Credit Cards Student Credit Cards

Best Credit Cards for Students [2025] (+ Why You Might Want One)

Establishing credit while in school can help you create good money habits. Consider some of the best student credit cards available today, with options for earning cash back and travel rewards.

Updated Sept. 17, 2025
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Getting a credit card as a college student is doing your future self a massive favor, not only because using a credit card allows you to earn rewards on your spending, but also because building credit at an early age could help you achieve a good credit score sooner. And establishing responsible credit card habits now, with the safety and credit-building features of a student-friendly credit card, is better than waiting until there's more at stake.

Fortunately, there are many great credit cards you could get approved for as a college student. If you're in college and ready to start building credit, we've found the best credit cards for students. Our list includes options for earning flat-rate cash back or bonus rates on select spending categories, student cards with travel benefits, and more.

How we evaluate products

Compare the best student credit cards


Discover it® Student Cash Back

Good for maximizing rewards on varied spending as a college student

Excellent for high-rate cash back categories
4.75
info

on Discover’s website

Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match™ info
Rewards Rate
1% - 5% info
Cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • Great for 2 or 4 year college students wanting to earn elevated rewards on common spending categories with no annual fee

  • Don't need a credit score to be approved, so could be a good choice for first time credit card users

  • Good intro APR offer on purchases and generous welcome bonus

on Discover’s website

Recommended Credit info
Fair (580 - 669)
Card Details

With high cash back rates on all kinds of categories, the Discover it® Student Cash Back(Rates and fees) is an overachiever compared to many top student credit cards. It deserves a spot on any list of the best student credit cards because of its high earning potential and perks.

You can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. That's a very competitive rate for a card you could potentially qualify for with limited or even no credit, and it's one of few student cards offering so much potential value without an annual fee. It also provides a lucrative first-year Cashback Match™, meaning Discover will double all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year with no caps or caveats.

You do have to activate the rotating categories with this card, but Discover releases its bonus category calendar in advance, so you can plan ahead. The quarters often mostly align with college semesters, so you can think about the categories in terms of spending you'll need to do for classes, breaks, etc.

This card is forgiving if you're new to using and paying off a credit card, as Discover won't charge you a late fee or penalty APR for your first late payment (but you will pay a late fee of up to $41 after that).

Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • 0% foreign transaction fee
  • Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Cons
  • 5% rate on rotating categories when you activate is capped at $1,500 per quarter (then 1%)
  • Must be a college student enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university

Apply now | Read our Discover it Student Cash Back review.


Discover it® Student Chrome

Good for college students who buy gas and takeout

Financebuzz awards badge
2025 award winner Best Student Credit Card for Building Credit
4.55
info

on Discover’s website

Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match™ info
Rewards Rate
1% - 2% info
Cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • Ability to earn simple cash back rewards while building credit, all with no annual fee

  • Good intro APR offer on purchases and a generous welcome bonus

on Discover’s website

Recommended Credit info
Fair (580 - 669)
Card Details

You're already enrolled in hard classes. You're already spending a lot of time studying, working, learning how to live on your own, or all of the above. If you're looking for a credit card that doesn't feel like work, offering predictable and steady cash back, we recommend the Discover it® Student Chrome(Rates and fees).

The Discover it Student Chrome is similar to the Discover it Student Cash Back in that it has no annual fee and provides a cash back match at the end of your first year. But unlike the Discover it Student Cash Back, its categories don't change. You'll earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

If you're a college student living away from home, and you make the trip back for most holidays or long weekends, a card that earns consistently high rates on gas stations is smart. And for those times when you indulge in takeout because you're sick of the dining hall, you'll be glad to at least earn more cash back on your purchases.

Pros
  • No bonus categories that change or require activation
  • $0 annual fee
  • 0% foreign transaction fee
  • Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Cons
  • 2% rate is capped at $1,000 per quarter (then 1%)
  • Must be a college student enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university

Apply now | Read our Discover it Student Chrome review.

Perspectives
Lauren Graves
Lauren Graves
Editor

Lauren Graves is the Senior Updates Editor at FinanceBuzz and specializes in loans, banking, budgeting, debt, and credit cards. She aims to make the often intimidating topic of personal finance easier to understand for her readers. She's lent her expertise to publications like Money Under 30, Investor Junkie, and Saving for College, as well as top outlets such as Credible and the Wall Street Journal Buy Side.

My experience with this card

This was the first credit card I ever applied for, and I got it when I was a freshman in college. I got so much mileage out of this card by charging everything to it, and it made sense for me because I couldn't avoid paying for gas (as much as I wanted to) with hours-long trips back home, and I couldn't seem to avoid buying cheap takeout whenever I had a few bucks to spare.

It's possible I could have earned more cash back using a card with more activated categories, but I didn't want to think much more about the best ways to use my credit card beyond just staying responsible about my monthly payments and obsessing over my credit score. Plus, an unlimited cashback match at the end of your first year is no joke.


Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Good for earning rewards on fun and food

Financebuzz awards badge
2025 award winner Best Student Credit Card For Living Off Campus
5.0
info

on Capital One’s website

Welcome Bonus
$50 info
Cash Bonus
Rewards Rate
1% - 8% info
Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • Earn elevated cash back rewards on fun purchases like entertainment and dining while building your credit

  • Earn up to $500 a year referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card

  • No annual, foreign transaction, or hidden fees

on Capital One’s website

Recommended Credit info
Fair (580 - 669)
Card Details

If you're a college student living in a town with loads of fun activities and events to offer, and no shortage of drool-worthy food, you don't need us telling you what to spend your money on. What you do need is a card that'll reward your spending naturally. The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) fits the bill. It offers 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal; unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 3% on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®); and 1% on all other purchases.

Even if you only attend a concert or two a year, or you book your spring break trip through Capital One Travel, this card could provide more value to you than a card with different bonus categories or a higher flat earn rate. Like many of the best student credit cards, you could qualify for this one even with fair or no credit.

If you travel outside of the country or plan to study abroad while you're in college, you'll also appreciate that this card, like Discover student cards, has no foreign transaction fees.

Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Offers lucrative welcome and referral bonuses
  • Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Cons
  • No intro APR offers on balance transfers or purchases
  • Must be a college student enrolled in an eligible college or university

Apply now | Read our Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Card review.


Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Good for students who want simple cashback rewards

Financebuzz awards badge
2025 award winner Best Student Credit Card
4.75
info

on Capital One’s website

Welcome Bonus
$50 info
Cash Bonus
Rewards Rate
1.5% - 5% info
Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • Ability to build your credit while earning simple cash back rewards

  • Protections like $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized transactions and the ability to lock a lost or stolen card in the Capital One Mobile app

  • No annual, foreign transaction, or hidden fees

on Capital One’s website

Recommended Credit info
Fair (580 - 669)
Card Details

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) is easy and straightforward, making it an excellent option for students who want to think about earning cash back as little as possible. It offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; plus unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

If you're looking at that rate and wondering why you would choose this card over a card earning a higher cash back rate on more categories, the reason is this: most cash back cards earn a base rate of 1% on all purchases. Even the small boost the Quicksilver Student card offers can make a big difference if you're using your card for all of your spending.

Plus, this is a Capital One card. That means it comes with travel benefits you won't find with every student card. Besides the higher earn rate on Capital One Travel bookings, it includes no foreign transaction fees.

Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Offers lucrative welcome and referral bonuses
Cons
  • No intro APR offers on balance transfers or purchases
  • Must be a college student enrolled in an eligible college or university

Apply now | Read our Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card review.


Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students

Good for earning cash back on varied spending

Excellent for top-notch rewards for students
4.75
info

on Bank of America’s website

Welcome Bonus
$200 info
Rewards Rate
1% - 6% info
Cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • Great for students who want to maximize their cash back by choosing their top spending category.

  • Long intro APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, which is rare to find for student cards.

  • Ability to earn a $200 cash rewards bonus , all with no annual fee.

on Bank of America’s website

Recommended Credit info
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Card Details

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students offers one of the best takes on a student card with bonus categories for people who value flexibility. We've included it on this list because, unlike cards like the Discover it® Student Cash Back, which have rotating categories that are out of your control, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students lets you choose the category you want to earn the most cash back in.

With this student credit card, you can earn:

  • 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (and 3% after the first year from account opening in your choice category)
  • 2% cash back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter)
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

Eligible 6% or 3% categories include gas and EV charging, online shopping (a rare category for cash back credit cards), dining, travel, drug stores, and home improvement and furnishings. So if your spending tends to vary and you need a student credit card that can flex with you, consider this one.

Unfortunately, this card isn't a good choice for beginners or students with no credit history at all, as it's recommended for those with good-to-excellent credit.

Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
  • Many common and uncommon spending categories available for high cash back rates
Cons
  • At least good credit is recommended
  • Quarterly spending caps for highest cash back rates
  • 3% foreign transaction fee

Apply now | Read our Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students review


Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

Good for college students who travel

Excellent for straightforward travel rewards for students
4.8
info

on Bank of America’s website

Welcome Bonus
25,000 info
Points
Rewards Rate
1.5X - 3X info
Points
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • Earn unlimited rewards with no annual fee or foreign transaction fee while building your credit.

  • Long intro APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, which is rare to find for student cards.

  • Ability to book travel how and where you want as points are redeemable as a statement credit for travel or dining.

on Bank of America’s website

Recommended Credit info
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Card Details

Consider the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students if you travel often, as this is one of the only student credit cards you'll find that earns travel rewards. It earns 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. That best rate is competitive with the best travel credit cards and especially impressive when you remember that the card has no annual fee.

Compared to traditional credit cards, this card doesn't skimp on the earning potential, even though it's designed for students. Its rewards rate also makes it easy to earn points when you're not traveling, so it's pretty low maintenance to get the most out of.

We'd recommend this card if you're comfortable booking travel through a card issuer's travel portal, since that's how you'll unlock the highest earn rate. But when it comes time to redeem your points, you can only cash out for statement credits, which you could consider to be helpfully simple or somewhat limiting. For comparison, other travel cards let you redeem your points to book travel directly.

Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR offers on new purchases and balance transfers
  • Excellent welcome offer
Cons
  • At least good credit is recommended
  • Must book travel through Bank of America Travel Center to qualify for highest rate
  • Limited redemption options compared to other cards

Apply now | Read our Bank of America Travel Rewards Card for Students review.


How to get a credit card as a student

It's typically as simple as applying for one. Student credit cards are designed for young adults who have little or no credit history. For that reason, they typically have less strict eligibility requirements.

So even if you've never had a credit product before, you could still qualify for a student credit card.

Student credit card application requirements

Different credit card applications tend to have the same basic requirements, even if there might be a few small differences depending on the specific card and card issuer. In general, you have to provide:

  • Personal information, including your full name, address, and phone number
  • Whether you're a U.S. citizen
  • Whether you're a student
  • Student information, which could include your expected graduation date or year in college
  • Your employment status
  • Your total gross income
  • Your monthly housing/rent debt

As mentioned above, the requirements could vary depending on the specific application and credit card issuer. 

How to compare student credit cards

Comparing credit cards is a bit of a challenge. With all of the options available, how do you find a suitable credit card for your needs? We've broken down some of the important factors to consider when deciding which card is right for you.

Annual fee

Some credit cards come with an annual fee. Credit cards typically charge this fee in exchange for extra rewards and perks or because the borrower has bad credit. This fee is added to your bill and may gather interest if it isn't paid in full each month. While many credit card annual fees are under $100, some can range higher.

If you're considering a card with a fee, decide if the extra benefits outweigh the costs. Or, if you have poor credit and can't get approved for another card, the fee may be worth it in order to build credit.

Foreign transaction fees

A foreign transaction fee is what your credit card issuer charges for foreign currency purchases made with your card. To process these foreign transactions, your credit card company might charge a percentage of the purchase, usually between 1 to 3%. If you plan to remain in the U.S. for the duration of your studies, this may not be an issue. However, if you plan to travel or study abroad, then you should note whether or not your credit card charges you foreign transaction fees.

Reports to all three credit bureaus

There are three primary credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — that store and gather your financial data. Lenders use this information to determine if they're willing to lend you money for a house or car — or for you to open a credit account.

Almost all major credit cards report to all three bureaus on at least a monthly basis. Still, it's a good idea to check your credit score regularly to make sure your card and payments are being reported correctly. Since the purpose of a student credit card is to establish and build credit, you want to ensure your good credit history is properly documented. You can easily check your credit score for free through a service like Credit Karma.

Card benefits

Depending on your personal situation, there may be certain factors you want to consider in choosing the best student credit card. 

  • Welcome offers: It's not typical that a student credit card offers a sign-up bonus or welcome offer for new cardholders soon after account opening, but some do. Qualifying for a welcome offer could greatly boost your earning potential within the first few months as a new cardmember.
  • Earning potential: For earning rewards on new purchases in specific categories, you may want a card that offers a rewards rate on the kind of spending you do over the course of the school year. For example, a card that provides bonus cash back or points on groceries. If your spending tends to vary between categories, a flat-rate rewards card for everyday purchases might make more sense.
  • Card benefits: Credit cards can have different types of perks and benefits, such as mobile app integration or being able to use travel or dining credits after benefit enrollment. In some cases, like if you plan to travel, you might want to choose between different card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. Remember to compare benefits between cards to find what works best for your personal situation and financial goals.

Why you should build credit as a student

Having good credit can impact several areas of your life, including your employment status (some employers will check your credit score); the price you pay for services, such as your phone bill; your likelihood to be approved for a mortgage or a car loan; and more.

Here are a few things having a great credit score can help you accomplish:

  • Rental approval
  • Lower utility bill costs
  • Loan approvals
  • Lower interest rates
  • Lower insurance premium payment amounts
  • Credit card approval
  • Career advancement

While it's tempting to wait until after college to start building credit, you may want to begin as soon as possible. Length of credit history is an important factor in your credit score. Length of credit history takes into account how long you've had credit and the average age of all your accounts. Establishing a credit history early can help you ace this part of your credit score.

Opening your first credit card as a student is a great way to establish your credit early, as long as you can commit to making your monthly payments on time and in full. (Payment history is another important factor in your credit score.) Credit card companies know that many students want to work toward financial security, so many of them offer credit cards tailored to those students.

Warning
Student credit cards are typically for beginners to credit cards, but they can still lead to credit card debt. Watch out for high variable APRs and interest charges, and work on keeping your credit utilization low if you want to help improve your credit score.

FAQs

What is the best credit card for a college student with no credit?

Many college students have limited or no credit history. But that doesn't mean you can't get approved for a student credit card. The best card for you depends on many factors, like the categories you spend the most money on, your current credit history, and how much effort you want to spend maximizing categories. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a great student credit card for nearly everyone.

Can I get a student credit card without a job?

Yes! It is possible to get a credit card without a job — with some stipulations. Generally, you must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a credit card and if you're under 21 you'll need to provide proof of your financial assets or income. Otherwise, you'll need to have a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult co-sign on the credit card for you.

You'll also most likely need to provide your Social Security number. If you are an international student and you don't have a Social Security number, you may still have options when it comes to applying for a student credit card. Be sure to call the credit card issuer and find out what their requirements are.

What's a good credit score for a college student?

The FICO score is the most commonly used metric to rate credit. According to the FICO scale, a "good" credit rating is between 670-739 for anyone, including students.

How can a college student build credit?

Your credit score is determined by factors like how long your credit history is, how much of your currently available credit line you are utilizing, and whether or not you have a history of late payments. It can seem like a bit of a challenge to build your credit history if no one will give you credit because you don't have a history.

If you have no credit or a limited credit history and need a place to start to build your score, consider getting added to someone else's card as an authorized user

You may also consider getting a secured credit card instead of a regular credit card (also known as an unsecured credit card). Secured cards typically don't check your credit report or have very lenient credit history requirements. Instead, you'll need to put down a security deposit that is equal to the credit line you are given.

Can I get a student credit card if I just graduated?

Usually not. Each credit card issuer requires proof that you're enrolled in school, but each also has different definitions. For some cards you must provide proof you're attending a 2- or 4-year college, while others only check to make sure you meet the income and credit minimums. If you already have a student card when you graduate, some issuers will allow you to keep your student card, but others require that you change to a different card or upgrade your card once you're no longer a student.

Are student credit cards worth it?

They're worth it because they could help you build your credit history while you're in school. That could lead to better financial opportunities after graduation, such as qualifying for a car loan or mortgage. It also helps that student credit cards are typically easy to qualify for since they have less strict requirements.

Bottom line

Student credit cards offer convenience, potential rewards, and the benefit of helping you build credit. 

Part of being a student is working toward the future you envision for yourself. This means practicing skills both inside and outside the classroom. Your financial education and learning to build a good credit score are part of your college years as well. You may already have a bank account and a debit card, but applying for a credit card could be the right next step for you when it comes to your personal finances. 

Just remember that unlike a debit card, you can spend more than you are capable of paying for when you use a credit card. Start your credit history on a good foot by spending responsibly and always paying at least your minimum payment by the due date.

Cash Back for Those New to Credit
4.75
info

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Current Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details