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If you're a student without established credit, there are still plenty of credit cards you can qualify for. Then, once you've improved your credit score by using a credit card responsibly, it can be easier to upgrade to one of the best credit cards that earn lucrative rewards.
Best Student Credit Cards
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for bonus cash back in student-friendly categories
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best flat-rate cash back earning
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students: Best flat-rate cash back with an intro 0% APR
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students: Best for travelers
BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students: Best with an extra-long 0% intro APR
Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for rotating bonus categories
Discover it® Student Chrome: Best rewards for gas and dining
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card: Best for building credit
Compare the Best Student Credit Cards
Student Credit Cards Frequently Asked Questions
Should college students have a credit card?
College students should consider opening a student credit card as a great first step in building a solid credit history that will help them in years to come. As long as you use it responsibly, avoid carrying a balance, and make your payments on time, having a student credit card can help improve your credit score and make it easier to qualify for other types of credit, like loans and mortgages, in the future.
Can I get a student credit card with no credit?
Yes, there are credit cards for students with no credit that are designed for those who have a limited or no credit history. These are typically easier to get approved for than regular credit cards. Other options include secured credit cards, which require a cash deposit, and starter credit cards, which are also geared toward folks who are building or rebuilding their credit.
What is the best credit card for students?
The best student credit card for you depends on your spending habits and the types of rewards you like to earn. For example, if you spend a lot on dining, groceries, and entertainment, a card like the
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, flat-rate rewards cards such as the
Can I get a student credit card in high school?
Yes, you can get a student credit card in high school if you're at least 18 years old. If you're underage, you could still become an authorized user on a parent or guardian's credit card until you're old enough to apply for your own.
What happens to student credit cards when you graduate?
After you graduate, your student credit card may get converted by your bank into an equivalent, regular credit card. For instance,
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Student Credit Cards
We looked at several factors when evaluating the top student credit cards that are currently available to new applicants:
- Simplicity — Does the card make it easy to redeem rewards, if any, and have a straightforward program? Are there lots of complicated terms and conditions?
- Earning potential — Does the card earn rewards, and do the bonus categories line up with typical student spending habits?
- Welcome bonus — Student cards that offer a sign-up bonus or other incentives are appealing, especially for those on a tight budget who could use a rewards boost.
- Options for different types of students — We included cards that appeal to all kinds of users, from products with a 0% APR offer to travel points and cash-back credit cards.
Learn more about how we rate credit cards at Insider.
Best Student Credit Card Reviews
Here are the top student credit cards to consider — but if you've already got a good credit score and a credit history under your belt, you may want to check out our guides to the best cash-back credit cards and best no-annual-fee credit cards as well.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
The
You can earn a
The
- Price protection***
- Extended warranty***
- Car rental coverage***
- Roadside dispatch***
- Travel accident insurance***
- Complimentary concierge services
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Student Credit Card Details
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
If you're a student with no time to keep track of bonus categories and prefer straightforward cash back on all your purchases, the
With this card, you can earn a lot of cash back quickly — all eligible purchases earn 1.5% back, with no caps. It also comes with benefits you don't often find on student credit cards, including:
- Price protection***
- Extended warranty***
- Car rental coverage***
- Roadside dispatch***
- Travel accident insurance***
- Complimentary concierge services
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card Details
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
For those who prefer the simplicity of not having to keep track of bonus categories, the
New cardholders can also take advantage of an excellent
There's no annual fee, but be aware the card adds foreign transaction fees, so it's not a good choice for traveling outside the US.
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Card for Students Details
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Students who love to travel — especially overseas — should have a look at the
This is a good card if you don't want to mess with complicated award charts or blackout dates, and its earning structure is simple — 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with no categories to keep track of. You'll also get a
BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students - Product Name Only
With one of the longest zero-interest credit card offers around (even among non-student credit cards), the
New cardholders receive a
Bank Americard for Students Details
Discover it® Student Cash Back
The
While the card doesn't offer a welcome bonus, Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. You'll also receive a $50 statement credit if you refer a friend and they're approved.
With the
Discover it Student Cash Back Card Details
Discover it® Student chrome
The
The spending cap on the 2% categories is quite low ($1,000 per quarter, or about $333 a month), but if you're able to maximize this bonus, it's worth an extra $20 per quarter. Students who don't spend a lot in these categories or who want better rewards across the board will likely do better with a different card.
If you're having a tough time deciding between Discover's student cards, check out our comparison of the Discover it Student Cash Back and Chrome for more details about the cards' differences.
Discover it Student Chrome Card Details
Petal Visa
While not technically a student credit card, the
This is another card that gives cardholders an incentive to pay on time. Starting out, you'll earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases, but after making six on-time payments, you'll earn 1.25% back. After 12 months of paying on time, you'll get a bump up to 1.5% back. You'll also have the opportunity to earn bonus cash back (up to 10%) at select merchants.
Another bonus: The
Petal 2 Visa Credit Card Details