Student Credit Card Finder

Picking the right student credit card can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first card. But breathe easy: We’ve narrowed the top products in this handy guide.

Compare student credit cards

The student credit card market has been heating up, and you have several strong options to choose from. A $0 annual fee is standard. Plus, you may find solid rewards and attractive signup bonuses.

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Name	Product	Filter values	Minimum deposit required	Purchase APR	Annual fee	Recommended minimum credit score
Citi® Secured Mastercard®			Starting at $200	22.49% variable	$0	580	A no annual fee secured card for people who are new to credit or have limited credit history with a fair to average credit score.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
CardMatch™ from creditcards.com			See terms	See issuer's website	See terms	300	Use the CardMatch tool to find cards you're likely to qualify for with your credit score, without a hard pull on your credit.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Deserve® Edu Card			N/A	18.74% variable	$0	580	Designed for college students to build credit history and earn rewards.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
CreditStacks Credit Card Mastercard®			N/A	15.49% variable	$0	580	Credit card for professionals relocating to America without a US credit history.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Best student credit cards

Each of the following products can serve you well as your first credit card. You won’t pay an annual fee for any of them.

Best for flat-rate rewards and no foreign transaction fees: Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students

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The Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students is one of the best travel cards on the market and it has a great student version, too. It offers solid flat-rate rewards on all purchases and one of the best signup bonuses around.

• The perks

  • Rewards: 1.5x points on every purchase.
  • Signup bonus: 25,000 bonus points after you make $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Helpful extras: Monthly FICO score and no foreign transaction fees.

Best for overall cash back: Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students

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There are several student cards with great rewards, but this card comes out on top because of its flexible 3% cashback category. Plus, you’ll find an attractive signup bonus and a generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

• The perks

  • Reward highlights: 3% cash back in an eligible category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Earn these rates on the first 2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%.
  • Signup bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after you make $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 statement closing dates from account opening. (After that, 15.49% to 25.49% variable.)
  • Monthly FICO score.

Best for international students: Deserve® Edu Card

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International students often find it difficult to get a US credit card because they may not have Social Security numbers. The Deserve Edu Mastercard is a convenient solution: You don’t need a Social Security number to apply.

• The perks

  • Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases.
  • No Social Security number required if you’re an international student.
  • Credit for your Amazon Prime Student subscription, up to a lifetime total of $59.

Best for rebuilding credit: Capital One® Secured Mastercard®

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Capital One’s secured card can help you improve your credit if it isn’t yet where you want it to be. You might receive a $200 credit line with a security deposit far less than that amount. Capital One also gives you an incentive to use your card responsibly, raising your credit limit if you make your first few payments on time.

• The perks

  • Security deposit: Deposit $49, $99 or $200 — according to Capital One’s discretion — and get an initial credit line of $200.
  • Pay your first five monthly payments on time and get a credit limit increase.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Our pick for students that are new to credit

Citi® Secured Mastercard®

• The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a no annual fee credit card that helps you build your credit when used responsibly.
• Unlike a debit card, it helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus. Once available, you will also have free access to your FICO score online.
• Use your card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted — worldwide.
• A security deposit is required. Once approved, your credit limit will be equal to your security deposit (minimum of $200).
• Get help staying on track with Auto Pay and account alerts.
• With Flexible Payment Due Dates, you can choose any available due date in the beginning, middle or end of the month.
• Manage your account 24/7 online, by phone, or in our mobile app.
• The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 22.49%. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.

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Why get a student credit card?

• Better odds of approval.
  Right now, you might have a thin credit report, which means you’ll have trouble getting approved for most credit cards. Student cards are an exception, however, as they’re geared toward those who are just getting started with credit.

• Learn how to responsibly use credit.
  Now’s a great time to build strong credit habits. Try to keep your balance low — preferably, under 30% of your credit limit — and to pay off your balance in full each month. Most importantly, make every payment on time, which will go a long way toward protecting your credit score.

• Start building your credit score.
  A good credit score is a valuable asset when you need a loan, as it could lead to lower interest rates. It’s also helpful when you’re applying for housing or a job. The earlier you start building your credit score, the better it may be by the time you really need it. Also, strong credit will help you get better cards, such as those that offer cash back or travel rewards.

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.

1. Compare features that are important to you.
   You can find many student products without annual fees. Compare major features such as rewards and signup bonus.If you want to make a fairly large purchase and pay for it over time with no interest, consider a card with an intro APR. But keep in mind you always have to pay back what you spend on your card. Now’s the time to take special care not to get into debt. If you think you’ll be traveling internationally — perhaps to study abroad — you might compare credit cards suited for international students.
2. See if you’re eligible for a credit card.
   Many providers require a Social Security number, and you must show income or assets that prove you can pay your card bills. You must be at least 18 years old to get a card on your own. If you can’t independently pay your card bill, consider applying with a cosigner.
3. Apply for a credit card.
   On your card application, you’ll need information like your address, contact details, date of birth, total annual gross income, Social Security number, and monthly housing or rent payment. Also, submit other information that the card provider requires.
4. Wait for approval.
   You may be approved instantly. If the provider needs to review your application, you may need to wait a few days to a few weeks to hear back. After approval, you’ll typically receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.

Do’s and don’ts of 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, check out our full guide for more information.

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.

Frequently asked questions

• What is a secured card?

  You must put down a security deposit before you can get a secured card. This is different than an unsecured 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.

• Do I have to keep my first credit card forever?

  No. However, you may want to keep your card for at least a few years to lengthen your credit history.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.