Whether you’re starting your first semester, preparing to study abroad or getting ready to graduate, there’s a student credit card that fits where you are in your college journey.
Some cards are designed for students opening their very first credit card, while others are better suited for those who’ve already built some credit and want stronger long-term rewards.
Below, we’ve rounded up our top picks to help you find the best fit.
Best credit cards for college students
The information for the Discover it Student Cash Back has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Comparing the best credit cards for students
| Credit card | Best for | Rewards rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
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If you already have some credit |
|
$0 |
|
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If you’re getting your first credit card |
|
$0 |
|
|
If you’re planning to study abroad |
|
$0 |
|
|
If you want one card for everyday spending |
|
$0 |
|
|
If you’re willing to maximize your rewards |
|
$0 |
Related: Getting started with points, miles and credit cards to travel
Which student credit card is right for you?
Instead of thinking about reward rates first, think about where you are in your credit card journey. Here are our recommendations based on the type of student you are.
You’re getting your very first credit card
If you’ve never had a credit card before, a student credit card can be a great place to start. These cards are designed for applicants with limited or no credit history, making them more accessible than many traditional rewards credit cards.
Most student credit cards also have no annual fee, so you can begin building your credit without paying to keep the account open. As long as you pay your balance on time and in full each month, your first credit card can help you establish a positive credit history while earning rewards on your everyday spending.
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If you’re a foodie, go with the Savor Student Cash Rewards. It earns elevated cash back on dining, groceries, entertainment and streaming services — categories that align well with how college students spend.
If you want to keep things simple, go with the Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards. It earns at least 1.5% cash back on every purchase (plus elevated rewards on eligible hotels, rental cars and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel), so you don’t have to think about bonus categories.
You already have some credit history
If you’ve already started building credit — perhaps by being an authorized user on a family member’s card or by responsibly managing another credit account — you may be able to qualify for cards that offer stronger long-term earning potential than many student-specific options.
If you want a card you’ll keep after graduation, go with the Chase Freedom Unlimited. It earns bonus rewards on dining and drugstore purchases, and offers elevated rewards on travel booked through Chase Travel. It’s also a solid foundation if you eventually want to earn transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
If you just want a single everyday card, go with the Citi Double Cash. It earns at least 2% cash back on everyday purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay), plus elevated rewards on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi Travel. While it’s not a student credit card, it’s a great choice for students with established credit who want a simple, long-term cash-back card.
You want to maximize rewards
If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, you may be able to earn more rewards than you would with a flat-rate cash-back card.
The Discover it Student Cash Back stands out thanks to its rotating bonus categories, which earn elevated cash back (up to a quarterly spending limit after activation). While remembering to enroll takes a little extra work, it can pay off if your spending aligns with the featured categories throughout the year.
Those rotating categories often include purchases students regularly make, like restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and Amazon purchases. For purchases that don’t fall into the bonus categories (like clothing, school supplies or other everyday expenses), you’ll earn the standard rewards rate.
The card also matches your cash back at the end of your first year, making it especially appealing if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort to maximize your earnings.
Related: Should you get a flat-rate or bonus-category cash-back card?
You’re planning to study abroad
If you’ll be spending a semester overseas or taking an international trip during college, choosing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can help you avoid unnecessary costs.
The Savor Student Cash Rewards and the Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards are top picks since both charge no foreign transaction fees.
If you’ll spend a lot on dining, groceries and entertainment, go with the Savor Student Cash Rewards. You’ll earn elevated cash back in categories you’re likely to use frequently while you’re abroad.
If you just want one simple card to use while you’re abroad, go with the Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards. You’ll earn at least 1.5% cash back on every purchase, so you won’t have to think about which spending categories earn the most while you’re overseas.
Related: On a low or modest budget? How you can still make a points and miles strategy that works
How we picked the best credit cards for college students
The best student credit card isn’t necessarily the one with the highest rewards rate. Instead, it’s the one that matches your credit profile, spending habits and financial goals.
When selecting the cards on this list, we prioritized the features that matter most to college students, including:
- No annual fee: Students shouldn’t have to pay to start building credit.
- Student-friendly approval requirements: We looked for cards designed for applicants with limited or no credit history, as well as a few excellent options for students who have already established some credit.
- Valuable everyday rewards: The best student cards reward purchases that college students are most likely to make, such as dining, groceries and everyday spending.
- Helpful long-term value: We also considered whether these are cards you can continue using after graduation as your financial needs evolve.
Related: 5 mistakes to avoid when you get your first credit card
What to look for in a student credit card
No annual fee
Most students don’t need to pay an annual fee for their first credit card. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that earn valuable rewards without adding an extra yearly cost.
Rewards that match your spending
Think about where you spend the most money. If you eat out frequently, a card that earns bonus rewards on dining may make sense. If your spending is spread across different categories, a flat-rate cash-back card may be a better fit.
Foreign transaction fees
If you plan to study abroad or travel internationally, look for a card that charges no foreign transaction fees. Otherwise, those fees can offset the rewards you earn on purchases made outside the U.S.
Credit-building features
The best student credit cards don’t just earn rewards — they also help you establish positive credit habits. Paying your statement balance on time and keeping your balances low can help you build a strong credit history.
Approval requirements
Some student credit cards are designed specifically for applicants with limited or no credit history, while others may require a stronger credit profile. Choosing a card that matches your current credit situation can improve your chances of approval.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for you
Common mistakes first-time cardholders make
Opening your first credit card is exciting, but avoiding a few common mistakes can help you build credit faster and avoid unnecessary costs.
- Carrying a balance: You don’t need to carry a balance to build credit. Paying your statement balance in full each month helps you avoid interest charges while demonstrating responsible credit use.
- Missing a payment: Your payment history is one of the biggest factors that affect your credit score. Setting up automatic payments or reminders can help ensure you never miss a due date.
- Applying for too many cards at once: Each credit card application may result in a hard inquiry on your credit report. Rather than applying for several cards at once, focus on choosing the card that’s the best fit for your current situation.
- Spending more than you can afford: A credit card isn’t free money. Treat it like a debit card by only charging purchases you can afford to pay off when your statement arrives.
- Focusing only on rewards: It’s easy to get excited about cash back and other perks, but your primary goal should be building healthy credit habits. A strong credit history can be far more valuable than earning a few extra dollars in rewards.
Related: TPG’s 10 commandments of credit card rewards
Bottom line
There’s no single best student credit card for everyone. The right choice depends on where you are in your credit journey, how you spend your money and what you want from your first card.
Whether you’re opening your very first credit card or already have some credit history, choosing a no-annual-fee card that fits your spending habits can help you build credit while earning rewards on your everyday purchases.
Whatever card you choose, paying your balance on time and in full each month is one of the best ways to build a strong credit history while you’re still in school.
