Best Cards for New Credit Card Users – How to Choose Your First Card?

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In USA, a credit card is not just a piece of plastic – it is the foundation of your financial future. Choosing the wrong first card can result in APR ($500+ extra), annual fees ($100+) and credit score crash (up to 300 points).

4 Reasons Why Are These Necessary?

  1. Credit History: For apartment rent ($1,500+) or car loan ($25k+)
  2. Fraud Protection: If there is an online shopping scam ($500 loss) the bank will cover it
  3. Emergency Fund: Medical bill ($1,000+) will help
  4. Free Rewards: Cashback gives you free petrol ($60/month)

USA’s Top 5 Beginner Cards (2024)

, Card Name | Best For | Fees | Perks
,
, Discover it® Student| College students | $0 | 5% cashback Amazon/Whole Foods |
, Capital One Platinum No credit history $0 | Credit limit increase in 6 months |
, Chase Freedom Rise® | First job holders $0 | $50 bonus on $500 spending |
, OpenSky® Secured | Poor credit (500 score) $35/year $200 deposit = $200 limit |
, Petal® 2 Visa | Immigrants $0 | No SSN needed

First 5 Golden Rules

  1. When to submit the bill?
    3 days before the due date (late fee $40)
  2. How ​​much to spend?
    Maximum 30% of credit limit (e.g., $300 limit = $90 spend)
  3. Must apply AutoPay
    Set up automatic payment from the app
  4. How ​​to use rewards?
    Take cashback directly into your bank account
  5. Credit Score Check

4 Bad Things to Avoid

  1. Making Minimum Payment
    $100 balance → $25 min pay = $75 at 20% APR ($15/month extra)
  2. Taking Multiple Cards
    Having more than 1 card in the first year lowers your credit score
  3. Taking Cash Advance
    $10 fee + 25% APR on withdrawing $100 from ATM
  4. Taking Store Cards
    Macy’s/Target cards have high APR (28%+)

Expert Tips for USA

  • SSN Alternative: You can also get card through ITIN
  • Authorized User: It can be added to Parents’ card (history is built)
  • Security Deposit: Keep $200-$500 deposit in a safe place for secured card
  • Credit Limit: Have confidence to ask for increase after 6 months

How ​​to apply? (3 Steps)

  1. View Credit Score
    Free check on Experian.com (550-650 = beginner range)
  2. Pre-Qualify Check Kareen
    “pre-qualify” option on Capital One/Chase website
  3. Online Apply
    Upload Driving License + SSN + Income Proof (W-2)

Conclusion

“Credit card is a problem – it’s in your hands”
Correct usage:

  • 700+ credit score in 1 year
  • Car loan approval in 2 years
  • $300k home loan in 4 years

(Call Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855-411-2372) for free consultation)

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