1.Discover it® Student Cash Back
Discover
- 5%Cash back on rotating quarterly categories
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Automatic, unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in rotating quarterly categories upon activation, plus an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
0% introductory APR offer for 6 months; 16.49% to 25.49% after
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card stands out as the top choice because it offers a high cash back rate on rotating categories, making it ideal for students looking to maximize their rewards while building credit.
Pros:
- Great for building credit
- No security deposit required
Cons:
- Rotating categories can be limiting
- Requires activation for bonus categories
2.Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 3%Cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $100 cash bonus after spending $300 in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases.
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 a fantastic option for students who frequently dine out or enjoy entertainment activities.
Pros:
- High cash back on dining and entertainment
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Variable APR can be high
- Limited time bonus
3.Chase Freedom Rise®
Chase
- 3%Cash back on dining
- 1.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $25 statement credit for setting up automatic payments within the first 3 months.
Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus 3% cash back on dining at restaurants.
18.24%-27.74% Variable APR
The Chase Freedom Rise is a great starter card for those new to credit, offering a straightforward cash back structure that rewards dining while maintaining a $0 annual fee.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good for building credit
Cons:
- Lower cash back rate on non-dining purchases
- Limited rewards structure
4.Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
Bank of America
- 3%Points on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center
- 1.5%Points on all other purchases
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases and 3 points per dollar on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
17.49%-27.49% Variable APR
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students card is a solid choice for students who travel, offering a straightforward rewards structure with no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good for travel rewards
Cons:
- Flat rewards rate may not be competitive
- Requires good credit for approval
5.BankAmericard for Students
Bank of America
- No rewards breakdown available
No sign-up bonus or welcome offer.
Does not earn any rewards or sign-up bonuses.
14.99%-25.99% Variable APR
The BankAmericard for Students focuses on financing with a long introductory APR period, making it a practical choice for students who prioritize managing their expenses over earning rewards.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- 0% introductory APR for 21 billing cycles
Cons:
- No rewards
- Requires good credit for approval
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
As you explore the best college student credit cards this September, remember that choosing the right card can significantly impact your financial future. Take time to compare your options, considering rewards, fees, and interest rates, to make informed decisions that align with your spending habits and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card offers an automatic, unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. Additionally, students can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in rotating quarterly categories upon activation, plus an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Yes, the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of $100 cash bonus after spending $300 in the first 3 months. This bonus can help students kickstart their cash back earning potential.
With the Chase Freedom Rise® card, you can earn a $25 statement credit for setting up automatic payments within the first 3 months. The card also offers 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Many student credit cards, including the Discover it® Student Cash Back, Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards, and Chase Freedom Rise®, have $0 annual fees. This makes them a financially accessible option for college students looking to build credit.
When choosing a credit card, consider factors such as rewards programs, annual fees, and interest rates. Look for cards that offer benefits tailored to your spending habits, like cash back on dining or groceries, which can maximize your rewards.
To apply for a college student credit card, visit the issuer's website and fill out an online application. You'll need to provide personal information, including your income, social security number, and school details, to complete the process.
Student credit cards often come with no annual fees and rewards programs that suit a student's lifestyle, such as cash back on dining and groceries. Additionally, they help build credit history, which is crucial for future financial opportunities.
