Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card

Get Your First Credit Card Today

Types of First Credit Cards

Student Credit Cards:

These are the best choices for your first credit card as a student. They usually feature low fees, easy approval, tailored student perks, and credit building. Firstcard helps students get their first credit card and build credit early in college.
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Secured Credit Cards:

These are smart options for your first credit card if you’re starting with no or low credit history. These cards require an upfront deposit and often have a higher APR, but they’re a good way to build your credit. Good news–Firstcard offers a secured card with 0% APR with no required minimum deposits to help everyone build their credit easily and safely.
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Credit Builder Cards:

These cards are ideal for your first credit card and are designed to help you build credit quickly by reporting payments to major credit bureaus. Learn more about how Firstcard Secured Credit Builder Card helps first-time credit builders establish their credit here.
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Choosing a First Credit Card

Selecting your first credit card is a big step in building your financial future. Here are key factors to keep in mind:
Credit Limit

Your first credit card will likely come with a lower credit limit, but it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. A higher credit limit can provide flexibility, but make sure it’s manageable to avoid overspending.

Credit utilization ratio

If you receive a low credit limit for your first credit card, you need to be extra careful with your credit utilization ratio. The rule of thumb is to keep your credit utilization ratio below 20%. With Firstcard, you don’t need to worry about your credit utilization ratio as we don’t offer a credit line—what you deposit is what you can spend.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

The APR determines how much interest you’ll pay if you carry a balance. Look for a first credit card with a low APR, especially if you plan to occasionally carry a balance. Even better, the Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card offers 0% APR.

Fees

Watch out for annual fees, late payment fees, and foreign transaction fees. Many first credit card options have low or no fees which makes them budget-friendly for new cardholders.

Rewards

Not many first credit cards offer rewards, but some first credit cards like Firstcard offers cashback or points for everyday purchases. Choose a card with rewards that match your spending habits to maximize benefits while building credit.

Credit-Building Features

The main purpose of your first credit card is to establish and improve your credit score. Look for cards that report to all three major credit bureaus and provide tools to track your credit-building progress. Firstcard reports to all three major credit bureaus: Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®.

Build Credit With Your First Credit Card

Your credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness, ranging from 300 to 850. It’s determined by factors like payment history, credit utilization, credit history length, types of credit, and recent inquiries. Your first credit card is a powerful tool to establish good credit. Use it wisely by following these tips:

Pay on Time:

Always pay your bill in full and on time to build a strong payment history. With Firstcrad, your good spending behavior will then be reported to the credit bureaus: Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®

Keep Utilization Low:

Spend less than 20% of your credit limit to improve your credit score. With Firstcard, you don’t need to worry about credit utilization ratio as we don’t offer a credit line!

Monitor Your Credit:

Use free credit tracking tools to check your progress.
By using your first credit card responsibly, you’ll lay the foundation for long-term financial success.

First Credit Card Tips

Managing your first credit card wisely is key to building a strong financial foundation. Follow these tips to make the most of your first credit card:
Pay on Time, Every Time

Always pay your credit card bill by the due date. Set up autopay or reminders to ensure you never miss a payment—it’s the easiest way to build a positive credit history.

Keep Your Credit Utilization Low

Aim to use less than 20% of your credit limit. For example, if your limit is $500, try not to exceed $100 in spending each month.

Track Your Spending

Stay on top of your purchases by reviewing your statements or using budgeting apps. This prevents overspending and helps you manage your first credit card responsibly.

Avoid Carrying a Balance

If possible, pay off your balance in full each month. Carrying a balance leads to interest charges, which can make your first credit card more expensive to use.

Choose A Card With Great Cashback Offers

With a first credit card that comes with cashback offers, you can earn cashback while building credit. Firstcard is an excellent choice for your first credit card as it offers rewards of up to 15% cashback and up to 10% cashback.

Monitor Your Credit Score

Use tools or apps to check your credit score regularly. Monitoring your score helps you see how your first credit card is impacting your credit over time. With Firstcard, you can monitor your credit score directly in the app if you applied with an SSN.

How to Apply for Your First Credit Card

Applying for your first credit card is a simple process, but choosing the right card and preparing your application can set you up for success. Here’s how to get started:

Research Beginner-Friendly Cards:

Look for credit cards designed for first-timers, such as student cards or secured cards like Firstcard, which have lower eligibility requirements. With Firstcard, we don’t pull your credit score. You’re pre-approved*.

Check Your Eligibility:

Ensure you meet the card’s income and age requirements, typically 18 or older with proof of income.

Gather Necessary Documents:

Have your Social Security number (or ITIN), proof of income, and personal information ready.

Apply Online or In Person:

Most credit card applications can be completed online in minutes. Choose a reputable provider and follow their steps.

Start Building Credit:

Once approved, use your card responsibly to begin building a strong credit profile.
Taking these steps ensures a smooth application process and helps you select the best first credit card for your financial journey.

Start fixing your Bad Credit

Step 1: Gather necessary documents to apply for your first credit card. To get started with your Firstcard application, make sure you meet the following requirements:
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Age Requirement:
You must be at least 18 years old.
Proof of U.S. Residency:
Provide a legal U.S. residential address.
Valid Government-Issued ID:
This can be a State ID, Driver’s License, or Passport.
SSN or ITIN:
If you don’t have an SSN, you’ll need two documents:
  1. A Passport
  2. Either a U.S. Visa or an ITIN
Step 2: Apply for Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card today. You’re pre-approved. No credit checks or hard inquiry.
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Step 3: After approval, add money to your Firstcard and start using your Firstcard with purchases
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Step 4: Turn on Autopay to make sure you make on-time payments.
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Step 5: Firstcard will report your good on-time spending behavior to all three major credit bureaus: Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®.
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Security & support you can trust

Safe and Secure
Firstcard uses industry-standard encryption technology to ensure your account and information are safe and secure.
Insured up to $250,000
Money in your Firstcard account is insured up to the maximum amount of $250,000 through our bank partner Regent Bank, a member of FDIC.
Powered by Mastercard
Powered by Mastercard with Zero Liability Fraud Protection guarantee for unauthorized charges.

Frequently asked questions

Get Your First
Credit Card Today

Easy to use credit builder card

The no-overspending risk and no annual fees were what drew me to Firstcard. The bonus cashback feature is a fun addition, and it's helped me save money effortlessly on everyday purchases.

Katherine K.
Perfect for international students & immigrants!

This app is great to build credit and not worrying about overspending. I recommend this to college students who are in need of building strong credit.

Boris M.
The best way to build credit without an SSN

As an immigrant, I struggled to find a credit card. Firstcard was the perfect solution with their no-SSN requirement. Now, I can build credit and earn rewards with every purchase.

Hana P.
Reliable and user-friendly!

Moving to a new country comes with its challenges, but Firstcard made building my financial life here so much easier. The no-SSN requirement was crucial for me. The app is user-friendly and helps me keep track of my spending and savings. Firstcard has truly been such a reliable financial partner for me as an immigrant.

Amara A.
Love the app!

As an immigrant founder, I had no idea how to start building credit when I moved to the U.S. Then I learned about Firstcard through a friend. Firstcard made building credit so much easier. I was able to increase my credit score by 20+ in just a few weeks and the app is so simple to use! I'm a huge fan of Firstcard!

Yo Shibata
Firstcard makes my financial life abroad much easier

Managing my finances in a new country was a major concern, but Firstcard made it so much easier. The support team is always responsive and helpful, and I can ask questions and receive help in Spanish which is amazing!

Paolo G
Easy to use credit builder card

The no-overspending risk and no annual fees were what drew me to Firstcard. The bonus cashback feature is a fun addition, and it's helped me save money effortlessly on everyday purchases.

Katherine K.
Perfect for international students & immigrants!

This app is great to build credit and not worrying about overspending. I recommend this to college students who are in need of building strong credit.

Boris M.
The best way to build credit without an SSN

As an immigrant, I struggled to find a credit card. Firstcard was the perfect solution with their no-SSN requirement. Now, I can build credit and earn rewards with every purchase.

Hana P.
Reliable and user-friendly!

Moving to a new country comes with its challenges, but Firstcard made building my financial life here so much easier. The no-SSN requirement was crucial for me. The app is user-friendly and helps me keep track of my spending and savings. Firstcard has truly been such a reliable financial partner for me as an immigrant.

Amara A.
Love the app!

As an immigrant founder, I had no idea how to start building credit when I moved to the U.S. Then I learned about Firstcard through a friend. Firstcard made building credit so much easier. I was able to increase my credit score by 20+ in just a few weeks and the app is so simple to use! I'm a huge fan of Firstcard!

Yo Shibata
Firstcard makes my financial life abroad much easier

Managing my finances in a new country was a major concern, but Firstcard made it so much easier. The support team is always responsive and helpful, and I can ask questions and receive help in Spanish which is amazing!

Paolo G