Best Student Credit Cards in 2024

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Card stands out for its straightforward rewards system, offering daily cash back on all purchases and an attractive initial bonus. The additional benefits can add significant value for students frequently using Uber. Beyond rewards, its emphasis on security, such as fraud protection and a handy app-lock feature, provides peace of mind. While it doesn't have specialized bonus categories and can have a steeper APR, its lack of hidden fees and annual charges make it a solid choice for the financially conscious student.

• Introductory Offers

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

• Rewards

  • Get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, every day.
  • Earn up to $500 annually by referring friends and family who are approved for a Capital One credit card.

• APRS, Fees, and Penalties

  • Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees.

• Perks & Benefits

  • Benefit from $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges.
  • Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost, or stolen.
  • Build your credit with responsible card use.
  • Suitable for students at 4-year universities, community colleges, or other higher education institutions.

The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card shines as a versatile financial ally, particularly for the modern spender. Enjoying a meal out, streaming your favorite shows or even just shopping for groceries? This card has you covered with rewarding cash back in a variety of categories. Plus, its introductory bonus, solid Uber benefits and entertainment perks make it even more appealing. The security features add peace of mind, allowing you to lock your card instantly. While it's wise to be aware of this card's APR and rewards limitations, its strengths stand out for everyday spending.

• Rewards

  • Earn 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
  • Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • Enjoy 8% cash back on entertainment purchases through the Capital One Entertainment portal.

• Introductory Offers

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

• APRS, Fees, and Penalties

  • No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees.

• Perks & Benefits

  • Benefit from $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges.
  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card.
  • Build your credit with responsible card use.
  • Suitable for students at a 4-year university, community college, or other higher education institution.

Great if you’re improving your credit, the Discover it® Secured offers a no-annual-fee route to an unsecured card with the bonus of cash back rewards. However, an initial security deposit is required.

• Rewards   
  • Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.    
  • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.  
• Perks & Benefits  
  • No credit score is required to apply.    
  • Automatic reviews start at 7 months to assess eligibility for transitioning to an unsecured line of credit.    Discover can help reduce your personal information exposure online by removing it from select people-search sites. Activate this service for free via the mobile app.    
  • Receive alerts if your Social Security number is found on Dark Web sites. Activate this service for free.  
• APRS, Fees, and Penalties  
  • No annual fee.  
• Security Deposit    
  • A refundable security deposit is required, with your credit line equal to your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.

The Petal 2 Visa is a breath of fresh air in the credit card scene. What stands out? There is a complete absence of pesky fees, whether you're traveling abroad or accidentally miss a payment. Notably, it offers cash back on all spending, with an opportunity to amplify those rewards at particular merchants. If building or rebuilding credit is your goal, this card is an ally, reporting diligently to all major credit bureaus. For tech enthusiasts, its seamless integration with digital wallets and contactless payments makes checkouts a breeze. Keep in mind, however, that understanding the card's reward structure may require some time and effort.

• APRs, Fees, and Penalties  
  • This card has no fees for late payments, foreign transactions, or annual charges.  
  • The APR ranges from 29.24% to 31.24% (variable).
• Rewards  
  • Earn between 1% and 1.5% cash back on purchases. After 12 timely monthly payments, your cash back rate increases to 1.5%.  
  • Selected merchants offer between 2% and 10% cash back.
• Perks & Benefits  
  • Check for pre-approval quickly without affecting your credit score.  
  • Provides data to all three main credit bureaus.  
  • Easily pay using your mobile by adding your card to your digital wallet.  
  • The card features swift and secure contactless payment; just tap to pay.

The Petal® 1 card shines as a hassle-free financial companion, especially for those on their credit-building journey. With no annual or foreign transaction fees, it's wallet-friendly both at home and abroad. The card's highlight is its ability to gauge your eligibility without the standard credit scrutiny, making the approval process less intimidating. It diligently reports to major credit bureaus, fortifying your credit-building efforts. While it has an elevated APR and rewards are merchant-specific, its features cater to those aiming for financial growth, and the supporting app ensures you stay on top of your game.

• APRs, Fees, and Penalties  
  • Enjoy no annual fee.    
  • APR ranges from 29.24% to 34.24% (variable).  
• Credit Limits   
  • Credit limits range from $300 to $5,000.    
  • Potential for a credit limit boost in just six months.  
• Rewards    
  • Earn between 2% and 10% cash back with certain retailers.   -
• Perks & Benefits  
  • Check for pre-approval quickly without affecting your credit.    
  • No foreign transaction fees.    
  • Use Petal's app to manage funds, monitor expenses, and set up automatic payments.    
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus.    
  • Enjoy swift, secure payments with the card’s contactless technology.

Ideal for students learning to manage finances, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card offers up to 5% cash back and no annual fee. High rewards in rotating categories are a highlight, but be aware of the spending cap on these bonuses.

• Introductory Offers
  • Discover matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards.
• Rewards
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in rotating categories each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum when activated.  
  • Enjoy unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• APRS, Fees, and Penalties  
  • Benefit from a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 6 months, followed by a standard variable APR of 17.74% to 26.74%.  
  • No annual fee.
• Perks & Benefits  
  • Redeem your cash back rewards at any time.  
  • No credit score is required to apply.  
  • Discover helps reduce your personal information exposure online by removing it from select people-search sites, available for free activation via the mobile app.

The Discover it® Student Chrome is a game changer for budget-conscious students. It rewards you generously for those weekend outings and gas fill-ups without the burden of an annual fee. You also get a solid introductory offer, and there are no credit score requirements. As an added perk, at the end of your first year, Discover steps in to match all the cash back you've earned. Stay mindful of the spending limits on bonus categories, and watch out for the potential APR uptick after the introductory period. All in all, it's a card that truly understands the student lifestyle.

• Introductory Offers  
  • Discover matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, doubling your rewards with no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
• Rewards  
  • Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, enjoy unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• APRs, Fees, and Penalties  
  • Benefit from a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 6 months. Afterward, a standard variable APR of 17.74% to 26.74% applies.  
  • Enjoy no annual fee, making it easier to manage your finances.
• Perks & Benefits  
  • Apply without needing a credit score, making it accessible for more people.  
  • Discover offers a free service to help remove your personal information from select people-search sites, enhancing your privacy.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a savvy traveler's companion. With no pesky annual or foreign transaction fees, it's ideal for globe-trotters and students abroad. One highlight is its generous welcome offer, which translates into notable travel credits. The flexible redemption options mean you aren’t boxed into specific booking sites, granting you freedom when planning trips. While it does favor those with strong credit histories, its rewards system, especially for Preferred Members, amplifies its appeal. And for modern spenders, the blend of security and contactless payment features is the cherry on top.

• Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on purchases, and points never expire.
• No annual or foreign transaction fees.
• Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days — equivalent to a $250 credit for travel.
• Book trips your way without being tied to specific sites or facing blackout restrictions.
• Use points to offset travel or dining costs, including flights, hotels, car rentals, fees and even takeout meals.
• Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made in the initial 60 days. Afterward, the APR ranges from 18.74% - 28.74%. Balance transfers have a 3% fee.
• Preferred Rewards members can boost point accumulation, potentially earning up to 2.62 points per $1 on purchases.
• Experience the blend of chip card security and the ease of contactless payments.

We recommend the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students credit card for students who wish to earn higher-than-usual cash back without paying any annual fees. You also stand to earn a $200 cash rewards bonus if you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.

This practical card offers 3% cash back on a category of your choice and 2% cash back at wholesale clubs and grocery stores on up to $2,500 in combined purchases every quarter. All other purchases come with 1% cash back. This card also lets you monitor your credit by allowing you to view your updated FICO Score for free each month, giving you financial peace of mind.

An introductory 0% APR offer applies on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74% applies. Remember that balance transfers come with fees, and using this card outside of the U.S. might not be in your best interest as it charges foreign transaction fees.

• Earn a 3% cash back on a category of your choice, including gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores or home improvement/furnishings
• Earn a 2% cash back on grocery and wholesale purchases
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Earn an online cash reward worth $200 on spending $1000 within three months of account opening
• Offers an introductory APR of 0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers within 60 days
• Offers a $0 annual fee
• Access your FICO scores through mobile app or online banking

The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is a commendable financial tool. With no annual fees and an irresistible welcome bonus for newcomers, it's designed to provide consistent rewards on every purchase. Plus, with an attractive zero-interest rate offer, it's versatile for both purchases and balance transfers. Also, the modern touch of secure, contactless payment makes transactions a breeze. However, remember it’s tailored for those with solid credit histories and lacks specialized reward categories. All in all, it's an all-rounder with evident perks.

• No annual fees.
• Get a $200 cash reward after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Enjoy a consistent 1.5% cash back on all your purchases.
• As a Preferred Rewards member, your cash back can increase to 1.87%–2.62% on every purchase.
• There's no cap on your cash back earnings, and they never expire.
• Avail 0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers done in the first 60 days. After this, expect an APR between 18.74% - 28.74%.
• Balance transfers have a 3% fee.
• Experience the combined security of a chip card and the ease of contactless payment with this card.