If you have young adult children coming home for Christmas, this is one of the BEST times of the year to help them take a really important step toward their financial future: building their credit the right way.

A strong credit history is one of the most valuable financial tools they can have. It helps with future apartment approvals, lower insurance rates, better loan interest rates, car purchases, and eventually home buying.

If your young adult is responsible, has income, and is ready to take this step, here are the best first cards I recommend, why I like them, what to know, and a smart strategy for using them.

Note: Bonuses and card details change, so always check current offers before applying.

Before we jump in, quick reminder: if you decide to apply for any of the cards I talk about here, please don’t just Google them. If you want to make sure you’re getting the correct offer and you’d like to support my work, you can reach out to me on Instagram or visit the “Best Offers” page on my website homepage. Many of the offers I share are affiliate links, which may allow me to earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and it truly helps me keep creating free resources like this.

Why Start with $0 Annual Fee Cards

When someone is just starting their credit journey, $0 annual fee cards are ideal because:

They are easy to keep long-term, which helps build a longer credit history
They usually have easier minimum spending requirements
They let beginners earn rewards without feeling pressured to “get value” out of a fee
They help establish responsible habits before moving into more advanced premium cards

Keeping credit cards open long term helps their “length of credit history,” which is a major factor in credit scores. A no-annual-fee card is something your child can comfortably keep for many years.

Best First Cards for Young Adults

Chase Freedom Flex

This is one of my favorite starter cards for someone who wants to build credit while earning serious rewards. It has no annual fee and really strong earning categories.

Why it is great:
No annual fee
Rotating 5% bonus categories each quarter (this keeps young adults engaged and learning how to be intentional with spending)
Strong earning on common spending categories like dining and drugstores

Skill it teaches: intentional spending, planning ahead, and learning to track categories.

This can be a great foundational card for someone who is learning how to manage both rewards and real-life spending.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

If your young adult wants something simpler and does not want to think about rotating categories, Chase Freedom Unlimited is fantastic. It is one of the easiest cards to recommend and one of the easiest to use.

Why it is great:
No annual fee
Simple earning structure
Consistent rewards without strategy stress
Strong everyday benefits for beginners

Skill it teaches: consistent, responsible spending without complexity.

This is a great “set it and forget it” starter card, especially for someone who wants to build credit but is not ready to manage categories yet.

Capital One VentureOne (The $0 Annual Fee Venture)

Capital One has several cards in the “Venture” family, but the one that is best for beginners is the VentureOne because it has no annual fee.

Why it is great:
No annual fee
Straightforward miles earning
Good traveler-friendly features for down the road
Simple, flexible redemption options

Skill it teaches: how travel rewards work, flexibility of miles, and long-term financial planning.

This is a great option for someone who wants to start in the travel rewards world without taking on annual fees just yet.

Easy Minimum Spend Strategies That Make Sense

One of the reasons I like these beginner cards is because:
Minimum spends are usually achievable
Your child can use them for everyday expenses they are already paying

Some ideas that often work well:
Groceries
Gas
Textbooks or school-related purchases
Streaming services or phone bills

The key rule: they should only spend what they already have money to pay off.

Turn Your Young Adult into a Player 3

If you talk about “Player 1” and “Player 2” in your household for points and miles, this is a great opportunity to add a “Player 3.”

A responsible young adult with their own card can:
Earn their own points
Contribute rewards to future family travel (with the right programs)
Start understanding how rewards and credit strategy really work

It turns what could simply be a “financial responsibility milestone” into something exciting and meaningful.

If You Have Teens Under 18: Authorized User Strategy

If your child is not yet 18, they cannot open their own card, but you can still help their future credit by adding them as an authorized user to your account.

This works best if:
You have excellent payment history
You keep balances low
You’ve had the card for a while

Your responsible history can give them a jumpstart, helping them build credit before they ever apply for their first card.

Important reminder: only do this if you yourself manage your credit well. Your habits will affect their score.

Teaching Smart Credit Habits Matters More Than the Card

The card is only part of the story. The real value is the opportunity to teach them these foundational habits:

Pay your balance in full monthly
Set up autopay
Keep credit utilization low
Do not chase rewards with spending you cannot afford
Use credit as a tool, not a safety net

This is one of the most powerful money lessons you can give your kids.

Final Thoughts

If you have young adults coming home for Christmas, this is the perfect time to sit at the table, talk about credit, explain why it matters, and help them take a smart, strategic first step.

The Chase Freedom Flex, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and Capital One VentureOne are among the best beginner-friendly, no-annual-fee cards to consider. They open the door to travel rewards, responsible credit building, and financial confidence.

A 20-minute conversation this holiday season can shape their financial future for years to come.

If one of these cards feels like the right fit, do me a favor and don’t just search it online. Send me a message on Instagram and I’ll help you find the right application link, or head to the “Best Offers” page on my website homepage.

Using my links helps support the time, education, and resources I provide at no extra cost to you, and it means more to me than you know. Thank you for being here and supporting this work.