Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser disclosure

7+ Best Student Credit Cards 2024

These student cards rise above the rest when it comes to value.

The best student credit cards offer rewards, introductory APRs, and other useful financial features while remaining easy to obtain for students. Finder compared more than 200 credit cards to rank the best student credit cards in 2024.

We considered features such as rewards, accessibility based on credit history, and perks based on school performance. Finder’s experts provide unbiased, trustworthy evaluations of all student credit cards and providers, not just those we partner with on the site.

What are the best student credit cards?

Best for long-term value

Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card

Welcome Offer$50
RewardsUp to 1% cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score670
The information about Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card has been collected independently by Finder and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Best for international students

Deserve® Edu Card

Welcome OfferOther
RewardsUp to 1% cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score580

Best for rebuilding credit

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

4.4
★★★★★

Finder score

Go to site
Terms apply, see rates & fees.
Read review
Welcome Offern/a
RewardsNone
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit scoreNew / limited credit

Best for rewards

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Go to site
Terms apply, see rates & fees.
Welcome Offer$50
RewardsUp to 8% cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit scoreNew / limited credit

Best for flat-rate rewards and no foreign transaction fees

Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students

4.1
★★★★★

Finder score

Welcome Offer25,000 points
RewardsUp to 1.5x points
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score580

Best for overall cash back

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students

4.4
★★★★★

Finder score

Welcome Offer$200
RewardsFrom 1% cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score580

Best for cash back on rotating bonus categories

Discover it® Student Cash Back

4.2
★★★★★

Finder score

Welcome OfferOther
RewardsUp to 5% cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score580

Best for commuters

Discover it® Chrome for Students

Welcome OfferOther
RewardsUp to 2% cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score580
Back to top

Compare all student credit cards

If our best picks for student credit cards don’t meet your needs, there are plenty more solid student cards out there. Compare all student credit cards side-by-side to get a sense of what card is a good fit for your wallet.

How to choose a student credit card

Most student credit cards are designed for those with no credit history. That means if you damaged your credit score before entering college, your credit card options will be much more limited than a student just starting their credit journey. Nonetheless, with on time payments even a simple starter card can help you build credit.

Here are a few steps you’ll want to take when considering your options.

  • Review your credit score. Your credit score is going to dictate which student credit cards are available to you. Check your score through any of the major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
  • Consider your spending habits. Do you travel to get to school? Do you dine out a lot when on campus? Depending on your spending needs, a student rewards card could help you recoup your expenditures. You also want to make sure you don’t spend too much or prevent yourself from making on-time payments.
  • Think about your initial spending needs. A few student rewards cards offer intro APRs on purchases. An intro APR can let you pay off your school supplies and book purchases over time without incurring interest.
  • Look at accessibility. If you’re an international student, your card options are going to be much more limited without a Social Security Number. In that case, you’ll want to look at student cards that don’t require a Social Security Number.

When is a student credit card worth it?

A student credit card is a great choice if you’re a student interested in building credit for the first time. Whether or not one is worth your time is pretty simple.

Get a student credit card if you…

  • Are a student.
  • Want to build credit.
  • Don’t wish to or can’t sign on to another account as an authorized user.

Get another card if you…

  • Have a poor credit score.
  • Are not a student.
  • Find it more beneficial to join another account as an authorized user.

You asked, we listened: Top 5 student credit card questions

  1. What’s the difference between a secured card and a student card?
    You must put down a security deposit before you can get a secured card. This is different than a student card, which doesn’t require a security deposit.
    A secured card might be a good choice if your credit score needs work. Because your provider can take your deposit if you fail to pay your card bill, it may be more willing to take you on as a customer.
  2. Do I have to keep my student credit card forever?
    No. However, you may want to keep your card for at least a few years to lengthen your credit history.
  3. Does American Express offer a student card?
    No. However, you can still apply for an Amex card if you’re 18 or older with a good credit score.
  4. Can I get a credit card if I’m a high school student?
    It’s slightly tougher to get your own card if you’re under 21, but it’s doable. You must be at least 18 years old. You must also prove your ability to pay your own card bill, or apply with a cosigner.
    If you’re under 18, you can’t get a credit card on your own. But consider asking a parent to add you to their credit card account as an authorized user.
  5. Do I need to be a student to get a student credit card?
    Typically, you do need to be a student to get a student credit card. Your provider may ask you to show proof that you’re enrolled in a college or university.

Bottom line

The best student credit card depends on how you spend your money and what perks you’re looking for. If none of our top picks feel like the right fit for you, compare more student credit cards to find your best option.

Credit card ratings

★★★★★ — Excellent

★★★★★ — Good

★★★★★ — Average

★★★★★ — Subpar

★★★★★ — Poor

Our team evaluates credit cards to determine their value against similar cards on the market.

We rank card types — travel, cashback, business — on a set of factors that are most relevant to that type of card. We create these rankings to help you narrow down a credit card that best suits your spending and budget.

Learn the details of our methodology and scoring.

Steven Dashiell's headshot
Senior writer

Steven Dashiell is an editor for Bankrate and CreditCards.com and formally a personal finance writer at Finder, specializing in credit cards, banking and growing and protecting your income. His insights and expertise has been featured on Nasdaq, U.S. News & World Report, Time, CBS, ABC, Fox Business, Lifehacker and Martha Stewart Living, among other top media. Steve holds a BA in English from University of Maryland, Baltimore County, minoring in composition and rhetoric. In his spare time Steve nerds out on birds, paints and plays a whole lot of Street Fighter. See full bio

Steven's expertise
Steven has written 61 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Credit cards
  • Budgeting and saving
  • Rewards programs

More guides on Finder

Ask a question

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Go to site