Student Credit Card Finder

Get the right student credit card and enjoy travel rewards or earn cash back on everyday purchases. But above all — start building your credit.

Best student credit cards

To select our picks for student cards, we compared products on the market with related benefits and rewards. We narrowed the winners to cards with additional standout features.

Best for international students
Deserve® Edu Card

Credit recommended (580-850) Apply now on Deserve®'s secure site

580
Min. credit score

$0
Annual fee

Up to 1%
Cash back

Other
Welcome offer

• Info
• Pros & cons
• Details

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

• Rewards. Earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
• Low requirements for international students. No Social Security number required if you're an international student.
• Amazon Prime credit. Get credit for your Amazon Prime Student subscription, up to a lifetime total of $59.

• No intro APR period. You don't get a 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
• No signup bonus. There's no bonus to earn when you signup for the card.

Annual Fee	$0
Purchase APR	18.74% variable
Balance transfer APR	N/A
Welcome offer	Amazon Prime Student subscription credit up to $59
Rewards	1% cash back on all purchases

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

Finder Rating: 4.1 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (580-850) Read review

580
Min. credit score

$0
Annual fee

1.5x
Points

25,000
Points welcome offer

• Info
• Pros & cons
• Details

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.

• Rewards points. Earn 1.5x points on every purchase.
• Signup bonus. Earn 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.

• No 0% APR on balance transfers. You get a 0% intro APR period on purchases, but not on balance transfers.

Annual Fee	$0
Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 12 billing cycles (then 14.99% to 22.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR	14.99% to 22.99% variable
Welcome offer	25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
Rewards	1.5x points on all purchases

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

Finder Rating: 4.4 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (580-850) Read review

580
Min. credit score

$0
Annual fee

Up to 3%
Cash back

$200
Welcome offer

• Info
• Pros & cons
• Details

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.

• Cash back. Earn 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. Earn $200 cash rewards bonus after you make $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
• Intro APR. Get 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 statement closing dates from account opening. After that, 13.99% to 23.99% variable.

• Foreign transaction fees. Avoid using this card abroad or online with foreign merchants or you'll pay 3% of the amount of each transaction.
• Balance transfer limitations. To use the 0% intro APR period, complete your transfers within the first 60 days when you open your account.

Annual Fee	$0
Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 12 statement closing dates (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 12 billing cycles (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
Welcome offer	$200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
Rewards	3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category, grocery and wholesale club purchases each quarter, then 1%

Best for rebuilding credit
Capital One® Secured Mastercard®

Finder Rating: 4.4 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (580-669) Read review Rates & fees

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580
Min. credit score

$0
Annual fee

n/a
Rewards

n/a
Welcome offer

• Info
• Pros & cons
• Details

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.

• Security deposit. Deposit $49, $99 or $200, according to Capital One's discretion, and get an initial credit line of $200.
• Potential credit limit increase. Pay your first five monthly payments on time and get a credit limit increase.
• No foreign transaction fees. Purchases made abroad or online with foreign merchants won't cost you any foreign transaction fees.

• No rewards. You won't earn any rewards on purchases made with this card.
• No intro APR period. You don't get a 0% or a low-rate intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.

Annual Fee	$0
Purchase APR	26.99% variable
Balance transfer APR	26.99% variable
Welcome offer	N/A
Rewards	N/A

Best for cash back on rotating categories
Discover it® Student Cash Back

Finder Rating: 4.2 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (580-739) Read review

580
Min. credit score

$0
Annual fee

Up to 5%
Cash back

Other
Welcome offer

• Info
• Pros & cons
• Details

The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers stellar cash back in certain categories each quarter. It can be a great choice if you love having variety in your rewards. During certain months, you can take advantage of the 5% cash back by stocking up on select items for the school year.

• Cash back. Earn 5% cash back in quarterly rotating categories on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, then 1%. You also earn 1% back on all other purchases.
• Cashback match. Discover will double the entire cash back you earn during your first year of card membership.
• Intro APR period. Get 0% intro APR period on purchases for the first 6 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 17.99% applies.

• 10.99% intro APR period on balance transfers. With this card, you do get an intro APR period on balance transfers, but it's not 0%.

Annual Fee	$0
Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 6 months (then from 17.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR	10.99% intro for the first 6 months (then from 17.99% variable)
Welcome offer	Discover will match cash back at the end of your first card year
Rewards	5% back in rotating categories each activated quarter up to $1,500, then 1% after that and on all other purchases

Best for inexperienced cardholders
Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®

Finder Rating: 3.9 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (580-850) Read review Rates & fees

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580
Min. credit score

$0
Annual fee

Up to 1.25%
Cash back

n/a
Welcome offer

• Info
• Pros & cons
• Details

The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® combines a $0 annual fee with a flat cashback rate that you can increase through strong financial habits. Notably, it doesn't punish late payments with a penalty APR, which is rather forgiving for

• Cash back. Earn 1% cash back on all purchases. Increase this rate to 1.25% for the month by paying off your monthly balance before it's due.
• No annual fee. You won't pay an annual fee to use this card. This is a great feature to have when you're trying to build your credit score.
• No penalty APR. If you miss a payment, you'll only pay a late fee and won't incur a penalty APR. Many cards punish late payments with a penalty APR of up to 29.99%.

• High base APR. This card comes with a higher than average base purchase APR of 22.99%.
• No signup bonus. Though it offers rewards, this card doesn't come with a signup bonus.

Annual Fee	$0
Purchase APR	22.99% variable
Balance transfer APR	22.99% variable
Welcome offer	N/A
Rewards	1% cash back on all purchases, 1.25% for months you pay on time

Best for everyday purchases
Discover it® Chrome for Students

Credit recommended (580-669) Read review

580
Min. credit score

$0
Annual fee

Up to 2%
Cash back

Other
Welcome offer

• Info
• Pros & cons
• Details

With the Discover it® Chrome for Students, you can earn solid cashback on categories you're most likely to spend as a student: dining and gas. Plus, this card requires no annual fee and rewards you for good grades.

• Cash back. Earn 2% cash back on dining and gas on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, reverting to 1% after and on all other purchases.
• No annual fee. You won't pay an annual fee to use this card.
• Signup bonus. Discover will match any cash back you've earned during your first year of card ownership.

Annual Fee	$0
Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 6 months (then 12.99% to 21.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR	10.99% intro for the first 6 months (then 12.99% to 21.99% variable)
Welcome offer	Discover will match cash back at the end of your first card year
Rewards	2% back on gas and dining up to $1,000 combined each activated quarter, then 1% after that and on all other purchases

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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Sort by:

Name	Product	Filter values	Minimum deposit required	Purchase APR	Annual fee	Recommended minimum credit score
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...
Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card			N/A	19.99% to 29.49% variable	$0	550	A high-limit no-annual-fee credit card that's ideal for rebuilding scores as low as 550. See if you prequalify with no impact to your credit.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card			N/A	12.99% to 26.99% variable	$0	New to credit	Build your credit with rewards and no fees: Apply if you're new to credit or have a fair to good score of 600 or higher. See if you prequalify with no impact to your score.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Jasper Mastercard®			N/A	15.49% to 24.99% variable	$0	New to credit	A 1% cashback credit card for professionals relocating to America without a US credit history.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®			N/A	22.99% variable	$0	580	Earn 1% cash back on all purchases or get 1.25% cash back for months you pay on time.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card			N/A	0% intro for the first 7 months (then 14.49% to 24.49% variable)	$0	670	Earn 2,500 bonus points after you spend $500 in purchases with your card within the first 3 months of account opening. All information about this card has been collected independently by Finder.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Wells Fargo Cash Back College℠ Card			N/A	0% intro for the first 6 months (then 11.15% to 21.15% variable)	$0	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	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students			N/A	0% intro for the first 12 statement closing dates (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)	$0	580	Earn $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days from account opening.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Discover it® Student Cash Back			N/A	0% intro for the first 6 months (then from 17.99% variable)	$0	580	Earn 5% back in rotating categories each activated quarter up to $1,500, then 1% after that and on all other purchases.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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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.