You don't say if you're a student, but if you are and you can get a parent to co-sign, I like the Discover Student Card for cash back rewards. But since you're only 18 and this is probably your first credit card, I recommend starting out with a secured card. With a secured card, you place a deposit in a savings account, and then that amount, less any fees, is your credit limit. You don't need any credit history and if you choose a secured card that reports to the credit bureaus, you can use it to build a good credit score.
My favorite in this category is the Public Savings Bank Secured Card. This card reports to all three major credit bureaus. You can deposit anywhere from $300 - $2,000. There's a one-time setup charge of $79, and there's also a $25 charge if you decide to increase your credit limit. There isn't an annual or a monthly maintenance fee, though, which some secured cards charge.
This card has an 11.24 percent APR, which is pretty low compared to other secured cards. You get a zero percent APR on purchases for the first six months. But I recommend you pay off the balance every month. Use this card as a tool to build a credit history so you can qualify for an unsecured card in the future. Building a good credit history can also help you qualify to rent an apartment and even get better rates on car insurance.
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