最适合新手的现金返还信用卡:立即开始建立信用并赚取奖励

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If you’re just getting started with credit in the United States, there’s great news: you don’t need to wait years to get rewarded. Many credit cards today are designed specifically for people who are new to credit, and they offer cashback from day one.

Check it out

You don’t need a perfect credit score, a high income, or a long financial history. Whether you’re a recent immigrant, college student, or simply applying for your first credit card, you can qualify for a product that helps you build credit while earning cashback on your purchases.

This guide will help you:

  • Understand how beginner cashback credit cards work
  • Choose the right card for your situation
  • Avoid common mistakes that hurt credit scores
  • Build your credit responsibly and earn while doing it
  • Apply confidently and get approved faster

💳 Why Cashback Cards Are Ideal for Beginners

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Starting with a cashback card gives you 真正的奖励 for everyday purchases like groceries, transportation, streaming, or gas.

Here’s why they’re a smart first step:

  • earn while building credit
  • Many have 无年费
  • 你得到 free access to your credit score
  • You learn how credit works without complex rewards systems
  • It’s easier to manage than travel or premium cards

Best of all, some beginner cards come with introductory bonuses, automatic credit limit increases, and features that encourage responsible use.


🧾 What You Need to Qualify as a Beginner

Even if you’ve never had a credit card before, many banks have products that consider more than just your score.

Typical requirements for beginner-friendly cashback cards:

  • 18+ years old (or 21+ in some states)
  • US address
  • SSN or ITIN
  • Proof of income (can include part-time work, benefits, or regular deposits)
  • Bank account or debit history (optional, but helpful)

💡 提示: If you’ve never had a credit score, look for cards that offer alternative approval criteria, such as cash flow or rent history.


🏆 Top 5 Beginner Cashback Credit Cards in the US

These cards are ideal for people with no or limited credit history. They’re easier to get approved for and offer reliable rewards.


🔹 1. Discover it® Student Cash Back

  • 最适合: College students
  • 现金返还: 5% on rotating categories (up to $1,500/quarter), 1% on everything else
  • 奖金: Cashback Match – all cashback earned in your first year is doubled
  • 年费: $0
  • 为什么它很棒: Includes free FICO score and flexible payment tools

🔹 2. Capital One QuicksilverOne

  • 最适合: Beginners with limited credit
  • 现金返还: 1.5% on all purchases
  • 奖金: Access to higher credit line after 6 on-time payments
  • 年费: $39
  • 为什么它很棒: Flat-rate cashback and fast approval decisions

🔹 3. Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa®

  • 最适合: People with no credit history
  • 现金返还: 2% to 10% at select merchants
  • 奖金: Based on cash flow, not just credit score
  • 年费: $0
  • 为什么它很棒: No deposit required and great for new-to-credit applicants

🔹 4. Chase Freedom® Student

  • 最适合: Students with part-time income
  • 现金返还: 1% on all purchases
  • 奖金: $50 after first purchase + $20/year for good standing (up to 5 years)
  • 年费: $0
  • 为什么它很棒: Converts to a regular Freedom card after graduation

🔹 5. Capital One SavorOne Student

  • 最适合: Students who spend on dining and entertainment
  • 现金返还: 3% on dining, entertainment, streaming, grocery stores; 1% on other
  • 年费: $0
  • 为什么它很棒: High category rewards and designed for students with limited credit

🧠 How to Choose the Right Card for You

Every beginner is different. Use these tips to decide:

SituationRecommended Card
You’re a college studentDiscover it® Student or SavorOne Student
You don’t have a credit score yetPetal® 1 or Capital One QuicksilverOne
You have some income and want flat cashback水银一号
You want rotating categoriesDiscover it® Student
You prefer automatic approval criteriaPetal® 1

Still unsure? Compare side by side at NerdWallet – Compare Beginner Credit Cards


💰 How Cashback Actually Works

Here’s a quick example:

  • You spend $500/month
  • Your card offers 1.5% cashback
  • That’s $7.50 per month — or $90 per year

With rotating or tiered categories, your earnings can go even higher, especially during promo quarters (e.g., 5% on gas or groceries).

💡 提示: Some cards offer cashback matching — doubling your rewards for the first 12 months.


📈 How to Build Credit While Using Your Card

Using your card responsibly is just as important as getting approved.

Follow these simple rules:

  1. 始终按时付款 (set up autopay if needed)
  2. 保持低余额 (ideally under 30% of your limit)
  3. Avoid unnecessary purchases just to earn cashback
  4. Use the card regularly (small amounts monthly help build history)
  5. 监控您的信用评分 — many cards include this for free

Building credit opens doors to higher-limit cards, loans, and better financial opportunities 将来。


⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying for too many cards at once
  • Missing payment deadlines
  • Thinking cashback is worth carrying a balance (it’s not — interest cancels out rewards)
  • Ignoring annual fees or hidden charges
  • Using your full credit limit monthly

🔍 Where to Compare and Apply for Beginner Cashback Cards

We recommend using NerdWallet to:

  • Compare beginner-friendly cards
  • Check approval odds
  • Read real user reviews
  • Apply securely through partner banks

👉 See NerdWallet’s Beginner Cashback Credit Card Picks


💬 Real Story: From Zero to $1,200 Limit in 6 Months

“I moved to the US with no credit score. I started with the Petal 1 card and used it for groceries and gas. I paid everything on time and after 6 months, my limit doubled. Now I’m earning $20–$30/month just in cashback.”
— João R., 27, Florida


✅ Conclusion: Your First Credit Card Can Work for You

Everyone has to start somewhere. And the good news is: you don’t need to wait years to benefit from a credit card in the US.

With the right cashback card, you can:

  • Build a strong credit history
  • Earn rewards on daily expenses
  • Learn how credit works
  • Qualify for better financial products in the future
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