| Credit Card | Rewards Rate | Welcome Bonus | Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apply Now
Discover it® Student Cash Back |
1% - 5%
Cash back
|
Cashback Match™
|
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
Purchases:
0%, 6 months
|
16.49% - 25.49% Variable
|
$0
|
|
2026 AWARD WINNER
Best Student Card For Off-Campus Living
Apply Now
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card |
1% - 8%
Cash Back
|
$100
Cash Bonus
|
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
|
18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Apply Now
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card |
1.5% - 5%
Cash Back
|
$100
Cash Bonus
|
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
|
18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
|
$0
|
|
2026 AWARD WINNER
Best Student Credit Card for Building Credit
Apply Now
Discover it® Student Chrome |
1% - 2%
Cash back
|
Cashback Match™
|
Balance Transfer:
N/A, N/A
Purchases:
0%, 6 months
|
16.49% - 25.49% Variable
|
$0
|
Today's Top Credit Cards for Students
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- 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.
- Redeem cash back for any amount.
- No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Early Spend Bonus: For a limited-time, earn $100 when you spend $300 in the first three months
- 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, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 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
- Top rated mobile app
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- Early Spend Bonus: For a limited-time, earn $100 when you spend $300 in the first three months
- 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
- Top rated mobile app
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Bottom Line
If you're a student, the Discover it® Student Cash Back (Rates and fees) is a great choice. You can benefit from a generous welcome offer, earn up to 5% cash back, and enjoy an introductory no-interest period on purchases — all without an annual fee!
- Cash Back Rewards: 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.
- Amazing Welcome Offer: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
No Caps on Welcome Bonus Rewards: There is no minimum spending threshold and no maximum to the amount of cash back rewards you can earn with the first-year welcome bonus.
- Low Intro APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for 6 months on purchases. After the intro period, the APR is 16.49% - 25.49% Variable.
- $0 Annual Fee: On top of no annual fees, there are no foreign transaction fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about student credit cards? We've answered the most common ones below to help you choose the right card.
Responsible credit card usage can be worthwhile because you can start building your credit history while you’re in school. That could lead to better financial opportunities after graduation, such as qualifying for a car loan, a mortgage, or your next credit card. It also helps that student credit cards are typically easy to qualify for since they have less strict requirements.
The FICO score is the most commonly used metric to rate credit. According to the FICO scale, a “good” credit rating is between 670-739 for anyone, including students.
Just as with a regular personal credit card, the credit limit or credit line available to you as a student will vary based on your creditworthiness. Typically, though, student credit cards have lower credit limits compared to regular personal credit cards. Sometimes you will be automatically considered for a higher credit line after you make a number of on-time monthly payments.
Yes! It is possible to get a credit card without a job — with some stipulations. Generally, you must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a credit card and if you’re under 21 you’ll need to provide proof of your financial assets or income. Otherwise, you’ll need to have a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult co-sign on the credit card for you.
You'll also most likely need to provide your Social Security number. If you are an international student and you don't have a Social Security number, you may still have options when it comes to applying for a student credit card. Be sure to call the credit card issuer and find out what their requirements are.
Usually not. Each credit card issuer requires proof that you’re enrolled in school, but each also has different definitions. For some cards you must provide proof you’re attending a 2- or 4-year college, while others only check to make sure you meet the income and credit minimums. If you already have a student card when you graduate, some issuers will allow you to keep your student card, but others require that you change to a different card or upgrade your card once you’re no longer a student.
How we chose these cards
FinanceBuzz evaluated a selection of cards from our partners, looking at various criteria including length of intro APR period, fees, and bonus offers. We did not review all cards in the category and compensation was considered when evaluating and ordering the cards.