Has anyone else noticed how it seems like after we graduate from college we're expected to know how to do and understand all things financial? From balancing a checkbook, to budgeting, to maintaining credit cards (all while paying off student loans!). After years of fumbling my way through and googling the money terms, I've finally begun to get a grasp on credit cards and the benefit of them in building credit.
Below, I've listed the 5 top credit cards I feel are an excellent start for beginners, and if you already have a few in your name, this list may help you better understand the key factors when shopping for a new card.
Bank of America's Best Newbie Card
- BankAmericard Credit Card- This is an excellent choice for a newbie. It's a simple card with straightforward benefits as it has a 0% intro APR for 15 months, no annual fee, low intro balance transfer fees and has one of the lowest interest rates on the market.
Chase's Best Newbie Card
- Chase Slate- This is Chase's version of a simple card. Just like the BankAmericard, it has a 0% intro APR for 15 months, no annual fee and no balance transfer fee.
Longest 0% Intro APR
- Citi Simplicity Card- This card is good if you've been known to be late on payments because there are no late fees or penalty rates ever. This card has the longest intro APR at 0% interest for 21 months and has no annual fee.
First Card for the International Traveler
- Wells Fargo Platinum Visa- This card is a great one for the young traveler because it has benefits like travel and emergency assistance, emergency card replacement, zero fraud liability, and cell phone protection. In addition to this protection, this card offers a 0% intro APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers and no annual fee.
Best Introduction-to-Rewards Card
- BankAmericard Cash Rewards- This is an excellent choice if you're looking for a card with rewards and want to familiarize yourself with the reward process. This card earns 1% cash back on every purchase as well as other cash back offers. It has a sign-up bonus of $150 when you spend $500 in the first 90 days, 0% intro APR for the first 12 months, and no annual fee.
Once you get a hang of the process: swiping, receiving your monthly statement, and paying each month, you'll start to understand the system and hopefully see your credit score increase. And you may find yourself shopping around for credit cards with more perks, points, and travel rewards in no time!
Talk to your financial adviser or banker for more info.
