Best Credit Cards for Students
Choosing the right credit card as a student can be a game-changer, both for your financial future and your everyday spending habits.
However, with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of finding the best student credit card tailored to your needs.
Top Student Credit Cards
Now that we’ve covered what to look for, let’s dive into some of the best student credit cards currently available. Each of these options offers unique benefits to suit different student needs.
1. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Introductory Offer: $50 bonus after your first purchase within the first 3 months
- Rewards: 1,5% cashback on all purchases
- APR: 26.24% variable APR
Chase Freedom® is a great choice for students who want to earn cashback on every purchase. The $50 bonus after your first purchase is an added incentive.
Plus, the 1% cashback on all purchases makes it easy to earn rewards on everything from textbooks to dining out. With no annual fee and a reasonable APR, this card is a solid option for students looking to start building credit.
2. Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Annual Fee: $0
- Introductory Offer: Cashback match – Discover will match all the cashback you’ve earned at the end of your first year
- Rewards: 5% cashback on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases), 1% on other purchases
- APR: 17.49% to 26.49% variable APR
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card offers one of the most generous rewards programs for students. With 5% cashback on rotating categories like groceries, gas, and restaurants (up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter), students can maximize their cashback earnings. Plus, Discover matches your cashback earned in the first year, effectively doubling your rewards.
3. Citi Rewards+® Student Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Introductory Offer: 5,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Rewards: 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year), 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- APR: 16.24% – 24.24% variable APR
The Citi Rewards+® Student Card is another great option for students who shop at supermarkets and gas stations regularly. With 2x points on these purchases, you can rack up rewards fast. Plus, the 10% points back on your first 100,000 points each year means you’ll get even more value from your spending.
4. Capital One QuicksilverOne® Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Introductory Offer: None
- Rewards: 1.5% cashback on every purchase
- APR: 19.49% – 29.49% variable APR
The Capital One QuicksilverOne® Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideal for students who want simple, straightforward cashback. You’ll earn 1.5% on every purchase, which is higher than the standard 1% that many other student cards offer. While it has a $0 annual fee, the cashback you earn can easily offset this cost if you use the card regularly.