The top 3 credit cards for beginners in 2024, focusing on ease of approval, low fees, and tools for building credit: 1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card • Why it’s great: • No annual fee. • Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 quarterly) and 1% on all other purchases. • Matches all the cash back you earn in your first year. • Best for: Those starting with limited or no credit history. 2. Capital One Platinum Credit Card • Why it’s great: • No annual fee. • Available for people with fair credit or limited credit history. • Access to a higher credit limit after six months of on-time payments. • Best for: Building credit while avoiding upfront deposits. 3. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card • Why it’s great: • No annual fee, late fees, or foreign transaction fees. • Earn 1% to 1.5% cash back on purchases as you pay on time. • Uses alternative data (e.g., income and spending patterns) to approve applicants with little or no credit history. • Best for: Beginners seeking rewards without traditional credit requirements. Key Tip for Beginners: • Start with one card, make small purchases, and pay the full balance on time each month. • Avoid carrying a balance to prevent interest charges.

The first step to repairing your credit is obtaining a copy of your credit report. You can get free reports from the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. 1. Check for errors: Look for inaccuracies such as incorrect personal details, outdated accounts, or wrongly reported late payments. Dispute any errors with the credit bureaus. 2. Identify negative items: This includes late payments, collections, charge-offs, bankruptcies, or high balances. Understanding what’s damaging your credit allows you to create a targeted plan to address those issues. Once you know what’s on your credit report, you can take steps like paying off debt, negotiating with creditors, or seeking credit counseling to improve your credit score over time.