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Best College Student Credit Cards of December 2024

Updated: Dec 10, 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
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
Discover it® Secured Credit Card ImageDiscover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for Secured card + upgrade path

$0

1%-2%

Cashback
Cashback Match™
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
19.49%-29.49% Variable APR
Recommended credit score
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-8%
Cashback
Intro offer
$50
Regular APR
19.49%-29.49% 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
26.24% 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
26.24% 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
19.49%-29.49% Variable APR
Recommended credit score
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$50
Regular APR
19.49%-29.49% 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: 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: 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: 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.

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Going out & staying in

Among cards aimed at students, the $0-annual-fee Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is near the head of the class. It earns 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 3% back in a variety of popular spending categories for students — including dining, entertainment purchases, eligible streaming services and grocery store purchases — which is a better deal than you'd find on many cards requiring annual fees or sterling credit (see see rates and fees). Read our review.

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card gets high marks for cards in its class, thanks to its $0 annual fee and its no-fuss rewards rate: 1.5% cash back on all purchases (see rates and fees). That's as good a combo as you'd find on even a lot of non-student cards. Read our review.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

Our pick for: Travel rewards (for established credit)

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students offers largely the same benefits and features as the regular version for non-students, making it an excellent option for those who love to travel. It requires good credit, however, which can be a significant barrier to those just starting out with credit. Read our review.

Chase Freedom Rise®

Our pick for: No credit history + Chase banking customers

The Chase Freedom Rise® is a good option for credit newbies for all the right reasons. It's an unsecured credit card, so there's no security deposit needed, nor do you need a credit history to be approved. The annual fee is $0, it earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase, and Chase will automatically review your account each anniversary for a potential upgrade. Read our review.

Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card

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

The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card doesn't require a credit check, doesn't charge interest, and even pays interest on your deposit. You can earn cash back on purchases. International students can even apply without a Social Security number (though they must provide visa or passport information). The only drawback: an annual fee. Read our review.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Our pick for: Secured card + upgrade path

Like other secured credit cards for people building or rebuilding credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a cash security deposit. Unlike most others, it offers rewards. But what really makes it stand out from the competition is its upgrade possibilities. The issuer has a process in place for automatically reviewing accounts for possible transition to an unsecured card. Read our review.

Secured Self Visa® Credit Card

Our pick for: No upfront deposit or hard credit check

The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card offers a unique path to building credit. 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. You start by making payments on a secured loan, which become savings that you can use for your deposit. It's complicated, but for those struggling to establish a credit history, it can be efficient and effective. Read our review.

Grow Credit Mastercard

Our pick for: Building credit with subscriptions

The Grow Credit Mastercard doesn’t require a security deposit or a hard credit check. It allows you to establish a credit history by paying for qualifying subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify, and it doesn’t charge any interest because you can't carry a balance on the card. You will owe a membership fee, however. Read our review.

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OTHER RESOURCES

Why it’s wise to build credit as a student

Building credit might not seem like an urgent priority when you're still in school, but the earlier you start the clock on your credit history, the better. Having good credit will be important down the road when you want to buy a home or get a car loan, but there are even more immediate benefits. For example, good credit can improve your chances of landing a job or renting an apartment.

Your credit history, detailed in your credit report and summarized by credit scores, shows how well you've handled borrowed money — and using a credit card responsibly is one of the quickest and easiest ways to build credit. Among the situations in which good credit comes in handy:

  • Borrowing money. Whether you’re applying for a credit card, car loan, personal loan, mortgage or other loan, good credit can be the difference between approval and rejection. Further, good credit can qualify you for lower interest rates, which saves you money.

  • Renting an apartment. When you submit an application to rent an apartment, the landlord may look at your credit score to gauge how likely you are to pay your rent on time.

  • Setting up utilities. Utility companies commonly check customers' credit history. If you have bad credit or no credit history, your power company or water utility might require you to pay a deposit or get a letter of guarantee from someone who agrees to pay your bill if you can't.

  • Getting hired: Depending on your profession, you might need good credit to pass an employment screening. Some employers check credit, especially for jobs that require handling other people's money.

  • Starting a business: Some creditors look at your personal credit score when you’re trying to establish business credit. If you dream of starting a business or want to keep the door open to this possibility, a good credit score can keep interest rates affordable.

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Who should apply for a student credit card

Simply being a college student isn't enough by itself to qualify for a student card. Here's what you need to know.

  • Student status might (or might not) matter. Check the card's terms and conditions on the issuer's website for application eligibility.

  • Federal law limits who can get credit cards under age 21. Issuers are prohibited from providing cards to people under 21 unless they have proof of independent income or a co-signer — someone who agrees to be responsible for the debt if the primary cardholder doesn't pay the bill. This can be a roadblock since most major credit card issuers don’t allow co-signers.

  • Those 21 or over are also required to provide proof of income. However, they can list any income to which they have “reasonable expectation of access.”

  • Bad credit is usually a dealbreaker. Student credit cards are designed for people with little or no credit history. If you have bad credit because of missed payments or other missteps, you probably won’t qualify for a student card on your own. In that case, look to a card specifically designed for people with bad credit.

Alternatives to student cards (and options for non-students)

  • If you're under 21 and can't qualify on your own: Have a parent add you as an authorized user on one of their cards. Authorized user status can help you build a credit history. You'll get a card with your name on it that you can use for purchases, but your parent is legally responsible for the debt.

  • If you're over 21 and still have trouble qualifying: Even with a full-time income, it can be hard to qualify for a traditional credit card if you lack a credit history.

    • Some startup companies have begun offering credit cards for people with no credit or limited credit. These issuers use alternative methods to evaluate applications — looking at income, employment status and assets rather than credit history, for example.

    • Secured credit cards are another excellent option. They're easier to qualify for because they require a security deposit, which reduces the risk for credit card issuers. Use one to build a credit history, then move up to a better card. See our best secured credit cards.

  • If you can’t clear any of these hurdles and you want to start building credit: Some rent-reporting services will report your rent payments to credit bureaus for a fee. It can be more affordable than coming up with a deposit for a secured credit card. Being able to prove a good payment history might even help you qualify for a credit card in the future.

  • If you've already established credit and have independent income: Consider bypassing student cards entirely. You might qualify for a credit card that offers better rewards, a generous sign-up bonus or lower interest. If you don't yet meet the criteria for such cards, you can look forward to these options once you establish good credit.

How to compare student credit cards

Student credit cards generally don't offer the same rewards and perks as “regular” credit cards. That's OK — the main purpose of student cards is to build credit with the goal of qualifying for better cards down the line. A good student credit card will save you money and report to all three credit bureaus (more on that below); rewards on top of that are just a bonus.

Here are some factors to consider as you shop around.

Credit reporting

The student credit card you choose should report to all three credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. These companies gather the information used to calculate credit scores. That's why you want your good payment history recorded by all of them. All of our recommended student cards report to all three bureaus.

Annual fee

It’s ideal to avoid an annual fee when you're on a student budget. In addition to keeping costs low, a no-annual-fee card makes it easier to keep an account open once you build enough credit to move on to better credit cards. Without an annual fee, you can keep your original credit card open to keep the length of your credit history and benefit your credit score.

Introductory and ongoing interest rates

Cards designed for people new to credit tend to have higher interest rates, so it's best to pay your bill in full each month, which allows you to avoid paying interest entirely. However, some student cards give you an introductory 0% interest period, which can be helpful if you have a big purchase you'll need a few months to pay off.

Rewards

If you’re hoping to earn points or cash back for your spending, look for a card that offers a rewards rate of at least 1%. Some student credit cards are more generous, but 1% is a decent rate for a starter card. You’ll get more value if you choose a card whose rewards align with your spending. Some cards also offer a sign-up bonus. These incentives can potentially defray the cost of your college expenses, but only if you’re not overspending to earn them. If you do choose a student credit card with rewards, use it only for those purchases you already make within your budget.

Foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the country, usually 1% to 3% of the total amount of a transaction. That can represent a serious hit to a student budget if you're spending a full semester in a study abroad program. If you plan to travel outside the U.S., look for a student credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Some issuers, including Discover and Capital One, don't charge these fees on any of their cards.

International acceptance

Another consideration when studying abroad is how easily you can use your credit card. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide, but American Express and especially Discover are less so.

Security deposit (for secured cards)

If you're having a hard time qualifying for a student credit card, consider a secured card. These cards require a security deposit, which is usually equal to your credit limit. Minimum deposit requirements tend to be $200 to $300, but some can be as high as $500. Pulling together the deposit can be an obstacle on a student income, so you may have to save up for it, or ask someone to help out. You get your deposit back when you close your account in good standing or upgrade to a “regular” credit card with the same issuer. See our best secured credit cards.

Making the most of your student credit card

Once you've been approved for a credit card, you’re ready to get to work building credit. Here’s how to use your card to your advantage:

  • Buy only what you can afford. It can be tempting to charge a night out with friends, for example, when you don't have the cash on hand to cover it. But if such spending becomes a habit, it will be costly.

  • Pay on time and in full every month to avoid interest. Use your card as a tool for building good credit, not for spending money you don't have. Use it for small purchases you can afford to pay back on time and in full every month to keep your card’s grace period in effect. You’ll maintain control of your budget and save money on interest.

  • If you can’t pay your full balance, pay more than the minimum. In circumstances when it’s not possible to pay your full balance, at least pay more than the minimum amount due. You’ll make more progress toward eliminating your debt.

  • Use only a portion of your available credit. Your card might have a credit limit of, say, $1,000, but it's not wise to use the full $1,000. Keep your balance under 30% of your limit to maintain a good credit utilization ratio and protect your score. As a student, you probably won’t get a high credit limit anyway, so use your card primarily for smaller purchases.

  • Be strategic with your sign-up bonus and rewards. If your student credit card offers a sign-up bonus, planning your application around upcoming expenses can help you meet the bonus requirements without additional spending. Choosing a credit card with rewards that match your spending will also prove more fruitful for your wallet.

  • Keep your account open if possible. If your credit card doesn’t charge an annual fee, keep it open to maintain the length of your credit history and your credit score. Closing a credit card can end up hurting the score you’ve worked hard to build.

What to do with your student credit card after graduation

Once you boost your credit score into the good-to-excellent range, you're more likely to be approved for regular, non-student credit cards with richer rewards and enhanced features. After you graduate and begin working (or move on to graduate school), consider your options with your student credit card:

  • Keep using it. In most cases, you can hold onto your student card even after you graduate. If there's no annual fee on the card, there's no harm in keeping the account open and continuing to use it. However, a different card might provide better rewards or a lower interest rate.

  • Upgrade it. Ask your issuer whether you can switch your account to a different card through a so-called product change. Doing so allows you to move to a card that better suits your needs while keeping the account open. That's beneficial to your credit score because it helps preserve the length of your credit history.

  • Replace it. If you're paying an annual fee on a student card you don't plan to continue using, and the issuer won't upgrade you, you're probably better off applying for a better card and (once approved) closing the student card account.

  • Keep it — but in a drawer. If you can't (or choose not to) upgrade the card but you aren't paying an annual fee, it's smart to keep the account open even after you apply for other cards. Your credit score will benefit. Use a simple "autopay and everyday" strategy to keep your account active with one purchase — or several — throughout the year.

Last updated on December 10, 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best credit cards for college students based on overall value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of students. Factors in our evaluation include annual fees, rewards programs (both earning rates and redemption options), promotional and ongoing APRs, bonus offers for new cardholders, incentives for responsible behavior, free credit scores and other credit education, availability to applicants with thin or no credit history, and other noteworthy features such as a path to upgrade to a different product later on. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

In general, college student cards can be easier to qualify for than regular cards because they are specifically designed for people just starting out with credit. If you don’t have much of a credit history — if you’re a so-called “thin file” consumer — you’ll have trouble getting approved for many credit cards. The approval process for a student card, on the other hand, might de-emphasize credit history in favor of other criteria that suggest you’re a good credit risk, including your income and the fact that you’re in college studying toward a career.

Often, college student cards offer features of special interest to people new to credit. These include incentives for responsible behavior, like a reward for always paying on time. They may also come with a free credit score and tools to help you learn to manage credit responsibly.

Note, however, that while student cards might be more forgiving of an applicant with no credit history, they’re not for people with bad credit. If your credit score has taken a serious hit from mistakes you’ve made or from simple bad fortune, look to a card designed for “rebuilding” credit, such as a secured card, rather than a card for “establishing” credit, like a student card.

It’s harder than it used to be to get a credit card as a student, especially for those who don’t have significant income they can report on their application.

There was a time when college students had very little trouble getting credit cards. Looking to build relationships with a desirable demographic — college-educated consumers with high earning potential — issuers flooded campuses with applications and would even offer incentives like a free pizza or T-shirt for opening an account. Students could get approved for a wallet full of cards even without income. Millions of students got started building credit this way, but many also ended up getting into trouble, running up debts they couldn’t repay.

This kind of marketing ended with the Credit Card Act of 2009, a federal law that prohibited issuers from giving cards to people under 21 unless those people had independent income or a co-signer to guarantee their debt.

In general, you need to be at least 18 to get a credit card account in your own name. (People younger than that can be an authorized user on someone else’s account.) However, there are special rules that apply to credit card applicants under age 21.

If you’re under 21 years old, you must be able to show on your application that you have independent income (such as from a job, allowance or scholarships and grants), or you must have someone else agree to co-sign your application. (A co-signer is someone who agrees to pay your bill if you don’t.) This is a requirement in federal law, designed to prevent issuers from giving credit cards to young people who have no means of paying for their charges.

If you’re 21 or over, you still have to show that you have income, but you can include all income to which you have “reasonable expectation of access.” That includes your own income but also income from a spouse, partner or other member of your household.

Having a job may improve your chances for being approved for a student credit card, but what’s most important is having income. If you’re under 21, you’ll need to show that you have independent income (such as from a job, allowance or scholarships and grants), or you’ll need to get a co-signer for your application. If you’re 21 or older, you can include any income that you have access to. Learn more about which income you can include on a credit card application.

Alternatives to getting a student credit card include:

  1. Becoming an authorized user. An authorized user is essentially piggybacking on someone else's credit card account (usually a parent's). You get a card with your name on it, but the primary cardholder is legally responsible for paying the bill. Authorized-user status can help you build credit if the issuer reports activity on the account in your name as well as in the name of the primary cardholder.

  2. Finding a co-signer. A co-signer on a credit card is someone who agrees to pay the debt on the card if the primary cardholder does not. Most major credit card issuers no longer allow co-signers, but smaller banks and credit unions often do. Having a co-signer can make it possible to qualify for a card you couldn't get on your own.

  3. Applying for a secured card. Secured cards are designed for people with bad credit or no credit. You put down a cash security deposit, and you get a card with a credit limit that's usually equal to your deposit. The card works like any other credit card — you charge purchases and then pay them off — but if you fail to pay your bill, the issuer can take your deposit to satisfy the debt. When you close or upgrade the account, you can get your deposit back. See NerdWallet's best secured cards.

  4. Using a prepaid debit card. If your primary concern is the convenience of paying with a card rather than cash or checks, a prepaid debit card can be a suitable alternative. With prepaid debit, you "load" money onto the card, and your purchases are paid for out of that money. However, because a prepaid debit card does not involve borrowing money, it won't build your credit like a credit card would. See NerdWallet's best prepaid debit cards.

About the author

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Melissa Lambarena

Melissa is a credit cards writer at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured by The Associated Press, New York Times, Washington Post and USA Today. Read full profile
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