Credit Cards for Students

Opening a new credit card normally requires an applicant to have an established credit history. And this is particularly problematic for young individuals who don’t have any credit history at all, such as college and university students.

Luckily, many banks and financial institutions have specifically made credit cards for these cases. Credit Cards for Students are designed with a focus on helping young adults establish a credit history and build credit scores early on in life.

Usually, Credit Cards for Students offer lower credit limits, and if you are under 21, you might also need to show that you have independent income or get an adult cosigner. Despite possible restrictions, Credit Cards for Students may still come with some good perks, e.g., 0% introductory APR, no annual membership fee, and a cashback bonus.

As with any other credit card, Student Credit Cards must be handled responsibly! It is essential to pay the monthly minimum fee, keep the card balance under control and work toward paying off the debt within a reasonable time frame. The disciplined approach to initial debt management will help young adults establish a credit history and build good financial habits while benefitting from card perks and rewards.

The Best Credit Cards

Freedom Rise℠

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On Chase's Secure Website

Freedom Rise℠
4.6

Annual fee:
$0

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

26.49% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later Break up eligible credit card purchases into equal monthly payments. Two plan options - "after purchase" in the bank account, or "at checkout" with select merchants (e.g., Amazon). Eligibilty requirements vary.

Chase Pay Over Time℠

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on all your purchases.

1.5% Cashback

Welcome Offer Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account.

$25

  • $25 for Enrolling in Autopay: Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account.
  • Improve Your Approval Chances: Applicants who have never had a credit card can increase their chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise℠ by maintaining a Chase checking or savings account with at least $250 before applying.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on all your purchases.
  • Lyft: Earn 5% cashback on qualifying Lyft rides through 03/31/2025.
  • Credit Limit Increase: Your credit will be evaluated for a potential increase after just six months of having the Chase Freedom Rise℠ card.
  • Card Upgrade: You will be automatically evaluated each year to upgrade to your first Chase Freedom Unlimited® card.
  • Annual Fee: None.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
  • Redeem Rewards: For cashback, travel, gift cards, or shop with points at Amazon.com, and more.
  • DoorDash: Receive a complimentary 3-month DashPass membership. After that, you’ll be automatically enrolled in DashPass at a 50% discount for the following 9 months. Activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, with coverage up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
  • Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the time period of warranty coverage by one additional year on original eligible warranties of 3 years or less.
  • Travel Benefits: Include Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance.
  • Additional features: Include Chase Credit Journey, zero liability protection, 24/7 fraud monitoring, lock/unlock feature, contactless pay, and digital wallets.
  • Regular APR: 26.49% Variable APR.
  • Balance Transfer Fees: $5 or 5% of each transfer amount, whichever is greater.
  • Click ‘Apply Now’ to see the full terms and conditions.
Chase Freedom Rise℠ is an excellent choice for individuals looking to establish their credit history while earning rewards on everyday purchases. With features like unlimited cashback, valuable purchase protection benefits, and a focus on card simplicity, it provides a solid foundation for building credit and maximizing rewards.

Travel Rewards for Students

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On Bank of America's Secure Website

Travel Rewards for Students
4.5

Annual fee:
$0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Regular APR

18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later N/A

N/A

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards Earn 1.5x points per $1 spent on all purchases.

1.5x Points

Welcome Offer Earn 25,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. These points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases.

25,000 Points

  • Welcome Offer: Earn 25,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Unlimited Points: Earn 1.5x points per $1 spent on all purchases.
  • Annual Fee: None.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
  • 0% Intro APR on Purchases: For 15 months from account opening.
  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers: For 15 months from account opening. To qualify, you must make balance transfer within the first 60 days.
  • Balance Transfer Fees: Introductory period: 3% of the transfer amount for balance transfers made within the first 60 days. Regular: 4% of each transfer amount for balance transfers made after the introductory period ends.
  • Regular APR: After the introductory period, a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74% applies to purchases and balance transfers.
  • Redeem Rewards: Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases or book your next trip.
  • Better Money Habits®: Learn how responsibly handle your credit.
  • Additional Features: Include 24-hour fraud protection, $0 liability guarantee, contactless chip technology, Balance Connect® for overdraft protection, Digital Wallet technology, account alerts, and free access to FICO® Score.
  • Click ‘Apply Now’ to see the full terms and conditions.
This no-fee travel credit card for students offers unlimited 1.5x points per $1 spent on all purchases, along with a generous welcome bonus, and 0% APR intro offers for purchases and balance transfers. However, it lacks specific travel benefits.

BankAmericard® for Students

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On Bank of America's Secure Website

BankAmericard® for Students
4.3

Annual fee:
$0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 18 billing cycles

Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 billing cycles

Regular APR

15.74% - 25.74% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later N/A

N/A

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards N/A

N/A

Welcome Offer N/A

N/A

  • 0% Intro APR on Purchases: For 18 months from account opening.
  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers: For 18 months from account opening. To qualify, you must make balance transfer within the first 60 days.
  • Balance Transfer Fees: Introductory period: 3% of the transfer amount for balance transfers made within the first 60 days. 4% of each transfer amount for balance transfers made after the introductory period ends.
  • Regular APR: After the introductory period, a variable APR of 15.74% - 25.74% applies to purchases and balance transfers.
  • Annual fee: None.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency, in addition to any other applicable fee.
  • No penalty APR: Paying late won’t automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
  • Better Money Habits®: Learn how to responsibly handle your credit.
  • Additional features: Includes fraud protection, $0 liability guarantee, contactless chip technology, Balance Connect® for overdraft protection, Digital Wallet technology, account alerts, and free access to FICO® Score.
  • Click ‘Apply Now’ to see the full terms and conditions.
The BankAmericard® for Students offers the longest 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months, making it a great option for students who need extra time to pay off an existing balance. However, this card does not come with a rewards program.

Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students

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On Bank of America's Secure Website

Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students
4.5

Annual fee:
$0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Regular APR

18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later N/A

N/A

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases. Rewards do not expire.

1.5% Cashback

Welcome Offer Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

$200

  • Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
  • Cashback: Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases. Cash rewards do not expire.
  • Annual Fee: None.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency, in addition to any other applicable fee.
  • 0% Intro APR on Purchases: For 15 months from account opening.
  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers: For 15 months from account opening. To qualify, you must make balance transfer within the first 60 days.
  • Balance Transfer Fees: Introductory period: 3% of the transfer amount for balance transfers made within the first 60 days. Regular: 4% of each transfer amount for balance transfers made after the introductory period ends.
  • Regular APR: After the introductory period, a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74% applies to purchases and balance transfers.
  • Redeem Rewards: Redeem rewards as a statement credit or direct deposit into an eligible Bank of America® or Merrill® account.
  • Better Money Habits®: Learn how responsibly handle your credit.
  • Additional Features: Include 24-hour fraud protection, $0 liability guarantee, contactless chip technology, Balance Connect® for overdraft protection, Digital Wallet technology, account alerts, and free access to FICO® Score.
  • Click ‘Apply Now’ to see the full terms and conditions.
This unlimited cash reward credit card offers students 1.5% cashback on all purchases., along with a welcome bonus and 0% APR introductory offers on purchases and balance transfers.

Customized Cash Rewards for Students

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On Bank of America's Secure Website

Customized Cash Rewards for Students
4.2

Annual fee:
$0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Regular APR

18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later N/A

N/A

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards Earn 3% cashback in the category of your choice, 2% cashback at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter), and 1% cashback on all other purchases.

1% - 3% Cashback

Welcome Offer Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

$200

  • Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • 3% Cashback in the Category of Your Choice: Gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement/furnishings. You can change the choice category once every calendar month.
  • 2% Cashback at Grocery Stores and Wholesale Clubs: Up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter.
  • 1% Cashback on All Other Purchases.
  • Annual Fee: None.
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency. This fee will be in addition to any other applicable fee.
  • 0% Intro APR on Purchases: For 15 months from account opening.
  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers: For 15 months from account opening. To qualify, you must make balance transfer within the first 60 days.
  • Balance Transfer Fees: Introductory period: 3% of the transfer amount for balance transfers made within the first 60 days. Regular: 4% of each transfer amount for balance transfers made after the introductory period ends.
  • Regular APR: After the introductory period, a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74% applies to purchases and balance transfers.
  • Redeem Rewards: As a statement credit or direct deposit into an eligible Bank of America® or Merrill® account.
  • Better Money Habits®: Learn how responsibly handle your credit.
  • Additional Features: Include 24-hour fraud protection, $0 liability guarantee, contactless pay, Balance Connect® for overdraft protection, Digital Wallet technology, account alerts, and free access to FICO® Score.
  • Click ‘Apply Now’ to see the full terms and conditions.
This student credit card is a good option for flexible cashback. Great additions are a welcome bonus, and 0% APR intro offers on purchases and balance transfers.




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