Starting college is an exciting time, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility—especially when it comes to managing money. One of the best ways for students to learn about financial independence is by building a solid credit history. A good credit score can help you with everything from renting an apartment to qualifying for low-interest loans in the future. And guess what? A student credit card can be an excellent tool for doing just that.
While you might not have a lot of credit experience, a student credit card is specifically designed for people in your shoes. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to choose the right one. Let’s dive into the world of student credit cards, explore the best options, and break down the benefits that each one offers.
Why Should You Get a Student Credit Card?
Before jumping into the best options, let’s first discuss why you should even consider getting a student credit card. The main purpose of a credit card is to build credit history. Having a credit card shows that you’re responsible with your finances, which helps improve your credit score over time.
Think of your credit score as your financial reputation. The higher your score, the better your chances of securing loans, renting an apartment, or even landing certain jobs. For students, building that history early on is key.
Moreover, responsible credit card use teaches you essential skills like budgeting, paying bills on time, and managing debt. It can also provide access to rewards, such as cash back or points that you can use for travel or other purchases.
Now that you understand the “why,” let’s take a look at the best student credit cards available.
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
One of the most popular student credit cards is the Discover it® Student Cash Back card. It offers great benefits for students who want to build their credit and earn rewards at the same time.
Key Features:
- Cashback: Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (like groceries, gas, or restaurants) up to a quarterly maximum, plus 1% on all other purchases.
- No Annual Fee: You won’t be charged an annual fee, making it a great budget-friendly option.
- First Year Cashback Match: Discover will match all the cash back you earn in your first year, which can be a huge bonus.
- Free FICO® Score: Get access to your FICO® score for free, which helps you track your credit progress.
This card is great for students who want to earn cash back while building credit, and the rotating categories offer plenty of opportunities to earn more. Plus, the FICO® score tracking tool lets you keep tabs on your credit health.
2. Capital One® Journey® Student Rewards
The Capital One® Journey® Student Rewards card is another excellent option for students who want to earn rewards and improve their credit score. With this card, you get a simple, straightforward rewards program.
Key Features:
- 1% Cash Back: Earn 1% cash back on every purchase.
- Up to 1.25% Cash Back: If you pay your bill on time, you can earn a 25% bonus on your cash back.
- No Annual Fee: You don’t have to worry about annual fees eating into your rewards.
- Access to CreditWise®: Use Capital One’s CreditWise® tool to monitor your credit score for free.
This card rewards responsible payment behavior, which makes it an excellent choice for students learning to build credit. Paying your bill on time can lead to a cash back bonus, which is a great incentive to stay on top of your finances.
3. Deserve® Edu Mastercard for Students
If you’re an international student or someone without a credit history, the Deserve® Edu Mastercard for Students card is an excellent option. It’s one of the few cards that don’t require a Social Security Number (SSN) for approval.
Key Features:
- 1% Cash Back: Earn 1% cash back on all purchases, which is great for everyday spending.
- No Annual Fee: No hidden fees, and no annual charge.
- Free Amazon Prime Student Subscription: Get a free Amazon Prime subscription for the first year, which is a fantastic benefit for college students who shop online.
- No Credit History Requirement: This card doesn’t require any prior credit history, which is perfect for new credit users or international students.
The Amazon Prime perk alone makes this card stand out, especially if you’re someone who frequently shops online. It’s also ideal if you don’t have an SSN, and its rewards structure is easy to understand.
4. Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
The Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is a strong contender in the student credit card market, offering generous cash back opportunities.
Key Features:
- 3% Cash Back on Categories of Your Choice: You can choose from categories like gas, online shopping, dining, or travel to earn 3% cash back.
- 2% Cash Back on Grocery Stores & Wholesale Clubs: Earn 2% on groceries and wholesale clubs like Costco.
- 1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases: A solid flat rate on everything else.
- No Annual Fee: No extra charges, making it affordable for students.
- 0% Intro APR: For the first 15 billing cycles, you’ll get a 0% intro APR on purchases, which is helpful if you need to carry a balance for a short time.
The flexibility to choose your 3% category is a huge advantage, as it allows you to tailor your rewards to your spending habits. Plus, the 0% APR introductory period makes it a great option for students who need to make larger purchases.
5. Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card
The Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card is ideal for students who love earning rewards while keeping things simple. This card offers a unique feature that sets it apart from the competition.
Key Features:
- 2x Points on Supermarkets and Gas: Earn 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 spent each year (then 1x points).
- 1x Points on All Other Purchases: Earn 1x point on every other purchase.
- 20% Extra Points on Every Purchase: Citi rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, meaning even small purchases can earn you extra rewards.
- No Annual Fee: Keep all your rewards without paying for the card.
The rounding up to the nearest 10 points is a unique feature that ensures you never miss out on rewards, no matter how small the purchase. It’s perfect for students who want to maximize their rewards without overthinking the process.
How to Choose the Best Student Credit Card for You?
Now that we’ve covered the best student credit cards, it’s important to know what to look for when selecting the right card for your needs. Here are a few things to consider:
- Rewards Programs: Look for cards that offer rewards on categories you spend the most on. For example, if you eat out a lot, a card with restaurant rewards might be the best fit.
- Annual Fees: Choose a card that doesn’t have a high annual fee, as you want to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Credit Score Benefits: Make sure the card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) so you can build your credit history effectively.
- Introductory Offers: Some cards offer bonus cash back or points in the first few months. If you think you can hit the spending threshold, this can be a great opportunity to maximize your rewards.
Final Thoughts
Building credit as a student is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Whether you’re looking to earn cash back, build a strong credit score, or simply have access to a reliable financial tool, there’s a student credit card out there for you. Start small, use your card responsibly, and watch your credit grow. The earlier you start, the better prepared you’ll be for financial success down the road.