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For students, getting a credit card can be an important first step toward building credit and learning financial responsibility. The right student credit card can help you establish a credit history, earn rewards, and avoid fees while you’re in school. Whether you’re a college student looking for cash back, travel rewards, or a low-interest card, there are plenty of options to consider.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best student credit cards available today. These cards offer a variety of benefits, from low fees to rewards programs, that can help you build your credit and make the most of your spending as a student.
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What Is a Student Credit Card?
A student credit card is designed specifically for college students with little or no credit history. These cards often come with lower credit limits and are easier to qualify for than traditional credit cards. Many student credit cards also offer rewards programs, no annual fees, and other perks designed to appeal to students.
The main purpose of a student credit card is to help you establish a credit history while managing your finances responsibly. By using your card regularly and paying off your balance in full each month, you can build a positive credit history that will benefit you long after graduation.
Now, let’s take a look at the best student credit cards for [Year].
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Key Features:
- Cash Back Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to a quarterly maximum, then 1%) and 1% on all other purchases.
- No Annual Fee: There’s no annual fee for the Discover it® Student Cash Back card.
- Intro Offer: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
- Good Grades Reward: Earn a $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher, for up to 5 years.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is one of the best student credit cards for earning rewards. With its rotating 5% cash back categories and the first-year Cashback Match, it offers great value for students who want to maximize their rewards. Additionally, the Good Grades Reward is a unique feature that encourages academic success while rewarding you for it.
2. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Key Features:
- Intro Offer: Earn a $50 bonus after making your first purchase within the first 3 months.
- Flat Rewards Rate: Earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Good Standing Bonus: Earn a $20 Good Standing Reward each year for up to 5 years as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
- No Annual Fee: There’s no annual fee for the Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card.
The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card is a simple, no-frills option for students who want to earn a flat 1% cash back on every purchase. The card’s intro bonus and Good Standing Reward offer additional value, and with no annual fee, it’s a great choice for students who are new to credit.
3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Key Features:
- Intro Offer: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Unlimited Rewards: Earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases.
- No Annual Fee: There’s no annual fee for this card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for students studying abroad or traveling internationally.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a top pick for students who love to travel. With no foreign transaction fees and 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, it’s a great way to earn rewards while exploring new places. The generous intro offer also adds significant value for students who plan to make larger purchases early on.
4. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Key Features:
- Rewards Program: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases.
- Intro Offer: Earn a $50 cash bonus after spending $100 in the first 3 months.
- No Annual Fee: There’s no annual fee for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Like the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, this card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for international travel.
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is perfect for students who love to dine out, stream entertainment, and grocery shop. The 3% cash back on these categories makes it easy to earn rewards on your everyday purchases, and the lack of foreign transaction fees is a bonus for students who travel or study abroad.
5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Key Features:
- No Credit History Required: The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is designed for international students and those without a U.S. credit history.
- Rewards Program: Earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Amazon Prime Student Subscription: Receive a complimentary year of Amazon Prime Student after spending $500 in the first 3 billing cycles.
- No Annual Fee: There’s no annual fee for this card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: International students and travelers will appreciate the lack of foreign transaction fees.
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is a standout option for international students or those without a credit history. With no credit history required for approval, it’s a great way to start building credit while earning 1% cash back on all purchases. The added benefit of a free year of Amazon Prime Student makes it especially appealing for students who shop online.
6. Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One
Key Features:
- Rewards Program: Earn 1% cash back on all purchases, and boost your cash back to 1.25% when you pay on time.
- Credit Line Increases: You’ll be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months.
- No Annual Fee: There’s no annual fee for the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Like other Capital One cards, there are no foreign transaction fees.
The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One is a solid option for students who are focused on building credit and earning rewards for responsible credit use. The card encourages timely payments by offering an increased cash back rate when you pay on time. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it’s a versatile option for students who want to build credit while earning rewards.
How to Choose the Best Student Credit Card for You
When selecting a student credit card, it’s important to consider your financial habits and goals. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Rewards Programs: Different student credit cards offer different types of rewards, from cash back to travel points. Consider your spending habits and choose a card that offers rewards that align with your lifestyle.
- Fees: Look for a card with no annual fee, as most student credit cards offer this benefit. Also, be mindful of foreign transaction fees if you plan to travel or study abroad.
- Introductory Offers: Some student credit cards offer intro bonuses, such as cash back or travel points, after you meet a certain spending requirement. If you have a large purchase coming up, these offers can provide extra value.
- Credit Building Tools: Some cards offer features like free access to your credit score or automatic credit line increases after a certain period of responsible use. These tools can help you build your credit more effectively.
- Approval Requirements: Most student credit cards require little to no credit history, but approval requirements can vary. Make sure to check if you qualify for the card before applying.
How to Use a Student Credit Card Responsibly
While student credit cards can be a great tool for building credit, it’s important to use them responsibly. Here are some tips for managing your credit card as a student:
- Pay Your Bill on Time: Late payments can negatively impact your credit score and result in fees. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you always pay on time.
- Keep Your Balance Low: Aim to keep your credit utilization below 30% of your credit limit. This means if your limit is $1,000, try not to carry a balance higher than $300.
- Pay in Full: Avoid interest charges by paying off your balance in full each month. This also helps you stay out of debt.
- Monitor Your Credit: Many student credit cards offer free access to your credit score, so take advantage of this feature to track your progress and ensure your credit is heading in the right direction.
Start Building Your Credit with the Right Student Credit Card
Student credit cards can be an excellent way to build credit, earn rewards, and learn how to manage your finances responsibly. By choosing the right card and using it wisely, you can set yourself up for a strong financial future.
Whether you’re looking for cash back, travel rewards, or a simple no-fee card, there’s a student credit card out there that fits your needs. Remember to use your card responsibly, pay your bill on time, and monitor your credit to make the most of your student credit card.
