Best Credit Cards for College Graduates for 2024

When you've recently graduated, it's the perfect time to go over your finances and think about opening a credit card. The best credit cards for college graduates can help you build credit, and many of them offer valuable perks, such as cash back or purchase protections.

Every college graduate's situation is a bit different. Maybe you don't have much credit history yet and will need a starter credit card. Or, if you've been using student credit cards for years, you might have good credit already. For our top picks, we've included a variety of options, so there's something for everyone.

How to choose the best credit card for college graduates

The most important part of choosing a credit card as a recent graduate is finding one that you can qualify for. For example, you wouldn't want to waste your time filling out applications for top credit cards if you don't have a high credit score.

How can you find out which credit cards are in your reach? Start by seeing if you have a credit score yet.

If you've used a student card, there's a good chance you already have a credit score. You can sign up for a free service online that will run your information and tell you what your credit score is. Many credit card companies offer this type of service to cardholders. Or, a good free option is Experian CreditWorks℠ Basic.

If you haven't used a credit card or made any loan payments before, you most likely don't have a credit score. There isn't enough information on your credit report yet to calculate a credit score. Don't worry -- you don't need excellent credit to get a credit card. There are credit cards for consumers in this situation that can help you build credit fast.

Now, let's look at what types of credit cards you should consider based on your current credit profile.

If you have no credit score...

Check out starter credit cards. These are designed for consumers who are building credit for the first time.

One of our favorites is the Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card. When you apply, Petal gives you the option of linking your bank accounts so it can view your transactions. It uses this information to evaluate your creditworthiness. This card also has no fees (including no annual fee) at all and earns cash back on your eligible purchases.

Secured credit cards are another popular choice. These require a refundable security deposit to open, giving the credit card issuer protection and allowing it to approve applicants who are new to credit.

COMPARE MORE PICKS: Best Starter Credit Cards for No Credit History

If you have some credit history…

Look at credit cards for fair credit and possibly store credit cards. These cards offer solid benefits and aren't hard to get.

Fair/average credit is the range from 580 to 669 under the FICO® Score system. That's the most widely used type of credit score by lenders, and it's the type of score you'll get if you use Experian's free credit score tool.

Many store credit cards are available for consumers in this score range. Although store cards usually aren't recommended, there are some exceptions. For example, the Prime Visa is an excellent choice if you shop on Amazon often. It earns bonus rewards there and in several other spending categories, including gas and drugstores.

COMPARE MORE PICKS: Best Credit Cards for Fair/Average Credit

If you have good credit…

Dive into the best credit cards on the market. At this point, your credit score is high enough to qualify for most credit cards.

Good credit scores range from 670 to 739 under the FICO® Score system. That system goes up to 850, as there are also very good and exceptional ranges.

Credit card issuers usually reserve their most feature-packed cards for consumers who have good credit or better. If you built your credit as a college student, you might be at the point where you can take advantage by getting a top credit card.

Can I get a credit card without a job?

You can get a credit card without a job, but you need another form of income. If you're freelancing or making money from any type of independent work, you can include that income on your credit card application.

If you have no income, it's better to wait on a new credit card. Credit card companies are legally required to review and evaluate your ability to repay before approving you for a new credit card. They would most likely deny your application if you don't have any income.

LEARN MORE: Can I Get a Credit Card if I'm Unemployed?

How to use your new credit card

Before you start making purchases with a new credit card, it's important to know how to use it. You may have heard horror stories from people who got into credit card debt. If you spend a little time learning about how to use credit cards, you can avoid the most common issues.

• Set a budget: It's easy to overspend when you don't need to pay back purchases right away. A budget is a good way to figure out how much you can afford per month on different types of expenses.
• Be careful with your spending: Follow your budget and resist the temptation to splurge with your credit card. I like to treat my credit card like a debit card -- regardless of my credit limit, I only charge what I can afford with money in my bank account.
• Keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit: One item that matters for your credit score is your credit utilization ratio. This is your card's balance divided by the credit limit (the maximum amount you can spend with your credit card). To get a good credit score, it helps to keep your credit utilization below 20% to 30%. So, if your credit card has a $1,000 credit line, try to keep the balance below $300.
• Pay your credit card bill on time and in full: On-time payments are very important with credit cards. They improve your credit score, because your payment history is the biggest factor for your credit score. They also help you avoid late fees. It's also recommended to always pay your full credit card bill. If you do this, the credit card company won't charge you interest on your purchases. Most credit cards have a high interest rate, so it's better to avoid interest entirely.