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Best College Student Credit Cards of December 2024

Updated: Dec 2, 2024
Melissa Lambarena
Senior Writer
Caitlin Mims
Reviewed by
Content Management Specialist
Kenley Young
Edited by
Fact Checked
Assigning Editor
Fact Checked
Melissa Lambarena
Senior Writer
Caitlin Mims
Reviewed by
Content Management Specialist
Kenley Young
Edited by
Fact Checked
Assigning Editor
Fact Checked
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Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

The best student credit cards set you on a path to building strong credit — something that might not seem pressing while you're still in school but will matter a lot down the road if you want to finance a car, buy a house or qualify for the best credit card offers. Your credit can even affect your job prospects and your ability to rent an apartment. Many college student credit cards are specifically designed for those new to credit, but simply being a student doesn't guarantee aprroval. Other options include secured credit cards and cards that build your credit with baby steps.

  • 400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)

  • 80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

  • 27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months

  • Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.

  • 400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)

  • 80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

  • 27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months

  • Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.

NerdWallet's Best College Student Credit Cards of December 2024

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Best College Student Credit Cards

Credit card
NerdWallet rating
Annual feeRewards rateIntro offerLearn more
Discover it® Student Chrome ImageDiscover it® Student Chrome
Best for Simplicity and value

$0

1%-2%

Cashback
Cashback Match™
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card ImageCapital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for Going out & staying in

$0

1%-8%

Cashback
$50
Chase Freedom Rise® ImageChase Freedom Rise®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Best for No credit history + Chase banking customers

$0

1.5%

Cashback
$25
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Discover it® Student Cash Back ImageDiscover it® Student Cash Back
Best for Rotating bonus categories

$0

1%-5%

Cashback
Cashback Match™
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students ImageBank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Best for Travel rewards (for established credit)

$0

1.5x

Points
25,000
points
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card ImageCapital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for Flat-rate cash back

$0

1.5%-5%

Cashback
$50
Secured Self Visa® Credit Card ImageSecured Self Visa® Credit Card
Best for No upfront deposit or hard credit check

$25

None

N/A
Discover it® Secured Credit Card ImageDiscover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for Secured card + upgrade path

$0

1%-2%

Cashback
Cashback Match™
Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card ImageFirstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card
Apply Now
on Firstcard's website
on Firstcard's website
Best for No credit check and/or international students

$4.99-$12.99 monthly or $48-$120/year depending on subscription plan

1%-15%

Cashback
None
Apply Now
on Firstcard's website
on Firstcard's website
Grow Credit Mastercard ImageGrow Credit Mastercard
Best for Building credit with subscriptions

$0

None

N/A
save money

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Our pick for: Simplicity and value

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
Balance transfer intro APR
10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months
Regular APR
17.49%-26.49% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
Balance transfer intro APR
10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months
Regular APR
17.49%-26.49% Variable APR

2%
Cash back at Gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
2%
Cash back at Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
1%
Cash back on all other purchases.

  • 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.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees

Discover offers two fine cards for college students. The Discover it® Student Chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure and student-friendly bonus categories. You also get a free FICO score, low fees, and forgiveness for your first late payment. Plus, Discover says there's no FICO history requirement for this card.

Pros
  • You earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. (Unlike with Discover's other student card, you don't have to "activate" your bonus rewards.) The annual fee is $0. There's also Discover's signature bonus for new cardholders.

Cons
  • Although there's no foreign transaction fee, Discover isn’t as widely accepted abroad as other cards. If you plan to travel internationally, make sure you have a backup plan.

Read full review

Our pick for: Going out & staying in

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-8%
Cashback
Intro offer
$50
Regular APR
19.74%-29.74% Variable APR
Recommended credit score
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-8%
Cashback
Intro offer
$50
Regular APR
19.74%-29.74% Variable APR
Recommended credit score

8%
Cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats.
5%
Cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.
3%
Cash back on dining.
3%
Cash back on entertainment.
3%
Cash back on popular streaming services.
3%
Cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
1%
Cash back on all other purchases.

  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
  • Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
  • Build your credit with responsible card use
  • Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
  • View Rates & Fees

The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a combination of features that's hard to beat, especially among student cards: triple rewards in a variety of popular categories, for a $0 annual fee.

Pros
  • You'll earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 3% cash back on dining, entertainment purchases, eligible streaming services and grocery store purchases; and 1% back on all other purchases. Those are excellent ongoing rates that you simply won't find on many other cards in this class.

Cons
  • Newbies to credit may find that keeping track of multiple bonus categories can be a challenge. A flat-rate rewards card would be easier to manage.

Read full review

Our pick for: No credit history + Chase banking customers

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$25
Regular APR
26.49% Variable APR
Recommended credit score
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$25
Regular APR
26.49% Variable APR
Recommended credit score

1.5%
Cash back on all purchases.

  • Increase your approval chances - Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
  • Earn Cash Back - With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
  • Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
  • Credit Limit Increase - As a Freedom Rise cardmember, you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
  • Free Credit Score - Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
  • No Annual Fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® card.
  • Member FDIC

The Chase Freedom Rise® is an ideal credit-building companion, mostly because you don't need a credit history to be approved in the first place. The card's annual fee is $0, it offers solid rewards on everything you buy, and there's a potential upgrade path when you're ready.

Pros
  • There's no annual fee or upfront deposit, nor do you need a credit history to qualify. Beyond that, you'll earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and it may eventually be possible for you to upgrade to another credit card within Chase's extensive portfolio.

Cons
  • While it's a great choice for those with no credit, you won't be able to get this card if what you actually have is bad credit (FICO scores of 629 or lower). Chase also notes that your odds of approval will be higher if you have, or are willing to open, a Chase checking or savings account with at least $250 in it. So it may require jumping through a hoop or two first.

Read full review

Our pick for: Rotating bonus categories

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
Balance transfer intro APR
10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months
Regular APR
17.49%-26.49% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
Balance transfer intro APR
10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months
Regular APR
17.49%-26.49% Variable APR

5%
Cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Cash back on all other purchases.

  • 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.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees

The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers rich rewards in quarterly bonus categories, although it requires more work than your typical student card.

Pros
  • This card offers 5% cash back in rotating categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter; all other spending earns 1% cash back. There's no annual fee and no late fee on your first late payment. With this card, too, Discover says there is no FICO history requirement.

Cons
  • Having to activate bonus categories every three months can be a hassle, especially when you're just getting started with credit, and some of the categories might be a poor fit for a student's spending. There's no foreign transaction fee, but Discover isn’t as widely accepted overseas — something to keep in mind if you're studying abroad.

Read full review

Our pick for: Travel rewards (for established credit)

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5x
Points
Intro offer
25,000
points
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5x
Points
Intro offer
25,000
points
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
18.49%-28.49% Variable APR

1.5x
Points per $1 spent on all purchases.

  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.49% - 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

For travel-loving students who have already established credit, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students offers excellent value.

Pros
  • This student card offers largely the same features and benefits as the regular version for non-students — including a good sign-up bonus and a lengthy introductory APR offer. You earn 1.5 points per dollar on spending (rising to 3 points per $1 on eligible travel booked through the issuer), and points can be redeemed for a penny apiece against travel and restaurant purchases. There's no foreign transaction fee, making it a good study-abroad companion, and the annual fee is $0.

Cons
  • Unlike some student cards that encourage those with no credit history to apply, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students requires good credit, which can be a significant barrier to those just starting out.

Read full review

Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$50
Regular APR
19.74%-29.74% Variable APR
Recommended credit score
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$50
Regular APR
19.74%-29.74% Variable APR
Recommended credit score

5%
Cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.
1.5%
Cash back on every purchase, every day.

  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
  • Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
  • Build your credit with responsible card use
  • Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
  • View Rates & Fees

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is straightforward and rewarding, with no hoops to jump through.

Pros
  • The card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and the annual fee is $0.

Cons
  • If you're willing to put in more work, you can find student cards that earn more than 1.5% back in popular bonus categories.

Read full review

Our pick for: No upfront deposit or hard credit check

Annual fee
$25
Rewards rate
None
Intro offer
N/A
Regular APR
28.74% Variable
Recommended credit score
Annual fee
$25
Rewards rate
None
Intro offer
N/A
Regular APR
28.74% Variable
Recommended credit score

  • One of the lowest deposit in the industry ($100).
  • Users can micro-pay their way to a deposit (as low as $25/mo). Sample loans: $25/mo, 24 mos, 15.92% APR; $35/mo, 24 mos, 15.69% APR; $48/mo, 24 mos, 15.51% APR; $150/mo, 24 mos, 15.82% APR. See self.inc/pricing.
  • $25 annual fee.
  • Monthly credit limit increases.
  • Applying won't impact your credit.
  • Reports to all three bureaus.
  • Start with a Credit Builder Account**.
  • Make at least 3 monthly payments on time, have $100 or more in savings progress in your CreditBuilder Account, satisfy income requirements, and be in good standing. Then, you’ll be eligible for the Secured Self Visa® Credit Card.
  • Card eligibility: Active Credit Builder Account in good standing, 3 on time payments, $100 or more in savings progress and satisfying income requirements. Criteria subject to change.
  • Your savings progress from your Credit Builder Account acts as your security deposit for your secured Credit Card.
  • *The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.
  • **Credit Builder Accounts & Certificates of Deposit made/held by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval.

The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card offers those with no credit a unique path to establishing a credit history. Unlike typical secured cards, it doesn't require an upfront security deposit or a hard credit check. But it does make you jump through some hoops that other secured cards don't.

Pros
  • Instead of requiring a traditional deposit, this card has you open a Self Credit Builder Account and make regular payments on a secured installment loan. (See our review for more detail on how it works.) Your payments essentially go into a certificate of deposit; once you have enough saved up with Self, you can use that money as a deposit on the card. The minimum deposit is just $100, lower than on most secured cards. There's no hard credit check, either.

Cons
  • There's an annual fee of $25. And there's no sugar-coating it: The process of opening the Credit Builder Account, making payments and then funding the card deposit is complicated. But for those struggling to establish credit, it can be worth the effort.

Read full review

Our pick for: Secured card + upgrade path

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended credit score
Balance transfer intro APR
10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months
Regular APR
27.49% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended credit score
Balance transfer intro APR
10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months
Regular APR
27.49% Variable APR

2%
Cash back at Gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
2%
Cash back at Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
1%
Cash back on all other purchases.

  • No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
  • Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
  • Raise your credit score by 30+ points.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent starter card for someone new to credit. It requires a security deposit, but it has a $0 annual fee, earns rewards and offers a clear path to an upgrade to a regular card.

Pros
  • The rewards on this card match those on the Discover it® Student Chrome: 2% cash back on up to $1,000 worth of spending per quarter on restaurants and gas, and 1% on all other spending. That's very good for a secured card. After seven months, Discover automatically evaluates your account for possible upgrade to an unsecured card.

Cons
  • This is a secured credit card, so you must put down a deposit of at least $200. (Your credit limit will be equal to your deposit, up to $2,500.) Although secured cards are easier to qualify for than regular unsecured cards, approval isn't guaranteed. You'll need to be able to show you can pay your bill.

Read full review

Our pick for: No credit check and/or international students

Annual fee
$4.99-$12.99 monthly or $48-$120/year depending on subscription plan
Rewards rate
1%-15%
Cashback
Intro offer
None
Regular APR
N/A
Recommended credit score
Apply Now
on Firstcard's website
on Firstcard's website
Annual fee
$4.99-$12.99 monthly or $48-$120/year depending on subscription plan
Rewards rate
1%-15%
Cashback
Intro offer
None
Regular APR
N/A
Recommended credit score

15%
Merchant Cashback at 29,000 partner merchants.
10%
Random Cashback on all qualifying purchases.
1%
1% Unlimited Cashback with Firstcard Premium on all purchases on top of the two cashback offerings (Merchant Cashback and Random Cashback) all Firstcard members are currently enjoying.

  • Build credit faster, cheaper, and safer
  • No credit checks and no credit history are required to open a credit card
  • Accepts immigrants and internationals without an SSN - apply with a passport and visa.
  • 0% APR. Don’t worry about overspending. What you deposit is what you can spend.
  • No account minimum, no interest, and no overdraft fee
  • Get up to 15% Merchant Cashback at 29,000 partner merchants
  • Get up to 10% Random Cashback on all qualifying transactions
  • Earn 4.00% APY with Firstcard Premium, 2.00% APY with Firstcard+, or 0.75% APY with Firstcard Standard on the money in your Firstcard
  • Earn an additional 1% Unlimited Cashback with Firstcard Premium on all qualifying transactions on top of the two cashback offerings (Merchant Cashback and Random Cashback)
  • Monitor your credit score right in the app
  • Get an in-depth monthly credit report with Firstcard+ and Firstcard Premium
  • Instant access to your virtual card once your account is approved and you add your virtual card to your phone’s digital wallet
  • Your money is protected with Firstcard — automatically insured up to $250,000 by FDIC (backed by the U.S. government)

The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card is an excellent starting point for students looking to build credit. There's no credit check, and international students can even apply without a Social Security number.

Pros
  • With no hard credit check, no interest and reporting to all three credit bureaus, this card has a lot of advantages when building credit. It's a secured card, but there's no minimum deposit requirement. Your credit limit is determined by how much you deposit in a linked account, and you can only spend what you've deposited. That deposit also earns interest, a rare feature for a secured card. The card offers cash back on purchases, although how much you earn can be a little complicated. See our review for details.

Cons
  • There's an annual fee, and there isn't much in the way of upgrade options. You can pay a higher fee to unlock better cash back rewards and earn more interest on your deposit, but there's no unsecured option to move up to. Also, the guardrails that prevent you from overspending, paying late or incurring interest charges don't really teach you how to manage credit.

Read full review

Our pick for: Building credit with subscriptions

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
None
Intro offer
N/A
Regular APR
None
Recommended credit score
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
None
Intro offer
N/A
Regular APR
None
Recommended credit score

  • Connect a bank account to apply for a Grow Credit interest-free Mastercard.
  • Signing up is easy and completely free.
  • Use your Grow Credit Mastercard to pay for your existing subscriptions or browse for new ones.
  • Just sit back, relax and watch your credit score grow!
  • Grow Credit is not taking new applications at this time.

The Grow Credit Mastercard helps you build credit through qualifying subscriptions and bill payments you're already making. There's no hard credit check, no interest charges and a no-annual-fee option.

Pros
  • Depending on which membership plan you choose, you can use the card for $17 to $150 a month in qualifying subscriptions and/or bill payments. Eligible payments include streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, as well as certain wireless phone providers. Your bill must be paid in full each month, so you can't carry a balance and therefore won't pay interest. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus.

Cons
  • This card rates lower than other options on this page because of its limited usability. It can help you build credit, but beyond subscriptions, you can't put so much as a pack of gum on it. There's a plan with no membership fee, but your monthly spending limit with that plan is $17, enough to cover (maybe) one subscription. Those who can't qualify for the free plan have to pay $2.99 a month plus provide a $17 deposit. To get a higher monthly limit, you'll need to pay a monthly fee of $4.99 (for a $50 limit) to $9.99 (for $150).

Read full review

FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST COLLEGE STUDENT CREDIT CARDS

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Discover it® Student Chrome

Our pick for: Simplicity and value

Simplicity makes the Discover it® Student Chrome a standout for students searching for their first credit card. You'll earn bonus cash back at restaurants and gas stations with no activation required and no rotating categories to keep track of. Read our review.

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Our pick for: Rotating bonus categories

The Discover it® Student Cash Back gives students the same excellent rewards as the regular Discover it® Cash Back — notably, bonus cash back in rotating categories that you must activate. Activating and tracking categories might be too much of a hassle for some students brand new to credit cards, but if you're up for a little work, the rewards can be handsome. Read our review.

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