Best College Student Credit Cards of December 2024
Updated: Dec 2, 2024+ 2 more+ 2 more
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.
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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.
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.
Why trust NerdWallet
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.
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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.
Why trust NerdWallet
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.
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.
Why trust NerdWallet
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.
Why trust NerdWallet
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
Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for Simplicity and value
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Going out & staying in
Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for Rotating bonus categories
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students: Best for Travel rewards (for established credit)
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Flat-rate cash back
Chase Freedom Rise®: Best for No credit history + Chase banking customers
Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for Secured card + upgrade path
Secured Self Visa® Credit Card: Best for No upfront deposit or hard credit check
Grow Credit Mastercard: Best for Building credit with subscriptions
Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card: Best for No credit check and/or international students
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best College Student Credit Cards
Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Simplicity and value | $0 | 1%-2% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Going out & staying in | $0 | 1%-8% | $50 | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for No credit history + Chase banking customers | $0 | 1.5% | $25 | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Rotating bonus categories | $0 | 1%-5% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Travel rewards (for established credit) | $0 | 1.5x | 25,000 points | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Flat-rate cash back | $0 | 1.5%-5% | $50 | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
Apply Now on Self's website on Self's website | Best for No upfront deposit or hard credit check | $25 | None | N/A | Apply Now on Self's website on Self's website |
Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Secured card + upgrade path | $0 | 1%-2% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
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% | None | Apply Now on Firstcard's website on Firstcard's website |
Best for Building credit with subscriptions | $0 | None | N/A |
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.
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
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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
NerdWallet's take
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.
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.
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.
Our pick for: Going out & staying in
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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
NerdWallet's take
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.
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.
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.
Our pick for: No credit history + Chase banking customers
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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
NerdWallet's take
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.
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.
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.
Our pick for: Rotating bonus categories
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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
NerdWallet's take
The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers rich rewards in quarterly bonus categories, although it requires more work than your typical student card.
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.
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.
Our pick for: Travel rewards (for established credit)
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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.
NerdWallet's take
For travel-loving students who have already established credit, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students offers excellent value.
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.
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.
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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
NerdWallet's take
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is straightforward and rewarding, with no hoops to jump through.
The card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and the annual fee is $0.
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.
Our pick for: No upfront deposit or hard credit check
Card details
- 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.
NerdWallet's take
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.
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.
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.
Our pick for: Secured card + upgrade path
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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
NerdWallet's take
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.
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.
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.
Our pick for: No credit check and/or international students
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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)
NerdWallet's take
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.
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.
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.
Our pick for: Building credit with subscriptions
Card details
- 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.
NerdWallet's take
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.
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.
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).
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.