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Annual fee
$0
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Welcome offer
Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, with no minimum spending requirement or maximum rewards cap
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Introductory APR
0% intro APR on new purchases for the first 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months from date of first transfer (issuer’s standard variable APR applies after that)
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Rewards rate
- 5% cash back in rotating categories (grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more) up to the quarterly maximum, then 1%
- 1% on all other purchases
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Benefits
- Unlimited match of all the cash back you earn your first year
- No annual fee
Why we like it: The Discover it Student Cash Back card offers up to 5% cash back across rotating quarterly categories — from dining out, groceries, and streaming services to specific retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. If you max out the 5% rewards each quarter with $1,500 spent across rotating categories, you’ll earn $300 in cash back. After that, you’ll still earn 1% cash back on all other spending.
Let’s say you max out the $1,500 cap each quarter ($6,000 annually), and spend the remaining $10,903 from your estimated annual budget on purchases that earn 1% cash back. In total, you’d earn about $409 in cash back each year: $300 from 5% rewards and $109 on everything else.
With the Discover it Student Cash Back card’s Cashback Match welcome offer, you could also get an additional $409 at the end of your first year, for around $818 in overall cash back.
Read our full review of the Discover it Student Cash Back card
See how this student card stacks up against the secured version — read our full review of the Discover it® Secured Card
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Rewards rate
- 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Why we like it: The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards card is one of the best cards for students, thanks to its solid bonus categories with no spending cap on rewards.
You’ll get an unlimited 3% back on dining, entertainment purchases, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. If these purchases make up the bulk of your monthly budget — maybe you live off campus and don’t eat at dining halls, or you cover streaming subscriptions for your shared apartment — the Savor Student Cash Rewards card is a great option.
Even on a limited student budget, 3% cash back across everyday categories can quickly add up. Food costs make up about $4,351 of the College Board’s total budget estimate. At 3% cash back, you’ll earn $130 in dining rewards each year. Even if you only earn 1% cash back on the remaining $12,551 in your annual budget, you’ll get another $125 for a total $255 in annual cash back.
Read our full review of the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
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Annual fee
$0
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Welcome offer
Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, with no minimum spending requirement or maximum rewards cap
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Introductory APR
0% intro APR on purchases for the first 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months from date of first transfer (issuer’s standard variable APR applies after that)
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Rewards rate
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants up to $1,000 in combined spending quarterly (1% after that)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
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Benefits
- 0% intro APR can be useful for paying off large purchases
- No annual fee
- No credit score required to apply
Why we like it: The Discover it Student Chrome’s rewards categories can help lower the cost of regular expenses for off-campus students. Based on the College Board’s budget estimate, students spend about $4,351 on food and $2,876 on transportation, of their total $16,903 in annual expenses. If you eat most meals away from home (including fast food, takeout, and restaurant delivery) and drive your car between home, work, and school, you could rack up even more.
Let’s say you max out the combined $1,000 quarterly spending cap on 2% restaurant and gas station rewards, and earn $80 in annual bonus cash back. With 1% on your remaining $12,903 in annual spending, you’ll earn another $129 for a total $209 in cash back each year.
On top of ongoing rewards, the Discover it Student Chrome also has a great Cashback Match welcome offer for new cardholders, an introductory APR on purchases, and no annual fee.
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Annual fee
$0
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Welcome offer
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days
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Introductory APR
0% intro APR for your first 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (variable APRapplies after that; see issuer site for current APR)
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Purchase APR
See issuer site for current APR
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Rewards rate
- 3% cash back + 3% first-year cash back bonus in the category of your choice*
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- *Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (unlimited 1% after that); after the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum
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Benefits
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase
- Choose which category you want to earn 6% cash back in for the first year: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings
Why we like it: The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is a great way to maximize the purchases you make most as a college student. Start by comparing the 3% choice categories with your regular budget to find which one works best for you. If you’re a commuter, you might choose gas stations. If you’re not on your school’s dining plan and often order takeout on your way to class, you may get a lot more value from the dining category. You can also change your choice category monthly to fit changes in your spending throughout the year.
Let’s say you meet the $2,500 quarterly spending cap with $1,000 spent in your 3% choice category and $1,500 in the 2% grocery category. That’s a total of $10,000 in annual spending; based on the College Board’s estimated budget, you’ll still have $6,903 in non-bonus purchases that earn 1% cash back. Altogether, you’ll earn $240 in annual bonus cash back ($120 in your choice 3% category and $120 in the 2% grocery category) plus $69 in 1% cash back for a total of around $309 cash back each year.
This card also has an introductory 0% APR on new purchases (which can be a great way to finance big purchases without paying interest for several months), a solid cash welcome bonus, and no annual fee.
Read our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
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Annual fee
$0
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Welcome offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points if you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days
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Introductory APR
0% intro on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening for 15 billing cycles, after which the standard APR applies; see issuer site for current APR
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Purchase APR
See issuer site for current APR
Why we like it: If you’re planning to study abroad as a college student, a travel card like the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students can help you save on international travel costs (including foreign transaction fees).
This card has a simple rewards structure, earning an unlimited 1.5x points on every purchase. Based on the College Board’s estimated annual budget, you’ll earn 25,354 points each year, or over $253 in savings toward future travel expenses. You’ll also be able to redeem your points toward purchases at restaurants (including takeout) when you’re not traveling.
This card’s introductory 0% APR on new purchases may also be helpful for financing study abroad expenses. Just make sure you have a plan to pay off your balance in full by the end of the intro period, or you could risk taking on high-interest debt.
These are a few more credit cards you can benefit from as a student:
Why we like it: If you prefer simple credit card rewards, you may like the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card. With 1.5% flat-rate cash back on every purchase you make, you’ll get rewarded no matter what your regular purchases are. If, for example, your annual spending as a student aligns with the College Board’s low-budget total of $15,077 (after excluding housing costs) and you put those expenses on your Quicksilver Student card, you could earn a total of $226 in cash back each year. It also has a small cash welcome bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fee.
Read our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
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Annual fee
$0
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Welcome offer
None
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Purchase APR
25.24%
Why we like it: You can earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase with the Chase Freedom Rise. Based on the College Board spending estimate, that’s about $253 in cash back each year — with no annual fee.
But this card’s biggest advantage is the features that help encourage students to begin practicing good credit habits. To start, you’ll get a $25 statement credit when you enroll in automatic payment within the first three months (and stay enrolled for at least 90 days). This can help you avoid late payments and start building a positive payment history on your credit report. You’ll also get rewarded for continuing those good habits. Each year, Chase will automatically evaluate whether you qualify to upgrade to the regular Chase Freedom Unlimited® card based on your timely payments and card use.
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Benefits
- No annual or hidden fees; see if you’re approved in seconds
- Earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you follow best practices, such as making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit in six months with no additional deposit
Why we like it: A secured credit card can make a good choice for students looking to build credit, since they’re also designed to help you improve your credit score. Unlike student cards, secured cards require an up-front (often refundable) security deposit at account opening. We like the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card because it has some added flexibility. After approval for the card, you’ll be assigned either a $49, $99, or $200 security deposit; when you pay that deposit, you’ll get a $200 credit line — though you can choose to pay more for a higher credit limit, up to $1,000.
As you use your Capital One Platinum Secured, you can also benefit. After as little as six months, you’ll be automatically considered for a higher credit limit with no additional deposit, and over time you can qualify to get your security deposit back and upgrade to the unsecured version of the card. The Capital One Platinum Secured doesn’t come with any welcome offer or rewards, and you’ll pay no annual fee.
Read our full Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card review
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Rewards rate
- 10% or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com (with an eligible Prime membership)
- 5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases
- 2% at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- 1% on all other purchases (unlimited)
Why we like it: The Prime Visa is the only card on our list not specifically designed for college students. If you have no credit history, you may not qualify for this card. But if you’ve built credit as an authorized user on a family member’s card account or you’re an upperclassman who’s had a student card for a couple of years already, you may already have the credit to get approved while you’re in school.
For students who regularly shop with Amazon, the Prime Visa card can offer huge savings — on top of the Prime savings you already get as a student. The Prime membership required for the Prime Visa card typically costs $14.99 per month, or $139 per year. But as a student, you’re eligible for a discounted rate of $7.49 per month or $69 per year.
Based on the College Board’s estimated budget, students spend about $4,351 on food, $2,876 on transportation, and $9,675 on miscellaneous expenses each year. Let’s say you spend half of your food budget on groceries at Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods (5% cash back) and the other half on dining (2% cash back) for a total $152 cash back on food annually. Your transportation budget goes toward gas (2% cash back) for driving to and from campus; that’s another $57 cash back annually. Finally, about half of your miscellaneous expenses include everyday essentials, classroom supplies, and other purchases on Amazon.com. That $4,837 earns 5% cash back for a total $241 annually. Combined, you’d earn about $450 across these bonus categories in a year with the Prime Visa.
Read our full review of the Prime Visa card
Student credit cards are designed for college students, so you may need to provide proof of your enrollment when you apply, depending on your credit card issuer. You may have the option to change your student card to a similar nonstudent card or continue to use the existing card when you graduate.
While you’re in school, you can use a student credit card to make purchases and establish credit. Each month, you’ll get a credit card statement with an overview of your spending and a due date. You should pay at least the minimum required payment by this due date, though it’s smart to pay your full balance off each month. Any remaining balance after the due date passes will start to accrue interest. Credit card interest can quickly become expensive — some student cards charge interest rates of nearly 30%.
But as long as you pay at least the minimum on time, you can build credit. Your student credit card issuer reports your account information to the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). By paying on time and keeping your balances well below the credit limit, you’ll increase your credit score over time.
To avoid interest charges and build credit with a student credit card, make sure you pay on time and track your spending so you know you can afford to pay your full balance at the end of the month.
Read more: How college students can use credit cards responsibly
Before you apply for a student credit card, check these details:
Fees and interest rates
Credit cards designed for building credit can be costly. If you don’t have a strong credit history to show that you can make your payments on time, issuers may consider you a risky applicant — even if you know you can pay your bills.
Many cards available to students and others with limited credit or no credit history may have higher fees, including annual fees, initiation fees, monthly account fees, and more. They may also carry higher interest rates than other credit cards.
Read the fine print to find details about any fees you might take on and how often you’ll need to pay. If a card has an unusual amount of fees, much higher fees than its competitors, or hides fee notices behind dense language within a card agreement, it’s probably best to avoid that card.
If you’re under 21, it may be difficult to get approved for a credit card on your own. Under the law, credit card issuers cannot approve new cards for young adults between the ages of 18 and 20 unless they can prove they have the ability to make regular payments (generally based on income).
You may need a cosigner to help you open the account if you’re between the ages of 18 and 20 and you don’t have a regular income. This person will take responsibility for your credit card payments if you’re unable to make them yourself.
Before you apply, you can also check for preapproval offers from the issuer. This is a good way to see your chances of getting approved for student credit cards without a hard credit check (which can temporarily hurt your credit score).
Student credit cards aren’t known for flashy sign-up bonuses or high-value annual credits and benefits — those are typically reserved for rewards credit cards that require higher credit scores.
But credit cards for students can still help you earn great rewards and take advantage of valuable perks. Many student rewards cards will offer cash-back rewards, which you can redeem for a statement credit or direct deposit whenever you want. Some, instead, earn points or miles you can use to book travel or pay yourself back for travel purchases you make with your card.
Look for rewards categories that align with where you spend most. If you’re on a dining plan at your school, for example, you may not get the best value from a grocery rewards credit card. But if you drive to school and spend a lot of time commuting each week, rewards at gas stations may be most valuable for you.
Good student credit cards can act as stepping stones to higher-value, more lucrative credit card options. But you can also keep using your student card if you’re happy with the rewards you earn.
Check with your issuer to see if you’ll have the option to upgrade after graduation. If the issuer has other rewards credit cards you’re interested in, this could be a great way to access those rewards — if your account is in good standing and you have a proven history of good credit habits.
You can also continue to use your student credit card when you graduate. Choose a card today with solid cash-back or travel rewards that fit your spending, and you can benefit from it for years to come.
If you’re a student, opening a student credit card can be a great way to begin building credit. You’ll have the opportunity to earn rewards on your spending while you establish a good credit score that will allow you to apply for a loan, mortgage, and other financial products in the future.
There are some cases in which you may not want to open a student credit card, though.
For example, if you already have a credit history, you may be able to qualify for nonstudent cards already. A common way to build credit — even before age 18 — is by becoming an authorized user on a trusted loved one’s credit card account. Over time, the primary account holder’s positive payment history can help you (as the authorized user) build credit and eventually qualify for your own credit card.
You should also make sure you meet the requirements for a student card. You should be enrolled as a student at a university, community college, or other higher education institution. You must also be at least 18 to apply for your own credit card. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 21, you’ll need to prove that you have an independent source of income.
Practicing good credit habits with your student credit card now can help you unlock big financial milestones in the future. Great credit can help you qualify for better loan rates, qualify for a mortgage or get approved for an apartment, open even more rewarding credit cards, and more.
Here are some of the best ways to build credit with your student credit card:
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Pay on time. Credit cards often carry severe penalties for late payments. Late payment fees can cost up to $40, and even a single missed payment could result in an increased penalty APR for a specified period. Set up alerts or automatic payments with your issuer to ensure you always pay at least the minimum by your due date.
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Pay in full. Paying your balance in full is the only way to avoid credit card interest. There’s no benefit to carrying a balance month after month. In fact, it can cost you a lot of money over time, especially on credit-building cards with interest rates upwards of 20% APR.
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Keep your utilization low. Along with payment history, credit utilization is one of the most important factors in your credit score. This is the ratio of how much you charge to your card compared to your overall available credit. Aim to keep your utilization at 30% or below — on a card with a $1,000 limit, that’s about $300. This can be a challenge if you’re approved for a small credit limit or have a secured card, but as your credit score improves, you can often qualify for a higher limit and more flexibility.
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Track your credit progress. After opening your student credit card, you can access your credit score through your issuer. You’re also entitled to weekly free credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus via AnnualCreditReport.com. Track your credit score and credit report regularly to ensure you’re making progress toward your credit goals. You can also quickly spot and resolve any signs of fraud or mistakes on your report.
Another common way for students to build credit is by becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account. If you have a parent or loved one with good credit, they can designate you as an authorized user and help you build your credit score with access to their credit line.
As an authorized user, you’ll typically get your own card that’s connected to the other person’s account. But the primary cardholder is responsible for any balances you accrue, so you’ll need to work out how to separate payments (and any rewards earnings).
As an authorized user, you’ll build credit as the card account activity is reported to the credit bureaus each month. However, if the primary cardholder misses payments or pays late, you could suffer the consequences. This relationship requires trust on both sides; it’s important to only become an authorized user on a responsible family member or friend’s account with a solid credit history.
Still wondering how you can choose the best student credit card? These FAQs can help:
Student credit cards are specifically for college students who want to build credit. They may be easier for students with no credit history to qualify for and often offer rewards on everyday purchases for no annual fee.
Secured credit cards are another useful option for building credit. These cards require an up-front security deposit, making them more accessible for students with no credit. You can typically upgrade to an unsecured card and get your deposit back after you build a positive payment history.
There are several benefits that make it worth getting a credit card while you’re in school.
For one, you can build credit. Once you graduate, start your career, and have more income, you may want to buy a car or a house. Having great credit before you reach those financial goals can help you qualify for better loans with more competitive rates.
Another reason to get a credit card as a student is to start practicing good credit habits. You can get into the routine of paying a monthly credit card bill, learn about your credit limits and credit utilization, and practice spending only what you can afford.
If you’re under age 21, you’ll need to prove that you have an independent income source to make your card payments before you can get approved for a credit card. If you have no income, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to be your cosigner. They’ll take on the payment responsibility if you’re unable to pay your card balances.
Another option you may have as a student with no income is to become an authorized user on someone else’s card account. It’s important to find a trusted loved one who uses their card responsibly. You’ll get a card connected to their account and can make purchases while you build credit, but the main account holder is ultimately responsible for paying the balance.
If you’re looking for the best credit card for college students, take a look at your own financial situation, spending habits, and goals.
Do you have no credit history at all, or have you already built credit as an authorized user on someone else’s card? Are you planning to study abroad soon and want a card you can use internationally? Maybe this is your first year living off campus, and you’ll need your card for buying groceries or picking up your morning coffee.
For each of these scenarios, the best credit card can vary. Before you apply, compare different cards that might match the card details you’re looking for and can help set you up to save money now and build credit for the future.
American Express doesn’t currently offer any student credit cards or secured credit cards. You’ll generally need a good-to-excellent credit score (or a FICO Score of at least 670) for the best chances of qualifying for any Amex card today, which can be a challenge for students just starting to build credit.
If your goal is to open an American Express credit card for great rewards, annual perks, and more, consider using a student credit card to begin building credit, then apply for the Amex card you want once you have a solid credit history.
You won’t find a wide range of Chase student credit cards today, but one Chase card that students may qualify for is the Chase Freedom Rise®. This card is designed for credit building, but also offers a 1.5% cash-back rate on all purchases.
Each year, Chase will evaluate your account to determine whether you qualify to upgrade from the Chase Freedom Rise to the Chase Freedom Unlimited® — which comes with added rewards categories, benefits, and more. Plus, the same responsible payments that can qualify you for the upgrade will also help you increase your credit score, so you’ll be more likely to get approved for whichever Chase credit card best fits your goals.
We keep our search for the best student credit card simple by only evaluating credit cards designed for students. While students may also be able to qualify for secured credit cards, retail credit cards, and other credit-building card options, we want to find the best option specifically for college students.
After compiling more than a dozen student credit cards available today, we rate each one based on criteria that we believe can offer the most value for students looking to save money while they build credit. We use weighted rankings that prioritize certain criteria — such as annual fee, APR, and rewards — while still accounting for other factors like credit score access, the option to upgrade to a nonstudent card after graduation, and foreign transaction fees.
With these weighted ratings, our goal is to find the most rewarding student cards that cost the least to students while helping them build great credit scores for the future. Our final picks represent the cards that scored highest using this rubric.
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn’t include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
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