Best starter cards for a recent 18 year old with *some/very little* history

[ZimmermanTelegramsAreCool]

I've been an authorized user on 2 cards for about a year now, made only 1 purchase on both cards and then quickly paid it off. I recently turned 18.

My credit scores are in the low 700 range, TransUnion gave me a 702.  I also am going to college this upcoming Fall semester.

Anyway, wondering what the community would recommend to me.

Thank you for your time, kind internet strangers.

[Rdbeetle]

Take a look at the Discover Card. They have a student version and you can see if you're pre-approved without affecting your credit score.

[Rogue46]

I'd also check pre-approvals at the different websites so you can find out what you might be qualified for. If you can/want to get in with Chase I would do that sooner rather then later due to their 5/24 rule.

[Bockrocker]

It may not be a popular opinion but I suggest your first card should be one focused on a low rate rather than good rewards.  Ideally an apr under 10% although I don't know how big of an ask this is since recent interest rate hikes.  Credit unions are more likely to offer good candidates in this respect than the big players.  If you can get 1.5-2% rewards in addition to a low Apr that's a perfect first card.

If after a few years you have proven to yourself that you are responsible enough and making enough money to PIF all the time start branching out into rewards cards.

[NoMoreE46]

Do you have a checking account?  Whatever FI it would be, that is a good place to look.  If the FI  is a CU ,  all the better.  

[CorpCrMgr1]

Agree with the other responses. I would throw in to check with the financial institution you are using.

[creditmemo]

If you have $200 to spare, consider a Bank of America Secured card.

They have an Unlimited Cash and a Customized Cash card. It should graduate and grow with responsible use.

Btw, are you a history major?

I just finished a book "The Great War at Sea 1914-1918" and got the Zimmerman joke. Haha.

Good luck and welcome to the Forum.

[ptatohed]

I would second the Discover it Student previously mentioned.  5% certain cats, 1% else.  Match 1st year.  

Also, the Cap1 SavorOne Student.  3%/1%.  $50 intro offer.  

Or Chase freedom Rise.  1.5%.  $25 intro offer.  

Or BoA CCR Student.  3/2/1%.  $200 intro bonus.  

Or BoA UCR Student.  1.5%.  $200 intro bonus.   

Or BoA Travel Rewards Student.  1.5%.  $250 intro offer.  

Or Cap1 Q'Silver Student.  1.5%.  $50 intro offer.  

Good luck!     

[JR_TX]

A lot of FIs do not consider AU history in consideration for Credit app so you might run into denials and wasted HPs.

The way I established my 3 DDs years ago

was :

Discover it Student. 
Be prepared to provide Student credentials
such as proof of Enrollment, IDs, SSN to mention a few.

Then after a 6 month of reported history to Experian, go for an Amex particularly the Blue Cash as Amex likes young People profile they just want to see 6 months of history.

I'm sure there's still some good options out there but these 2 are near guaranteed approval if done and timed right!

Good Luck and welcome to myFICO!

[CYBERSAM]

Go with local Credit Union so you can use no fee ATM and have no fee checking, something that is very cumbersome with big banks! Apply for their credit card and build up your own credit from there.