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Student credit cards

Compare student cards that can help you build credit when you pay your balance each month.

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By

Kevin Joey Chen

Updated

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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.

1 - 5 of 6
Name Product Annual fee Purchase APR Minimum credit score
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
$0
19.24% to 29.24% variable
New to credit
Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
$0
19.24% to 29.24% variable
New to credit
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day with this student card.
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Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
$0
29.74% variable
580
A student credit card that boosts your cash back for the month when you pay on time.
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Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
$0
19.49% variable
670
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases with this no-annual-fee student credit card.
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Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students
$0
0% intro for the first 18 billing cycles (then 17.49% to 27.49% variable)
580
Earn $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days from account opening.
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The best student credit cards of 2023

If you’re looking for a little help in picking a great student credit card, Finder reviewed more than a dozen student cards to pick out the top performers. Check out the best student cards to get an idea of where to start.
See the winners

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 issuerNumber of student credit cardsStudent card guide
Capital One3Capital One Student Cards
Bank of America3Bank of America Student Cards
Discover2Discover Student Cards
Chase1Chase Student Cards
American Express0American Express Student Cards
Barclaycard0Barclaycard Student Cards
Citi0Citi Student Cards
HSBC0HSBC Student Cards
TD Bank0TD Bank Student Cards
USAA0USAA Student Cards
US Bank0US Bank Student Cards
Wells Fargo0Wells 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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.

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    2 Responses

      Default Gravatar
      CollegeSeptember 22, 2018

      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…

      Reply
        Avatarfinder Customer Care
        JoshuaSeptember 25, 2018Staff

        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

        Reply
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