7 Best Student Credit Cards for December 2024
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Allcards. Commissions do not affect our authors’ or editors’ opinions or evaluations. From our partners: See our advertiser disclosure here.
Student Credit Cards are designed for college students who have limited or even no credit history. They offer a variety of benefits, including cash back rewards, 0% APR introductory rates, and a way to build credit. We examined nearly two dozen cards to arrive at the best student credit cards available today.
If you’re a parent interested in teaching financial responsibility, or a college student in need of an emergencies-only credit card, you’ll want to check out cards that require low or average credit. Below are some great options.
Top Student Credit Card Offers
1. Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for Elevated Cash Back Rewards on Several Categories
Rewards:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Annual Fee: $0
2. Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card
Best for Improving Your Credit Score and Earning Cash Back
Rewards:
- Welcome Bonus: None
- Annual Fee: $0
3. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best for 0% APR
Rewards:
- Welcome Offer: None
- 0% Intro APR: Get 0% APY on purchases for the first 6 months months. After that, your rate will be 17.49% - 26.49%, depending on creditworthiness.
- Annual Fee: $0
4. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Best for choosing your own rewards category
Rewards:
- Welcome Offer: Online $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- 0% APR Offer: Get 0% APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles and on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles for transfers made within the first 60 days. After that, your rate will be 18.49% - 28.49%, depending on creditworthiness.
- Annual Fee: $0
5. Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card
Best for Building Credit
Rewards:
- Welcome Bonus: None
- Annual Fee: $0
6. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for Travel and Earning Cash Back on All Purchases
Rewards:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Annual Fee: $0
7. Chase Freedom Rise®
Best Entry-level Credit Card
Rewards:
- Welcome Bonus: None
- Annual Fee: $0
Read our Review of Chase Freedom Rise
Student Credit Card Basics
Credit cards for college students is a hot-button topic – and not without reason. With student loan debt on the rise, many advise students to steer clear of credit cards altogether. Some people think it’s unethical to market credit cards to college students.
At the same time, responsible credit card use can help young adults build financial management skills – and their credit! Responsible use of student cards like these could set college students up for an easier time renting an apartment, buying a home, getting utilities, and more once they’re on their own.
Either way, educating students about credit cards is essential. Because the fact of the matter is that they’re going to have the opportunity to obtain credit cards like these.
The use of student credit cards is growing. According to the California Student Aid Commission, 60% of college students use a credit card billed in their name. Using plastic can meet several financial needs for those in college.
First and foremost, it provides students with a safe and convenient way to make purchases. Second, it can offer a lifeline in emergencies. Third, it can help students build credit. A good credit rating can be instrumental in helping you achieve your financial goals. Finally, it can generate some cash back rewards.
How to Choose a Student Credit Card
There are some important factors to consider when choosing a student credit card:
Fees: The best cards charge no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The foreign transaction fees are particularly important if you plan to travel overseas.
Additional Benefits: Credit cards can come with handy benefits like the ability to monitor your credit score, a mobile app, alerts, travel benefits, and flexible ways to redeem rewards. Find out what benefits the card offers before choosing a card.
Rewards: If you are going to use a credit card, you might as well earn some cash rewards. The standard reward rate is 1%, but some of the best offers pay up to 1.5%.
FAQs
Do I need credit to get a student credit card?
No. Many student credit cards do not require a credit history. If you do have a credit history, however, it will be evaluated as part of the underwriting process.
Do student credit cards help build your credit score?
Yes. Student credit cards generally report payments and balances to one or more of the major credit bureaus. As such, responsible use of the card can improve your credit score.
Do I need to be a full-time student to get a student credit card?
Generally, yes. Credit card issuers will require some proof of enrollment, along with the name of the institution and expected graduation date. Full-time enrollment, however, is generally not required. Part-time students can also qualify for a student credit card.
How is a student credit card different than other cards?
First, it’s designed for students with limited or no credit. Second, many cards offer rewards and other perks specific to student spending habits.
Final Thoughts
A student credit card offers a secure way to pay and a credit limit to handle emergencies when away from home. They also allow young adults to build credit for the first time. At the same time, one must take care not to accrue significant credit card debt. For those who pay off the balance in full each month, a student credit card offers a secure, convenient way to manage finances while in school.