Best Credit Cards for New Graduates: Top Options Compared

As a new graduate, you're likely eager to start building your credit history and taking advantage of the perks that come with having a good credit score. The Discover it Chrome card offers an unlimited cashback match at the end of your first year, which can be a game-changer for those who want to maximize their rewards.

With no annual fee and a 3% cashback rate on gas purchases, the Discover it Chrome card is a great option for new graduates who want to earn rewards on their daily expenses. However, it's worth noting that this card has a variable APR that can range from 12.99% to 23.99%.

If you're looking for a card with a lower APR, the Capital One Journey Student Rewards Credit Card might be a better fit. This card offers a 1% cashback rate on all purchases, and you can earn a 25% bonus on your cashback earnings if you make your payments on time.

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As a new graduate, you're likely eager to start building your credit history and making smart financial decisions. Choosing the right credit card can be overwhelming, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for new graduates. It offers 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores.

This card also has a rewards program that includes 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.

Another great feature of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is its no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice.

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is another option to consider. It offers 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, making it a great choice for those who want a simple rewards program.

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card also has a higher credit limit, which can be beneficial for new graduates who want to build their credit history.

Here are some key features of the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card:

Credit card features can vary significantly, but some key aspects to consider include eligibility requirements, annual percentage rate (APR), and annual fees. A low APR is ideal, especially if you plan to carry a balance from month to month.

When choosing a credit card, consider the rewards programs and cash-back offers. The Discover it Student Cash Back card, for example, offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter and 1% on all other purchases. This can be a great way to earn rewards on everyday purchases.

Some credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses, such as the Discover it Student Cash Back card, which offers an unlimited cashback match at the end of your first year. This can be a great way to get extra value from your card. Other features to consider include no late fees or introductory 0% APR offers, foreign transaction fees, protection benefits, and complimentary memberships.

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The Savor credit card is a great option for students who love food and entertainment. It offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target).

The Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card is a prime example of this type of card, offering unlimited 3% cash back in these categories. It also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

If you're looking for a card with a sign-up bonus, the SavorOne Rewards for Students card offers $200 after spending $500 in the first three months. However, it does require good to excellent credit, which may be a drawback for some students.

The Savor Student card is another option, offering unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, plus 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Here are some key features of the Savor credit card:

Overall, the Savor credit card is a great option for students who want to earn cash back on their everyday purchases.

Travel benefits can be a great perk for students, especially those who love to travel. The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students offers travel rewards with no blackout dates.

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Some credit cards, like the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, earn points instead of straight cash back. You can redeem your points for travel on this card, covering the cost of purchases like airfare, hotels, buses, taxis, and more.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students has no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for traveling overseas. This means you won't be charged extra for making purchases abroad.

If you book through Capital One Travel with your Savor Student or Quicksilver for Students card, you can earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars.

Here are some features to look for in a student credit card with travel benefits:

As a college graduate, you're probably looking for a credit card that will help you build credit and manage your finances effectively. One option is to keep your student credit card, as it can help raise your credit score by contributing to your credit history.

You can ask your issuer to upgrade your student card to something more suitable for post-grads, or simply reclassify it as a regular credit card. This way, you can still enjoy the benefits of a credit card without the limitations of a student card.

Some credit cards, like the Petal 2 Visa Credit Card, offer rewards programs that increase with on-time payments, making them a great choice for new graduates. Additionally, cards like the Petal 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa Credit Card offer no annual, late, or foreign transaction fees, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious graduates.

Here are some credit card options for college graduates:

Remember to always read the terms and conditions before applying for a credit card, and make sure you understand the fees and rewards associated with each card.

If you're a college graduate looking for a credit card, you have many options to choose from.

Some credit cards are designed specifically for students, like the Petal 2 Visa Credit Card, which offers 1% - 10% cash back and no annual fee.

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is ideal for first-time cardholders, with no annual fee and access to a higher credit line after making the first five monthly payments on time.

The Discover it Student Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter and 1% on all other purchases, with no annual fee.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) for up to $12,000 during the first year, as well as 3% on dining and drugstores.

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students offers 3% cash back in the category of your choice, plus 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.

The Discover it Student Chrome card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.

Here's a comparison of some popular credit cards for college graduates:

These credit cards offer a range of benefits and rewards, so it's essential to choose the one that best fits your needs and financial situation.

As a college graduate, you're likely eager to establish a good credit history and start using credit cards responsibly. The Platinum Secured credit card from Capital One is a great option to consider.

This card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for those just starting to build their credit. You'll also have the opportunity to access a higher credit line after making the first five monthly payments on time.

The Platinum Secured Mastercard from Capital One requires a refundable security deposit, which will give you a credit line. You can choose from three deposit options: $49, $99, or $200.

One of the benefits of this card is that it's easy to get approved, even for those with fair credit. You'll also be able to earn back your initial deposit by making on-time payments and taking responsible actions.

Here are some key features of the Platinum Secured credit card:

The card's variable APR is 29.99%, and you'll also pay a foreign transaction fee of 3%. However, you won't pay any balance transfer fees or foreign transaction fees.

By using the Platinum Secured credit card responsibly, you can ultimately upgrade to an unsecured Platinum card and enjoy more desirable credit card benefits in the future.

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Getting a student card can be a great idea, but timing is everything. Student card issuers typically ask for verification that you are indeed enrolled in college.

If you're about to graduate, it's not a great time to sign up for one, as you won't be able to meet the enrollment requirement.

Choosing the right credit card is crucial, especially after graduation. You want to make sure you're getting a card that fits your needs and won't break the bank.

To start, check your credit score to figure out which cards make the most sense for you to apply for. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid applying for cards you're unlikely to get.

A good credit score can also help you qualify for cards with the best rewards, such as cash back or points for spending. Consider what types of rewards are most important to you, like cash back, airline or hotel points, or flexible rewards points.

Broaden your view: Credit Cards with Gift Card Rewards

Many graduating college students haven't found jobs yet, so it's a good idea to look for a card with no annual fee. These cards are abundant, so you shouldn't have trouble finding one.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a credit card:

In short, the right credit card for you will depend on your individual needs and financial situation.