Best Student Credit Cards of December 2023

All information about the Wells Fargo Cash Back College Visa Card, Chase Freedom Student credit card, the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One and Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is no longer available.

Editor’s picks: A closer look at our top-rated student credit cards

Best for everyday spending: Discover it® Student Cash Back

• Best features: This no-annual-fee card has an intro APR, giving cardholders a potential break from interest. Also, Discover will match the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Thanks to these perks, it’s no surprise that this card and the Discover it® Student Chrome are considered two top choices.
• Biggest drawbacks: The rotating categories may not be helpful for someone just starting out because it takes a fair amount of organization to use. You have to sign up each quarter and track which categories apply for those three months.
• Alternatives: The Chase Freedom® Student credit card not only offers students a foot in the door of Chase Ultimate Rewards but also comes with a $50 bonus after you make your first purchase within the first three months from account opening and a $20 annual bonus for the first five years for keeping your account in good standing. You’ll also earn 1% back on all purchases, which you can redeem for cash back, statement credits, Apple purchases, travel and more.
• Bottom line: With calculated spending, students can take advantage of strong rewards while sticking to a college budget with the Discover it® Student Cash Back.

Read our Discover it® Student Cash Back review or jump back to offer details.

Best for cash back: Discover it® Student Chrome

• Best features: This card comes with several perks: no credit history required, access to your FICO score and no penalty APR for late payments. Another notable feature is the introductory APR on purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks: The cash back rewards in only two categories are lackluster, especially when compared to the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. And even though there is no penalty APR for late payments, a late payment fee of up to $41 will apply after your first time.
• Alternatives: The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card shines as a no-annual-fee card (See Rates and Fees) and popular cash back categories that are student-friendly.
• Bottom line: With this no-annual-fee card, you’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants for up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter (then 1%) and 1% on all other purchases.

Read our Discover it® Student Chrome review or jump back to offer details.

Best for entertainment seekers: Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best features: The 3% cash back rate on dining, select grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), popular streaming services and entertainment is not only super generous for this card category, but it also fits students’ common spending habits. Plus, students will enjoy consumer-friendly terms like no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (See Rates and Fees).
• Biggest drawbacks: If you don’t spend money on the card’s bonus categories, you’ll probably be better served by a flat-rate student rewards credit card. Students will also need to watch out for the high APR.
• Alternatives:  If you get a kick out of strategizing about when and where you buy to maximize rewards, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card’s unique cash back program could be right up your alley.
• Bottom line: Students who are already spending on dining, entertainment and streaming can reap ample rewards with the student version of this popular Capital One credit card, which offers a best-in-class return on non-rotating bonus categories among student credit cards.

Read our Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to offer details.

Best for flat-rate cash back: Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best features: It’s easy to earn and redeem rewards. Plus, students will enjoy a number of consumer-friendly benefits, including no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (See Rates and Fees).
• Biggest drawbacks: Students will have to pay their bills on time and in full to avoid the high APR and may not find the 1.5% cash back rewarding enough.
• Alternatives: A good option for students beginning their credit journey, the Chase Freedom® Student credit card offers cardholders a $50 welcome bonus after you make your first purchase within the first three months of account opening, plus an additional $20 annual bonus for the first five years if you keep your account in good standing.
• Bottom line: The student version of this popular cash back credit card from Capital One now offers a best-in-class 1.5% cash back on all purchases (the standout rate for flat-rate cash back student credit cards.)

Read our Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to offer details.

Best secured student credit card: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

• Best features: This card comes with benefits built to help your credit score, such as automatic reviews starting at seven months to see if you can transition to an unsecured line of credit and have your deposit returned.
• Biggest drawbacks: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a minimum security deposit of $200 to open an account. If there’s a chance you might be carrying a balance, you should prioritize a low interest rate over this card’s excellent rewards structure. Also, putting down the deposit up front might not be a realistic payment schedule for everyone.
• Alternatives:  For those loyal to Discover, the Discover it® Student Chrome offers credit-building features and a short intro APR period.
• Bottom line: If your credit score is preventing you from opening an account, secured cards can be a surefire way in. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers elevated cash back rates in two popular categories plus 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Read our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review or jump back to offer details.

Best for earning rewards + avoiding fees: Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

• Best features: You’ll immediately earn 1% cash back on every eligible purchase. After making six on-time payments, that rate grows to 1.25% for eligible purchases, followed by 1.5% on all eligible purchases once you make 12 on-time payments. There are even select merchants where you can earn anywhere from 2% to 10% cash back.
• Biggest drawbacks: Your credit limit can be as low as $300. With a limit that low, even carrying over a balance of $100 could impact your credit utilization ratio and credit score. Paying your balance in full each month will help ensure you stay on a positive credit-building course.
• Alternatives: If your goal is to build credit with low qualification requirements, the Discover it® Student Chrome is a well-rounded, rewarding option.
• Bottom line: The Petal 2 is a great option if you’re trying to build credit. This unsecured credit card doesn’t require a deposit and has a fast preapproval process, which will not affect your credit score. Plus, it comes with no annual fee, late payment fee, foreign transaction fee or penalty APRs.

Read our Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card review.

Best for sign-up bonus: Chase Freedom® Student credit card

• Best features: It has a $20 Good Standing Reward with which cardholders receive 2,000 points (or $20) after each account anniversary year for their first five years if their account is in good standing (meaning their minimum payments are being made on time). Additionally, this card comes with no annual fee, a relatively low APR and access to a free look at your credit score each month.
• Biggest drawbacks: While the base rewards earnings (1% cash back on general purchases) are good, there are a few student credit cards that could net you more cash back, depending on your spending habits.
• Alternatives: Like the Freedom Student, the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card offers 1% cash back on every purchase. With the Journey, however, cardholders can boost their cash back for any month to 1.25% when they pay their bill on time.
• Bottom line: The Chase Freedom Student is one of the rare student credit cards to offer a sign-up bonus. New cardholders earn a $50 bonus after their first purchase is made within the first three months after account opening.

Read our Chase Freedom® Student credit card review.

Best for Amazon Prime: Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

• Best features: The Deserve EDU Mastercard is a solid option to help build your credit history. Like our other top picks, it comes with no annual fee, plus other perks like no foreign transaction fees, no credit history needed, price protection, travel assistance, extended warranty and ID theft protection.
• Biggest drawbacks: This card’s 1% cash back on all purchases can be easily beat by its competitors. Also, there’s no introductory APR offer or cash sign-up bonus.
• Alternatives: Students looking for a student card with attractive perks should look at the Chase Freedom Student credit card, which offers perks like a complimentary 3-month DoorDash membership when activated by 12/31/2024 and an account anniversary bonus.
• Bottom line: This card offers some benefits that are hard to come by. For instance, an intriguing sign-up bonus of one year of Amazon Prime Student after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles (lifetime value of $59). This is a unique feature for the student who buys textbooks on Amazon.

Read our Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students review.

Comparing the best student credit cards

What is a student credit card?

Student credit cards are designed for college students who want to start building credit. They differ from traditional credit cards in many ways. For example, student cards may lack large sign-up bonuses and high credit limits. But the credit requirements will usually be lower for a student card, and these cards will sometimes have special features specific to the needs of college students. These can include:

• Late payment forgiveness
• No penalty APRs
• Automatic credit limit reviews
• Free credit score and monitoring

How to get your first credit card

When you’re ready to get your first credit card, start by checking your credit reports and credit score. Then, research cards that fit your needs. There are several student credit cards available, most with unique features and conditions. Take special notice of annual fees, rewards offered, and APRs.

Narrow your selection and apply for only one card. Every time you apply for a credit card, a hard credit inquiry gets noted on your credit report. Multiple applications can negatively impact your credit score and make it more difficult to get approved for a card.

How to get a student credit card with no credit or bad credit

Just because you’re a college student doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get approved for a student card. Because of the Credit CARD Act of 2009, a consumer under 21 must have their own source of income, even if the card requires no credit. There are also ways around this by having a co-signer help you out or becoming an authorized user.

Otherwise, applying for a card, no matter your credit, is pretty much the same – you need to make sure you have the required credit, and you will be asked a series of questions on the application that will help the card issuer decide if you are a good credit risk. If you don’t qualify for a student card, a secured credit card may be a better choice for you.

Pros and cons of student credit cards

How to choose a student credit card

Who should get a student credit card

How to make the most of your student credit card

When used responsibly, a student credit card is a phenomenal tool for building your credit history. Just remember as a college student, it’s imperative that you’re on top of your spending and know what it takes to stay on track financially. Here are some good tips to keep in mind to avoid common mistakes and to make the most of your student card:

• Pay your balance in full each month. This is one of the most important habits to establish as a new cardholder. When you pay off your balance each month it helps your credit score and prevents interest from accumulating.
• Track your spending. Use your card for small everyday purchases like gas and groceries. Some cards offer tools like spending trackers, but there are also apps that you can download to keep track of where you have room to spend more and where you need to cut back. You can also set alerts that will notify you when you’re close to reaching your monthly spending limit.
• Know your rewards. Whether your card comes with heightened rewards in certain categories, rotating rates or a flat-rate rewards program, it’s important to know how you earn. Be sure to use your card whenever you’re spending in a well-rewarding category to get the most out of your purchases.
• Budget. You need a budget and a limit for emergencies when they inevitably happen. It’s important to avoid spending recklessly and to plan out a certain amount each month for emergencies, so if something does happen, you won’t be left with an unexpected balance you can’t pay off.
• Be responsible with your payments. Set up a system in which you pay the same time every month, like a bill. Autopayments can be extremely helpful if available, and some cards offer a monthly reminder to pay on time. If your card doesn’t offer these features, designate a day and time each month to pay off your balance.
• Last but not least, check your credit score and credit reports. You can access your credit reports for free each year through AnnualCreditReport.com, and you can access your credit score through MyFICO.com for about $20 each. Also, some cards offer the feature of free access to your credit score.

What should you do with your student credit card when you graduate?

Credit cards can be extremely useful tools for earning you cash or points rewards every time you spend. More importantly, they are one of the fastest ways to achieve a great credit score, unlocking doors to new opportunities. If you are preparing to graduate this year, you’ll likely want to think through your credit and credit card. Should you add a card? Maybe lose the card you have? And what do these actions do to your credit? Here’s what we have to say about that.

Unless the card has an annual fee, there is pretty much no reason to get rid of the credit card, and even then, you want to make sure there are no benefits to counterbalance getting rid of the card. In fact, holding onto the card may help your credit score. The biggest change you might want to make is to increase your credit limit. Once you start your new job out of college or have set a trend of being a responsible cardholder, contact the card issuer and ask. With your new salary, you should get a sizable increase, which helps with your available credit if you have a balance.

Additionally, check with your card issuer and see if you qualify for an upgrade that will allow you to keep your credit history. You might be able to graduate from a 1% cash back card to a 1.5% cash back card, for example. Just make sure it’s an upgrade and not a new account so that your history continues to grow. Also, there should be no hard inquiry if it’s an upgrade.

Credit card tips for parents with college students

There are a number of ways to help your kids build their credit, from making them an authorized user to just sharing a few valuable tips.

Make your student an authorized user

The easiest way and fastest way to build credit is with a credit card, but that can be a tough nut to crack for consumers under 21 years old. Luckily, there’s a way to help your student improve their credit relatively easily – make them an authorized user.

The authorized user doesn’t have to be 18, which means you could give your underage teen a card, depending on the card issuer. Make sure the card issuer will report to all three major credit bureaus for her credit files. Some don’t. If you don’t make sure of this, then her credit may not benefit.

While your student will benefit from your credit habits, they’re not responsible for the balance. Ensure that you have good credit and keep paying your bills on time so that she benefits. Understand that when they are removed from your card, it drops off their credit files. Because of this, it may be better to get them a separate card from the beginning.

Teach them proper card use

If you and your student feel they’re ready for a credit card, it’s a good idea to establish some ground rules to help develop healthy credit habits.

Find ways to make them responsible for their spending. You can have a system in which they pay you at the same time every month, like a bill, and encourage them to pay the full balance. You can also have them track their spending and tell you when it reaches a certain amount during the month and help her set up alerts, so they know when approaching their monthly limit.

Another good tip, to ensure they have a place in their budget for emergencies, is to set a credit limit for that specific purpose. Also, show them how to check their credit score and credit reports. They can access their credit reports for free each year through AnnualCreditReport.com and can access credit scores through MyFICO.com for about $20 each.

Teach your student about budgeting

Having a budget will give students a better understanding of where their money goes. It will also empower them to make better money-management decisions.

There are a lot of ways to teach a student how to create a budget. You can use spreadsheets or a budget calculator. Or you can automate the process and use a budgeting app. These tools save a lot of time, especially when you use one that syncs to your bank accounts and credit cards. When you use a budgeting app that links to your accounts, they can track your income and expenses. They may even break your spending down into categories and automatically set money aside in a savings account.

How we picked the best student credit cards

Research methodology: We thoroughly analyzed 109 student credit cards in order to choose the top options for young adults and new cardholders. While a number of factors were considered in narrowing down our list, the most notable were:

• Credit-building perks: Credit cards for students are best utilized when establishing a good credit score. We made sure the cards here have benefits that will help students get into the right habits and will report those habits to the three major credit bureaus.
• Affordability: Because students and rookie cardholders are often on a tight budget, we searched for cards that avoided an annual fee, have reasonable terms and don’t hit you with extraneous costs.
• Student benefits: Many student cards come with incentives specifically designed for college-goers. We looked for unique perks, rewards rates in applicable categories and other benefits that’ll help out around campus.

Our full criteria include: Regular APR, foreign transaction fee, sign-up bonus, credit needed, rewards rates and categories, redemption options, ease of application, customer service, security and miscellaneous benefits.

Additional information on student credit cards

For more information on all things student credit cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• How to get a credit card as a college student
• Should you graduate from a student credit card to a regular credit card?
• Best credit cards for young adults in 2021
• Student credit, debit, and mobile payment statistics

About the Author

Joey Robinson

Joey Robinson is a credit cards writer for CreditCards.com and has worked at a “Big Four” (Ernst & Young) accounting firm before exploring the world of credit cards. After learning proper professional and financial practices through federal audits, he moved on to his second job, where he was introduced to CreditCards.com/Bankrate as a data analyst. As time passed, his interests drifted away from data analysis and into the communication of credit card essentials. Over the past two years, he’s shared his expertise and has brought understanding to complex topics as a writer and editor for sites like CreditCards.com, Bankrate.com and NextAdvisor. His advice on avoiding common credit card fees, top balance transfer tactics and more financial tips have been featured on MSN Money and other various news publications.

About the Editor

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Reviewer

Jason Steele

Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets. He’s frequently interviewed and quoted by mainstream outlets on the subjects of credit cards and travel. Jason is passionate about travel rewards credit cards, which he uses to earn rewards that he can redeem for him and his family to travel around the world. Jason is also the founder and producer of CardCon, a conference for credit and credit card journalists that’s held annually.