7 best student credit cards of October 2024 (2024)

A good credit score is essential when making many of the major life decisions you face after graduation, such as renting an apartment or applying for an auto loan. Opening a college student credit card is a smart way to start building credit early while taking advantage of rewards and special financing offers.

Student cards provide useful benefits for different types of students — from travelers and foodies to commuters. Some cards are lenient with credit history requirements, meaning you may qualify with no credit history. You do have to be 18 to apply for a credit card and need a steady source of income.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, don't stress. CNBC Select, dug into various cards' perks and drawbacks, to find the best student credit cards based on your spending habits. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best student credit cards.)

Best student credit cards

Best for cash back

Discover it® Student Cash Back

On Discover's secure site

  • Rewards

    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.

  • Welcome bonus

    Discover will match all the cash back earned for all new cardmembers at the end of your first year

  • Annual fee

    $0

  • Intro APR

    0% for 6 months on purchases

  • Regular APR

    17.74% - 26.74% Variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Fair / New to Credit

  • *See rates and fees, terms apply.

Read our Discover it® Student Cash Back review.

Pros

  • Cash-back program
  • Generous welcome bonus

Cons

  • Cash-back categories must be activated each quarter
  • Cash-back program limits earnings: Enroll every quarter to earn 5% cash back in various categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases, then 1%
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and college student to apply for this card

Who's this for? The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a good fit for students who want to maximize cash back in rotating categories or who need to finance a larger purchase, such as a new laptop. You must be over 18 and a U.S. citizen to apply.

Standout benefits: Cardholders can enroll every quarter to earn 5% cash back on rotating categories after you activate on up to a $1,500 maximum each quarter (then 1%) and 1% on all other purchases.

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Best for gas stations

Discover it® Student Chrome

On Discover's secure site

  • Rewards

    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.

  • Welcome bonus

    Discover will match all the cash back earned for all new cardmembers at the end of your first year.

  • Annual fee

    $0

  • Intro APR

    0% for 6 months on purchases

  • Regular APR

    17.74% - 26.74% Variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Fair / New to Credit

  • *See rates and fees, terms apply.

Read our Discover it® Student Chrome review.

Pros

  • Cash-back program
  • Generous welcome bonus

Cons

  • Cash-back program limits earnings: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and college student to apply for this card

Who's this for? You should consider the Discover it® Student Chrome if you don't want to deal with rotating bonus rewards categories each quarter and want extra rewards for gas station and restaurant purchases.

Standout benefits: New Discover it® Student Chrome card members get a 0% intro APR for the first six months on new purchases. After the intro period, there's an 17.74% - 26.74% variable APR. We always recommend you pay your balance on time and in full to avoid interest charges.

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Best for groceries and dining

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Learn More

  • Rewards

    8% cash backon Capital One Entertainment purchases; unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, Terms Apply; 3% cash backon dining and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 3% cash backon popular streaming services and entertainment; 1% cash back on all other purchases

  • Welcome bonus

    Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months

  • Annual fee

    $0

  • Intro APR

    N/A

  • Regular APR

    19.99% - 29.99% variable APR

  • Balance transfer fee

    $0at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Fair

  • Terms apply.

Read our Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card review.

Pros

  • Excellent cash back categories on broad spending categories
  • Exclusive access to curated experiences in sports, dining and entertainment
  • Unlimited cash back that doesn't expire for the life of the account
  • Pick the monthly due date that works best for you

Cons

    Learn More

    Who's this for? The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good fit for students who want to earn elevated rewards in popular spending categories, such as groceries and dining.

    Standout benefits: The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards card stands out for its bonus spending categories, which are useful for students. Cardholders earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target.

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    Best for earning interest

    Firstcard® Credit Builder Card with Cashback for College Students

    • Rewards

      Up to 10% Random Cashback on all purchases; Up to 15% cash back at 29,000 partner merchants; Earn 1.25% APY on bank account balances (4.25% APY with a Firstcard+ membership); An additional 1% cash back on all purchases with a Firstcard+ membership

    • Welcome bonus

      None

    • Annual fee

      $0

    • Intro APR

      N/A

    • Regular APR

      N/A

    • Balance transfer fee

      N/A

    • Foreign transaction fee

      1.5%; 0% for Firstcard+ subscribers

    • Credit needed

      N/A

    Terms apply. Firstcard users are eligible to apply for Firstcard's $10,000 Student Scholarship. The application deadline is September 30.Apply here.

    Pros

    • No annual fee
    • No credit check or Social Security Number needed
    • Earn interest and cash back

    Cons

    • To earn cash back on all purchases you need a paid membership

    Who's this for? The Firstcard® Credit Builder Card with Cashback for College Students is a secured credit card that can help establish credit and reward you at the same time.

    Standout benefit: As with other secured credit cards, you make an upfront deposit upon account opening, which becomes your credit line. Unlike other secured cards, your funds are deposited into a high-yield checking account so you earn interest on your deposit. The account earns 1.25% APY and you can increase that APY to 4.25% if you pay for a Firstcard+ subscription, which costs $4.99 per month or $48 annually.

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    Best for 0% intro APR offer

    BankAmericard® for Students credit card

    • Rewards

      None

    • Welcome bonus

      None

    • Annual fee

      $0

    • Intro APR

      0% for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers

    • Regular APR

      16.24% - 26.24% variable

    • Balance transfer fee

      3%of the amount of each transaction.

    • Foreign transaction fee

      3% of each transaction

    • Credit needed

      Excellent/Good

    Terms apply.

    Pros

    • No annual fee
    • One of the longest intro periods for a no-fee card

    Cons

    • 3% foreign transaction fee
    • No rewards program
    • Transfer timeline: Balances must be transferred within 60 days from account opening
    • Estimated total fees and interest on debt repayment: $441

    Who's this for? The BankAmericard for Students is ideal for students seeking a special financing offer.

    Standout benefits: Instead of offering ongoing rewards or a welcome bonus, new applicants can take advantage of 0% APR for 18 months (then a variable standard APR of 16.24% - 26.24%). The introductory APR applies to purchases and balance transfers you make within the first 60 days of account opening. There is a 3% balance transfer fee for each transaction, which puts a dent in your savings. This card also has no annual fee.

    [ Jump to more details ]

    Best for travel

    Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students credit card

    • Rewards

      Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases

    • Welcome bonus

      25,000 online bonus points after you spend at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward qualifying travel and dining purchases

    • Annual fee

      $0

    • Intro APR

      0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account

    • Regular APR

      18.24% - 28.24% variable

    • Balance transfer fee

      3% of each transaction intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days from account opening, then 4%

    • Foreign transaction fee

      None

    • Credit needed

      Good/Excellent

    Terms apply.

    Pros

    • No annual fee
    • Strong welcome bonus of 25,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days
    • Intro 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
    • No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

    Cons

    • No student-centric benefits or incentives to practice responsible credit behavior
    • Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $466
    • Estimated rewards earned after 5 years:$1,528

    Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

    Who's this for? The Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students is a great choice for college students who plan on studying abroad or traveling during breaks because the rewards program is geared toward travel.

    Standout benefits: The Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students card has no foreign transaction fees and comes with a longer-than-average special financing offer with an introductory 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (then an 18.24% - 28.24% variable APR applies). Balance transfers must be made within the first 60 days of account opening to qualify for the intro APR, and a balance transfer fee of 3% of each transaction intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days from account opening, then 4% applies.

    [ Jump to more details ]

    Best for no credit history

    Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card

    Learn More

    • Rewards

      1% cash back on eligible purchases right away and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments; 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants

    • Welcome bonus

      None

    • Annual fee

      $0

    • Intro APR

      None

    • Regular APR

      18.24% - 32.24% variable

    • Balance transfer fee

      N/A

    • Foreign transaction fee

      None

    • Credit needed

      Fair, Good, No Credit

    Terms apply.

    Pros

    • No credit history required (if you do have a credit history, that does factor into the credit decision)
    • No fees whatsoever
    • 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments; 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
    • Credit limits range from $300 to $10,000

    Cons

    • Card isn't for rebuilding credit, but it's good for building credit
    • No special financing offers
    • No welcome bonus
    • Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $249
    • Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $1,577

    Learn More

    Who's this for? The Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card is great for anyone without an established credit history. This makes it ideal for students just starting their financial journey or international students, who may not even have a social security number.

    Standout benefits: Credit card fees can often be deceptively expensive, but the Petal 2 Visa keeps it simple with no late payment fee, no foreign transaction fee, no annual fee and no returned payment fee. Cardholders also have a chance to boost the cash back they earn by making on-time payments.

    [ Jump to more details ]

    Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in ourcredit card marketplaceor get personalized offers viaCardMatch™.

    More on our top credit cards for college students

    Discover it® Student Cash Back

    Discover it® Student Cash Back is a well-rounded card with no annual fee that offers college students enrolled in a two- or four-year college the chance to build credit while earning rewards.

    Rewards

    • 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter in rotating categories (activation required)
    • 1% back on all other purchases

    Welcome bonus

    Discover will match the cash back you've earned at the end of the first year.

    Annual fee

    $0

    Notable perks

    There are no foreign transaction fees, which makes it a good choice for students studying abroad. The Discover it Student Cash Back card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for six months, then a variable 17.74% - 26.74% applies.

    [ Return to card summary ]

    Discover it® Student Chrome

    The Discover it® Student Chrome is a rewarding cash-back card with a solid welcome offer.

    Rewards

    • 2% back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%
    • 1% back on all other purchases

    Welcome bonus

    Discover will match the cash back you've earned at the end of the first year.

    Annual fee

    $0

    Notable perks

    This card doesn't have any foreign transaction fees, so you won't be charged for using it abroad. The cashback you earn can be redeemed at any time with no minimums.

    [ Return to card summary ]

    Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a student card with generous return rates that rival many of the best cash-back credit cards.

    Rewards

    • 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
    • 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
    • 1% back on everything else.

    Welcome bonus

    New cardholders can earn $50 when they spend $100 in the first three months.

    Annual fee

    $0

    Notable perks

    The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee orforeign transaction fees.Other perks include *extended warranty coverage on eligible items, complimentary concierge service and travel accident insurance.

    [ Return to card summary ]

    Firstcard® Credit Builder Card with Cashback for College Students

    The Firstcard® Credit Builder Card with Cashback for College Students is unique because it offers an opportunity to earn interest and cash-back rewards.

    Rewards

    • 5% cash back on 12 education platforms (Grammarly, ChatGPT, Adobe, Duolingo and more)
    • Up to 15% cash back at 29,000 partner merchants
    • Up to 10% Random cash back on eligible purchases
    • Earn 1.25% APY on bank account balances
    • Firstcard+ subscribers earn an additional 1% cash back on all purchases and receive a 4.25% APY on bank account balances

    Welcome bonus

    None

    Annual fee

    $0

    Notable perks

    The Firstcard Credit Builder Card is light on fees. You'll pay no overdraft fees and no late fees. In addition, you earn interest on the bank account balance that's securing your card's credit limit, and that account is FDIC-insured.

    [ Return to card summary ]

    BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students

    The BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students is the perfect option for students who want to finance a large purchase.

    Rewards

    None

    Welcome bonus

    None

    Annual fee

    $0

    Notable perks

    The card's only notable perk is that it offers an introductory 0% APR for 18 months (then a variable standard APR of 16.24% - 26.24%) for purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening. Balance transfers have a 3% fee.

    [ Return to card summary ]

    Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students

    The Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students is a no-annual-fee student card that earns points which can easily be redeemed for travel.

    Rewards

    • Earn 1.5X points on all purchases.

    Welcome bonus

    Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you spend at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

    Annual fee

    $0

    Notable perks

    You can redeem rewards as a statement credit to cover the cost of qualifying travel purchases — a simple way to reduce the cost of taking a spring break vacation or buying a plane ticket home. The Bank of America Travel Rewards Student card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good fit for students studying abroad.

    [ Return to card summary ]

    Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card

    The Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card is ideal for college students because it's easy to get approved for and you won't have to worry about fees. Instead of requiring a credit score, Petal analyzes your banking activity and other financial data to determine your eligibility for the card.

    Rewards

    • 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, which can increase up to 1.5% cash back after you make 12 on-time monthly payments
    • 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants

    Welcome bonus

    None

    Annual fee

    $0

    Notable perks

    The Petal 2 card's main benefit is its lack of fees. Its ability to earn up to 1.5% cash back after making 12 on-time monthly payments is also a great way to encourage responsible behavior while earning you greater returns. After making six qualifying monthly on-time payments, you can earn a credit limit increase.

    [ Return to card summary ]

    What is a student credit card?

    A student credit card is a card designed for college students because students are more likely to have a limited credit history. This type of credit card typically offers weaker rewards and smaller intro bonuses, if there's any welcome bonus or rewards at all. However, they provide an opportunity for students to build credit while they're still in school.

    How to compare student credit cards

    To compare student credit cards, you'll want to take a look at the fine print to fully understand the benefits, fees and APR. The first fee to consider is the annual fee. If a credit card has an annual fee, you'll pay that every year regardless of whether or not you use the card. The card's APR and other types of fees (late payment fee, return payment fee, etc.) are important to be aware of. However, if you plan on missing payments or accumulating credit card debt and paying interest, then you may be better off skipping credit cards and using a debit card for now.

    One of the best perks of having a student credit card is being able to earn rewards on your spending. Look at how rewarding each card is and factor in your spending habits. Some student credit cards come with an opportunity to earn a healthy intro bonus, which is an important aspect to compare.

    How to choose a student credit card

    To choose the right student credit card for you, first think about what you want from a credit card. Are you trying to earn rewards for a trip home? Then a travel rewards card might be best. Or do you want an interest-free period to finance a new computer purchase? In that case, a card with an introductory 0%-APR offer could be ideal.

    Once you've honed in on what you want in a card, it's much easier to identify the best fit for your needs. It's also important to pay attention to more than just the card's perks. Credit cards have fees and charge interest when you carry a balance. These costs can easily offset the perks of having the card if you're not careful. For example, a no foreign transaction fee card is essential if you plan on studying abroad because otherwise, these fees can quickly add up.

    How to make the best of your student credit card

    To make the most of your student credit card you'll need to understand everything available. If you know what purchases your card earns the most on, you can make sure you're using it on the right transactions. And if your card has a welcome bonus offer, it's vital to know what you need to do to earn that bonus.

    One of the biggest benefits of having a credit card as a college student is the opportunity it provides for you to build your credit. However, to do this effectively you'll need to be sure to pay your credit card bill on time each month and pay off the balance in full. Over time, doing this will slowly improve your credit score and boost your chances of getting a better deal when you need to open a credit card or borrow money later on.

    FAQs

    Having a credit card can help you build your credit history, raise your credit score and teach you how to manage money. When used responsibly, student credit cards can save you money through the rewards you earn on your purchases. Student credit cards also provide more security through their various built-in protections.

    A student with no income can get a credit card by applying with a qualified cosigner or by being added as an authorized user under a parent's card. If they are over 21 years of age, students are also able to apply for credit cards using their household income.

    The best type of credit card for students is a card that can earn rewards and help you build credit at the same time. It's even better if you can qualify for a card that earns extra rewards in categories where you spend the most.

    Student credit cards can be a good way to build credit because they are easier to qualify for than a typical credit card. But for a student credit card to help your credit, you'll need to pay your balance in full and on time every month.

    Student credit cards are generally easier to qualify for than many of the best credit cards. However, the application may require proof of college enrollment in addition to the standard information required for a credit card application.

    Bottom line

    Getting a student credit card can help you establish a credit history, build your credit score and earn rewards along the way. And there are cards tailored to the common needs of college students, such as cards that earn bonus rewards for dining or gas.

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    Why trust CNBC Select?

    At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. Seeour methodologyfor more information on how we choose the best student credit cards.

    Our methodology

    To determine which cards offer the best value for students, CNBC Select analyzed over a dozen of the most popular credit cards available for college students looking to build credit.

    We compared each card on a range of features, including: credit limit, rewards program, introductory and standard APR, welcome bonuses and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit score and customer reviews when available. We also considered any special student-centric programs that offer incentives or extra rewards.

    Because it's unusual for college student cards to have robust rewards programs, we did not analyze how many reward points you can earn in the first year. For students who are looking to build their credit history and develop strong financial skills, it's more important to practice good credit card habits — spending within your means, paying your balance on time and in full — than try to optimize your points balance.

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    Read more

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    *For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

    For rates and fees of the Discover it® Student Cash Back, click here.

    For rates and fees of the Discover it® Student Chrome, click here.

    Information about the Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

    Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.

    7 best student credit cards of October 2024 (2024)

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