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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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Kevin Joey Chen
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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.

Name Product Annual fee Purchase APR Recommended minimum credit score
Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
$0
14.99% variable
670
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases with this no-annual-fee student credit card.
See offer
View details
Deserve® Edu Card
Deserve® Edu Card
$0
18.74% variable
580
Designed for college students to build credit history and earn rewards.
Apply now
View details
Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®
Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®
$0
26.99% variable
580
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases or get 1.25% cash back for months you pay on time.
View details
Wells Fargo Cash Back College℠ Card
Wells Fargo Cash Back College℠ Card
$0
0% intro for the first 6 months (then 11.15% to 21.15% variable)
620
Earn 3% back on gas and groceries for the first 6 months. Then earn 1% on those purchases and on everything else.
View details
Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students
Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students
$0
0% intro for the first 12 statement closing dates (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
580
Earn $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days from account opening.
View details
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The best student credit cards of 2021

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

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 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. We’ve offered some tips for applying for a student card to help you on your way.

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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