Short Review of Best Credit Cards for Single Mom
| Name | Best for | Rewards Rate | APR | Apply |
|---|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Travel, Daily use | 5x Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.2x Miles on all purchases. | 20.74% - 28.74% Variable | Learn more on our partner’s site |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | Cash Back, No Annual Fee, Daily use | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase. | 19.74% - 29.74% Variable | Learn more on our partner’s site |
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | Fair credit | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase. | 29.99% Variable | Learn more on our partner’s site |
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card | | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase. | 29.99% Variable | Learn more on our partner’s site |
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card | Single mom, Without SSN | This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points. | 29.99% Variable | Learn more on our partner’s site |
WebBank Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® | Beginner, No history | 1% - 1.5%:Cash Back after making 12 on-time monthly payments.2% - 10%:Cash Back from select merchants. | 17.99% - 31.99% Variable | Apply now On WebBank‘s site |
The Bank of Missouri First Access Visa® | Low income | This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points. | 34.99% | Apply now On the First Access Visa® Card secure website |
Celtic Bank Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® | Unsecured | This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points. | 29.99% Variable | Apply now On Celtic Bank‘s site |
The Bank of Missouri Total Visa® Unsecured | | This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points. | 35.99% * | Apply now On the Total Visa® Card secure website |
Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card | | This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points. | 22.45% Variable | Apply now On Merrick Bank‘s site |
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | | 1% Cash Back rewards on payments. | 14.99% Variable | Apply now On First Progress’s site |
First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | | This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points. | 24.99% Variable | Apply now On First Progress’s site |
WebBank Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® | For bad credit | 2% - 10%:Cash Back at select merchants. | 24.99% - 34.49% Variable | Apply now On WebBank‘s site |
Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card | | This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points. | 22.45% Variable | Apply now On Merrick Bank‘s site |
First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | | 1% Cash Back on payments made to your First Progress Secured credit card account. | 18.99% Variable | Apply now On First Progress’s site |
Sutton Bank Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards | | 1.5% Cash Back in bitcoin when you make payments. | 14.99% - 29.99% Regular | Apply now On Sutton Bank‘s site |
| | 2x - 7x:Points on restaurants.2x - 5x:Points on hotels.1.5x - 2x:Points on recurring software subscriptions.1x - 1.5x:Points on everything else. | None | Apply now On Cross River Bank‘s site |
| 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. | 19.49% - 28.24% Variable | Learn more |
| 0 APR, Single mom | This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points. | 18.99% - 29.74% Variable | Learn more |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Cash Back, Gas, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Families, Shopping, Groceries | 3% Cash Back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).2% Cash Back on gas at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).1% Cash Back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. | 18.99% - 29.99% Variable | Learn more |
American Express Blue Cash Preferred | Gas, Groceries, Streaming services, Daily use | 6% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).6% Cash Back on streaming (select U.S. streaming subscriptions).3% Cash Back on transit. Transit includes taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more.3% Cash Back at U.S. Gas Stations.1% Cash Back on other purchases. | 18.99% - 29.99% Variable | Learn more |
| Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Daily use | 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.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% Cash Back on all other purchases. | 19.24% - 27.99% Variable | Learn more |
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
This is a secured credit card for single moms who look forward to building or rebuilding their credit. By making the minimum required security deposit, you’ll be able to get an initial credit line of $200. Furthermore, should you prove yourself as a reliable cardholder you will have the opportunity to refund your deposit in the form of a statement credit. Keep your balance low and make on-time payments to improve your credit with this card. If you have bad credit or no credit, the Platinum Secured Mastercard® from Capital One is a good option for you due to relatively easy application requirements and the absence of an annual fee on the credit card. This credit card allows you to be considered for a better credit line in only 6 months.
Read more about Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card is a good choice for single moms who want their credit card to have balanced cash back and very straightforward card rules. If you and your child are traveler people, you’ll enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards programme. You can get 3% cash back for drugstores purchases, restaurants and takeouts, which can be useful for working single moms. Apart from that, with the Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card you will earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. Moreover, the credit card offers an easy-reachable sign-up bonus with only $500 necessary to spend in the first three months of having the card to get $200. There is no annual fee on this card, making it even better. Finally, an extensive 15 month period of 0% APR on purchases and transfers can be very helpful for moms planning to make large purchases (19.49% - 28.24% variable after that).
Read more about Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Citi Simplicity®
If you search for a perfect credit card to pay off your current credit card debt, the Citi Simplicity® Card is worth considering. Compared to other credit cards, Citi Simplicity® Card has fewer fees and penalties. The card does not have an annual fee and offers 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers (for 21 months) and Purchases (12 months). After the intro period ends, the variable APR is 18.99% - 29.74%. Additionally, Citi Simplicity® Card does not charge late fees, making the card ideal for people who may slip on timely payments.
Read more about Citi Simplicity®
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express® stands out compared to other cash back credit cards due to its extensive rewards system. You can get a stable 3% cash back at the U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 spend per year) and department stores and 2% cash back on gas at the U.S. gas stations and the selected U.S. department stores. Furthermore, 1% cash back will be applied on all other purchases. This card earns $200 back after you spend $2,000 on purchases within 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit. Additionally, this card offers 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months (18.99% - 29.99% after that) and does not charge an annual fee. All this makes Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express® an almost ideal card for single moms.
Read more about Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
American Express Blue Cash Preferred
The Blue Cash Preferred® Credit Card is considered one of the best cash back rewards credit cards for shopping at the U.S. supermarkets, with a 6% cash back rate of up to $6,000 a year in spending. In addition, 6% cash back also applies to eligible streaming services - but without any cap on it. Transit, including public transportation and taxis, and gas at U.S. gas stations are also two cash back categories that will earn you 3% cash back each. Finally, you’ll receive 1% cash back on all other purchases. Also, this card offers a $350 bonus once you spend $3,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of opening the account. As for non-cash back bonuses, this card offers 0% introductory APR for 12 months from the date of account opening (18.99% - 29.99% after) and waives annual fee for the first year ($0 intro annual fee for the first year , then $95 after that).
Read more about American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Chase Freedom Flex℠
If you want to earn more with the rewards in both rotating and select spending categories, you should consider the Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card. You can get 5% cash back on quarterly rotating bonus categories, 3% cash back on drugstores and dining, including restaurants, takeout and delivery services, and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card also offers 1% cash back on all other purchases. This credit card comes with a generous $200 sign-up bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months. This sign-up bonus with a 0% introductory APR on purchases and transfers (19.24% - 27.99% Variable after) is a great combination for single moms planning to buy essential household items. Additionally, this card provides several bonuses from Chase partners, including Lyft, Fandango, Shoprunner, and DoorDash. Finally, no annual fee is always a nice bonus to have.
Read more about Chase Freedom Flex℠
How to compare credit cards for single parents
To make a wise choice you need to analyze your financial situation and goals, typical monthly budget, and rewards preferences.
Single parents, who have large purchases to be made in the near future, may be interested in cards with a low APR on purchases. On the contrary, if you are interested in paying off your existing debt, you need to pay attention to the credit cards with low or 0% APR on balance transfers. This card will allow you to transfer debt from one card to another without paying extra interest, which will ease the debt payment process.
While choosing a credit card, pay attention to the bonuses that come with the card. Many cards offer cash back rewards on categories important to single parents: gas, dining, and drugstores. It will allow you to save money on these spendings. Several credit card issuers also offer generous sign-up bonuses for new users. These bonuses may also help you cover expenses.
You should also check the eligibility criteria for the credit card, such as minimum income and credit score required before picking up a credit card to apply. Some credit cards have high requirements, so it may be better to choose more obtainable variants.
Can I Build My Child’s Credit? At what age?
One of the best ways to introduce children to the core of financial responsibility is by building a credit score for them. You can add a minor as an authorized user to your credit card account.
As authorized users, your children could build their credit and establish a credit file. This step will require additional control from your side over your children’s spending. While your children need to be at least 18 to open their credit card account, they can become authorized users much earlier.
Most credit card issuers don’t put any restrictions on the minimum age for authorized users, meaning you can add your child to your credit card account as early as you want (Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citibank, and Discover). Notable exceptions, which have a minimum age requirement, include American Express and Barclays (13 years old), Discover (15 years old), and U.S. Bank (16 years old).
Can I Get a Credit Card if I’m Unemployed?
Getting a credit card without having a stable job can be more challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible. You may be approved for a credit card if you have a fair credit history and an income stream that will allow you to make payments for your credit card.
The Credit Card Act of 2009 expands the sources of the household income you can mention in your credit card application. You can list unemployment benefits, child support, alimony, and other sources to get a credit card.
Even if your credit score is low, there are still ways for you to get a credit card. For example, you may apply for a subprime credit card. This type of credit card allows people to build their credit score.
Good examples of subprime credit cards are Surge® Platinum Mastercard®, Total Visa® Unsecured Card, The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card.
In case your income isn’t high enough, you should consider getting a secured credit card. Secured credit cards require a deposit, and this deposit determines your credit limit. Secured credit cards tend to have lower credit limits and assist you in building good credit habits.
Alternatively, you can rely on your friends and family to get a credit card. You can become an authorized user on your friend’s or family member’s account. You will receive a credit card in your name, but it will be on their account. Remember that both an authorized user and a main cardholder may influence the cardholder’s credit score, depending on how they use the card. Another option includes getting a co-signer for your credit card. Contrary to becoming an authorized user, you will not be linked to their credit card account or credit score. The co-signer will be your backup if you won’t be able to make your credit card payments.
How to increase my chances of credit card approval if I’m a single parent?
If you are a single mom, being rejected for a credit card may have unpleasant consequences for your family. There are several steps you can take to avoid being rejected.
First of all, you need to analyze your needs and opportunities. It’s vital to apply for credit cards that match your needs. It’s also necessary to critically assess your situation, including your credit score and income, and apply for a credit card if you meet the requirements introduced by the credit card issuer.
Some credit card issuers, including Capital One, American Express, Discover, and Chase offer credit card pre-approval. This process allows you to check whether you meet the initial criteria for the credit card without hurting your credit score in case of rejection. The credit card issuer will prescreen you and inform you whether you pass the basic requirements for a particular credit card. It does not guarantee you’ll get the credit card in the end, but it’s still very helpful to weigh in on your opportunities.
Secondly, you should be ready to prove your income sources. You may use bank statements, paystubs, cheques, and other documents to provide evidence of your income. Don’t hesitate to contact your credit card issuer and clarify what kind of documents you should present to prove your income. Remember that unstable or insufficient income is one of the most common reasons for credit card rejection.
Finally, we advise you to look through the most common reasons why the banks don’t approve credit card applications. The most common reasons for rejection also include too many credit card applications in a short period, extended credit debt, and mistakes on credit card applications. By analyzing the most common grounds for credit card application rejection, you can prevent them from hurting your chances of getting a credit card.
FAQ
What are other credit cards to consider?
We advise you to pay special attention to
cash back rewards cards, as they allow you to earn cash back on the categories important to you. As a single mom, you are likely spending a significant part of your budget on supermarkets, buying
food and necessary items for your home. There’s a number of credit cards with an exceptional focus on cash-back from the supermarkets. For example, by using Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, you can earn cash-back from your purchases on Amazon and at Whole Foods. The Target REDcard™ Credit Card and the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi also offer a wide range of bonuses for purchases in Target and Costco, respectively.
Can I Get a Credit Card in My Child’s Name?
Some parents may look towards getting their child a credit card as early as possible. However, in the US, only people 18 years or older may open a credit card account. Violation of this law is considered credit card fraud and may lead to serious legal consequences.
As an option, you can consider getting your children as authorized users to your credit card account. It will allow them to build their credit and establish their credit files.
What is the best credit card with college savings benefits?
It’s important to start saving for your children's education as early as possible, especially if you are a single mom. One of the best ways to do it is by opening a 529 college savings credit card. One of the best 529 credit cards on the market is the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card. This card offers 2% cash back on purchases, allowing you an option to transfer points earned directly into a 529 college savings account opened with Fidelity.
