Student Credit Cards

Everyone has to start their credit somewhere, and these student credit cards especially designed for young cardholders give the opportunity to build credit while packing extra perks like rewards programs, cash back, and even bonus offerings for good credit behavior. Student-specific cards may have higher rates and more strict application requirements. To minimize costs and build credit, younger cardholders should be careful to use credit responsibly, never carry a balance month to month, and always pay in full. Your best-fit card should teach you to be financially smart while learning to manage credit.

Recommmended just for you

Capital One® Student Rewards Credit Card

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  • No annual fee
  • 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, cell phone bills and books
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • A smart way to build credit while earning cash back
  • Get your cash back how you want it, when you want it - even set up automatic redemptions

Why we recommend it...

Looking for a credit card to earn extra cash on all the things you already buy? Capital One Student Rewards Card has one of the best-fit cash back programs for students that earn you 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, cell phone bills, and textbooks, plus 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, there is no limit or expiration on the cash you earn, and get your cash how and when you want it with automatic redemptions.

Specifically designed for those with limited history, this card is a smart choice for young cardholders because it encourages you to build healthy credit while providing appealing incentives. With no annual fee for Capital One’s Student Rewards card, building your credit has never been so rewarding with cash back in your pocket for every time you spend.

Pros:

  • No annual fee
  • 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, cell phone bills, and books; 1% cash back for all other purchases

Cons:

  • High standard 23.9% APR
Credit Score Approval Data †

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Average Credit Score Approved for this Card

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Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card

Discover® Student Open Road Card

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Put a road trip in your wallet.

  • Double Cashback Bonus® at any gas station and any restaurant (yes, even on those infamous 1 AM burritos.)
  • Hello 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus at our exclusive online mall; goodbye mall-walkers.
  • Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on everything else you buy along the way, automatically.
  • Turn your Cashback Bonus into even bigger rewards by redeeming for gift cards or eCertificates from more than 100 brand-name retailers.

Why we recommend it...

The Discover Student Open Road card lets you build credit while saving money on driving, dining, and just about everything else.

If you spend significant money on the road and eating out, Discover’s Open Road earns double cash back bonus on the first $250 in purchases each month on gas stations and restaurants. There’s even more ways to earn and redeem more at Discover’s exclusive online shopping mall, plus an automatic 1% cash back bonus on everyday purchases.

This is a great card for students who need to build credit while itching for extra perks like earning unlimited cash back without any annual fee. The intro 0% APR for balance transfers and purchases is one more reason to get this card so you never hit the road without it.

Pros:

  • No annual fee
  • 0% APR for balance transfers for 12 months, 0% APR for purchases for 6 months

Cons:

  • Need good credit history to qualify for low APR
Credit Score Approval Data †

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Average Credit Score Approved for this Card

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Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card

Additional student credit cards

Citi® mtvU™ Platinum Select® Visa® Card for College Students

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  • 0% APR* on purchases for 7 months if you qualify based on your application and credit history.*
  • Earn 5 ThankYou Points® for every dollar you spend at restaurants, bookstores, record stores, movie theaters and video rental stores.
  • Earn 1 ThankYou Point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases.
  • Earn 25 ThankYou Points every month when you pay on time and don't go over your credit limit.
  • Earn up to 2000 ThankYou Points twice a year for maintaining a good GPA.
  • Redeem points for gift cards, travel, electronics, music and more.
  • No Annual Fee

Discover® Student Card - Monogram Collection

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Built for actual exam-taking, power nap-loving students.

  • 5% Cashback Bonus®* in categories that change like travel, department stores, gas, groceries, restaurants, and more means extra money for you, and extra toppings for your pizza.
  • 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus at our exclusive (as in you need to be on the list) online shopping mall.
  • Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on everything else you buy - from textbooks to toothpaste, automatically.

Discover® Student Tropical Beach Card

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Built for actual exam-taking, power nap-loving students.

  • 5% Cashback Bonus®* in categories that change like travel, department stores, gas, groceries, restaurants, and more means extra money for you, and extra toppings for your pizza.
  • 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus at our exclusive (as in you need to be on the list) online shopping mall.
  • Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on everything else you buy - from textbooks to toothpaste, automatically.

* See the online Provider's credit card application for details about terms and conditions. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the "Apply Now" button, you can review the credit card terms and conditions on Provider's website.

† Credit Karma members have received approvals with these credit scores. These approval metrics are only guidelines and approval is not guaranteed. You can learn more about credit card approval through our in-depth article.

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