Best College Student Credit Cards in the U.S.
Choosing the right credit card as a college student can feel overwhelming. With limited credit history, tight budgets, and dozens of options claiming to be “student-friendly,” it’s hard to know where to start. The good news is that many U.S. banks now offer credit cards specifically designed for college students, helping them build credit responsibly while earning rewards.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best college student credit cards available in the United States, explain who each card is best for, and help you understand how to use a student credit card wisely—both during college and after graduation.
Important: Always verify the latest terms and conditions on the issuer’s official website before applying.
10 Best College Student Credit Cards
1. Discover it® Student Chrome
Best for: Simple rewards and everyday value
The Discover it® Student Chrome is one of the easiest student credit cards to manage, making it ideal for first-time cardholders. There are no rotating categories to activate, which keeps things straightforward.
Key highlights:
- Cash back on gas and restaurant purchases
- No annual fee
- Automatic review for credit line increases
- Designed for students new to credit
This card is perfect for students who want rewards without complexity.
2. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best for: Rotating bonus categories
This card offers higher rewards through quarterly rotating categories that must be activated. While it requires a bit more effort, it can be very rewarding for students willing to stay organized.
Why choose it:
- High cash-back potential
- No annual fee
- Encourages smart spending habits
It’s best for students who are comfortable tracking categories and maximizing rewards.
3. Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Dining, entertainment, and streaming
The Capital One Savor Student card stands out with strong cash-back rates in categories students use most.
Top features:
- High rewards on dining, entertainment, and streaming
- No annual fee
- Solid long-term value
This card is ideal for social, food-loving students who want strong everyday rewards.
4. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Flat-rate cash back
If you want simplicity, the Quicksilver Student card delivers. It earns the same cash-back rate on every purchase, eliminating the need to track categories.
Why it’s popular:
- Flat-rate cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Easy to use and understand
It’s a strong option for students who want consistency.
5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Best for: Travel rewards (with established credit)
This card is great for students who already have some credit history and enjoy traveling.
Key benefits:
- Travel rewards with no foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
- Works well for study-abroad programs
Approval may be harder for students with no credit history.
6. Chase Freedom Rise®
Best for: No credit history and Chase customers
Designed for beginners, the Chase Freedom Rise® doesn’t require a credit history and offers automatic account reviews for future upgrades.
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- No annual fee
- Flat-rate cash back
- Upgrade potential to other Chase cards
It’s especially useful if you already bank with Chase.
7. Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card
Best for: International students or no credit check
This secured card is unique because it doesn’t charge interest and may be available to international students without a Social Security number.
Pros:
- No traditional credit check
- Cash-back rewards
- Helps build U.S. credit history
The downside is the annual fee.
8. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for: Secured card with upgrade potential
Unlike most secured cards, this one offers rewards and an automatic review process to move to an unsecured card.
Why it stands out:
- Cash-back rewards
- Credit-building focus
- Upgrade path available
It’s one of the best secured options for students rebuilding or starting credit.
9. Self Visa® Credit Card
Best for: No upfront deposit
This card takes a different approach by combining a credit-builder loan with a secured card.
Who it’s for:
- Students struggling to qualify elsewhere
- Those who want a structured way to build credit
It’s more complex than traditional cards but effective for credit building.
10. Grow Credit Mastercard
Best for: Building credit with subscriptions
Grow Credit allows you to build credit by paying for recurring subscriptions like streaming services.
Why it’s unique:
- No interest charges
- No hard credit check
- Focused on responsible credit use
It does charge a membership fee, so it’s best for careful users.
Why Building Credit as a College Student Matters
Establishing credit early gives you a long-term advantage. Good credit can help you:
- Get approved for loans
- Secure lower interest rates
- Rent an apartment
- Set up utilities without deposits
- Pass certain employment screenings
- Qualify for better credit cards after graduation
Using a student credit card responsibly is one of the easiest ways to start building credit history.
Who Should Apply for a Student Credit Card?
Simply being a college student doesn’t guarantee approval. Here’s what to know:
- Students under 21 need proof of income or a co-signer
- Applicants over 21 must show income or access to income
- Student cards are for limited or no credit—not bad credit
If you have damaged credit, secured cards are usually a better option.
Alternatives to Student Credit Cards
If you can’t qualify for a student card, consider:
- Becoming an authorized user on a parent’s card
- Applying for a secured credit card
- Using credit-builder products or rent-reporting services
These options can still help you establish credit responsibly.
How to Compare Student Credit Cards
When choosing a student credit card, focus on:
- Reporting to all three credit bureaus
- No annual fee
- Reasonable interest rates
- Simple rewards
- No foreign transaction fees (for travel)
Rewards are helpful, but credit-building should be the priority.
How to Use a Student Credit Card Wisely
- Spend only what you can afford
- Pay your balance in full each month
- Keep usage below 30% of your credit limit
- Never miss a payment
- Keep accounts open to build credit history
Responsible use is the fastest way to improve your credit score.
What to Do With Your Student Credit Card After Graduation
After graduation, you have several options:
- Keep using it if there’s no annual fee
- Upgrade to a better card with the same issuer
- Replace it with a more rewarding card
- Keep it open to maintain credit history
Your student card can continue to benefit your credit score long after college.
Final Thoughts
Student credit cards are not just about spending—they’re about building a financial foundation. The right card can help you establish credit, earn rewards, and prepare for major financial milestones after graduation.
By choosing a card that fits your lifestyle and using it responsibly, you can turn a simple student credit card into a powerful long-term financial tool.
