Best College Student Credit Cards of 2024
Finding the right credit card as a college student can set you up for financial success. The right card not only helps you manage your expenses but also builds your credit history. Here’s a list of the best college student credit cards for 2024, each offering distinct advantages tailored to student needs.
Top College Student Credit Cards
Credit card
Annual fee
Intro offer
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Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover will automatically match all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn $50 in cash back, you’ll get $100. If you earn $100, you’ll get $200. No minimum spending requirement or cap on rewards.
2% Cash Back: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
1% Cash Back: Enjoy unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Easy Redemption: Redeem your rewards for cash whenever you choose.
No Annual Fee: No annual fee to worry about.
0% Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 6 months. After that, a standard variable APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
Credit Building: Use the card responsibly to build your credit.
No Credit Score Required: Apply without needing a credit score.
Personal Information Protection: Discover can assist in removing your information from certain people-search websites through the mobile app, free of charge.
Pros:
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the benefits without paying an annual fee.
- Introductory APR Period: Benefit from 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 6 months.
- Accessible with Average Credit: You can qualify for the card even with average credit.
- Bonus Categories: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
Cons:
- Complex Rewards Structure: The rewards system can be complicated to navigate.
Receive a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account.
Cash Back Benefits:
- 3% cash back on dining, fun, popular streaming services, and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- 10% cash back on purchases through Uber & Uber Eats, along with complimentary Uber One membership statement credits until 11/14/2024.
- 8% cash back on purchases made via Capital One Entertainment.
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booking through Capital One Travel, featuring Capital One’s best prices on thousands of travel options. Terms apply.
Additional Features:
- No need for rotating categories or sign-ups to earn rewards.
- Cash back does not expire while the account is open, with no earning limits.
Financial Terms:
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; after this period, a variable APR of 19.99% – 29.99% applies; balance transfer fee is charged.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- No annual fee.
Advantages:
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR period
- Bonus reward categories
- No foreign transaction fees
Disadvantages:
- Requires good to excellent credit
Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover will automatically match all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. For example, turn $50 cash back into $100, or $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards—just a dollar-for-dollar match.
5% Cash Back: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1% Cash Back: Get unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Easy Redemption: Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
No Credit Score Required: Apply without needing a credit score.
Personal Information Protection: Discover can help reduce your exposure online by assisting in removing your information from select people-search sites that may sell your data. This service is free and can be activated through the mobile app.
No Annual Fee: Enjoy all these benefits with no annual fee.
Credit Building: Build your credit with responsible use of the card.
0% Intro APR: Benefit from 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months. After that, a standard variable APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
Terms and Conditions Apply
Pros:
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy the card’s benefits without an annual fee.
- Accessible with Limited or Poor Credit: You can qualify even with limited or bad credit.
- Bonus Categories: Earn higher cash back rates on specific categories each quarter.
- Introductory APR Period: Benefit from 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 6 months.
- Credit Reporting: Reports to all three major credit bureaus to help you build your credit.
Cons:
- Complex Rewards Structure: The rewards system can be challenging to navigate.
Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 can increase your chances of getting approved for the Chase Freedom Rise® card.
Earn Cash Back: With Chase Freedom Rise®, earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash back rewards never expire as long as your account remains open, and there’s no minimum redemption requirement.
$25 Statement Credit: Receive a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months. Just choose a payment date and amount to ensure your Credit Card is paid on time.
Credit Limit Increase: As a Freedom Rise cardmember, you’ll be reviewed for a credit line increase as soon as 6 months after opening your account. Your credit line is the maximum amount you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card.
Free Credit Score: Monitor your credit score and get tips on building it with Chase Credit Journey.
No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the benefits of your Freedom Rise® card with no annual fee.
Member FDIC
Pros:
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the benefits without paying an annual fee.
- Earns Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Credit Reporting: Reports to all three major credit bureaus to help build your credit.
Cons:
- High APR: The card has a high APR for purchases.
- No Bonus Categories: There are no additional cash back categories or bonus rewards.
Unlimited Rewards: Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees; points do not expire as long as your account is open.
Sign-Up Bonus: Get 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, redeemable for a $250 credit on travel expenses.
Flexible Booking: Use your card to book travel however and wherever you want—no restrictions on specific websites or blackout dates.
Redeem Points: Use points for statement credits to cover travel or dining expenses, including flights, hotel stays, car rentals, baggage fees, and restaurant purchases, including takeout.
0% Intro APR: Enjoy 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days. After the introductory period, a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. There is a 3% introductory balance transfer fee for the first 60 days, and after that, the fee will be 4%.
Credit Building: Responsible use can help build your credit history, useful for securing loans, renting apartments, or even job applications. Access your free FICO® Score through Online Banking or the Mobile Banking app.
Contactless Payments: Enjoy the security of a chip card with the convenience of tap-to-pay.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Attractive bonus for new cardholders
- Introductory APR period
Cons
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Top rewards are restricted to specific customers
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
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Enjoy 0% introductory APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers from the date of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, every day.
- Receive a $50 bonus after spending $100 within the first three months.
- Get 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases, along with complimentary Uber One membership statement credits until 11/14/2024.
- Benefit from $0 Fraud Liability, ensuring you aren’t held responsible for unauthorized charges.
- Enjoy no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no hidden fees.
- Easily lock your card using the Capital One Mobile app if it’s lost, stolen, or misplaced.
- Earn up to $500 annually by referring friends and family who are approved for a Capital One credit card.
- Build your credit with responsible use of the card.
- This card may be a good fit for students at 4-year universities, community colleges, or other higher education institutions.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Accessible for those with limited or bad credit
- Rewards program available
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
Cons
- No bonus categories for earning extra rewards
- High APR
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
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Receive 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.
- No credit score is required for applying.
- Enjoy no annual fee while earning cash back and building your credit history.
- A refundable security deposit is required, which will determine your credit line, starting at $200. Bank details must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- After 7 months, automatic reviews will assess whether you can upgrade to an unsecured credit line and get your deposit returned.
- Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, plus unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover offers free assistance in removing your personal information from certain people-search websites to help protect your privacy online. Activate through the mobile app.
- Get free alerts if your Social Security number is found on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activation is required.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros:
- No annual fee to worry about.
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build or improve your credit.
- Accessible to those with limited or bad credit.
- Offers rewards on your spending.
- Includes a bonus offer for new cardholders.
Cons:
- Requires a minimum deposit to open the account.
- High APR, which could lead to expensive interest charges if you carry a balance.
Low Deposit Requirement: Start with a deposit of just $100.
Micro-Payments: Option to make payments as low as $25 per month.
Sample Loan Terms:
- $25/month for 24 months at 15.92% APR
- $35/month for 24 months at 15.69% APR
- $48/month for 24 months at 15.51% APR
- $150/month for 24 months at 15.82% APR
Annual Fee: $25.
Credit Limit Increases: Monthly increases available.
Credit Impact: Applying does not affect your credit score.
Credit Reporting: Payments reported to all three major credit bureaus.
Start with a Credit Builder Account:
- Make at least 3 on-time payments.
- Have $100 or more in savings progress.
- Meet income requirements.
- Maintain good standing.
Eligibility for Self Secured Visa® Credit Card:
- Active Credit Builder Account in good standing.
- At least 3 on-time payments.
- $100 or more in savings progress.
- Satisfy income requirements.
- Eligibility criteria subject to change.
Security Deposit: Savings from your Credit Builder Account act as your security deposit for the secured Credit Card.
Issuers: Self Visa® Credit Card issued by Lead Bank, First Century Bank, N.A., or SouthState Bank, N.A., all Members FDIC.
Account Management: Credit Builder Accounts & Certificates of Deposit managed by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., SouthState Bank, N.A., or First Century Bank, N.A., all Members FDIC.
Credit Approval: Subject to credit approval.
Pros:
- No hard credit check needed
- Relatively low security deposit
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Card is not available immediately
- No rewards offered
Apply for Grow Credit Interest-Free Mastercard: Connect your bank account.
Easy Signup: The process is simple and free.
Card Usage: Use your Grow Credit Mastercard to pay for existing subscriptions or discover new ones.
Credit Score Improvement: Watch your credit score grow as you use the card.
Current Status: Grow Credit is not accepting new applications at this time.
Pros:
- Based on your membership plan, the card lets you spend between $17 to $150 each month on eligible subscriptions and bill payments.
- You can use it for popular streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, as well as certain wireless phone providers.
- There’s no interest since you’re required to pay off your balance in full each month.
- The card helps build your credit by reporting to all three major credit bureaus.
Cons:
- The card has limited use, restricted to subscriptions and specific bill payments only.
- The free plan offers a very low spending limit of just $17 per month, barely enough for one subscription.
- If you don’t qualify for the free plan, there’s a $2.99 monthly fee plus a $17 deposit requirement.
- Higher spending limits come with monthly fees ranging from $4.99 for a $50 limit to $9.99 for a $150 limit.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
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0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles and 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, applicable to balance transfers made within the first 60 days.
Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending at least $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Get 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% cash back automatically at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter for your chosen category, grocery stores, and wholesale clubs), and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Choose 3% cash back on purchases in categories such as gas and EV charging stations, online shopping, cable, internet, phone plans, streaming services, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement and furnishings.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase, potentially earning 3.75%-5.25% cash back in your selected category.
No annual fee, and your cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases, and on balance transfers made within the first 60 days. After the Intro APR period ends, a Variable APR of 19.24% to 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee applies during the first 60 days; after that, the fee is 4%.
Benefit from the security of a chip card with the convenience of contactless payments.
This online-only offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit a Bank of America financial center. Take advantage of this offer by applying now.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Bonus offer for new cardholders
- Rotating bonus categories
- Extra rewards for existing customers
- Introductory APR period
Cons
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Rewards structure can be complex
- Spending limits on bonus rewards
- Top rewards are reserved for certain customers
Full List of Editorial Picks
Discover it® Student Chrome
Best for: Straightforward rewards
The Discover it® Student Chrome card stands out for its simplicity and value. It offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, plus 1% on all other purchases. With no annual fee and a cash back match at the end of the first year, it’s a solid choice for students looking for straightforward benefits.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best for: Rotating categories
If you’re interested in earning more in certain categories, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card could be a great fit. It provides 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, like grocery stores and online shopping, up to a quarterly limit. It also offers 1% cash back on other purchases and includes a cash back match for the first year, with no annual fee.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Dining and entertainment
For students who enjoy eating out or entertainment, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, plus 1% on other purchases. It has no annual fee, making it a great option for those who spend significantly in these areas.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Flat-rate cash back
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideal if you prefer earning cash back at a flat rate. It provides 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with no annual fee. This card is straightforward and easy to use, making it a practical choice for students.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Best for: Travel rewards
For students with some credit history who love to travel, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is worth considering. It offers 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, and there are no foreign transaction fees. This card is a good fit for students who frequently travel or study abroad.
Chase Freedom Rise®
Best for: Building credit history
The Chase Freedom Rise® card is tailored for students starting to build their credit history. It offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase and additional benefits for Chase banking customers. This card is a good option for those with little or no credit history and has no annual fee.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for: Secured card with future upgrade
If you’re looking to build or rebuild your credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a security deposit but offers rewards like 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. It also features a path to upgrading to an unsecured card with responsible use.
Self Secured Visa® Credit Card
Best for: No deposit or credit check
The Self Secured Visa® Credit Card is ideal if you prefer to avoid upfront deposits. It helps build your credit with no hard credit check required, making it accessible for those starting to build their credit history.
Grow Credit Mastercard
Our recommendation for: Grocery, gas & online rewards
This card excels in everyday spending categories like groceries, gas, and online retail, combined with a generous 0% introductory APR period, making it ideal for household spending.
Why Building Credit as a Student is Important
Starting to build credit while in college can have significant long-term benefits. It helps establish a solid credit history, which can be valuable for future financial activities like applying for loans or renting an apartment. Developing good credit habits early on prepares you for managing finances responsibly later in life.
Who Should Apply for a Student Credit Card
Student credit cards are specifically designed for current college or university students. They offer a manageable way to begin building credit and are often equipped with features that cater to a student’s lifestyle and financial situation.
Alternatives to Student Cards (and Options for Non-Students)
If a student credit card isn’t suitable, consider options like secured credit cards, which require a deposit but help establish credit. For non-students, general credit cards or credit-building loans may be available to help build or improve credit.
How to Compare Student Credit Cards
When comparing student credit cards, consider:
- Credit Reporting: Ensure the card reports to all major credit bureaus.
- Annual Fee: Look for cards with no annual fee to avoid extra costs.
- Interest Rates: Compare introductory and ongoing interest rates.
- Rewards: Check if the rewards align with your spending habits.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Choose a card with no foreign transaction fees if you travel abroad.
- Security Deposit: Understand the deposit requirements for secured cards.
Making the Most of Your Student Credit Card
To get the most out of your student credit card, use it regularly and pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Monitor your spending and rewards, and keep track of your credit report to ensure positive progress.
What to Do with Your Student Credit Card After Graduation
After graduation, evaluate your credit card options. Consider upgrading to a card with more benefits or higher credit limits, and continue to practice good credit habits to maintain a strong credit profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, some student credit cards, like the Chase Freedom Rise®, are designed for those with little or no credit history.
Yes, cards such as the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offer no foreign transaction fees.
Use the card regularly, make timely payments, and monitor your credit report to build a positive credit history.
Methodology
We selected the best college student credit cards based on factors such as rewards, fees, interest rates, and suitability for students. Each card was assessed to ensure it offers valuable benefits for building credit during college.
I’m Kyle Bee, and I created Be Rich Finance to share the financial lessons I’ve learned over the years. After struggling to navigate personal finance myself, I realized many people need clear, straightforward advice. Through my website, I offer tips on investment strategies, credit card rewards, and wealth management, all aimed at helping others achieve financial freedom. Join me at Be Rich Finance, and let’s build wealth together.