Best Student Credit Cards for 2025: Cash Back, Travel Rewards & Low APR Offers

Last updated June 5, 2025 | By FinanceBuzz Editors


Today's Top Credit Cards for Students


Discover it® Student Cash Back

up to 5% cash back + 0% Intro APR on Purchases
4.75
info


If you're looking for a student credit card, the Discover it® Student Cash Back(Rates and fees) is a solid choice. This card lets you enjoy astounding cash back — up to 5%! Even better: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. That's double the cash back on purchases your first year!

Earn a powerful 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. And, the annual fee is $0!

You can also take advantage of a 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then 17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR. This is a great way to finance purchases as needed for schooling, housing, and food while at school. 

Recommended Credit Score info
Fair
580-669


Click here to apply for the Discover it® Student Cash Back now.


Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

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2025 award winner Best Student Credit Card For Living Off Campus

Perfect for Entertainment & Travel + Earn up to 8% Cash Back!
5.0
info


If you're a student, you could rack up solid cash back on dining and groceries with this card — up to 8% on certain categories! — with the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees). Plus, earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months!

Earning categories are powerful across the board. Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal; unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 3% on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®); and 1% on all other purchases. 

This card is truly a fantastic choice if you want to maximize your earnings for entertainment, grocery, and travel, all while maintaining a solid earning rate for all other purchases. Plus, the annual fee for the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) is $0. Foreign transaction fee: None

Before you apply, get pre-approved: If you aren't sure whether this card is right for you (or if you'll be approved), getting a pre-approval from Capital One is a great next step. Plus, there's no harm to your credit score!

  1. Go to the pre-approval site (also linked below) and answer some basic questions.
  2. They'll tell you if you're pre-approved for the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card or other Capital One card offers.
  3. You don't need to apply separately if you're pre-approved — just accept an offer and they'll mail your new card. 

Recommended Credit Score info
Fair
580-669


>> See if you're pre-approved for the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card 


Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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2025 award winner Best for Dining Out

Earn Bonus Cash Back Worth $200!
4.7
info


The Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) could be perfect for you if you're a student and want to earn hefty cash back. You can earn up to 5% cash back on eligible categories. You also have the ability to earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening — worth $200! 

With Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you can also earn 3% on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, and 1.5% on all other purchases!

Even better: Enjoy a 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After the intro period, the APR is 18.99% - 28.49% Variable. That means you can pay 0% interest on large purchases or if you transfer your existing credit card balance!

Annual fee: $0

Recommended Credit Score info
Good
670-739
Excellent
740-850


Click here to apply for Chase Freedom Unlimited® now.

Discover it® Student Chrome

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2025 award winner Best Student Credit Card for Building Credit

up to 2% cash back + 0% Intro APR on Purchases
4.55
info


The Discover it® Student Chrome(Rates and fees) is the perfect card if you're in college and you want a simple rewards rate for earning cash back — an easy up to 2% cash back! Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. That's double the cash back on purchases your first year!

Our editors also love this card for its simplicity: 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. 

The annual fee is $0, and you'll also get a great intro APR on purchases. Enjoy a 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then 17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR. Finance purchases as needed for schooling, housing, and food!

Recommended Credit Score info
Fair
580-669


Click here to apply for the Discover it® Student Chrome now.


Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

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2025 award winner Best Student Credit Card

Straightforward Earning + Up To 5% Cash Back!
4.75
info


The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) is a fantastic choice it you're a student who wants a card with straightforward earning potential. You could net yourself plenty of cash back — up to 5% on certain purchases! Even better: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months!

This card is great for everyday earnings, and also a powerful choice if you like to travel. You can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; plus unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

The annual fee for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) is $0. And the foreign transaction fee? None! You can also enjoy extended warranty protection on eligible purchases.

Start with a no-penalty pre-approval: If you're interested in the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card but aren't sure if you'll be approved, don't worry. You can find out quickly with no impact to your credit score

  1. Click the link below and answer some basic questions.
  2. They'll tell you if you're pre-approved for certain Capital One card offers.
  3. You don't need to apply separately if you're pre-approved — just accept an offer and they'll mail your new card. 

Recommended Credit Score info
Fair
580-669


>> Click here to see if you're pre-approved for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card 



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 17.24% - 26.24% Variable.
  • $0 Annual Fee: On top of no annual fees, there are no foreign transaction fees.

Recommended Credit Score info
Fair
580-669


» Click here to apply now

Cash Back for Those New to Credit

Benefits

Card Details

  • Intro APR on purchases
  • Excellent welcome offer
  • Useful redemption options, including on Amazon and PayPal
  • $0 annual fee
  • Apply Now
  • 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! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So 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 your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • 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 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Discover <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>it<sup>®</sup></span> Student Cash Back
4.75
info
Apply Now

on Discover’s secure website

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Intro Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Annual Fee

$0

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Why we like it



Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about student credit cards? We've answered the most common ones below to help you choose the right card.

Are student credit cards worth it?

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.

What's a good credit score for a college student?

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.

What is the credit limit on a student credit card?

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.

Can I get a student credit card without a job?

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.

Can I get a student credit card if I just graduated?

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.