Verdict · Updated April 2026
Brex Card for First Credit Card
The Brex Card isn't optimized for first credit card — ranked #41 of 47 eligible cards. Unless you already hold it for other reasons, consider one of the alternatives below.
Rank #41 of 4713th percentileConsider alternatives
Reviewed by CardCompare Editorial Board
|Data-driven ranking|Updated April 2026
Brex Card
Brex · No annual fee
A charge card designed for startups and tech companies. Incredible bonus categories (8x rideshare, 5x travel, 4x dining) and built-in expense management. No personal guarantee and no annual fee, but you must pay the balance in full each month.
Full card review
Earn math — First Credit Card profile
Based on typical first credit card spending of $9,720/year across the categories below.
Annual rewards
$162
Annual fee
$0
Net value
$162
Easy approvalZero feeSimple rewardsReports to all 3 bureaus
Where the Brex Card wins for first credit card
- Zero annual fee — no fixed cost to worry about
Where it falls short
- Typically requires good credit — may deny thin-file applicants
Top 3 alternatives for first credit card
Cards that rank higher than or close to the Brex Card on our first credit card scoring model.
How the Brex Card performs for other use cases
Frequently asked questions
Is the Brex Card a good card for first credit card?⌄
The Brex Card isn't optimized for first credit card — ranked #41 of 47 eligible cards. Unless you already hold it for other reasons, consider one of the alternatives below.
How much can I earn with the Brex Card on first credit card spending?⌄
At the typical first credit card spending profile of $9,720/year, this card earns approximately $162 in rewards — net $162 after the $0 annual fee.
What are better alternatives to the Brex Card for first credit card?⌄
Our top 3 alternatives are Chase Freedom Rise, Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students, Discover it Student Cash Back. Each ranks higher on our use-case scoring model for first credit card.
What credit score do I need for the Brex Card?⌄
The Brex Card typically requires good credit. Approval also depends on income, existing debt, and application history — a score in the stated range doesn't guarantee approval.
Is the Brex Card's annual fee worth it for this use case?⌄
The Brex Card has no annual fee — there's no breakeven to clear, so any rewards earned on first credit card spending are pure profit.
Want the full card review?
See rewards, fees, and all perks of the Brex Card