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Student credit cards
Compare student cards that can help you build credit when you pay your balance each month.
Compare student credit cards
Get the right student credit card and enjoy travel rewards or earn cash back on everyday purchases. But above all — start building your credit. Use our table to filter down your options under "Refine results" and select up to four cards to start comparing.
Compare up to 4 providers
We compare the following brands
Number of student cards offered by each major provider
We’ve listed the number of student cards offered by each major card. At this time, only four providers offer student cards. You’ll find Visa student cards and Mastercard student cards mixed in among each provider’s offerings. Check out these student guides for more information on each student card on offer and which can work best for your needs.
Card issuer | Number of student credit cards | Student card guide |
---|---|---|
Capital One | 3 | Capital One Student Cards |
Bank of America | 3 | Bank of America Student Cards |
Discover | 2 | Discover Student Cards |
Chase | 1 | Chase Student Cards |
American Express | 0 | American Express Student Cards |
Barclaycard | 0 | Barclaycard Student Cards |
Citi | 0 | Citi Student Cards |
HSBC | 0 | HSBC Student Cards |
TD Bank | 0 | TD Bank Student Cards |
USAA | 0 | USAA Student Cards |
US Bank | 0 | US Bank Student Cards |
Wells Fargo | 0 | Wells Fargo Student Cards |
How to compare student credit cards
Student credit cards are similar to standard credit cards, though tend to lack the number of features you’d find on a standard card. Here are some features to look for to help you compare.
- Annual fee. Student cards are designed to help students build credit. The less you have to pay to build that credit, the better.
- Rewards. A few student cards offer rewards on purchases. This is fairly rare for student cards, so such cards are always worth taking a close look.
- Perks for students. Some student cards offer student-related perks, such as bonuses for good grades.
- Graduation opportunities. The ultimate goal of a student card is to transition into a standard credit card. Some student cards make this easier by providing a pathway for graduation into a standard card.
How do student credit cards work?
Student credit cards work similarly to standard credit cards. The primary difference is in who is eligible for them and their breadth of features.
- Compare and apply for a student card. Look through your options to find a student card that offers the rates and fees or rewards you need.
- Use and payoff your card each month. Start using your card for essentials or purchases that earn you rewards to start building your credit. Make sure to pay off your statement balance each month to avoid building interest, late fees and dings to your credit score.
- Graduate to a standard credit card. After you’ve responsibly used your credit card long enough, many providers will let you graduate to a standard credit card.
Pros and cons of a student credit card
Pros
- Better odds of approval. Student cards are geared toward those who are just getting started with credit and have more relaxed credit requirements.
- Start building your credit score early. A strong credit score will help you qualify for other major loans, including mortgages and car loans.
- Strong terms. While not as robust as standard credit cards, many student cards come with good rates and fees and even rewards.
Cons
- Reserved for students. As the name suggests, you typically aren’t eligible for a student card if you’re not a student.
- Fewer features. Student credit cards tend to have fewer perks and features than standard credit cards.
How to get a student credit card
If you’re relatively new to credit cards, don’t be afraid to take it slow. Take the time to select a card that you might keep for the next few years. And above all, consider whether you’re ready to use credit responsibly.
Credit cards for high school students
You can set yourself up for financial success by getting an early start on building credit. There are great benefits to having a good credit score, including:
- Higher approval odds for an apartment application, car loan, etc.
- Lower insurance rates.
- Access to credit cards with better rewards and more benefits.
It’s slightly tougher to get your own credit 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. Another option is opening a debit card for kids or teens, which can help you form healthy financial habits without impacting your credit.
Learn more about student credit cards
Start building great credit habits now to pave the way for a smooth financial journey ahead. If you’re still unsure whether you’re ready for a credit card or don’t know which card to start with check out our full guide on best first credit cards.
Read more about student credit cards
Bottom line
To find the right student credit card, compare features such as rewards, signup bonus and student-focused benefits. Above all, look at your card as a chance to build great financial habits. Use it well and you’ll be well prepared for choosing a great second credit card.
If you’d like to get up to speed on credit cards, check out our beginner’s guide.
Kevin Joey Chen was a credit cards, banking and investments writer for Finder. His work and analysis have appeared on CNN, U.S. News & World Report, Business.com, Lifehacker and CreditCards.com.
More guides on Finder
- Best credit cards for international students
Most student cards require an SSN, but you can apply for some cards without it.
Good morning. I’m trying to get some help while I’m attending school…I would like to afford things I need and I’m not sure which card to get…
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Since I don’t completely know your unique situation, I may not be able to give you a specific recommendation. However, you might want to explore the table above. It gives you an overview of some of your options. You may then click on the “Go to site” green button or “More info” link to learn more about the specific card.
Please do not forget to read the full T&Cs and PDS or details of the products before applying and making a financial decision.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua