Best Credit Cards for Young Professionals [2026]: Earn Rewards and Build Credit

Young adults freshly out of school, maybe working their first full-time job, have different financial needs than 30-somethings with established careers and mortgages. That's just a fact. But it doesn't mean you have to settle for a lesser card as a young adult. In fact, you can and should be just as picky as your parent would be when shopping for a credit card.

As a young adult, make it a goal to find a credit card that saves you money rather than drains your wallet, and prioritize those that can reward your spending habits without feeling like more work (which is probably the last thing you need).

The best credit cards for young adults tend to offer great rewards without an annual fee. Beyond that, they can provide excellent welcome offers to sweeten the deal of signing up for a new line of credit, and even money-saving perks like no foreign transaction fees and 0% intro APRs. As a rule, stay away from high-annual-fee cards when you're young, and focus on what you can qualify for with your credit score.

Key takeaways

Compare the best credit cards for young adults and professionals

Credit card	Welcome offer	Rewards rate	Annual fee
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card 5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months	Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases	$0
Discover it® Cash Back 4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.	Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.	$0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) 4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening	5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases	$0
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card 4.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel	1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel	$0
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express 4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Earn as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout; terms apply)	3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on eligible purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout)	$0

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash is a straightforward cash rewards credit card for someone who wants a $0 annual fee card with a simple rewards program.

Why we like it

The Wells Fargo Active Cash has a $0 annual fee, so you don't have to worry about an annual cost. And you can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, making it easy to earn flat rate cash rewards without having to track and use different kinds of bonus categories.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash offers up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible), and it also provides these intro APR offers:

• Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases (then 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable)
• Intro APR on qualifying balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (then 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable)

What we don't like

You have to pay a 3% foreign transaction fee if you make purchases abroad or from foreign merchants.

Apply now or find out more in our Wells Fargo Active Cash review.

Discover it^® Cash Back

The Discover it Cash Back hits all the right notes for someone who is new to credit cards and willing to keep track of its rewarding rotating categories.

Why we like it

The Discover it Cash Back has a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Additional benefits include two introductory APR offers:

• Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 17.49% - 26.49% Variable)
• Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 17.49% - 26.49% Variable)

Check the Discover cashback calendar to see current and past cashback bonus categories.

What we don't like

Any type of rotating bonus categories can take some effort to track if you're not used to them. Especially if you have to activate the categories each quarter.

Apply now or find out more in our Discover it^® Cash Back(Rates and fees) review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns valuable cashback rewards. You can redeem your rewards for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more.

Why we like it

The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a $0 annual fee and helps you earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

You can also take advantage of these intro APR offers:

• Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable)
• Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable)

Additionally, you receive the following Chase Freedom Unlimited coverages for qualifying purchases:

What we don't like

Cardholders have to pay foreign transaction fees (3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars) on applicable purchases.

Apply now or find out more in our Chase Freedom Unlimited review.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards card is the only option in Capital One's impressive three-card Venture lineup with no annual fee. We recommend it if you plan to travel somewhat regularly (maybe at least once a year) and are interested in:

• Earning miles instead of cash back or points
• Booking travel with your credit card issuer
• Transferring rewards to travel partners (like airlines and hotel loyalty programs)

Why we like it

We like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards card because it distills travel rewards into a few key benefits: easy rewards, no foreign transaction fees, and access to a beginner-friendly, but very solid, travel booking portal. Plus, you can transfer your rewards to Capital One's transfer partners, which include JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, Choice Privileges, and Wyndham Rewards.

With this card, you could earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. The Capital One Travel portal is one of the best, rivaled primarily by Chase Travel℠, and it's a low-pressure place to learn the ropes of booking travel through a card portal.

As a young adult, you probably aren't interested in credit cards that feel complicated. You should apply for the cards you need when you need them, and not more. This lightweight card from Capital One is a good choice for meeting your travel needs now, until you're ready for something a little more robust later.

What we don't like

We wish this card came with a more impressive perks stack, like annual statement credits and lots of travel insurance. It's on par with other no-annual-fee travel cards on both counts, but we like to see these benefits all the same.

This doesn't mean it's not worth applying for, but it does mean it falls short of the best travel cards (although remember that these can be more difficult to qualify for and use, so there will be tradeoffs no matter what).

Find out more in our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review.

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

The American Express Blue Cash Everyday makes sense as your go-to card for earning rewards in everyday spending categories.

Why we like it

The American Express Blue Cash Everyday has a $0 annual fee. It helps you earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on eligible purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout).

Cardmembers can also take advantage of these intro APR offers:

• Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 19.49% - 28.49% Variable)
• Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 19.49% - 28.49% Variable)

Other card benefits include:

• Get a up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled card each month on a subscription to the Disney Bundle. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com in the U.S. Subject to auto-renewal.

Keep in mind that select benefits require enrollment.

What we don't like

As a cardmember, you have to pay 2.7% foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.

Learn how to apply or find out more in our Amex Blue Cash Everyday review.

Honorable mentions: additional credit cards for young adults and professionals

Here are some excellent alternatives to our top picks that could also work for young adults and professionals.

If you like to travel, check out some of the best travel credit cards. Here are some of our recommendations for cards that earn travel rewards and provide travel benefits, such as the option to transfer points to hotel and airline partners.

Credit card	Welcome offer	Rewards rate	Annual fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card(Rates and fees) 4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening	5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases	$95
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening (limited-time offer)	2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases	$95

If you're interested in earning cashback rewards on eligible purchases, check out some of the best cash back credit cards. Here are some of our recommendations for cash back cards that can help you benefit from generous welcome offers and rewards rates.

Credit card	Welcome offer	Rewards rate	Annual fee
Citi Double Cash® Card(Rates and fees) 5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back	2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel	$0
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card 4.5 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening	1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel	$0
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card 4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening	3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 5% back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; and 1% cash back on all other purchases	$0
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express 5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Earn as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout; terms apply)	6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout)	$0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter

How to get a credit card as a young adult

Consider these different paths for getting a credit card as a young adult or professional.

1. Consider secured credit cards

Secured credit cards are one of the most straightforward options if you're new to credit cards and still building your credit history. They typically have less strict credit requirements, but you typically have to put down a security deposit.

Your security deposit acts as your credit limit. For example, if you put down a $300 security deposit on a secured card, you would have a $300 credit limit. Most secured cards have a refundable security deposit that you get back if you close your account or graduate to an unsecured card.

Check out some of the best secured credit cards, including:

• Discover it^® Secured Credit Card
• Platinum Secured Credit Card from Capital One
• Chime Card™¹ <p class="">Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.&nbsp;<br></p>

If you want an unsecured card, which is a card that doesn't require a security deposit, consider the following:

• QuicksilverOne from Capital One
• Chase Freedom Rise^®

If you're a college student, consider one of the best student credit cards.

2. Become an authorized user

You can typically start building your credit history once you're 18, but you need proof of independent income or a co-signer to apply for a credit card if you're not yet 21.

However, you can become an authorized user on a credit card account of a friend or family member. Some credit card issuers require you to be 13 or older, while others have no age requirement. This strategy can provide you with your own physical credit card to use and help you establish your credit.

3. Get help from a co-signer

If you're under 21, certain financial institutions could let you apply for a credit card with a co-signer.

When someone co-signs with you on a credit card application, it means that they agree to have the same liabilities you have. However, this option has become increasingly uncommon, but it's worth checking with the financial institution you'd like to receive a credit card from.

4. Provide proof of income

In some cases, you might be able to apply for a credit card and be under 21 if you're able to show proof of an independent income. That means having sufficient income that comes from your own work or wages and isn't tied to someone else, such as a parent, supporting you.

5. Build credit

Building credit is how you can go from limited credit history and average credit to better credit scores and an established credit history.

Credit cards are one of the easiest ways to build your credit because your payment history is reported to major credit bureaus and reflected on your credit report. So as long as you responsibly use and pay off your credit card balances, you should see your credit score go up over time.

FAQs

Best credit cards for young adults and professionals: bottom line

For simple earning and a $0 annual fee, we recommend the Wells Fargo Active Cash. It's a straightforward card that makes sense for young professionals.

If you prefer a higher rewards rate, consider the Discover it Cash Back. It also has a $0 annual fee, but its earning potential could be better depending on your spending habits.

Compare credit cards to find the best card for your personal financial situation. And be sure you have a solid bank account to complement your credit card. 

Great for Flexible Travel Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Generous welcome offer valued at up to $1,125 when redeemed via Chase Travel℠
• High rewards on dining and bookings via Chase Travel
• Up to 1.5x more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
• Up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel
• Receive valuable travel protections like trip delay reimbursement and primary rental car insurance

Drawbacks

• Has a $95 annual fee
• Doesn’t offer airport lounge access or premium travel perks like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Doesn't offer bonus points on gas or in-person groceries purchases

Card Details

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC