Was she denied for the Capital One Journey? I'd be genuinely surprised if she was. No annual fee, typically very low starting credit limits, and earns 1% back on all purchases which can be boosted to 1.25% back if statements are paid on time. It's marketed almost exclusively towards students and those rebuilding their credit.
This was/is my first card. I applied without a cosigner and at the time had absolutely no credit history and a small income (from working while in school), but was approved with a $200 credit limit, which was boosted to $500 and then $1000 after a few cycles of paying it off in full. After I graduated, I converted it into a Quicksliver card which I still carry today (well over a decade on it now).
At my recommendation my wife (then girlfriend) was also able to obtain a Journey card under similar circumstances (absolutely no credit history).