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Best Credit Cards For Students

Discover the top credit cards for students with our comprehensive review, featuring the best options designed to help students build credit, earn rewards, and manage their finances responsibly.

Written by
Grace Lemire
Last Update on Jul 31, 2023

We explore the best credit cards specifically tailored for students, offering a range of benefits such as rewards, cashback, and tools for responsible spending. Whether you’re a college student looking to establish a solid credit history or a graduate student seeking to maximize rewards on everyday expenses, we present a comprehensive review of the top credit cards that cater to the unique needs of students. 

Join us as we navigate the landscape of student credit cards, helping you make an informed decision and embark on a successful financial journey during your academic years.

Credit CardRatingBest For…RewardsInterest RatesExtra Perks
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students4.9Studying abroadEarn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no expiration.17.99% to 27.99%Welcome bonus worth $250 in travel. Points can be redeemed for a variety of travel-related expenses, including restaurants.
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students4.8Balance transfersUnlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.17.99% to 27.99%0% APR for the first 18 billing cycles
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card3.8Dining and entertainmentUnlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores. 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats, until 11/14/2024. 8% cash back on entertainment purchases made through the Capital One Entertainment portal. 1% cash back on everything else.19.74% to 29.74%Complimentary Uber One membership credits
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card4.6Students with no creditUnlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. 10% cash back on all purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats through 11/14/2024.19.74% to 29.74%Complimentary Ube One membership credits
Discover it Student Cash Back Credit Card5Overall cash back earning5% cash back in rotating categories (eg. gas, grocery stores, etc.). 1% cash back on all other purchases.17.99% to 26.99%Cashback Match
Best for Studying Abroad

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

4.9
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Score Needed
Good to Excellent (700 to 749)
Welcome Bonus
25,000 points (equal to $250 in travel)
Unique Features
Points can be redeemed for a variety of travel-related purchases, such as flights, hotels, rental cars, and restaurants (including takeout).
Annual Fee
None
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Interest Rates
17.99% to 27.99%
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The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is ideal for students studying abroad. With no foreign transaction fees, a $250 welcome bonus for travel, and flexible redemption options, this card is perfect for reducing travel costs and earning points you’ll want to redeem.

Rewards: Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no expiration.

Fees

  • No foreign transaction fee, which is ideal for students studying abroad.
  • No annual fee.

Pros

  • Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • 1.5 points per $1 is a smaller offer than some competitors
Additional Details

To receive the $250, 25,000 point, welcome bonus, you’ll need to spend at least $1,000 within the first 90 days of opening the account.

Best for Balance Transfers

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students

4.8
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Score Needed
Good to Excellent (700 to 749)
Welcome Bonus
$200 cash reward
Unique Features
0% APR for the first 18 billing cycles
Annual Fee
None
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Interest Rates
17.99% to 27.99%
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The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students has a 0% APR offer and a simple cash back program, making it ideal for balance transfers. Unlike competing cards, it has a 3% foreign transaction fee, which means it isn’t ideal for students that might study abroad.

Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

Fees

  • 3% foreign transaction fee.
  • No annual fee.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Simple, 1.5% cash back rewards
  • 0% APR offer for the first 18 billing cycles

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
Additional Details

To earn the $200 online cash reward, you’ll need to spend at least $1,000 in the first 90 days of opening the account.

Best for Dining and Entertainment

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

3.8
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Score Needed
Limited, Fair, or Average
Welcome Bonus
$50
Unique Features
Complimentary Uber One membership through 11/14/2024
Annual Fee
None
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Interest Rates
19.74% to 29.74%
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The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is best for students that spend more on dining and entertainment. While the card has a small welcome bonus and limited rewards, its offer is still strong for a no-annual fee credit card.

Rewards

  • Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
  • 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats, until 11/14/2024
  • 8% cash back on entertainment purchases made through the Capital One Entertainment portal
  • 1% cash back on everything else

Fees

  • No foreign transaction fee, making it ideal for students studying abroad.
  • No annual fee.

Pros

  • Don’t need a high credit score to qualify
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Small welcome bonus
  • Limited cash back categories
Additional Details

This card comes with a complimentary Uber One membership through 11/14/2024, which is perfect for students that may request Uber rides or order meals through Uber Eats.

Best for Student with No Credit

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.6
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Score Needed
Limited, Fair, or Average
Welcome Bonus
$50
Unique Features
Complimentary Uber One credits
Annual Fee
None
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Interest Rates
19.74% to 29.74%
Show More Details

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card doesn’t require a high credit score to qualify, making it ideal for students with no credit.

Rewards

  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
  • 10% cash back on all purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats through 11/14/2024

Fees

  • No foreign transaction fee, making it ideal for students that might study abroad.
  • No annual fee.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Solid rewards
  • Welcome bonus is easy to achieve

Cons

  • Low welcome bonus in comparison to competitors
Additional Details

To receive the $50 welcome bonus, you’ll need to spend $100 in the first three months after opening the account. While this welcome bonus is smaller than some competing cards, the required spend is also smaller, making it ideal for students on a budget.

This card also comes with complimentary Uber One membership credits through 11/14/2024.

Best for Overall Cash Back Earning

Discover It Student Cash Back Credit Card

5.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Score Needed
New to Credit
Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match
Unique Features
Cashback Matching program; 5% cash back on rotating categories
Annual Fee
None
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Interest Rates
17.99% to 26.99%
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The Discover It Student Cash Back Credit Card is a perfect first credit card, as it doesn’t require customers to have a credit score at all to qualify. The card comes with a solid cash back rewards program, no annual fee, and a first-year cash back match.

Rewards

  • 5% cash back in rotating categories (eg. gas, grocery stores, etc.)
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

Fees

  • No foreign transaction fee, making it ideal for students that might study abroad.
  • No annual fee.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Solid rewards
  • Welcome bonus is easy to achieve

Cons

  • 1% cash back is lower than some competitors
Additional Details

Rather than offering a specific welcome bonus amount, Discover’s Cashback Match program will match all cash back earned in the first year, dollar-for-dollar. There isn’t a maximum amount — regardless of how much you earn, they’ll match it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Do I Need To Get A Student Credit Card?

You’ll need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and be a student. Some cards may require proof of income or a co-signer if you’re under 21.

How Does A Student Credit Card Work?

A student credit card works like any other credit card. You can make purchases up to your credit limit, and you must make at least the minimum payment each month. Any balance carried forward will accrue interest.

What Is The Credit Limit On A Student Credit Card?

Credit limits vary but are generally lower on student cards since students usually have little or no credit history.

Can I Get A Student Credit Card With No Income?

Yes, but it can be challenging. Credit Card Act rules require issuers to consider your ability to pay. If you’re under 21, you may need a co-signer.

What Happens To My Student Credit Card After I Graduate?

After graduation, your card issuer might upgrade your card to a regular one. If not, you can apply for a new non-student card and close the student one.

Can A Student Credit Card Help My Credit Score?

Yes, if used responsibly. Regularly using your card, keeping your balance low, and paying on time can help build your credit history and improve your credit score.

Grace Lemire is a full-time content writer and part-time social media creator with a passion for helping people navigate life's toughest financial decisions – from moving out of your parents' house to buying a home.