Top No Credit History Credit Cards for Cash Back Rewards in 2024

By Jack Barnes

Starting your credit journey can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re looking for a credit card that not only helps build your credit but also rewards you with cash back. The good news? In 2024, there are several credit cards designed specifically for those with no credit history that offer competitive cash back rewards. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or someone who simply hasn’t used credit before, this guide will help you find the best cards to maximize your rewards while building your credit profile.

Why Choose a No Credit History Credit Card with Cash Back?

When you’re starting from scratch credit-wise, many credit cards may seem out of reach. However, there are cards tailored for people with no credit history that offer cash back rewards, so you can enjoy perks while responsibly establishing your credit score. These cards usually have more relaxed approval requirements and often come with educational tools to help you build credit smartly.

Cash back rewards add value by giving you real money back on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining out. This means your first credit card can be both a financial tool and a way to save money with your routine spending.

What to Look For in a No Credit History Cash Back Credit Card

When choosing your first cash back credit card, keep these factors in mind:

Approval Odds: Cards aimed at people with no credit history tend to have easier approval criteria.
Cash Back Categories: Look for cards that reward the spending categories where you spend the most.
Annual Fees: Many beginner cards are no-fee, which is great when you’re just starting out.
APR: While you should always aim to pay your balance in full, keep an eye on interest rates in case you carry a balance.
Credit Reporting: Ensure the issuer reports to all three credit bureaus to properly build your credit score.

Top 5 No Credit History Credit Cards with Cash Back Rewards in 2024

Here’s a side-by-side look at the top cards currently available that fit the bill for no credit history and cash back rewards:

Credit Card	Cash Back Rewards	Annual Fee	Intro APR	Credit Needed	Key Feature
Discover it® Student Cash Back	5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter), 1% on all other purchases	$0	0% for 6 months on purchases	No credit or limited credit	Cash back match first year
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards	1.5% cash back on all purchases	$39	None	Fair credit (possible for no credit)	Simple flat-rate cash back
Citi Rewards+® Student Card	2X points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000/year), 1X points on all other purchases	$0	0% for 7 months on purchases	No credit or limited credit	Rounds up rewards to nearest 10 points
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa	1% to 1.5% cash back based on spending habits	$0	None	No credit history	Uses alternative credit data for approval
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students	1% cash back on all purchases	$0	None	No credit history (international students welcome)	No SSN required for international students

Detailed Card Breakdown

Discover it® Student Cash Back

If you’re a student with no credit history, this card is a powerful option. The rotating 5% cash back categories mean you can optimize your earning each quarter, which often includes common spending areas like gas stations, restaurants, or Amazon.com. Plus, Discover offers to match all your cash back at the end of your first year – a rare and valuable perk. It’s also free to have, and Discover reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build your credit score effectively[1].

Apply for Discover it® Student Cash Back and start earning while building credit.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards

This card provides a straightforward 1.5% cash back on every purchase, perfect if you want simplicity in rewards. While it does have a $39 annual fee, its acceptance criteria are fairly forgiving, making it accessible to those with no or limited credit history. It also offers access to CreditWise, Capital One’s credit monitoring tool, helping you keep tabs on your credit progress[2].

Check out Capital One QuicksilverOne if you want an easy-to-understand cash back card.

Citi Rewards+® Student Card

Citi Rewards+ Student Card rounds up every purchase to the nearest 10 points, which means you earn slightly more on small transactions. It offers 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year) and 1X points elsewhere. The 0% intro APR on purchases for 7 months is a nice bonus for managing expenses. This card is designed with students with little or no credit history in mind and is a great way to build credit while earning rewards on essentials[3].

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa

Petal takes a different approach by evaluating your banking history and financial behavior instead of relying solely on traditional credit scores. It offers between 1% and 1.5% cash back based on how much you spend on eligible merchants, and it has zero fees (no annual, late, or foreign transaction fees). This card is a fantastic option if you are new to credit and want a transparent, user-friendly card[2].

Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

Perfect for international students or those without a Social Security Number, the Deserve EDU Mastercard doesn’t require a credit history for approval. It gives 1% cash back on all purchases and includes Amazon Prime Student subscription reimbursement for eligible cardholders. This card helps build credit while offering simple cash back rewards[1].

Tips for Using Your No Credit History Cash Back Card Wisely

Pay on time, every time: This is the most important factor in building your credit score.
Keep your balance low: Aim to use less than 30% of your credit limit to maintain a healthy credit utilization ratio.
Use your card regularly: Small, consistent purchases help you establish a positive credit history.
Redeem your cash back often: Don’t let rewards expire—use them to offset your expenses.
Monitor your credit score: Use free tools provided by your card issuer or third-party services to track your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I get a cash back credit card with no credit history?

Yes! There are several cards designed specifically for people with no credit history that offer cash back rewards. Cards like Discover it® Student Cash Back and Petal® 2 Visa are popular choices.

Q2: How can I improve my chances of approval with no credit history?

Applying for student cards or cards that consider alternative data (like bank account history) can improve your approval odds. Also, consider becoming an authorized user on a family member’s card to build credit history.

Q3: Do no credit history cards have high fees?

Many no credit history cards come with no annual fees, but some, like the Capital One QuicksilverOne, may charge a modest fee. Always check fees before applying.

Q4: Will using these cards help me build my credit score?

Yes. These cards report your payment activity to credit bureaus, which helps establish your credit history when used responsibly.

Q5: How soon can I expect to see my credit score improve?

Typically, it takes about 3 to 6 months of responsible use (on-time payments and low balances) to see noticeable improvements in your credit score.

Final Thoughts

Starting with a no credit history credit card that also offers cash back rewards is a smart move. Not only will you be building your credit profile, but you will also be getting rewarded for everyday spending. The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a standout for students, while cards like Petal® 2 Visa and Deserve® EDU Mastercard offer innovative ways to get approved and build credit even if you don’t have a traditional credit background.

Ready to get started on building your credit and earning cash back? Apply for the Discover it® Student Cash Back card today and enjoy the benefits from day one.

Or, if you want a straightforward flat-rate card, check out the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card.