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If you’re a student without established credit, there are still plenty of credit cards that you can qualify for. Then, once you’ve improved your credit score by using a credit card responsibly, it can be easier to upgrade to one of the best credit cards that earn lucrative rewards.
Some of the larger banks offer credit cards that are specifically geared to students, and many don’t require a deposit like secured credit cards (although those are an option for young adults, too).
The Best Student Credit Cards of March 2023
Here are the top student credit cards to consider if you’re new to credit — but if you’ve already got a good credit score and a credit history under your belt, you may want to check out our guides to the best cash-back credit cards and best no-annual-fee credit cards as well.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
The Best Student Credit Cards
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair, Limited
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.24% – 29.24% Variable
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Intro offer
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair, Limited
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.24% – 29.24% Variable
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
Rewards
3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%. 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
Rewards
3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%. 1% cash back on all other purchases.
On Bank of America’s website
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Details
Rewards
3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%. 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
16.99% – 26.99% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
On Bank of America’s website
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
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Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
16.99% – 26.99% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Intro offer
25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases)
Rewards
Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Intro offer
25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases)
Rewards
Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases
On Bank of America’s website
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Details
Rewards
Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases
Intro offer
25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases)
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
16.99% – 26.99% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account
Chase Freedom® Student credit card
Intro offer
$50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases
Chase Freedom® Student credit card
Intro offer
$50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases
Chase Freedom® Student credit card
Details
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases
Intro offer
$50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.24% Variable
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Details
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Fair/New to Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
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Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.24% – 26.24% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Discover it® Student chrome
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Discover it® Student chrome
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Discover it® Student chrome
Details
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Fair/New to Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
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Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.24% – 26.24% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Intro offer
one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card
Rewards
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Intro offer
one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card
Rewards
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Details
Rewards
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Intro offer
one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card
Recommended Credit
Limited, No Credit
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
22.99% Variable
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. (Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month)
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. (Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month)
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Details
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. (Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month)
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair and Limited
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
29.74% Variable
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Details
Rewards
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card is issued by WebBank.
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Recommended Credit
No credit and limited credit to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.49% – 31.49% Variable
Methodology: How We Chose the Best Student Credit Cards
We looked at several factors when evaluating the top student credit cards that are currently available to new applicants:
- Simplicity — Does the card make it easy to redeem rewards, if any, and have a straightforward program? Are there lots of complicated terms and conditions?
- Earning potential — Does the card earn rewards, and do the bonus categories line up with typical student spending habits?
- Welcome bonus — Student cards that offer a sign-up bonus or other incentives are appealing, especially for those on a tight budget who could use a rewards boost.
- Options for different types of students — We included cards that appeal to all kinds of users, from products with a 0% APR offer to travel points and cash-back credit cards.
Learn more about how we review credit cards, and how we review and rate personal finance products in general.
Compare the Best Student Credit Cards
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
$200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%. 1% cash back on all other purchases.
25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases)
Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases
$50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you’ll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. (Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month)
Student Credit Cards FAQs
Applying for your first credit card is an exciting milestone regardless of age, but young adults can find it hard to get approved with limited income and credit history. Some parents add their children as credit card authorized users while they’re still minors to get a head start on building credit, but this strategy isn’t a good fit for everyone.
Opening a student credit card is a great first step in building a solid credit history that will help you in years to come. As long as you use it responsibly, avoid carrying a balance, and make your payments on time, having a student credit card can help improve your credit score and make it easier to qualify for other types of credit, like loans and mortgages, in the future.
However, if you don’t have the resources to make payments or are afraid you may overspend on a credit card, it’s best to wait until you’re in a better financial position.
Student credit cards are designed for those who have a limited or no credit history, so they’re typically easier to get approved for than regular credit cards. Other options include secured credit cards, which require a cash deposit, and starter credit cards, which are also geared toward folks who are building or rebuilding their credit.
The best student credit card for you really depends on your spending habits and the types of rewards you like to earn. For example, if you spend a lot on dining, groceries, and entertainment, a card like the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card would be a great fit because it offers bonus rewards in those categories.
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, flat-rate rewards cards such as the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card or Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students could be a better pick.
You should also consider the card’s extra benefits, like no foreign transaction fees (if you travel abroad a lot) and purchase protections (if you spend on big-ticket items) before you decide on the right one for your wallet.
You must be at least 18 years old to get your own credit card, regardless of whether you’re in high school or college. If you’re underage, you could still become an authorized user on a parent or guardian’s credit card until you’re old enough to apply for your own.
After you graduate, your card issuer may convert your student credit card into an equivalent, regular credit card. For instance, Discover it® Student Cash Back cardholders will have the Discover it® Cash Back card instead, but still earn the same rewards.
You might also have the opportunity to upgrade your student card to a regular version that earns better rewards, depending on your issuer and credit profile.
Keep in mind there’s no harm in keeping a student credit card open after you graduate, especially if it doesn’t charge an annual fee. In fact, keeping no-annual-fee cards open for the long term can help improve your credit score by increasing the average length of your credit history.
Best for Bonus Cash Back in Student-Friendly Categories
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great pick for students who spend a lot on dining, groceries, entertainment, and eligible streaming services. You’ll earn 3% cash back in these categories with no limits, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
You can earn a $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening. That’s a low minimum spending requirement that most students can easily reach.
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card also offers very good benefits for a no-annual-fee student card, including:
- Price protection***
- Extended warranty***
- Car rental coverage***
- Roadside dispatch***
- Travel accident insurance***
- Complimentary concierge services
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Student Credit Card Review
Best Flat-rate Cash Back Earning
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
If you’re a student with no time to keep track of bonus categories and prefer straightforward cash back on all your purchases, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good choice. The welcome offer is $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening.
With this card, you can earn a lot of cash back quickly — all eligible purchases earn 1.5% back, with no caps. It also comes with benefits you don’t often find on student credit cards, including:
- Price protection***
- Extended warranty***
- Car rental coverage***
- Roadside dispatch***
- Travel accident insurance***
- Complimentary concierge services
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card Review
Best for Choosing Your Own Bonus Category
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students offers one of the most generous welcome bonuses of any student credit card. Like its grown-up equivalent (the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
), new cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
The card’s other compelling feature is the ability to customize the category in which you earn the most rewards. You can choose to earn 3% back on gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement/furnishings on up to $2,500 in spending (combined with the 2% categories of groceries and wholesale clubs, then 1%) each quarter, and you can change your 3% category selection once per month.
New cardholders receive a 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (then a 16.99% – 26.99% Variable APR). That’s handy if you’ve got a lot of upfront expenses you need to pay off over time, like dorm decor or textbooks — but be sure you have a plan and means to pay off the balance before the intro 0% APR period expires.
Best Flat-rate Cash Back With an Intro 0% APR
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
For those who prefer the simplicity of not having to keep track of bonus categories, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is a strong choice. Along with a welcome bonus offer of $200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening, this card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no caps.
New cardholders can also take advantage of an excellent 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account, followed by a 16.99% – 26.99% Variable APR. Whether you need to pay off your school supplies over time or are looking to splurge on a spring break trip, having a period of 0% interest can save you money. If you want to transfer a balance and have the opportunity to pay it down before interest kicks in, check out our picks for the best balance transfer credit cards for more options.
There’s no annual fee, but be aware the card adds foreign transaction fees, so it’s not a good choice for traveling outside the US.
Best for Travelers
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Students who love to travel — especially overseas — should have a look at the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. Just like the non-student version (Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
) it comes with a welcome bonus of 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases). Each point is worth 1 cent when you redeem for statement credits toward travel purchases, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, campgrounds, and even certain tourist attractions.
This is a good card if you don’t want to mess with complicated award charts or blackout dates, and its earning structure is simple — 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with no categories to keep track of. You’ll also get a 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (then a 16.99% – 26.99% Variable APR) and no foreign transaction fees when you use the card on your adventures abroad.
Best for Travel and Purchase Protection
Chase Freedom® Student credit card
The original, iconic Chase Freedom®
card isn’t available to new applicants anymore, but its younger sibling — the Chase Freedom® Student credit card — lives on. New cardholders can earn a $50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening, and 1% cash back (1 point per dollar) on all purchases.
Each year your account is in good standing, you’ll receive a $20 bonus (2,000 points), and you can earn a credit limit increase after making five monthly payments on time within 10 months from account opening (when you meet credit criteria).
The Chase Freedom® Student credit card has surprisingly good benefits for a no-annual-fee student card. When you use your card to pay for an eligible purchase, you’ll get the warranty extended by one year on manufacturer’s warranties of three years or less, and purchase protection against damage or theft on new items for up to 120 days (up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account). You also receive trip interruption or cancellation insurance when you pay with the card — up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel (like if you get sick and have to cancel or shorten your trip, or if it’s canceled due to severe weather).
You’ll also get other unexpected perks, including 5% back on Lyft rides (5x points) through March 2025, and $10 per month in Gopuff credits through December 2023. These perks are offered on the Chase Freedom Flex℠
and Chase Freedom Unlimited®, too.
Chase Freedom Student Card Review
Best for Rotating Bonus Categories
Discover it® Student Cash Back
The Discover it® Student Cash Back can put a lot of cash in your pocket — if you’re willing to do a little work for it. When you activate the bonus, you’ll earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate each quarter on up to $1,500 in combined spending (then 1%), and 1% back on everything else. Discover’s 5% cash-back categories often include popular merchants or types of purchases, like grocery stores, restaurants, and Amazon (from January 1 to March 31, 2023, you can earn 5% cash back at grocery stores, drug stores and select streaming services on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%).
While the card doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You’ll also receive a $50 statement credit if you refer a friend and they’re approved.
With the Discover it® Student Cash Back, you’ll get a 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases on purchases (then a 17.24% – 26.24% Variable APR), and if you accidentally slip up and make a late payment, there’s no fee the first time it happens (afterward, it’s up to $41).
Discover it Student Cash Back Card Review
Best Rewards for Gas and Dining
Discover it® Student chrome
The Discover it® Student chrome is almost identical to the Discover it® Student Cash Back, with one key difference. Instead of offering 5% rotating quarterly cash-back categories, you’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined spending each quarter (then 1%). All other purchases earn a flat 1% cash back.
The spending cap on the 2% categories is quite low ($1,000 per quarter, or about $333 a month), but if you’re able to maximize this bonus, it’s worth an extra $20 per quarter. Students who don’t spend a lot in these categories or who want better rewards across the board will likely do better with a different card.
Discover it Student Chrome Card Review
Best for International Students
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students doesn’t offer remarkable rewards earning, but it’s unique in that you don’t absolutely need a Social Security Number to apply. That makes it an excellent pick for international students who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for a US-based credit card. New cardholders can earn a free one year Amazon Prime Student subscription ($59 value) after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on the card.
The card earns 1% cash back on all purchases, but it comes with a number of valuable benefits, including cell phone protection when you use the card to pay your bill — you’ll be covered for damage or theft up to $600 with a $50 deductible, up to $1,000 per year. The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students also offers rental car insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
Best Rewards for On-time Payments
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Most credit cards penalize you if you make late payments, but the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One takes a slightly different approach. While the card still tacks on late payment fees (up to $40), it also incentivizes you to pay on time by offering bonus rewards for doing so.
Normally, you’ll earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and then 1% cash back on all other purchases, but you’ll get a .25% bonus on all other purchases (for a total of 1.25% cash back) each billing cycle if your account is not past due.
Capital One will also automatically review your account to see if you’re eligible for a credit limit increase, as soon as six months after you open the account.
Capital One Journey Student Credit Card Review
Best for Building Credit
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
While not technically a student credit card, the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card (card issued by WebBank) is a good option for young adults with very limited or no credit history. The issuer doesn’t just rely on traditional credit scores for approval — it will also look at other factors, like banking history, income, and savings. What’s more, once you have the card, it’s reported to all three major credit bureaus, which can give your credit score a boost over the long term.
This is another card that gives cardholders an incentive to pay on time. Starting out, you’ll earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases, but after making six on-time payments, you’ll earn 1.25% back. After 12 months of paying on time, you’ll get a bump up to 1.5% back. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn bonus cash back (up to 10%) at select merchants.
Another bonus: The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card doesn’t charge any fees, including for foreign transactions or late payments. However, the card doesn’t offer balance transfers or cash advances like most others do.
Petal 2 Visa Credit Card Review
Top Offers From Our Partners
UFB Preferred Savings
Earn up to 4.55% APY on your savings. No monthly maintenance fees. No minimum deposit required to open an account.
