The best credit cards for students in September 2024

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Featured Offer

Firstcard? Credit Builder Card with Cashback for College Students

Annual Percentage Yield

The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Deposit Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of November 2023. Account fees may reduce earnings. Users with no SSN or ITIN on file are not currently eligible to earn interest. No minimum balance is required.

Earn 1.25% APY with Firstcard or 4.25% with Firstcard+ on the money in your Firstcard.

Credit Score

No credit checks and no credit history are required to open a credit card

Apply Now

On Firstcard's website

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best student credit card

Key takeaways

1.5%

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

$50

Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months

5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best student credit card

Learn More

On CardRatings’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months.

$50

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Average, Fair, Limited</div>

Why we picked it

The Capital One Quicksilver Student offers a high flat rewards rate on every purchase, so you don’t have to keep track of different rewards rates and bonus categories. You can also earn a small welcome bonus when you open the account.

+ Pros

• Solid cash back rate on all purchases
• Offers a welcome bonus

– Cons

• May charge a high APR
• Welcome bonus is relatively small
• Requires some credit history

Highlights

• 1.5% cash back on most purchases
• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within three months from account opening
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees

Chase Freedom Rise?

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The information for the Chase Freedom Rise? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best card if you bank with Chase

Key takeaways

1.5%

Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase

4.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best card if you bank with Chase

Welcome bonus offer

Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.

$25 statement credit

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

26.99% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>New To Credit</div>

Why we picked it

Getting your first credit card can be challenging. But if you’re a Chase customer with at least $250 in your checking account, you’ll have a better chance of getting approved for the Freedom Rise. What’s more, the card offers a great rewards rate on every purchase you make and a small bonus when you set up automatic payments. You can also qualify for a credit limit increase in as little as six months if you use the card responsibly.

+ Pros

• Potential to qualify for a credit limit increase after six months
• $0 annual fee
• Earns 1.5% cash back on all spending

– Cons

• No significant welcome bonus
• Need an eligible Chase checking account to boost approval odds
• No bonus cash back categories
  

Highlights

• Increase your approval chances – Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise?
• Earn Cash Back – With Chase Freedom Rise?, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
• Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
• Credit Limit Increase – As a Freedom Rise cardmember, you’ll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise? Card
• Free Credit Score – Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
• No Annual Fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise? card.
• Member FDIC

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for foodies

Key takeaways

10%

Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart? and Target?)

1%

1% on all other purchases

5%

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

8%

Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases

3.6/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for foodies

Learn More

On CardRatings’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months

$50

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Average, fair, limited</div>

Why we picked it

The ?SavorOne Student Cash Rewards offers great rewards rates on everyday spending categories like dining, grocery stores, streaming services and entertainment. The only drawback is that all other spending nets just 1% back.

+ Pros

• No annual fee
• Up to 3% cash back
• No security deposit requirement

– Cons

• Only available for students
• Certain merchants such as Target, Walmart and Prime Video are not included in the 3% cash back bonus
• Entertainment does not include college sporting events

Highlights

• 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store spending (not including superstores such as Target)
• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment
• 1% cash back on purchases outside of bonus categories
• $50 after spending $100 in the first three months
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fee

Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card

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The information for the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for international students

Key takeaways

10%

2%-10% cash back at select merchants

3.6/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for international students

Welcome bonus offer

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

25.24% – 34.74% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Fair/No Credit</div>

Why we picked it

If you’re new to credit, you don’t need to worry about getting dinged for that. Petal 1’s issuer may review your bank account to evaluate your financial situation and money management to make a decision. The card offers cash back, but only with certain merchants, and it unfortunately also has the highest maximum annual percentage rate (APR) of any student card on our list. But you can potentially qualify for a higher credit limit if you use the card responsibly, and consumers with a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number can apply.

+ Pros

• No credit score requirement
• Up to 10% cash back with select merchants
• Can increase your credit limit

– Cons

• High APR
• No welcome bonus
• No rewards on every purchase

Highlights

• $300 – $5,000 credit limits
• Earn a credit limit increase in as little as 6 months
• Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

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The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for travel rewards

Key takeaways

1.5X

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points

25,000

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

3.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for travel rewards

Welcome bonus offer

25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

25,000 bonus points

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Good/Excellent</div>

Why we picked it

Despite being designed for college students, this card offers the same value as the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card * The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . That means a sizable welcome bonus (albeit with a steeper spending requirement than some other student cards), a great rewards rate on every purchase you make and even a long introductory 0% APR promotion for on purchases and eligible balance transfers (then an ongoing 19.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers). Keep in mind, though, that you can only redeem your rewards for travel and dining purchases, so cash-back credit cards are more flexible. Also, the card requires good credit, making it out of reach for many students.

+ Pros

• Unlimited rewards
• Welcome bonus
• No annual fee

– Cons

• Requires good credit
• No travel protections
• Redemptions outside of travel or dining offer a poor rate of return

Highlights

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO? Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
• Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Discover it? Student Chrome

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The information for the Discover it? Student Chrome has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best card for gas and restaurants

Key takeaways

2%

2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter

1%

Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically

3.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best card for gas and restaurants

Welcome bonus offer

Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match? – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Cashback Match?

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Fair/New to Credit</div>

Why we picked it

College students aren’t notorious for their big budgets, but if you’re in grad school or you generally spend more than your peers, you could enjoy more rewards during your first year with Discover’s Cashback Match? — the card issuer will match all the rewards you earn in the first 12 months. The Discover it? Student Chrome * The information for the Discover it? Student Chrome has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. also offers bonus rewards at gas stations and restaurants, but they’re capped on a quarterly basis, and the base rewards rate is just 1%. It does, however, offer a short 0% APR promotion on purchases.

+ Pros

• Matches all the cash back you earn during your first year
• Introductory 6-month 0% APR promotion on purchases (then a 18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR)
• No credit score needed to apply

– Cons

• Rewards rates aren’t especially compelling
• Ongoing APR can be high
• No 0% introductory APR on balance transfers

Highlights

• 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! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
• 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.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• No credit score required to apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• 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 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students

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The information for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best card for choosing your own bonus category

Key takeaways

3%

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (6 categories available)

2%

Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs*

1%

Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases

3.4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best card for choosing your own bonus category

Welcome bonus offer

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

$200 bonus

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent/Good</div>

Why we picked it

This card offers the same rewards as its non-student counterpart. That includes up to 3% back on a wide range of everyday spending categories. What’s more, you’ll have some control over which category earns the card’s highest rewards rate. That said, bonus rewards are capped and the base rewards rate is just 1% back. The card also offers a solid welcome bonus and an introductory 0% APR promotion on purchases and eligible balance transfers. However, you’ll need at least good credit to get approved.

+ Pros

• Bonus rewards on everyday spending categories
• Solid welcome bonus
• Introductory 0% APR promotion

– Cons

• Bonus rewards are capped
• Ongoing APR can be high
• Requires good credit or better

Highlights

• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
• Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
• No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO? Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
• Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Discover it? Student Cash Back

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The information for the Discover it? Student Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best card for rotating bonus categories

Key takeaways

5%

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate

1%

Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically

3.4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best card for rotating bonus categories

Welcome bonus offer

Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match? – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Cashback Match?

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Fair/New to Credit</div>

Why we picked it

The Discover it? Student Cash Back * The information for the Discover it? Student Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers an impressive rewards rate on select everyday spending categories, which rotate every few months. Some examples include grocery stores, streaming services, restaurants, gas stations and digital wallet purchases. Keep in mind, though, that bonus rewards are capped, and the base rewards rate is 1%. Like the Discover it? Student Chrome * The information for the Discover it? Student Chrome has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , this card will match all the cash back you earn during the first year. You’ll also get a short introductory 0% intro APR for 6 months promotion on purchases (then ongoing 18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR).

+ Pros

• Matches all the cash back you earn during your first year
• High rewards rate on rotating spending categories
• Introductory 0% APR for six months promotion (then ongoing 18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR)

– Cons

• Low base rewards rate
• Ongoing APR can be high
• Bonus rewards are capped

Highlights

• 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! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
• 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—automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• No credit score required to apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• 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 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Our picks at a glance

	Annual fee	Welcome bonus	Best for	Notable feature
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card	$0	$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within three months from account opening	College students	High base cash back rate
Chase Freedom Rise? * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	$25 when you enroll in automatic payments within the first three months	Chase customers	High base cash back rate
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card	$0	$50 after spending $100 in the first three months	Foodies	Strong bonus cash back categories
Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	This card does not offer a welcome bonus	International students	No credit history required
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students * The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	25,000-point welcome offer after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening	Travel	15-month 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases intro APR on purchases and eligible balance transfers (then a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers)
Discover it? Student Chrome * The information for the Discover it? Student Chrome has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	Unlimited Cashback Match? - Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards	Gas and restaurants	No credit score needed to apply
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students * The information for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening	Choosing your own bonus category	15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and eligible balance transfers (then an 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Discover it? Student Cash Back * The information for the Discover it? Student Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	Unlimited Cashback Match? - Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards	Rotating bonus categories	Bonus cash back in quarterly categories

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Student credit card application requirements

• Credit history: To qualify for a student credit card that doesn’t require a security deposit, you typically need to have some credit history — though it can be limited, and some cards don’t require a credit score at all. If you’re just starting to build credit from scratch, consider asking a parent to add you as an authorized user on a credit card account to get started.
• Income: If you’re under the age of 21, you must show sufficient personal income to qualify or provide an eligible co-applicant, co-signer or guarantor. If you’re 21 or older, you can include sources of income such as spousal income, allowances and certain financial aid in your credit card application.
• Student status: Because these cards are designed for college students, you may be required to verify your student status.
• Age and identification: You must be at least 18 years old to get a credit card, and many card issuers require you to have a Social Security number, individual taxpayer identification number — though some may accept a passport from international students.

Why should I get a student credit card?

Using a student credit card can be a great way to build a positive credit history and develop responsible financial habits while you’re in school. Once you graduate, having a solid credit history can make it easier to qualify for an auto loan or mortgage, secure a low rate on car insurance or lease an apartment.

Credit cards also provide a convenient way to make purchases and earn rewards on your everyday expenses. Other valuable benefits can include welcome bonuses, introductory APR promotions on purchases and balance transfers, shopping protections and discounts on select purchases.

What to consider before getting a student credit card

For starters, evaluate your existing credit history. If you don’t have credit or your history is limited, focus on cards that don’t require a credit score or research other ways to build your credit from scratch. For example, making student loan payments can help you build credit.

You’ll also want to consider how responsible you are with money. Credit cards can offer welcome bonuses and rewards, but they also charge high interest rates, so carrying a balance from month to month can be expensive. If you’re concerned about the temptation to overspend or you’re worried about missing payments out of neglect, develop good financial habits before you get a card.

How to apply for a student credit card

You can generally apply for a student credit card online through the card issuer’s website. Depending on the bank or credit union, though, you may also have the option to submit an application over the phone or at a local branch.

You’ll typically need to provide personal and financial information when you apply, including your full name, date of birth and income.

After you submit your application, you could receive a decision in seconds. If you’re approved, you should receive your card in the mail within a couple of weeks. You may also be able to check your approval odds before applying with online preapproval.

Eligibility for international students

There are student credit cards available to international students. You may need a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number to apply. Options may include:

• Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Making the most of your student credit card

A student credit card can create an opportunity to build credit and develop good financial habits, but if you don’t use the card responsibly, it can damage your budding credit history and jeopardize your financial situation. As a result, you should make it a priority to keep your balance low and pay it off on time and in full every month.

Also make sure you understand all the benefits your card has to offer, such as bonus cash back or points in certain spending categories. If the card offers a welcome bonus, track your progress toward the spending requirement, and make sure you can afford to meet it without exceeding your budget.

Finally, check for other perks, such as purchase protection and other insurance benefits.

What to do with your student credit card after graduation

You can expect to keep your card account after you graduate. Your issuer might remove the “student” designation from your account automatically. In other cases, you can request an upgrade to a new card from your issuer. If you’re considering canceling your student credit card, make sure you understand the potential credit score consequences. Keeping the card open could make sense, especially if your student card is your oldest credit account.

How to avoid student credit card debt

To avoid credit card debt, only make charges that you can afford to pay back each month. That can be easier said than done, but building a budget and looking for ways to save money can help you get there. If you do find yourself running a balance and incurring interest charges, you can make a plan to pay off your debt.

Alternatives to student credit cards

Even if you’re a college student with little or no credit history, you may qualify for some credit cards that aren’t specifically marketed to students. For example, if you have a qualified Chase checking account, you could have good approval odds for the Freedom Rise. You may also consider cards such as the Petal 1, which doesn’t require a credit history.

If you have had time to build a solid credit history, you may consider top cash back or travel credit cards to earn a higher welcome bonus, access better rewards rates and get more valuable benefits.

Secured credit cards can also be an option, but you’ll need to put up a security deposit to get approved — many cards start at $200 — and it can take several months to get that money back. In some cases, secured card issuers won’t refund your deposit until you close the account, and closing the card can harm your credit.

Methodology

Our money and data analytics teams evaluated over two dozen credit cards geared specifically to students or those with lower credit scores. From there, we narrowed down our list of the best student credit cards by giving them a star rating out of five, based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:

Pricing and fees (30%)

Cards with lower variable APRs, no foreign transaction fees and no annual fees scored better than cards with higher APRs and fees.

Low credit threshold (25%)

Credit cards that are available to students with lower credit scores received a boost compared to cards with higher credit score requirements.

Rewards value (20%)

Not all credit card points and miles have the same value. We used spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and estimates of rewards values from The Points Guy to determine which cards dole out the best rewards value.

Welcome bonus value (10%)

Many cards offer bonus cash back, points or miles to consumers who spend a certain amount in their first months with the card. We calculated how much those bonuses are worth using points valuations from The Points Guy, and boosted cards that offer more value.

Benefits (10%)

Cards that offer benefits such as cell phone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty and a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers received a boost.

Annual credits and bonuses (5%)

Credit cards that come with credits and bonuses for spending in categories including groceries, dining, entertainment and gas received a boost.

What didn’t make the cut

• Credit One Bank Wander? American Express? Card * The information for the Credit One Bank Wander? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : The card offers some solid rewards rates on things like travel, dining and gas, but it charges a $95 annual fee, which is steep compared to the $0 annual fee the cards on this list offer.
• Discover it? Secured Credit Card * The information for the Discover it? Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : For a secured credit card, this one offers a lot of value in the form of rewards and a chance to convert to an unsecured account. But the card requires an upfront security deposit of at least $200.
• U.S. Bank Altitude? Go Secured Visa? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude? Go Secured Visa? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : The card offers solid rewards, doesn’t charge an annual fee and you can even get an annual streaming service credit. But like the Discover it? Secured Credit Card * The information for the Discover it? Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , you need an upfront security deposit, and this one has a $300 minimum.
• Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students * The information for the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : Like some of our top picks, this card offers a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase, along with a solid welcome bonus. But it doesn’t have as many benefits as our top card for students.
• BankAmericard? credit card for Students * The information for the BankAmericard? credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : This card offers an impressive 0% APR promotion on purchases and eligible balance transfers, but it doesn’t offer rewards of any kind.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)