If you’re new to credit or just stepping into the world of plastic for the first time, welcome! Choosing the right credit card as a beginner can be overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling terms like “APR,” “unsecured,” and “miles.” But here’s some good news: there are credit cards for beginners with no deposit that not only help you build credit but also reward you with travel miles—and yes, many come with no annual fee.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best options available in 2025 for credit cards with miles and no annual fee, specially tailored for beginners and first-time cardholders. Whether you’re a student, young adult, or just someone looking to build credit without a deposit, we’ve got you covered.
🛫 Why Choose a Credit Card With Miles and No Annual Fee?
Let’s break it down:
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Travel Miles: Every time you spend, you earn miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, or even travel upgrades.
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No Annual Fee: You get the perks without paying a yearly cost to keep the card active.
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No Deposit Needed: Unlike secured cards, you don’t need to front money to get approved.
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Beginner-Friendly: These cards are tailored for those with little to no credit history.
Real-life example:
Riya, a 22-year-old graduate, got her first no annual fee travel credit card. She started using it for groceries and streaming subscriptions. After 6 months, she had earned enough miles for a free one-way domestic flight—and built a solid credit score!
🏆 Best Credit Cards for Beginners With No Deposit
1. Discover it® Student Chrome
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Annual Fee: $0
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Deposit Required: No
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Miles/Cashback: 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (great for students)
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Beginner-Friendly: Yes
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Why It’s Great: No credit history required, and they double your cashback after the first year.
2. Capital One Journey Student Rewards
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Annual Fee: $0
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Deposit Required: No
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Miles/Points: 1% cashback (boosted to 1.25% for on-time payments)
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Easy Approval: Yes
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Why It’s Great: It’s one of the easiest approval credit cards with no deposit, and it helps build responsible payment habits.
3. Chase Freedom Rise℠
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Annual Fee: $0
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Deposit Required: No
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Rewards: 1.5% cashback on all purchases
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Special Perk: Extra boost if you have a Chase checking account
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Best For: New users wanting to establish credit history and earn travel-worthy rewards.
🚀 Key Benefits of No Deposit Credit Cards for Young Adults
These unsecured credit cards for beginners are designed to help you get started without locking up your savings. Here’s why they’re great:
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Build credit without a deposit
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Low-limit credit cards with no deposit, making it easier to manage spending
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Credit-building tools like free FICO score monitoring
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No annual fee credit cards for beginners help you avoid recurring costs
💡 Tip: Always pay your balance in full each month. That’s the fastest way to establish credit history and avoid interest fees!
🔍 Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Secured Cards | Unsecured Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Required | Yes | No |
| Credit History Needed | No | Sometimes |
| Builds Credit | Yes | Yes |
| Rewards | Limited | Often generous |
| Risk | Low for issuers | Higher for issuers |
If you can qualify for an unsecured card with no deposit, it’s usually the better pick—especially one with travel rewards and no annual fees.
🧠 First Credit Card Tips for Beginners
Starting out? Keep these in mind:
✅ Don’t overspend
Stay within 30% of your credit limit to maintain a good utilization ratio.
✅ Pay on time
Even one missed payment can hurt your credit score.
✅ Don’t apply for too many cards
Each application results in a hard inquiry, which can lower your score temporarily.
✅ Use credit-building tools
Many beginner cards offer free access to your credit score and payment reminders.
🧳 Real-Life Benefits: Travel Without Breaking the Bank
Imagine using your first credit card not just to build your financial future, but also to fund your next vacation. That’s the power of a travel rewards card.
Let’s say you spend $500/month on your card:
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At 1.5x miles, that’s 750 miles a month = 9,000 miles a year.
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That could translate into a domestic round-trip flight—just from your regular expenses.
🛡️ Approval Odds: What Do You Need?
While credit cards with no credit history required do exist, here’s what can improve your odds:
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Having a bank account (especially with the same provider)
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Steady income, even if it’s part-time
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Low debt-to-income ratio
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Applying for pre-approved credit cards for beginners
💡 Look for cards with “instant approval” or “pre-qualification” options—they don’t hurt your credit score!
📝 FAQs About Credit Cards for Beginners With No Deposit
1. What’s the easiest credit card to get with no deposit?
Cards like the Capital One Journey Student Rewards and Chase Freedom Rise are considered instant approval credit cards with no deposit and are beginner-friendly.
2. Can I get a credit card with no credit history?
Yes! Many credit cards for new users are designed specifically for those with no credit history. Look for student or starter cards.
3. Is there a catch to no annual fee cards?
No catch—but read the fine print. Some may have foreign transaction fees or limited rewards. Still, no annual fee credit cards for beginners are ideal to start with.
4. How do I build credit without a deposit?
Use an unsecured card responsibly. Make small purchases, pay off your balance monthly, and keep your utilization low.
5. What is the credit limit for new applicants?
Most low-limit credit cards with no deposit offer limits between $200–$1,000. Your limit can grow over time with on-time payments.
6. How are student credit cards different?
Student credit cards often have lower approval requirements, education-focused rewards, and tools to establish credit history.
7. Should I choose a secured or unsecured card as a beginner?
If you qualify, go for unsecured. It means no upfront cash deposit and often better rewards—but secured cards are a great fallback if your credit score is very low or nonexistent.
🏁 Conclusion: Travel More, Pay Less—Even as a Beginner
You don’t need a long credit history or deep pockets to start earning travel miles. With the right credit cards for beginners with no deposit, you can establish credit, earn rewards, and travel smarter—all while avoiding annual fees.
Whether you’re a student, a new employee, or just starting to build your financial profile, these cards are your passport to better credit and better adventures.
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