back card with a good bonus offer. If you’re a frequent Lyft user, you’ll do particularly well in the rewards category, and if you travel frequently, you’ll have access to valuable travel protections and insurances. If you want to maximize your rewards, you can transfer them to other Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards.

    Read more about Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    Chase Sapphire Preferred®

    If you travel and dine out frequently, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a good fit for you. It’s a great first travel card and enables cardholders to stretch rewards points with travel redemptions. Although it comes with a $95 annual fee, you can get that $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit and make the rest up with the generous rewards structure in practically no time.

    Read more about Chase Sapphire Preferred®

    American Express® EveryDay®

    If you use your card a lot — and spend a lot on groceries — this could be the card for you. It’s a no-annual-fee card that earns a nice rewards rate, and you can transfer your points to American Express airline partners to get the most out of them.

    Read more about American Express® EveryDay®

    How to choose the right credit card after graduation?

    Recent grads should keep in mind that there is no “one” best credit card. There’s simply the one best for you. So, when making a decision, consider essential features for you, interest rates, and rewards programs.

    Before you apply for a credit card, there are a few steps you should take. First, check your credit score to figure out which cards make the most sense for you to apply for. If it’s high, you’ll likely be able to qualify for offers from the top cards with the best rewards. On the flip side, if your score is low, your choices will be more limited. You can check your credit score for free every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com.

    Next, decide which types of rewards you want to earn. Is cash back most important to you? Airline or hotel points? Or flexible rewards points? Once you figure out what you want, it will narrow your options. Also, look for the perks you need most, such as travel protection, extended warranties, no foreign transaction fees, rental car coverage, etc.

    Because many graduating college students haven’t found jobs yet, it’s always a good idea to look for a card with no annual fee. There are plenty of them out there, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one. If you go for a card that charges an annual fee, decide if the rewards and benefits are worth paying for.

    What should you do with your student credit card after graduation?

    New graduates might already have student credit cards when they finish college, and there’s no reason to get rid of them. In fact, keeping your oldest student credit card can help raise your credit score because the length of credit history counts for 15% of your FICO score. Consider putting a recurring monthly bill on it so that it still contributes to your credit score.

    You can always ask your issuer to upgrade your student card to something more appropriate for post-grads. And if you like the card, choosing one after college might be as easy as getting it reclassified by the issuer, so it’s no longer considered a student card. Keep in mind that once you start a job, you can always ask the issuer to increase your credit limit or lower your APR (assuming you’ve always paid on time).

    Should you get a student card if you are about to graduate?

    Student card issuers typically ask for verification that you are indeed enrolled in college, so if you’re about to graduate, it’s not a great time to sign up for one. That said, the Journey Student Credit Card Capital One is unusual as it does not require proof of enrollment, so you can consider applying for this card if you really like it.

    How can recent graduates use credit cards responsibly?

    College graduates, just like all adults, must learn to use their credit cards responsibly. The best advice for anyone with a credit card is to pay off the balance each month, which will enable you to avoid paying interest and keep your credit score where you want it. In addition, creating a budget and sticking to it will likely allow you to make those payments easily. If you can’t pay off the balance, make sure you send in the minimum payment on time.

    Use your card for things that you really need, not just want. Purchase items you would buy even if you didn’t have a credit card — think groceries, gas, restaurants. And, when you make purchases, think about how they will affect your rewards.

    icon-search

    For example, if you have a card that rewards you more for groceries or gas, make sure you use it for those purchases.

    Never spend to the point where you’re close to your card’s limit because it will increase your credit utilization. Credit utilization is how much you owe compared to your limit. The general rule of thumb is to keep it at 30% or below.

    icon-thank

    You can easily calculate your utilization ratio with our helpful calculator.

    Which credit card offers the best rewards for recent graduates?

    Of all the cards we reviewed, Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers the best rewards for recent grads.

    The current offer includes a $200 bonus when you spend $500 on the card during your first three months of having the card, plus you’ll earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) for up to $12,000 during the first year.

    You’ll also earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining (including takeout) and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases. Your cash back rewards won’t expire, and there is no minimum amount required to redeem them.

    Partner benefits include three free months of DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service ( must activate by Dec. 31, 2021), and 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2022.

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    The Chase Freedom Unlimited® comes without an annual fee, plus a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, you’ll pay a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.

    This card also comes with many built-in benefits, including zero liability, extended warranty and purchase protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance; fraud protection and alerts; and auto rental collision waiver.

    Another excellent feature for recent grads is access to Chase’s Credit Journey, a program that gives you insights to help you manage your credit. You can get your credit score for free and utilize other resources, such as score simulator and score factor breakdown, to help you understand your credit health.

    FAQ

    What are other credit cards to consider?

    Because many college graduates are just beginning to build their credit, they may not qualify for premium cards. New grads typically have better odds of being approved for the cards on our list, plus some others: Citi Simplicity® Card, and Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students.

    Can you apply for a credit card if you are unemployed?

    The short answer is yes; new graduates can get approved for a card even if they haven’t found a job yet. Because credit card issuers consider your overall capability to pay your debts, you can include money you might have besides actual income on your application. This might be an allowance, a legal settlement, scholarships and grants, or a trust fund distribution.

    What is the best credit card for a college student with no credit?

    College students with no credit might find their choices limited. But there are several secured cards they can get approved for with no credit at all. Secured cards require you to deposit money with the issuer to open an account. That money acts as a security deposit, which is often refundable. Once you build your credit with a secured card, it should be easy to open a traditional, unsecured one.

    Which is the best overall credit card for recent college graduates?

    The best overall credit card for college graduates is the one that best fits their needs and one that they can reasonably expect to be approved for. Because everyone’s situation is different, it’s simply not a “one card fits all” situation.
    Once you find the card that’s right for you, you can continue to build your credit and later, considering your financial situation and needs, apply for cards usually reserved for those with higher credit. Meanwhile, you’ll be on your way to getting better rates not just on credit cards but also on mortgages and other types of loans.
    Hanna VolkavaHanna Volkava

    Financial and product expert

    hv@myfin.us