Best First Credit Cards for Beginners

Maximize Your Stays with the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

• 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months
• Up to 17x points per $1 on IHG hotel stays
• 3x points on monthly bills, gas and restaurants
• 2x points on all other purchases
• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• 4th night free on award stays of 4 or more consecutive nights

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a cross‑country journey, this card delivers plentiful points on every stay and everyday spend. Use your bonus points for multi‑night stays at top IHG brands—InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, Holiday Inn and more—while enjoying the freedom of zero fees. Manage your rewards seamlessly in the Chase app, and enjoy automatic IHG One Rewards enrollment, intuitive digital tools and 24/7 customer support.

Terms apply. Welcome bonus requires minimum spend. Points values and earning rates vary by hotel brand. See full terms for details.

Unlock No‑Fee Hilton Benefits with the Hilton Honors American Express Card

• 70,000 bonus points + a Free Night Reward after $2,000 in purchases within 6 months
• No annual fee
• Complimentary Silver status: fifth night free on award stays, 20% bonus points, two free bottles of water and elite rollover nights
• 7X points on eligible Hilton portfolio purchases
• 5X points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations
• 3X points on all other eligible purchases

Whether you stay at Hilton properties occasionally or just want perks without a fee, this card delivers a powerful welcome offer and solid ongoing earnings. Enjoy elevated status benefits from day one and rack up points on everyday spend—perfect for building your Hilton stash before your next getaway. Manage your account seamlessly in the AmEx app and take advantage of automatic elite perks every time you book.

Terms apply. Bonus points require $2,000 spend in first 6 months. See full terms for details.

Set Sail with the Holland America Line® World Elite Mastercard®

• 60,000 bonus Miles+ after $2,000 in purchases within 90 days
• 4× Miles+ per $1 on Holland America Line purchases and Alaska Cruises
• 2× Miles+ per $1 on all other travel, dining and grocery purchases
• 1× Mile+ per $1 on all other spend
• $100 annual cruise line credit for onboard services and excursions
• Complimentary Mastercard Travel Pass for access to exclusive port tours and perks
• No foreign transaction fees
• $95 annual fee

Whether you’re charting Alaskan fjords or exploring the Caribbean, earn generous Miles+ on every voyage and everyday purchase. Redeem your Miles+ for cruise fare, shore excursions or onboard experiences—no blackout dates. Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard’s travel protections and elevate your journey with exclusive shore‑side privileges. Manage your account easily in the issuer’s app and start banking rewards toward your next adventure at sea.

Terms apply. Bonus and credits require qualifying spend. See issuer for full details.

Discover Simple, No-Fee Travel with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• 40,000 bonus miles after $1,000 spent in the first 3 months (worth $400 in travel)
• 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Transfer miles to leading airline & hotel partners without a fee
• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees

Perfect for cost-conscious travelers, this card pairs a standout welcome offer with a straightforward earning structure. Enjoy flexible redemptions—use miles for travel statement credits, book through Capital One’s portal or transfer to top loyalty programs. Plus, manage your account effortlessly with real‑time alerts, contactless payments and an intuitive mobile app.

Terms apply. Bonus miles require $1,000 spend within 3 months. Miles worth 1¢ each toward travel. Balance transfers incur a 4% fee. APR: 19.24%–29.24% variable. See full terms for details.

Maximize Your Stays & Rewards with the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card

• 30,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases within 90 days (enough for up to 4 free nights)
• 5X points per $1 on Wyndham hotel stays
• 2X points per $1 on gas stations, grocery stores and dining
• 1X point per $1 on all other purchases
• 7,500 anniversary points each year after $15,000 in spend
• Automatic Gold status—enjoy late checkout, free Wi‑Fi and member-only rates
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or booking a longer stay, the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card delivers generous earnings on your hotel nights and everyday expenses. Redeem your points hassle‑free for free nights, gift cards or statement credits. Plus, enjoy elevated benefits with automatic Gold status and anniversary points that help you unlock more rewards each year. Manage your account effortlessly in the issuer’s mobile app and take advantage of 0% APR on new purchases or balance transfers.

Terms apply. Bonus points post after qualifying spend. Anniversary points require $15,000 in annual purchases. See issuer’s site for full details.

Maximize Your Everyday & Travel Spend with the Citi Strata℠ Card

• 30,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases within 3 months
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases & balance transfers
• 5× points on hotels, car rentals & attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3× points at supermarkets, on select transit, gas & EV charging
• 3× points on your choice of
  – Fitness clubs
  – Select streaming services
  – Live entertainment
  – Cosmetic stores, barber shops & hair salons
  – Pet supply stores
• 2× points at restaurants
• 1× point on all other purchases
• No annual fee

Whether you’re stocking up at the grocery store, exploring a new city or treating yourself to a concert, the Citi Strata℠ Card delivers accelerated points where you spend most. Redeem ThankYou® Points for travel, gift cards or statement credits—and transfer to partner programs for even more value.

Terms apply. Intro APR applies to purchases & balance transfers posted within first 60 days; ongoing APR 19.24%–29.24% variable. Balance transfer fee: 3% for transfers in first 4 months (min $5), then 5%. Foreign transaction fee: 3%. Bonus points require qualifying spend. See issuer for details.

Take Off with the New United Gateway℠ Card

• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• 30,000 bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases within 3 months
• 2× miles on United purchases, United Hotels purchases, gas stations, local transit & commuting; 1× mile on all other spend
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
• 2 free checked bag credits per year after $10,000 in annual spend
• 25% back on United in‑flight food, beverages, Wi‑Fi & Club premium drinks
• Built‑in travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption, rental car coverage & purchase protection

Perfect for flyers who want a no‑cost way to earn United MileagePlus® rewards, this card lets you test an airline card while unlocking free checked bags and in‑flight credits. Manage your miles and perks effortlessly in the Chase Mobile® app, tap to pay with contactless security, and watch your rewards add up on every flight, fill‑up or commute.

Terms apply. Bonus miles, checked bag credits and in‑flight statement credits require qualifying purchases. See full terms at chase.com.

Unlock Effortless Travel Rewards with the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

• 3 points per $1 on travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center; 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases
• 25,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases within 90 days (worth a $250 travel statement credit)
• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Redeem starting at 2,500 points for statement credits on flights, hotels, car rentals, restaurants and more
• Points never expire as long as your account remains open
• Earn 25%–75% more points with Preferred Rewards® membership

This card makes earning and using travel rewards simple: book any trip through the Travel Center to maximize your points, then redeem directly as a credit on your statement. Manage everything in one intuitive app or online portal, and enjoy the peace of mind of no annual or foreign transaction fees.

Terms apply. Bonus points awarded after meeting spend requirement. Enrollment in Preferred Rewards® required for bonus boost. See full terms for details.