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Whether they enter the college workforce or have a new graduate, young adults are entering a new season of income, finances management and money choices. A key step in the process is credit building. Having a good credit score opens up opportunities for improved homes, lower interest rates and future credit approvals. One way to build credit is to use a credit card.
From cards for college students to cards for fair credit, you can find the right cards. You can also earn rewards and take advantage of the perks when you practice paying on time and being responsible for using. Check out our recommended young adult credit card.
Top cards for young adults
Compare the best cards for young adults
| Card name | It’s perfect for | Annual fees | Credit score range | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover IT® Student Cashback | Cashback for students | $0 | n/a |
|
| Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | Upgrade after graduation |
$0 See prices and prices |
Good from fairness (580 – 740) |
|
| Chase FreedomRise® | Unlimited cashback | $0 | n/a |
|
| Capital One Quicksilverone Cash Rewards Credit Card | Hotel and car rental rewards |
$39 See prices and prices |
Good from fairness (580 – 740) |
|
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card | Safe Card Rewards | none | n/a |
|
How to choose the best credit card for young adults
I’m considering a card to apply for as a young adult, so here are some interactions.
- Know your credit score. You can check your credit score for free on Experian. Knowing where your score is can determine which type of card to apply, from bad to good scale. The above cards are for people with no fair or credit. If you already have good credits, you can apply for one of the best reward cards.
- Check your spending habits. Some cards for young adults may be spent on groceries, meals, travel, and more. If you don’t spend too much on a typical boosted category, a high flat rate card might be more suitable for all purchases. Here’s how to choose a reward card:
- Get prequalified. Card issuers or tools like Bankrate Card Match allow you to prequalify for your credit card without drawing a hard credit inquiry that allows you to temporarily draw a credit score. Find out if your application is approved before submitting it.
- Consider the long-term value of your card. Starter credit cards don’t have to be forever. You may then be able to follow the path and upgrade your card with the same issuer or apply for a more desirable card. Even if you regularly stop using your first card, leaving it open will help you have a longer credit history and a credit score will be useful.
How to use your credit card responsibly as a young adult
Credits are an exciting tool to carry at your fingertips, but they also come with risk. High interest rates in the sky are expensive to balance unpaid. And not using your card responsibly can hurt your credit, rather than seeking help.
Bankrate’s 2025 credit card debt report shows that almost half (47%) of Gen Z credit card holders have credit card balances. And nearly three people in debt-based 4-generation ZERS (72%) delayed another financial decision due to debt, including emergency situations and savings for investment.
Several rules of thumb for using your credit card responsibly can be paid on time, exceeding the minimum possible payment, and keeping credit usage under 30%.
The first two are simple. If you get your credit card statement at the end of each billing cycle, you aim to fully repay it by the due date. This will allow you to have a positive payment history on your credit report and avoid interest fees.
Another credit scoring factor is credit usage, which measures how much of the available credits. Experts recommend keeping it below 30%. So, if your credit limit is $5,000, it would be ideal to spend $1,500 before paying it back.
During your credit building journey, you can monitor your credits using the card issuer, Experian, or the free tools from AnnualCreditreport.com. Be aware of positive or negative changes and possible errors.
What’s next?
Conclusion
Using your credit card responsibly and maximizing your reward, which is essentially free money, is a great skill you will have throughout your life. In fact, I would like to learn more in my early 20s. Open the door to get better credit tomorrow by applying for the right card now.
FAQ
Information about the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is collected independently by Bankrate.com. Card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Information about this card was last updated on May 27, 2025.
