How can I choose the best credit card?

[Mr. Ridge]

I want to start fresh with U.S. credit, so how can I compare secured cards with beginner-friendly unsecured options — like student or entry-level cash-back cards — to see which could help me build credit faster while keeping fees and risks low?

[Kaile]

Starting your U.S. credit journey means you must compare secured cards (which are easier to obtain but require a deposit) with beginner unsecured cards (which are harder to get but offer rewards).

However, I believe the key advantage is that secured cards minimize lender risk and help you build credit quickly with responsible use. Unsecured cards are great, but they have stricter rules. Ultimately, you need to choose a card that reports to all three bureaus and allows you to be responsible while keeping fees low.