What to Look for in a Student Credit Card
Before we dive into the list, here are a few key features to consider:
- No annual fee – Most student cards don’t charge one.
- Low interest rate (APR) – If you carry a balance, this matters.
- Rewards programs – Cash back or points on spending.
- Credit reporting – Helps build your credit score over time.
- Student benefits – Like rewards for good grades or no late fee forgiveness.
🏆 1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
⭐ Best for: Rotating Cashback Categories
Key Features:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories (like Amazon, restaurants, gas) up to a quarterly max (activation required)
- 1% back on all other purchases
- Cashback Match at the end of your first year (they match all cash back earned!)
- No annual fee
Pros:
- High cash back potential
- Excellent for building credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Rotating categories require activation
💼 2. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards
⭐ Best for: Dining and Entertainment
Key Features:
- 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming, and grocery stores
- 1% on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Pros:
- Ideal for social students
- Broad categories with unlimited rewards
Cons:
- Not ideal if you spend mostly on non-reward categories
💳 3. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
⭐ Best for: Simplicity and Chase Ecosystem
Key Features:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- $50 bonus after your first purchase
- Automatic credit limit increase after 5 on-time payments
- No annual fee
Pros:
- Reliable and straightforward
- Good path into Chase’s credit card ecosystem
Cons:
- Lower rewards compared to others
🔄 4. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
⭐ Best for: Flat-Rate Cash Back
Key Features:
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
Pros:
- No tracking categories
- Easy to earn rewards on all purchases
Cons:
- No bonus categories for higher cash back
🧾 5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
⭐ Best for: Travel Rewards
Key Features:
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- Points never expire
Pros:
- Great for study abroad or travel
- Simple rewards structure
Cons:
- Travel rewards may be less useful for students who don’t travel
🎁 6. Discover it® Student Chrome
⭐ Best for: Gas and Dining
Key Features:
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter)
- 1% on all other purchases
- Cashback Match in the first year
- No annual fee
Pros:
- Great starter card
- Useful categories for commuting students
Cons:
- Low category limits
🏦 7. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
⭐ Best for: International Students
Key Features:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- No SSN required for international students
- No annual or foreign transaction fees
- Amazon Prime Student subscription rebate
Pros:
- Tailored for international students
- Amazon Prime perk
Cons:
- No bonus categories
📚 8. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
⭐ Best for: Students Without Credit History
Key Features:
- 1%–1.5% cash back on all purchases (based on payment history)
- No annual fees, late fees, or foreign transaction fees
- Uses alternative data (banking history) for approval
Pros:
- No credit history required
- Encourages good payment habits
Cons:
- Not a traditional student card
- No bonus cash back categories
🧑🏫 9. Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One
⭐ Best for: Building Credit with On-Time Payments
Key Features:
- 1% cash back on all purchases, boosted to 1.25% with on-time payments
- No annual fee
- Automatic credit line reviews
Pros:
- Rewards good credit behavior
- Ideal for beginners
Cons:
- Lower base rewards rate
💼 10. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card for Students
⭐ Best for: Bonus Categories
Key Features:
- 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas, transit, streaming, and phone plans
- 1x points on all other purchases
- No annual fee
Pros:
- High rewards in everyday categories
- Point redemption flexibility
Cons:
- Must be a student to qualify
✅ How to Apply for a Student Credit Card
- Check your eligibility – Most require you to be 18+ and have income.
- Gather documentation – SSN, student ID, income source, etc.
- Apply online – Most student cards have quick online applications.
- Use responsibly – Pay your bill on time, keep your balance low.
🧠 Final Thoughts
A student credit card is a great way to build your financial future. With the right card, you can earn rewards, avoid fees, and establish strong credit while still in school. Choose the one that matches your lifestyle—whether it’s cash back on dining, travel points, or building credit without fees.
💡 Pro Tip: Always pay your full statement balance to avoid interest and keep your credit score healthy.