The 10 Best Student Credit Cards For College Students

For many college students, a student credit card is the first step into the world of personal finance. These cards help build credit, offer student-focused perks, and often come with manageable limits to keep spending under control. If you’re a student searching for a credit card that’s easy to qualify for and gives you real value, here are ten strong choices to consider.

1.     Discover it® Student Cash Back.

Why it stands out: Generous cashback + no annual fee

Cashback: 5% back on rotating categories each quarter (e.g., grocery stores, gas stations, Amazon) after activation, up to $1,500. 1% back on everything else.

Annual fee: $0

Intro offer: Cashback Match – Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year.

Perks: Free FICO score, U.S.-based customer service, and rewards never expire.

This card is ideal for students who want to track bonus categories and earn the highest possible cashback.

2.     Chase Freedom Rise℠

Why it stands out: Made for students and newcomers to credit

Cashback: 1.5% on all purchases

Annual fee: $0

Perks: Access to Chase Credit Journey®, fraud alerts, and no minimum to redeem rewards.

Designed for those with little or no credit history, the Chase Freedom Rise increases your odds of approval if you open a Chase checking account and maintain a balance.

3.     Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why it stands out: Best for dining and entertainment

Cashback: 3% on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores); 1% on all else.

Annual fee: $0

Perks: No foreign transaction fees, extended warranty, and travel accident insurance.

If your spending leans toward eating out, concerts, or subscriptions, this card offers a strong return for those categories.

4.     Bank Of America® Customised Cash Rewards Credit Card For Students

Why it stands out: Flexible 3% category selection

Cashback:

• 3% on your chosen category (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement/furnishings)
• 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 per quarter)
• 1% on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

Intro offer: $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days

Students who want to choose their top-earning category will appreciate the control this card offers.

5.     Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why it stands out: Flat-rate rewards with no hoops

Cashback: 1.5% unlimited on every purchase

Annual fee: $0

Perks: No foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, and extended warranty.

A good fit if you want simple, consistent rewards without needing to track categories.

6.     Deserve® EDU Mastercard For Students

Why it stands out: Open to international students — no SSN required

Cashback: 1% on all purchases

Annual fee: $0

Perks: Amazon Prime Student subscription reimbursement (up to $69), cell phone protection, and no foreign transaction fees.

This card is beneficial for international students who might not have a U.S. credit history or SSN.

7.     Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

Why it stands out: Approves based on income and spending, not just credit score

Cashback:

• 1% on eligible purchases right away
• Up to 1.5% after 12 months of on-time payments

Annual fee: $0

Perks: No late fees, no international fees, and an intuitive app that shows your spending and impact on credit.

Ideal for students with limited or no credit, especially if you earn income.

8.     Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card For Students

Why it stands out: Generous bonus categories for everyday spending

Cashback: 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, streaming, and phone plans; 1X on other purchases

Annual fee: $0

Intro offer: 20,000 bonus points (worth $200) after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months

Great for students with moderate expenses spread across different areas like transit, phone bills, or dining.

9.     Capital One Journey Student Rewards

Why it stands out: Encourages good habits with boosted rewards

Cashback: 1% on all purchases, bumped to 1.25% each month you pay on time

Annual fee: $0

Perks: No foreign transaction fees, travel assistance, and credit limit reviews after 6 months.

This card rewards responsible payment behaviour, making it a good starter for students building healthy habits.

10.                        Chase Freedom Student Credit Card (Limited Availability)

Why it stands out: Reliable starter with ongoing benefits

Cashback: 1% on all purchases

Annual fee: $0

Perks: $20 Good Standing Reward annually for up to 5 years, free credit score access, and automatic credit limit increase after five on-time payments.

While no longer widely available, it's worth asking about if you're already a Chase customer.

How To Choose The Right Student Credit Card?

Here are a few practical points to guide your decision:

Start With What You're Approved For

If you have no credit history, lean toward cards designed for students or those that evaluate income instead of score, like Deserve EDU or Petal 2.

Consider How You Spend

If you dine out a lot, go for SavorOne Student. If your purchases are spread evenly, a flat-rate cashback card, such as Quicksilver Student or Journey Rewards, is easier to manage.

Think Long Term

Look for cards that grow with you — those with credit limit increases, reporting to all bureaus, automatic upgrades, and consistent reward opportunities as your spending habits evolve.

Avoid Fees

All cards on this list have no annual fee, and many waive foreign transaction fees. That’s helpful if you travel or study abroad.

The Bottom Line

A sound student credit card can help you build a strong credit history before you graduate — and earn meaningful rewards while you're at it. Start with your personal habits, income, and whether or not you have existing banking relationships. Most of these cards have online applications that take just a few minutes to complete.

If you’re ready to apply, visit the card issuer’s website directly to check your eligibility and pre-qualify without affecting your score. And remember: pay on time and in full to make the most of your credit-building journey. Responsible use now can open doors to better cards, loans, and financial opportunities after graduation.