Chase Freedom: "I have a short credit history, and though the Freedom has a solid rewards program (5% cash back on rotating bonus categories) it appears to be thin-file-friendly. It also has no annual fee, so it's ideal for anyone looking to boost their credit score."
Consumers Credit Union debit card: "Free rewards checking account earns 3.09% APY on the first $5,000 of your account balance, and reimburses your ATM fees (you do have to meet minimum usage requirements to qualify). Though I'm not in Illinois, between direct deposit and ATM fee reimbursements, I can use this card fee-free."
Lake Michigan Credit Union debit card: "Another great credit union, LMCU's Max Checking account offers 3% APY on up to $15,000. It, too, reimburses ATM fees (up to $15 a month) if you meet the usage requirements."
WILDCARD: "I've also been meaning to get the American Express Blue Cash Preferred, since the bulk of my spending goes toward groceries, and that card earns 6% cash back at supermarkets."