The best credit cards for students in April 2024
Updated 4:00 PM EDT, Mon March 18, 2024
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The best student credit cards offer rewards on your everyday purchases and no annual fee. If you’re a college student with some income — and a little credit history can’t hurt — you may be eligible for one of the best credit cards for students.
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The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Deposit Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of November 2023. Account fees may reduce earnings. Users with no SSN or ITIN on file are not currently eligible to earn interest. No minimum balance is required.
Our team of experts reviewed over two dozen credit cards for college students, including credit cards for students with no credit and credit cards for international students. We examined various factors including welcome bonuses, rewards, fees and benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty. Using a data-based approach, we narrowed down the list to the eight best credit cards for students that scored highly based on our weightings. Read our full methodology below.
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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: *Best student credit card
The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Chase Freedom Rise: *Best card if you bank with Chase
The information for the Chase Freedom Rise has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: *Best for foodies
The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card: *Best for international students
The information for the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students: *Best for travel rewards
The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Discover it® Student Chrome: *Best card for gas and restaurants
The information for the Discover it® Student Chrome has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students: *Best card for choosing your own bonus category
The information for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Discover it® Student Cash Back: *Best card for rotating bonus categories
The information for the Discover it® Student Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Chase Freedom Rise
*The information for the Chase Freedom Rise has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card
*The information for the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
*The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Discover it® Student Chrome
*The information for the Discover it® Student Chrome has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students
*The information for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
*The information for the Discover it® Student Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Our picks at a glance
| Annual fee | Welcome bonus | Best for | Notable feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
*
The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0
| $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within three months from account opening
| College students
| High base cash back rate
|
Chase Freedom Rise
*
The information for the Chase Freedom Rise has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0
| $25 when you enroll in automatic payments within the first three months
| Chase customers
| High base cash back rate
|
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
*
The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0
| $50 after spending $100 in the first three months
| Foodies
| Strong bonus cash back categories
|
Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card
*
The information for the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0
| This card does not offer a welcome bonus
| International students
| No credit history required
|
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
*
The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0
| 25,000-point welcome offer after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening
| Travel
| 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and eligible balance transfers (then a 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers)
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Discover it® Student Chrome
*
The information for the Discover it® Student Chrome has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0
| Unlimited Cashback Match™ - Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards
| Gas and restaurants
| No credit score needed to apply
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Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students
| $0
| $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
| Choosing your own bonus category
| 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and eligible balance transfers (then an 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
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Discover it® Student Cash Back
*
The information for the Discover it® Student Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0
| Unlimited Cashback Match™ - Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards
| Rotating bonus categories
| Bonus cash back in quarterly categories
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Student credit card application requirements
- Credit history: To qualify for a student credit card that doesn’t require a security deposit, you typically need to have some credit history — though it can be limited, and some cards don’t require a credit score at all. If you’re just starting to build credit from scratch, consider asking a parent to add you as an authorized user on a credit card account to get started.
- Income: If you’re under the age of 21, you must show sufficient personal income to qualify or provide an eligible co-applicant, co-signer or guarantor. If you’re 21 or older, you can include sources of income such as spousal income, allowances and certain financial aid in your credit card application.
- Student status: Because these cards are designed for college students, you may be required to verify your student status.
- Age and identification: You must be at least 18 years old to get a credit card, and many card issuers require you to have a Social Security number, individual taxpayer identification number — though some may accept a passport from international students.
Why should I get a student credit card?
Using a student credit card can be a great way to build a positive credit history and develop responsible financial habits while you’re in school. Once you graduate, having a solid credit history can make it easier to qualify for an auto loan or mortgage, secure a low rate on car insurance or lease an apartment.
Credit cards also provide a convenient way to make purchases and earn rewards on your everyday expenses. Other valuable benefits can include welcome bonuses, introductory APR promotions on purchases and balance transfers, shopping protections and discounts on select purchases.
What to consider before getting a student credit card
For starters, evaluate your existing credit history. If you don’t have credit or your history is limited, focus on cards that don’t require a credit score or research other ways to build your credit from scratch. For example, making student loan payments can help you build credit.
You’ll also want to consider how responsible you are with money. Credit cards can offer welcome bonuses and rewards, but they also charge high interest rates, so carrying a balance from month to month can be expensive. If you’re concerned about the temptation to overspend or you’re worried about missing payments out of neglect, develop good financial habits before you get a card.
How to apply for a student credit card
You can generally apply for a student credit card online through the card issuer’s website. Depending on the bank or credit union, though, you may also have the option to submit an application over the phone or at a local branch.
You’ll typically need to provide personal and financial information when you apply, including your full name, date of birth and income.
After you submit your application, you could receive a decision in seconds. If you’re approved, you should receive your card in the mail within a couple of weeks. You may also be able to check your approval odds before applying with online preapproval.
Eligibility for international students
There are student credit cards available to international students. You may need a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number to apply. Options may include:
- Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
- Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Making the most of your student credit card
A student credit card can create an opportunity to build credit and develop good financial habits, but if you don’t use the card responsibly, it can damage your budding credit history and jeopardize your financial situation. As a result, you should make it a priority to keep your balance low and pay it off on time and in full every month.
Also make sure you understand all the benefits your card has to offer, such as bonus cash back or points in certain spending categories. If the card offers a welcome bonus, track your progress toward the spending requirement, and make sure you can afford to meet it without exceeding your budget.
Finally, check for other perks, such as purchase protection and other insurance benefits.
What to do with your student credit card after graduation
You can expect to keep your card account after you graduate. Your issuer might remove the “student” designation from your account automatically. In other cases, you can request an upgrade to a new card from your issuer. If you’re considering canceling your student credit card, make sure you understand the potential credit score consequences. Keeping the card open could make sense, especially if your student card is your oldest credit account.
How to avoid student credit card debt
To avoid credit card debt, only make charges that you can afford to pay back each month. That can be easier said than done, but building a budget and looking for ways to save money can help you get there. If you do find yourself running a balance and incurring interest charges, you can make a plan to pay off your debt.
Alternatives to student credit cards
Even if you’re a college student with little or no credit history, you may qualify for some credit cards that aren’t specifically marketed to students. For example, if you have a qualified Chase checking account, you could have good approval odds for the Chase Freedom Rise. You may also consider cards such as the Petal 1, which doesn’t require a credit history.
If you have had time to build a solid credit history, you may consider top cash back or travel credit cards to earn a higher welcome bonus, access better rewards rates and get more valuable benefits.
Secured credit cards can also be an option, but you’ll need to put up a security deposit to get approved — many cards start at $200 — and it can take several months to get that money back. In some cases, secured card issuers won’t refund your deposit until you close the account, and closing the card can harm your credit.
Methodology
Our money and data analytics teams evaluated over two dozen credit cards geared specifically to students or those with lower credit scores. From there, we narrowed down our list of the best student credit cards by giving them a star rating out of five, based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:
Pricing and fees (30%)
Cards with lower variable APRs, no foreign transaction fees and no annual fees scored better than cards with higher APRs and fees.
Low credit threshold (25%)
Credit cards that are available to students with lower credit scores received a boost compared to cards with higher credit score requirements.
Rewards value (20%)
Not all credit card points and miles have the same value. We used spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and estimates of rewards values from The Points Guy to determine which cards dole out the best rewards value.
Welcome bonus value (10%)
Many cards offer bonus cash back, points or miles to consumers who spend a certain amount in their first months with the card. We calculated how much those bonuses are worth using points valuations from The Points Guy, and boosted cards that offer more value.
Benefits (10%)
Cards that offer benefits such as cell phone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty and a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers received a boost.
Annual credits and bonuses (5%)
Credit cards that come with credits and bonuses for spending in categories including groceries, dining, entertainment and gas received a boost.
What didn’t make the cut
- Credit One Bank® Wander Card * The information for the Credit One Bank® Wander Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : The card offers some solid rewards rates on things like travel, dining and gas, but it charges a $95 annual fee, which is steep compared to the $0 annual fee the cards on this list offer.
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card * The information for the Discover it® Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : For a secured credit card, this one offers a lot of value in the form of rewards and a chance to convert to an unsecured account. But the card requires an upfront security deposit of at least $200.
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : The card offers solid rewards, doesn’t charge an annual fee and you can even get an annual streaming service credit. But like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card * The information for the Discover it® Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , you need an upfront security deposit, and this one has a $300 minimum.
- Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students: Like some of our top picks, this card offers a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase, along with a solid welcome bonus. But it doesn’t have as many benefits as our top card for students.
- BankAmericard® credit card for Students: This card offers an impressive 0% APR promotion on purchases and eligible balance transfers, but it doesn’t offer rewards of any kind.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Start with one credit card, especially as you’re learning the ropes of managing credit card spending and payments. However, having a parent add you as an authorized user on a credit card account can also help you build a positive credit history, even if you don’t use the card.
Yes, it’s typically required that you be a student, and in many cases, the card issuer will verify your enrollment before approving your application. If you’re not currently enrolled in school, you may consider unsecured credit cards for limited credit or secured credit cards to help you establish a positive credit profile.
Ultimately, that depends on the card issuer. For example, Discover will convert your card to one that doesn’t have the student tag — and you’ll retain similar features. If your card issuer doesn’t automatically reclassify your card, you could request an upgrade to a non-student version of the card or to another card the issuer offers.
To view rates and fees for Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.
*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by CNN Underscored Money: Chase Freedom Rise * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students * The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Discover it® Student Chrome * The information for the Discover it® Student Chrome has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students, Discover it® Student Cash Back * The information for the Discover it® Student Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Discover it® Student Chrome * The information for the Discover it® Student Chrome has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Discover it® Secured Credit Card * The information for the Discover it® Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Discover it® Secured Credit Card * The information for the Discover it® Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students, Chase Freedom Rise * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , and Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines, hotel chain, or other commercial entity and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of such entities.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended and should not be understood to constitute financial, investment, insurance or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified financial professional before making any financial, insurance or investment decisions.
Note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed or may no longer be available.
