A great starter credit card for Gen Zers is one that offers features and perks that they find valuable. For instance, while you may value earning a high rewards rate that only applies to limited purchases, others may want a cash-back card that pays a standard rate no matter what they purchase. Still, another may be interested in the most generous 0% introductory APR offer available.
The good news is that it’s possible to find a card with both a rewards structure and a 0% introductory APR that really works well with your lifestyle. And if you happen to find a card that also offers a cash welcome bonus, all the better.
Thankfully, you don’t have to do the research to find the right card; GOBankingRates has it covered. Here’s a look at four starter credit cards (and an alternative for each) to help you, as a Gen Zer, make the most of your money.
Capital One SavorOne Rewards
Gen Zers will like earning unlimited 3% cash back on things like dining, entertainment, grocery stores and select streaming services. All other purchases will earn 1%.Plus, Capital One SavorOne Rewards offers 0% APR for the first 15 months, followed by APR, plus no annual fee. And there’s a $200 bonus for spending at least $500 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.For Gen Zers who have good but not excellent credit, like the Capital One SavorOne Rewards card requires, the Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Good Credit offers the same 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming and groceries, but no 0% APR or $200 bonus.
With the Citi Custom Cash Card, Gen Zers can earn a whopping 5% cash back on up to $500 in their top eligible spending category per billing cycle. All other purchases earn 1%. Eligible categories for 5% cash back include the following:
- Restaurants
- Grocery Stores
- Gas Stations
- Select travel
- Select transit
- Select streaming services
- Fitness clubs
- Live entertainment
- Drugstores
- Home improvement stores
Plus, the card offers an introductory 0% APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, followed by APR, and no annual fee.
For Gen Zers who would rather have a card that pays cash back on every purchase with no categories to worry about, the is a good pick. It offers 1% cash back on every purchase, and an additional 1% cash back when the purchase is paid off. It offers a 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months, followed by APR and no annual fee.
The no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on purchases and a $200 bonus when you spend at least $500 in the first three months, which makes it perfect for Gen Zers who want a straightforward rewards card with unlimited cash-back earnings. Plus, there’s 0% APR for the first 15 months, then .For Gen Zers who are more interested in a card with a generous intro APR period the is a great choice. The card offers 0% APR for the first 21 months, followed by an ongoing rate of APR. This card is a great choice for Gen Zers who have a large purchase they want to be able to pay off over an extended period with no interest.
With the Discover it Cash Back card, Gen Zers can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in different categories each quarter when they activate. All other purchases earn 1%. The 5% cash back quarterly categories include the following:
- Restaurants
- Payments via PayPal
- Amazon
- Target
- Grocery stores
- Fitness clubs
- Digital wallets
Plus the card features a 0% APR for the first 15 months, then APR, and no annual fee. And at the end of the first year as a cardholder, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned over the entire year.For Gen Zers who are into earning travel miles, the Discover it Miles card may be a better deal. It offers unlimited 1.5x miles per $1 on all purchases, and no annual fee. It also features Discover’s mile-for-mile match at the end of the first year.
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Sam DiSalvo contributed to the reporting for this article.