Verdict · Updated April 2026
SoFi Credit Card for First Credit Card
The SoFi Credit Card is a solid pick for first credit card — ranked #16 of 47 eligible cards. It's a reasonable choice but not the category leader; check the alternatives below before committing.
Rank #16 of 4767th percentileSolid option — check alternatives
Reviewed by CardCompare Editorial Board
|Data-driven ranking|Updated April 2026
SoFi Credit Card
SoFi · No annual fee
SoFi's fintech credit card offers an impressive 2% unlimited cashback when you redeem into a SoFi checking/savings account or invest it (including crypto). No annual fee, no FTF, no late fees, and no BT fees — the fee structure is the cleanest in the market. You can buy crypto directly with your rewards.
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
$194
Annual fee
$0
Net value
$194
Easy approvalZero feeSimple rewardsReports to all 3 bureaus
Where the SoFi Credit Card wins for first credit card
- Zero annual fee — no fixed cost to worry about
- Simple reward structure — easy to maximize without category tracking
Where it falls short
- Typically requires good credit — may deny thin-file applicants
- No intro 0% APR and a high regular APR (27.49%) — carrying a balance is expensive
Top 3 alternatives for first credit card
Cards that rank higher than or close to the SoFi Credit Card on our first credit card scoring model.
How the SoFi Credit Card performs for other use cases
Frequently asked questions
Is the SoFi Credit Card a good card for first credit card?⌄
The SoFi Credit Card is a solid pick for first credit card — ranked #16 of 47 eligible cards. It's a reasonable choice but not the category leader; check the alternatives below before committing.
How much can I earn with the SoFi Credit Card on first credit card spending?⌄
At the typical first credit card spending profile of $9,720/year, this card earns approximately $194 in rewards — net $194 after the $0 annual fee.
What are better alternatives to the SoFi Credit 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 SoFi Credit Card?⌄
The SoFi Credit 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 SoFi Credit Card's annual fee worth it for this use case?⌄
The SoFi Credit 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 SoFi Credit Card