Best Credit Cards for Students
Best Student Credit Card Welcome Bonus
Discover it® Student Cash Back
On Discover's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Discover's Website
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations,Read More
Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match™
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
Credit Score
Fair/New to Credit
Our Expert Take
Students who choose the Discover it® Student Cash Back have access to card benefits usually reserved for those with higher credit scores, including cash back, a welcome bonus and an introductory APR offer.
Why We Like It
You can earn cash-back rewards on every purchase with no annual fee.
What We Don’t Like
It’s not ideal for international travelers since Discover isn’t accepted as widely outside of the U.S. as other cards.
Who It’s Best For
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is best for students who want to earn cash-back rewards and don’t mind activating their rewards each quarter.
Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
An engaging and fun student credit card, the Discover it® Student Cash Back combines useful benefits for cardholders to learn about building credit history while earning extra cash back each quarter on select categories.
Pros & Cons
- 5% cashback on rotating bonus categories after enrollment
- First-year cash-back match
- 5% bonus cashback rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending
- Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
- Low 1% base reward rate
Card Details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Student Card With Introductory APR
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students
On Bank of America's Website
4.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Bank of America's Website
Choose your 3% category
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up toRead More
Welcome Bonus
$200 cash rewards bonus
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students lets you pick your preferred earning category for elevated rewards for a tailor-made approach.
Why We Like It
This card packs in strong rewards with a generous welcome bonus and introductory APR.
What We Don’t Like
Bank of America lets you change your selection once each month, but you must do it manually.
Who It’s Best For
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students is best for those who want control over which categories earn the most cash back.
Expert Commentary
Emily Moore
Credit Cards Writer
Experiencing the world through travel is a privilege, but affordability is a common barrier to entry. By sharing accessible tips on responsible credit card use, rewards programs and rewards hacking, Emily Jane Moore helps people with limited financial resources access meaningful travel experiences.
Emily Moore
Emily Moore
Credit Cards Writer
Experiencing the world through travel is a privilege, but affordability is a common barrier to entry. By sharing accessible tips on responsible credit card use, rewards programs and rewards hacking, Emily Jane Moore helps people with limited financial resources access meaningful travel experiences.
Credit Cards Writer
This card offers valuable cash-back rewards to responsible students with good to excellent credit. The savviest cardholders will pay close attention to their top spending category to maximize their quarterly 3% cash back option.
Pros & Cons
- Free FICO® Score access
- Intro APR offer with a generous term
- Competitive cash-back reward rates
- Solid welcome bonus
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Higher penalty APR applies to late payments
Card Details
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Credit Card for a Student With No Credit
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One's Website
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Capital One's Website
Welcome Bonus
$50
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
Our Expert Take
Earn flat-rate rewards and pay no annual fee to keep things easy with the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Why We Like It
When you’re starting out with credit, simplicity can be a major selling point.
What We Don’t Like
The APR on this card is pretty high. Without an introductory purchase APR offer, if you need to carry a balance, interest will add up quickly.
Who It’s Best For
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is best for students who want to set it and forget it.
Pros & Cons
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
- Excellent extra benefits
- Solid cash-back rewards for a student credit card
- Other student cards may offer better earning potential
Card Details
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it’s misplaced, lost or stolen
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Off-Campus Students
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One's Website
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Capital One's Website
Up to 10% Reward Rate
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, unlimited 3% cash back on dining,Read More
Welcome Bonus
Earn $50 bonus
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
Our Expert Take
Students who spend a lot on food, like those off-campus without a meal plan, can earn strong rewards on groceries and dining (plus entertainment) with the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Why We Like It
Earning unlimited 3% cash back on such high spend categories is rare, especially on a student card.
What We Don’t Like
All other purchases earn at a lower rate, so it isn’t a good fit for students whose high spending is outside the bonus categories.
Who It’s Best For
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is best for students who want to earn higher rates of cash back on dining, entertainment and at grocery stores.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Excellent cash back rewards
- No low introductory APR
- Limited bonus cash back reward categories
Card Details
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
- Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Student Credit Card for Travel
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
On Bank of America's Website
3.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Bank of America's Website
1.5X Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees andRead More
Welcome Bonus
25,000 points
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Credit Score
Good/Excellent(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
You can earn points on every purchase to redeem toward travel with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students, which charges no foreign transaction fees.
Why We Like It
This card has a generous welcome offer for new cardholders, which could give your rewards balance a nice boost.
What We Don’t Like
The travel rewards from this card must be redeemed through Bank of America—you can’t transfer them to combine with your existing airline or hotel points.
Who It’s Best For
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students is best for students who want a card that earns points that can be redeemed for travel.
Pros & Cons
- Flexible rewards redemption options
- Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all spending
- No foreign transaction fee
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- No bonus categories to boost rewards
- High penalty APR and late fee
Card Details
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Balance Transfer Card for Students
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students
On Bank of America's Website
3.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Bank of America's Website
Unlimited 1.5% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Welcome Bonus
$200 cash rewards bonus
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Credit Score
Good/Excellent(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
If you charged more than you could afford with your first card, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students provides an excellent balance transfer offer to buy time to pay those expenses off.
Why We Like It
In addition to the introductory APR offer, this card rocks for its ongoing flat-rate cash-back rewards.
What We Don’t Like
Balance transfer fees will eat away at some of your potential savings, so weigh your options carefully.
Who It’s Best For
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students is best for those who may need a balance transfer to pay down credit card debt.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Solid rewards earning
- Welcome bonus
- No major benefits
- High balance transfer fee
- High foreign transaction fee
Card Details
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- No annual fee.
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
3.7
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Discover's Website
Up to 2% Reward Rate
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. PlusRead More
Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match™
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
Credit Score
Fair/New to Credit
Our Expert Take
You’ll earn extra cash back on gas and restaurants with the Discover it® Student Chrome for a targeted approach that could make sense with your lifestyle.
Why We Like It
The Cashback Match™, along with no annual fee, make this an appealing option.
What We Don’t Like
Other cards may out-earn this card after the first year, especially if your spending tends to be varied.
Who It’s Best For
The Discover it® Student Chrome card is best for students who spend the most on gas and dining.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Earn rewards while building credit
- Cash back earned is automatically matched at the end of your first year as a cardholder
- Introductory APR offer
- Reward earning is capped in highest category to $1,000 in purchases per quarter
- Rewards are less-than-stellar in comparison with other student cards
Card Details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
