Get unlimited cash back with this no-annual-fee card designed for students.
30-second take
- Get this card if you’re looking to build your credit and earn cash back.
- Pick something else if you want higher cash back or an intro APR period on balance transfers and purchases.
- Apply with a fair credit score of 630 or higher, or with no credit history.
| Product Name | Journey® Student Credit Card from Capital One® |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Visa |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for Purchases | 19.98%, 23.98% or 26.98% variable |
| Cash Advance Rate | 26.98% variable |
| Cash Advance Fee | $10 or 3% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Interest Free Period | Up to 25 days |
| Minimum Interest | $0 |
| Late Payment Fee | $38 |
| Additional Cardholder Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age |
|---|
| Reward Value per Dollar | 1% cash back |
|---|---|
| Rewards Points Expiry | Never |
The basics
Students who don’t have any credit history and people with fair credit scores could find this card useful. With timely payments, you can build your credit score and earn cash back in the process without paying an annual fee.
Carrying a balance comes with a high APR, but since you’re trying to establish and build your credit — which presumes you pay your balance in full before its due — the high APR shouldn’t be a problem.
The perks
Cash back.
Earn 1% back on everything you buy. Plus, if you pay your balance off before it’s due it will boost your cash back to 1.25% for the current month.
No annual fee.
You won’t pay anything to own the card.
Access to higher credit line.
Once you make five monthly payments on time, Capital One may increase your credit line.
How do I redeem my cashback rewards?
Redeem your cash back through your online Capital One account or call the rewards center. Request your reward in the form of:
- Statement credits
- Checks
- Credits for previous purchases
- Gift cards
If you have a preferred method of claiming your cash back, set up your automatic preference either at a specific time each calendar year or when a specific threshold — of $25, $50, $100 or $200 — has been reached.
You’ll also like …
No foreign transaction fees.
If you’re traveling abroad on a student exchange program or if you travel for fun, you’ll avoid paying foreign transaction fees that come with other cards.
No penalty APR.
You’ll only pay fees if you make a late payment. With other cards, you have to worry about a penalty APR of up to 30% that can last indefinitely if you only make a single late payment.
CreditWise.
Access your credit score at any time for free to keep your financial future on track.
Fraud coverage.
Get $0 fraud liability for unauthorized purchases if your card is ever lost or stolen.
Mastercard benefits.
Get travel insurance and assistance, and if your card is lost get an emergency replacement card. Also get rental car coverage against damage and theft, and more.
What to watch out for
High APR.
The card comes with a variable APR of 22.97%, 24.97% or 26.97%. Strive to pay off your card balance each month to avoid paying the interest.
Low minimum credit line.
The minimum credit line you can get is $300. However, Capital One may reward you with a credit line increase or upgrade your card if you pay your balances on time.
However, if you want more flexibility with your credit line, consider taking a secured card and deposit the amount you want your credit line to be.
No signup bonus.
You won’t get any bonus in the first months of card membership. With other cards, you can get up to a $500 bonus once you meet certain spending criteria.
No intro APR period.
If you’re looking for an intro APR period on balance transfers and purchases, look for another card.
Consider other cards if …
You want a student credit card from another bank.
Similar credit cards you may consider are the Deserve® Edu Card for Students, Wells Fargo Cash Back College℠ Card, Discover it® Chrome Card for College Students or Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for College Students
You want to build your credit with a higher cashback rate.
The QuicksilverOne® Rewards could be a good choice for those with fair credit. You earn unlimited 1.5% back on everything you buy, but you’ll have to pay an annual fee.
As an alternative, you could consider the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, which gives you 2% back on dining and gas up to $1,000 in purchases per quarter. You’ll get 1% back on all the other purchases and on these categories once you’ve reached the quarterly limit.
You want intro APR period.
The two cards with the longest intro APR period on balance transfers and purchases are the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card and the Citi Simplicity® Card. If you’re stuck paying a high APR on another card, or if you want to make a large purchase and pay it off in more than a year, either of these cards could work.
- Your full name and contact information.
- Date of birth and Social Security number.
- Financial and employment information.
- Go to the Capital One website and find the Journey® Student Credit Card from Capital One® in the list of cards for building credit, then click Apply now.
- Fill out the application form with your personal and financial details.
- Review your application and submit it.
- Download Capital One mobile app. With the app, you can pay your bills, send money to friends and family, monitor your card activity, redeem your cash back, lock or unlock your card if you lose it and more.
- Pay on time. The card has a high APR. To avoid that, make sure you pay your balance in full before it’s due. And if you pay on time, Capital One will reward you with extra cash back.
- Customer service. For any questions, reach out to Capital One’s customer service at 1-800-227-4825 and you’ll get assistance.
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Compare Capital One credit cards
What should I know before I apply?
To apply for the card, you must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen or permanent resident of the US.
You’ll need to submit personal and financial information that includes:
During the application you may choose to receive payment alerts, and can opt to receive further communications in Spanish if it’s your preferred language.
What credit score do I need?
Apply with a fair credit score of 630 or higher, or with no credit history if you’re a student. Applying with a better credit score will likely get you a lower APR and a higher credit limit.
Learn how to successfully apply for a student card.
What do customers say about the Journey® Student Credit Card from Capital One®?
Customers who are happy with the card claim they were instantly approved with no credit history. And most customers claim they quickly built their credit with timely payments. The only complaint some of the customers have is the high APR.
The Better Business Bureau rates Capital One with an A+.
How to apply for the Journey® Student Credit Card from Capital One®
How long will it take to get my Journey® Student Credit Card from Capital One®?
Thanks to its automated preapproval system, Capital One can instantly decide on your application. But in some cases, it may take up to 10 business days.
Once you’re approved, your card, your credit line and your welcome materials will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
I got the card. Now what?
Bottom line
If you’re a student and you don’t have any credit history or are trying to rebuild your credit, this could be a decent card for you. You’ll be able to build your credit score and earn cash back without paying an annual fee.
If you’re not sure whether this is a card for you, check out other student cards or cards for building credit to find the right one for your needs.
