Best credit cards for recent grads? 2025

Self-explanatory - recent grad moving to NYC for IB. What are the best credit cards people use/recommend?

For context, won’t be doing significant travel in first two years but travel is a huge priority of mine later in life. Enjoy eating out often too.

Thanks!

6 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Been using AMEX Gold your years. It just makes the most sense. You get great rewards on food and restaurants. Which makes up the majority of my spending in NYC.

Pro Tip: if you’re out to dinner with friends. Pay for everything. Then you can Venmo request your friends through the AMEX app. Then, as they complete the request it’s automatically apply to your statement. I’ve never paid for flights on PTO due to this credit card.

Can’t really speak much on Chase. I have a couple friends who have the card. Many of them are switched to AMEX due to the better interface. They also said it’s easier to use AMEX points. Hope this helps.

 

Get the BILT, which gives you rewards on rent. As a junior, that's going to be a fairly significant % of your spending. 

 

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