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Students can establish good credit habits while also earning an unlimited 1.5x points on every purchase with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. In addition, the card includes a generous welcome bonus, as well as an intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for new cardholders
In college, students are building a solid foundation for their careers and learning how to manage their money away from home. With the best student credit cards, college students can build credit, earn rewards and receive additional perks. To choose the best credit cards for students, we reviewed each card’s features to ensure they match the needs of today’s students.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: 25,000 bonus points
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has many of the same benefits of its nonstudent version, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card. It has a generous sign-up bonus of 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Its $0 annual fee, long intro APR and elevated rewards rate make this an excellent choice for college students traveling or studying abroad. Plus, you won’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees, as there are none.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: Earn up to 3% on a category of your choice
When you’re a college student, it’s a good idea to get a head start on building a positive credit history. The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is a no-fee card that can help you build credit and earn rewards. The card offers a good cash back rate in popular spending categories, and cardholders can earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 5% cash back on rotating categories
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a no-annual-fee card that offers more generous rewards than many student credit cards. It’s designed for students looking to establish and build their credit through responsible card usage, so you won’t even need a credit score to apply. Students can also track their credit progress with Discover’s free Credit Scorecard tool.
Discover also offers a unique sign-up bonus for new cardmembers: the Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students offers a long intro APR. This intro APR offer allows students to focus on studying while paying down their purchases or balance transfers over time. The card also earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and a solid welcome bonus.
But while it offers many appealing benefits, it may not be the right fit if you plan to study abroad — it does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee. In addition, balance transfers must occur within the first 60 days in order to qualify for the intro APR and a balance transfer fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% will apply.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1.5% cash back on every purchase
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good credit card for students who want to build credit and prefer a simple cash back program from a no-annual-fee card. You can earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
The card has no foreign transaction fees — which makes this card ideal for students who plan to study abroad or take international trips.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card has a $0 annual fee — and unlike many secured credit cards, it offers cash back rewards, which can help students get more bang for their buck. This card is a good option for anyone looking to build credit, not just college students.
Since it’s a secured card, you will have to put down a security deposit of at least $200 that’ll also serve as your credit limit. However, Discover offers automatic account reviews starting at seven months to see if you qualify to graduate to an unsecured credit card. So if you keep your account in good standing, you could potentially have your deposit refunded in less than a year.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a $0-annual-fee card that offers a high rewards rate on dining, groceries and entertainment — which are common high-spend categories for many students.
Cardholders earn 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: Unlimited cash back match
The Discover it® Student Chrome could be a good fit for students looking to earn an elevated cash back rate on gas purchases. You can earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Plus, like other Discover cards, the Discover it® Student Chrome matches your rewards at the end of the first year for new cardholders, making it an especially good deal in the first year.
Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Recommended Credit Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion | |
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Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
Review Coming Soon
|
4.9
Overall winner (and best travel credit card)
|
25,000 points | 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. | Good / Excellent | Review Coming Soon |
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students*
|
Customizable cash back
|
$200 cash rewards | 3% cash back in the category of your choice. 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases. 1% cash back on all other purchases. | Good / Excellent | |
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Rotating cash back categories
|
N/A | Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically | Limited / Fair |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students*
Review Coming Soon
|
4.7
Flat rate cash back rewards
|
$200 cash rewards | 1.5% cash back on all purchases | Good / Excellent | Review Coming Soon |
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Flat rate cash back rewards (runner-up)
|
$50 Cash Back | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) | Limited / Fair |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Secured credit card
|
N/A | 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically | Limited / Poor |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Dining, entertainment, and groceries
|
$50 Cash Back | 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases | Limited / Fair |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Discover it® Student Chrome
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Gas
|
N/A | 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically | Limited / Fair |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Student credit cards can operate just like regular credit cards, allowing students to earn rewards and take advantage of intro APR offers. Although student cards are usually easier to qualify for, they tend to have fewer benefits and lower credit limits than regular credit cards.
Even students with limited or no credit history can get approved, but they’ll most likely need to show proof of enrollment. Access to credit allows students the opportunity to build credit and develop good financial habits, as long as they’re careful to avoid overspending.
Since many students are new to credit, it’s important that they understand how to use credit cards effectively. Responsible student credit cardholders can develop good habits and avoid mistakes that can have a lasting impact on their finances.
PAY YOUR BILL ON TIME EACH MONTH
Your payment history is the biggest factor that affects your credit score. It makes up 35% of your FICO credit score, which is the type of score used by 90% of top lenders. That means just paying your bills on time (or early) each month can help you build credit. It’ll also help you avoid late fees and may help reduce interest payments. Even if you can’t afford to pay your entire balance one month, at least make the minimum payment to avoid late fees and negative marks on your credit.
DON'T CHARGE MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD TO PAY
When you’re first starting out with a student credit card, it can be tempting to spend money without worrying about how you’ll pay it back. However, it’s always best to start small with credit and only charge purchases you can afford to pay off right away. This will help you build positive credit habits you’ll need later in life.
Of course, there may be situations where you can’t afford to pay your balance in full. In that case, you should strive to pay off as much as you can, even if you have to make multiple payments throughout the month.
STAY WELL BELOW YOUR CREDIT LIMIT
The second most important factor in your FICO Score is the amount you owe in relation to your credit limit. This factor is known as your credit utilization ratio and counts for 30% of your score. Generally speaking, it’s always best to keep your utilization below 30% of your available credit. For example, if you have a credit limit of $1,000, you should keep your balance under $300.
CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE FREQUENTLY
Check your credit score for free with LendingTree Spring. With Spring, you can check your credit score without getting a hard inquiry on your credit report.
In addition, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the three major credit bureaus to provide individuals with a free annual credit report. You can get a free credit report from each of the major bureaus once a week by going to AnnualCreditReport.com. Plus, you’re also entitled to receive one any time a company takes adverse action against you, like rejecting an application for a credit card or loan.
There are a few key differences between student credit cards and typical credit cards that aren’t targeted at college students. Student credit cards are typically easier to get, but come with lower credit limits than credit cards marketed to people with a more extensive credit history.
Since students generally have less experience managing credit products, card issuers tend to compensate for that risk by keeping credit limits low. Once you’ve proven yourself more creditworthy — by paying on time every time and keeping your balance under control — you may be able to ask your issuer to upgrade you to another card. You can also request a credit limit increase on your existing card or apply for a new card.
Student credit cards | Regular credit cards |
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The best credit cards for college students will typically have the following:
When comparing the best student credit cards, consider which perks and features are most important to you. If you’re looking for a card that earns rewards, choose one that offers bonus points in the categories you spend the most. For example, the Discover it® Student Cash Back has quarterly rotating bonus categories, while the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students lets you select one bonus category each month to earn its top cash back rate.
For cards that include a welcome bonus, make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement without going into debt or blowing your budget. Fortunately, the spending requirement for student credit card sign-up bonuses are typically on the lower end.
It can be intimidating to apply for your first credit card as a student, especially if you have limited credit history. Luckily, student credit cards are geared for applicants who are new to credit, which means it’s easier to get approved. You can boost your approval odds by taking steps to build your credit before you apply.
After deciding which card is right for you, follow these steps to apply for a credit card:
If a student credit card isn’t ideal for your situation, you should know that there are several alternatives to consider. The following options can help you build credit in lieu of a student credit card.
SECURED CREDIT CARD
If you have poor credit or no credit, a secured credit card can help you turn your situation around. While secured credit cards require a security deposit to secure your line of credit, they report your credit movements to the three credit bureaus in order to help you boost your score.
Many secured credit cards also offer rewards for spending with no annual fee, and you can get your security deposit back when you close your account or upgrade it in good standing.
BECOME AN AUTHORIZED USER
You can also look into becoming an authorized user on another person’s credit card, like a parent, spouse or other trusted family member. This step can help you piggyback off the good credit and responsible use of the primary cardholder.
Just remember that there are risks involved in being an authorized user for both you and for the primary cardholder, who is ultimately responsible for repayment.
STORE CREDIT CARDS
Store credit cards from retailers, like Lowe’s or Kohl’s, can also help you build credit. It’s often easier to get approved for a retail card than a traditional credit card. The downside of store cards, however, is that you can only use them with a single store or certain store brands.
That said, some store cards (like the Prime Visa from Amazon) are offered by card networks like Visa and Mastercard, so you can use this kind of store card nearly anywhere. Still, store cards that work on major credit card networks are also often more difficult to qualify for.
DEBIT CARD
If you just want a way to make purchases without using cash, you can also use a debit card that’s connected to your bank account. But remember, debit card usage won’t help build your credit score, as your payments won’t be reported to any of the major credit bureaus. You’re also less likely to earn rewards with a debit card.
To determine the best student credit cards, we considered rewards programs, sign-up bonuses and accessibility for students with no credit or limited credit histories.
All of the cards on this list are aimed at college students and can help cardholders build credit history — plus, none of them charge an annual fee. We also considered any useful features a card might have, like cell phone protection plans or other perks. Learn more about how we calculate the value of credit cards here.
Many of the cards listed in this article are fine choices for your first credit card. For more options, see our list of best credit cards for beginners. Be aware, however, that no card offers guaranteed approval. When you apply, the issuer will consider a variety of factors, including your income, your credit score and how much debt you’re carrying.
Generally speaking, you cannot pay federal student loans with a credit card. Some private companies will allow you to make student loan payments with a credit card, but it’s not usually a good idea — credit cards usually have higher interest rates than student loans.
While the credit cards with the best benefits and rewards typically require a good or excellent credit history, there are cards available for people with no credit. Cards designed for college students, like the ones listed in this article, are a good place to start.
In general, the best credit cards for college students don’t charge an annual fee and earn rewards where the student spends the most. If you need extra time to pay off purchases or high-interest debt, an intro APR offer can reduce or eliminate interest charges as you make payments. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students checks all these boxes and includes a generous welcome bonus for new customers.
Legally, you’ll need to be 18 years old and have a source of income to qualify for a credit card. For college students who meet these requirements, a credit card can be a useful tool to build credit — which will be important when you’re renting an apartment, getting a car loan and even for some job applications.
You may be able to continue using your student credit card after graduation— some issuers some issuers, like Discover, may even upgrade you to the nonstudent version of your card. That said, you should consider looking at other credit cards once you’ve built up your credit score in the “good” range or have a FICO Score of 670 or higher. At that point, you may be able to qualify for one of the best credit cards, which have better rewards and perks.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students and Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
Lee Huffman spent 18 years as a financial planner and corporate finance manager before quitting his corporate job to write full-time in 2018. Lee has been writing about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance and other personal finance topics since 2012. He enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less and live better through the power of travel rewards. When Lee is not getting his passport stamped around the world, he’s researching methods to earn more miles and points toward his next vacation.
His writing can be found on many popular travel and credit card websites such as The Points Guy, Forbes Advisor and NerdWallet. You can follow Lee’s travels at BaldThoughts.com or listen to his weekly travel podcast at WeTravelThere.com.
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