Best credit cards for students of July 2024
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“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
BLUEPRINT
Updated 2:23 p.m. UTC July 1, 2024
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Geared toward the college lifestyle with low credit limits and less stringent credit score requirements, student credit cards allow young adults to earn rewards while building their credit history and learning about personal finance. We reviewed a range of options and found these to be the best credit cards for students of 2024:
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Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best credit cards for students
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card*: Best credit card for students.
- Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card*: Best for going out and staying in.
- Chase Freedom Rise℠*: Best for credit newbies.
- Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for rotating bonus categories.
- Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for commuters.
- Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card*: Best for the fee-averse.
Why trust our credit card experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 16+ cards analyzed.
- 15+ data points analyzed.
- 5-step fact-checking process.
Best credit card for students
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best for going out and staying in
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best for credit newbies
Chase Freedom Rise℠
*The information for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best for rotating bonus categories
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best for commuters
Discover it® Student Chrome
Best for the fee-averse
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
*The information for the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Compare the best cards for students
Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus when you spend $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
Earn $50 cash bonus when you spend $100 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of account opening.
INTRO OFFER: 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.
INTRO OFFER: 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.
None
The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why it’s the best
With a modest welcome bonus, no annual fee and an unlimited, fixed cash back rate of 1.5% on most purchases, the Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students card tops our list of best student credit cards for its simple and straightforward way to benefit from everyday purchases. On top of that trifecta of attributes, it also includes additional bonus opportunities and protections that sweeten an already-rewarding card.
Pros:
- Complimentary Uber benefits: Earn generous cash-back rewards on Uber and Uber Eats, plus get your Uber One monthly membership fee covered through Nov. 14, 2024.
- No foreign transaction fees: Use your card abroad without additional fees on purchases.
- Cash back on travel: Earn elevated cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Cons:
- Potentially high APR: While based on your creditworthiness, the APR for this card is guaranteed to be between 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable).
- Fixed cash-back rate: If you spend more in particular categories, a flat rate may be keeping you from potentially earning more on those purchases.
- Low credit limit: With limited credit history comes a lower credit limit, making it hard to benefit with cash back on larger purchases.
Card details:
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 10% cash back on Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on every other purchase.
- Welcome bonus: $50 cash bonus after spending $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why it’s the best
Whether you’re dining out and going to see a movie or making dinner at home and streaming your favorite show, the Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students credit card has you covered. The card offers an elevated, fixed cash-back rate on dining, entertainment, streaming services and at grocery stores. In addition to its flat cash-back earnings on all other purchases, this card has no annual fee and even provides a welcome bonus.
Pros:
- Complimentary Uber benefits: Earn elevated cash-back rewards on Uber and Uber Eats, plus get your Uber One monthly membership fee covered through November 14, 2024.
- No foreign transaction fees: Use your card abroad without additional fees on purchases.
- Cash back on entertainment: Earn cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases along with exclusive access and cardholder perks.
- Cash back on travel: Earn cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Cons:
- Low rewards for non-bonus categories: Elevated rewards are only earned on category-specific spending, leaving opportunities for higher rewards on all other purchases.
- Potentially high APR: The APR for this card is guaranteed to be between 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable). The high end of the range is higher than average.
- Low credit limit: With limited credit history comes a lower credit limit, making it hard to benefit with cash back on larger purchases.
Card details:
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 10% cash back on Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: $50 cash bonus after spending $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
The information for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why it’s the best
Everyone has to start somewhere, and those without credit who are in search of a starter card have found the perfect spot. The Chase Freedom Rise card is designed to cater to individuals who may not have a credit history, particularly those who are already Chase banking customers. It aims to simplify the approval process for these individuals and encourages responsible financial behavior by offering a bonus for enrolling in autopay. By offering a generous rate on all purchases, you have the opportunity to earn rewards from your everyday spending while building credit, too.
Pros:
- Designed as a starter card: With the credit card newbie in mind, Chase makes it easier to both get approved for the card and to build your credit history with a credit limit increase evaluation after six months.
- Autopay bonus: Earn a $25 statement credit after enrolling in autopay in the first three months of account opening.
- Increased likelihood of approval: Having a total available balance of at least $250 in Chase checking or savings accounts will increase your chances of getting approved for the card.
- Lyft perks: Earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025.
- Built-in card benefits: The card comes with purchase protection, extended warranty protection and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Cons:
- High APR: Carrying a balance is always discouraged but should you need to, this card has a high APR.
- Low credit limit: Since it’s geared toward those with no credit history, the credit limit will start off on the low end.
- No traditional welcome bonus: There’s no incentive to spend for a welcome bonus upon opening the card.
Card details:
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Welcome bonus: $25 statement credit after enrolling in autopay in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Why it’s the best
The Discover it Student Cash Back card is ideal for students who want to start building their credit without needing a credit score for approval. Not only that, but it also offers financial benefits for their everyday spending, all without any annual fees.
This card offers a variety of benefits, including higher cash-back rates on rotating quarterly bonus categories and a consistent earning rate on all other purchases. In addition, Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
Pros:
- High bonus rewards: Earn an impressive 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum once activated and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Introductory APR offer: Enjoy an intro APR for six months on purchases, then a standard variable APR will apply.
- Credit score not required: Students just starting to build their credit history can get approved without any prior credit score.
Cons:
- Capped rewards: You can only get cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter.
- Activation required: Bonus categories must be activated each quarter requiring the foresight to do so.
- Low rewards on non-category spend: With a minimal rewards rate on purchases outside of the quarterly bonus category, you’re getting an average return.
- Not as widely accepted: Some merchants, particularly abroad, are still not accepting Discover cards.
Card details:
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum once activated and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Why it’s the best
Whether you’re commuting to school or heading out on a road trip, the Discover it Student Chrome card can be a great sidekick with its elevated rewards on gas and restaurant purchases. The card also earns a flat cash-back rate on all other purchases and Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
Pros:
- Bonus rewards on gas and at restaurants: Earn above-average rewards in areas students are likely to spend.
- No annual fee: Enjoy the card perks without an additional fee.
- Long introductory APR offer: Get a 0% intro APR on purchases and 10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months, then a variable APR of 18.24% to 27.24% applies. There’s a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms).
Cons:
- Capped rewards: You can only get cash back on up to $1,000 in purchases on gas and at restaurants each quarter.
- Limited bonus categories: With only two bonus categories, your earning potential is capped.
- Not as widely accepted: Some merchants, particularly abroad, are still not accepting Discover cards.
Card details:
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
The information for the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why it’s the best
With no credit check required for approval, the Petal 2 Visa Credit Card (issued by WebBank) can be a great starter card for someone who’s just beginning to build their credit history. A unique feature of the no-annual-fee card is that it also doesn’t charge late fees or returned payment fees, offering credit card newbies some room for error. However, to take advantage of the best cash back rate, you don’t want to miss any payments since you can earn 1% cash back right away and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Plus, earn 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants.
Pros:
- No credit required: An application is still required, but there is no credit check.
- Light on fees: No annual fee, no late fees, no returned payment fees and no foreign transaction fees.
- Get a credit line increase: The card’s Leap program allows you to earn a credit limit increase in six months by making qualifying on-time payments.
Cons:
- Complicated rewards structure: Instead of straightforward rewards, you’re required to show good credit habits before you can further benefit from the card.
- No welcome bonus: There’s no incentive to spend on the card for a bonus.
- Not a major issuer: WebBank doesn’t come with built-in perks like the bigger card issuers where building a relationship can help you get other cards with the same issuer.
- High APR: Those with no credit are likely to end up on the higher end of the APR range.
Card details:
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 1% cash back right away and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Plus, earn 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants.
- Welcome bonus: None.
- Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. Factors we considered included:
- Estimated annual earnings: 30%.
- Welcome bonus: 5%.
- Credit score requirements of the card: 22%.
- Value of any annual credits or recurring card benefits: 20%.
- Ongoing APR: 5%.
- Any 0% APR offers on purchases or balance transfers: 6%.
- Foreign exchange fees: 5%.
- Primary or secondary car rental insurance benefits: 2%.
- Access to roadside assistance: 1%.
- Trip delay and/or trip cancellation insurance: 1%.
- Baggage delay coverage: 1%.
- Purchase protections and/or extended warranty coverage: 2%.
Should you get a student credit card in college?
Learning about personal finance and developing good financial habits is an important part of early adulthood. A credit score is an inevitable part of American society and the better your credit score, the better your opportunities, rates and savings.
Whether it’s for a job screening, an apartment application, an auto loan or a credit card, your credit score carries a significant amount of weight. If done responsibly, getting a student credit card in college is a solid first step in building credit.
Why is a strong credit so important? Here are five benefits of a good credit score
How to get approved for a student credit card
The likelihood of getting approved for a student credit card will vary by each card and its issuer’s criteria, but here are some general requirements to be aware of.
Income requirements
When asked for income information, you should include your personal income that you have earned including full-time, part-time or seasonal jobs, self-employment, interest or dividends, retirement and public assistance. You may also include shared income, which is money from somebody else that is regularly deposited into your individual account or into a joint account that person shares with you. If you are 21 or over, you may also include somebody else’s income that is regularly used to pay your expenses.
Credit score requirements
When determining your creditworthiness, the credit card issuer will likely pull a credit report from one or all three of the credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax or TransUnion. Credit scores will vary depending on the credit scoring system being used, with the two primary ones being FICO and VantageScore.
The credit requirements for student cards are generally more lenient than most of the best rewards credit cards, airline cards, business cards or balance transfer cards on the market, but still depend on each card’s own requirements. For example, while the Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students card requires fair credit (generally considered to be a FICO Score between 580 and 669 or a VantageScore between 601 and 660), the Chase Freedom Rise doesn’t require a credit score to apply.
Choosing the best student credit card
Like choosing any credit card, the best student credit card will be the one that suits your personal needs based on your habits and desired benefits. And if you can get perks like a welcome bonus or introductory APR along the way, then all the better.
Consider the categories in which you spend the most money and look for cards that would maximize your earnings. If your spending is more generalized, perhaps a card that offers a flat cash back rate on all purchases is the best option. If you value convenience and prefer a straightforward approach, a card like the Discover it Student Cash Back with rotating category bonuses may not be the best fit for you. While it offers a high cash-back rate, you would need to remember to activate the bonus each quarter, which may not align with your preferences.
If you plan on studying abroad or traveling internationally, getting a card with no foreign transaction fees is a good way to save up to 3% on each transaction. And while the best travel credit cards may still be out of reach as you build credit, you can still enjoy travel protections with a card like the Chase Freedom Rise which includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Since your focus is on building credit, you want whichever card you choose to be reporting to the three consumer credit bureaus. And while not a dealbreaker, a card from a major issuer (like Chase, Capital One and Discover, among others) helps you build a relationship that can be beneficial for future credit opportunities.
Pros and cons of student credit cards
Student credit cards offer several advantages. They provide easy approval for individuals who are new to building their credit. Additionally, they help students develop good financial habits and allow them to earn rewards and enjoy card perks. These cards also offer a safe alternative to carrying cash and can be useful in case of emergencies.
On the flip side, student credit cards do come with some drawbacks. One of these is the risk of developing unhealthy financial habits and ending up with a pile of debt. In addition, these cards frequently have low credit limits, high interest rates, and can lead to the temptation of overspending.
Tips for building credit with a student credit card
The best way to build credit with a student credit card is to regularly use your card but pay it off in full each month. If you do happen to spend more than you can pay off, it’s important to avoid missing a payment. Even paying the minimum payment will benefit your credit score more than missing a payment. Ultimately, you’re playing the long game and maintaining good credit habits will increase your creditworthiness and benefit you financially.
Be wary of student credit card debt
Debt can be a slippery slope that’s best avoided by not getting near the mountain at all. Getting into debt is easy. It may start with buying something small you can’t afford or not paying your balance in full one month but snowballing into worse habits, which leads to unnecessary fees. While you may not feel the effects of debt initially, the compounding effect of interest means that it can get really bad, really fast. Do not get a student credit card if you are not ready to manage your behavior and money responsibly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The best type of credit card for students will depend on individual spending habits. Based on our analysis, the best all-around credit card for students is the Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students card.
A student credit card is only worth it if used responsibly. Building your credit history is important as your credit score can be used to determine your eligibility for things like apartment leases, car loans and mortgages but it should not put you in a position of accruing debt.
Credit limits are determined by issuer’s based on an individual’s creditworthiness and a good credit limit is one that allows a student to make purchases that they can pay off in full each month while building their credit.
When starting on your credit-building journey, focus on having one credit card and using it responsibly. Once you build good financial habits, you can evaluate your personal spending habits and needs and determine whether another card would benefit you.
Each card issuer has their own set of criteria for student credit card approval with some being easier to get than others. Like all cards, approval depends on various factors that are mainly determined by the individual’s creditworthiness.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Editor’s note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:
*The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, Chase Freedom Rise℠ and Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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