10 Excellent Student Credit Cards of 2022
If you’re in college and want to start building credit, check out these student credit cards, some of which are from our partners. Starting early can pay off in a big way down the road.
If you’re in college and want to start building credit, check out these student credit cards, some of which are from our partners. Starting early can pay off in a big way down the road.
Excellent Student Credit Cards From Our Partners
Excellent for
Cash Rewards for Students and Credit Newbies
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
$0
0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months
14.49%-23.49% Variable APR
No credit score required to apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
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 14.49% - 23.49% applies.
Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
No credit score required to apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
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 14.49% - 23.49% applies.
Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Pros
No annual fee
Qualify with limited/bad credit
Bonus categories
Intro APR period
Reports to the three major credit bureaus
Cons
Complicated rewards
Excellent for
Rewards for Students
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
$0
0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months
14.49%-23.49% Variable APR
No credit score required to apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 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. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
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 14.49% - 23.49% applies.
Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
No credit score required to apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 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. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
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 14.49% - 23.49% applies.
Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Pros
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Qualify with average credit
Bonus categories
Cons
Complicated rewards
Excellent for
Bonus Cash Back Categories
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
N/A
16.49%-26.49% Variable APR
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases. Plus, earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
Limited Time Offer: Earn $100 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
You can help build your credit with responsible use of a card like this
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
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
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
on Capital One's website
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases. Plus, earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
Limited Time Offer: Earn $100 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
You can help build your credit with responsible use of a card like this
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
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
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
on Capital One's website
Pros
N/A
Cons
N/A
Excellent for
Simple rewards + Easy-to-Earn Bonuses
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
N/A
16.49% Variable APR
$50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases
No annual Fee
$20 Good Standing Rewards after each account anniversary for up to 5 years
Earn a credit limit increase after making 5 monthly payments on time within 10 months from account opening when meeting credit criteria
No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open
Free credit score with Chase Credit Journey
on Chase's website
$50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases
No annual Fee
$20 Good Standing Rewards after each account anniversary for up to 5 years
Earn a credit limit increase after making 5 monthly payments on time within 10 months from account opening when meeting credit criteria
No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open
Free credit score with Chase Credit Journey
on Chase's website
Pros
No annual fee
Earns rewards
New cardholder bonus offer
Cons
No bonus categories
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
N/A
16.49%-26.49% Variable APR
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Limited Time Offer: Earn $100 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
You can help build your credit with responsible use of a card like this
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
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
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
on Capital One's website
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Limited Time Offer: Earn $100 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
You can help build your credit with responsible use of a card like this
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
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
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
on Capital One's website
Pros
N/A
Cons
N/A
Excellent for
Building Credit
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
$0
10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months
24.49% Variable APR
No credit score required to apply.
No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.
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. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
No credit score required to apply.
No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.
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. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Pros
No annual fee
Reports to the three major credit bureaus
Qualify with limited/bad credit
Earns rewards
New cardholder bonus offer
Cons
Requires minimum deposit
High APR
Excellent for
Flat-Rate Cash-Back Rewards
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
N/A
26.99% Variable APR
Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month
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
Enjoy no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
You can help build your credit with responsible use of a card like this
Set up Autopay for your account and your payments will be made automatically every month
Pick the monthly due date that works best for you
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
$0 fraud liability if your card is ever lost or stolen
on Capital One's website
Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month
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
Enjoy no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
You can help build your credit with responsible use of a card like this
Set up Autopay for your account and your payments will be made automatically every month
Pick the monthly due date that works best for you
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
$0 fraud liability if your card is ever lost or stolen
on Capital One's website
Pros
No annual fee
Qualify with average credit
Reports to the three major credit bureaus
No foreign transaction fees
Earns rewards
Cons
High APR
Excellent for
No Credit History and International Students
on Deserve's website
on Deserve's website
$0
N/A
20.99% Variable
Receive one year of Amazon Prime Student on Deserve after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles with your EDU card (Lifetime Value of $69).
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you'll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Feel secure with cell phone protection up to $600.
No deposit required. No annual fees.
No international transaction fees on purchases abroad so you can travel with confidence.
No Social Security Number required for international students to apply.
Refer A Friend Program: Refer anyone to Deserve using your personal referral code. Upon approval, card activation and use, you'll receive $30 and so will your referral. Referral bonuses are unlimited!
Manage and track your spending, set automatic payments and securely freeze your card all through one easy to use app.
See if you prequalify with no impact to your credit score in minutes.
Deserve Mastercards are issued by Celtic Bank, Member FDIC.
Enjoy Mastercard Platinum Benefits intended to make your life easier like Mastercard ID Theft Prevention™ and Master Rental®.
on Deserve's website
Receive one year of Amazon Prime Student on Deserve after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles with your EDU card (Lifetime Value of $69).
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you'll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Feel secure with cell phone protection up to $600.
No deposit required. No annual fees.
No international transaction fees on purchases abroad so you can travel with confidence.
No Social Security Number required for international students to apply.
Refer A Friend Program: Refer anyone to Deserve using your personal referral code. Upon approval, card activation and use, you'll receive $30 and so will your referral. Referral bonuses are unlimited!
Manage and track your spending, set automatic payments and securely freeze your card all through one easy to use app.
See if you prequalify with no impact to your credit score in minutes.
Deserve Mastercards are issued by Celtic Bank, Member FDIC.
Enjoy Mastercard Platinum Benefits intended to make your life easier like Mastercard ID Theft Prevention™ and Master Rental®.
on Deserve's website
Pros
No annual fee
Qualify with limited/bad credit
Reports to the three major credit bureaus
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
High APR
Excellent for
Low Deposit
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
N/A
26.99% Variable APR
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
on Capital One's website
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
on Capital One's website
Pros
No annual fee
Qualify with limited/bad credit
No foreign transaction fees
Report to three major credit bureaus
Cons
Requires minimum deposit
No rewards
High APR
Excellent for
Cash-Back Pairing with Chase Sapphire Preferred®
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
16.49%-25.24% Variable APR
INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 16.49% - 25.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
on Chase's website
INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 16.49% - 25.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
on Chase's website
Pros
No annual fee
Intro APR period
High rewards rate
No minimum redemption amount
Cons
Requires good/excellent credit
A student credit card is a great first step in establishing a good credit history
Building good credit might not seem like a priority when you're still in school, but you'll need it 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.Be aware that simply being a college student may not be enough to qualify you for a “student” card. You’ll generally need access to income, and if you have shaky credit or no credit history at all, you may find it hard to get approved. In that case, consider a secured credit card. These cards require you to put down a cash deposit as collateral. The deposit protects the issuer in case you fail to pay your bill, which reduces the risk of approving you for a card. If you’re in the market for a new card, here are some of our favorite offers for student credit cards.
