1.Discover it® Student Cash Back
Discover
- 5%Cash back on rotating quarterly categories
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
N/A
Earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories and 1% on all other purchases.
18.24%-27.24% Variable APR
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an excellent choice for students looking to earn rewards while building credit. Its unique rotating categories allow cardholders to maximize cash back on popular spending areas, making it a standout option for those who want to earn while they learn.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- 5% cash back on rotating categories
Cons:
- Limited to quarterly categories
- Requires enrollment for bonus categories
2.Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 3%Cash back on dining
- 3%Cash back on entertainment
- 3%Cash back on streaming services
- 3%Cash back on grocery stores
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores.
18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
What sets the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card apart is its generous cash back on dining and entertainment, making it ideal for students who frequently eat out or enjoy streaming services. The straightforward rewards structure allows for easy earning without the hassle of rotating categories.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High cash back on dining and entertainment
Cons:
- Limited to specific categories
- Higher APR range
3.Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students
Bank of America
- 3%Cash back in a category of your choice
- 2%Cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a one-time $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
17.49%-27.49% Variable APR
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students card is a versatile option that allows cardholders to choose their preferred cash back category, making it a great fit for students with varied spending habits. Its generous welcome bonus and no annual fee further enhance its appeal.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Flexible category choice for 3% cash back
Cons:
- Requires $1,000 spend for bonus
- Variable APR can be high
4.Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase
- 5%Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3%Cash back on dining
- 1.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
18.24%-27.74% Variable APR
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® stands out as the top choice because of its robust rewards structure that offers high cash back rates on travel and dining, making it ideal for those who frequently spend in these categories. Its generous welcome bonus and no annual fee further solidify its position as a leading option for savvy spenders.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High rewards on travel and dining
Cons:
- Variable APR can be high
- Limited to Chase travel portal for top rewards
5.American Express® Gold Card for Students
American Express
- 4%Points on restaurants
- 3%Points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 4x points at restaurants, 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x on all other purchases.
The American Express® Gold Card for Students is a premium option that excels in earning rewards on dining and travel, making it a great choice for students who prioritize these categories. Its substantial welcome bonus and extensive rewards structure provide excellent value for those willing to invest in the annual fee.
Pros:
- High rewards on dining
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending for bonus
Did you know?
Before you apply, look up credit card basics like APR and fees in our Financial Dictionary. Rewards pay off most when your real spending already hits the card's bonus categories.
Final Words
In conclusion, selecting the best college student credit card involves evaluating rewards, fees, and benefits that align with your financial habits. Take time to compare options to ensure you make an informed decision that supports your budget and builds your credit history effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card offers a welcome bonus of None. You can earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories and 1% on all other purchases, making it a great choice for students who want to maximize their rewards on everyday spending.
The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card provides a welcome bonus of Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening. You can earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases.
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students, you can earn a one-time $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. You earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases.
Yes, college students can qualify for credit cards, especially those designed for students. However, they may need to demonstrate some form of income or have a co-signer if they have limited credit history.
When choosing a student credit card, consider factors such as the rewards rate, any welcome bonuses, annual fees, and the APR. It's also wise to look for cards that offer benefits like cash back on categories you frequently spend on, like dining or groceries.
Many student credit cards come with no annual fees, making them accessible for students on a budget. However, it's essential to read the fine print, as some cards may charge fees for specific features or rewards.
You can build credit as a college student by responsibly using a credit card, paying your bills on time, and keeping your credit utilization low. Additionally, monitoring your credit score regularly can help you understand your credit health.
