Find Your Best
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
vs. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Updated: December 5, 2024
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Whether you are looking for your first credit card or searching for an additional card, it’s important to weigh your options well. Consider the features, fees and rewards to determine the best option suitable for your situation and needs.
This Journey Student Rewards from Capital One vs Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students comparison aims to help you see what each credit card has to offer so that you can decide which is the better choice. Both cards offer unlimited cash back, no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees. That said, each card also has unique features.
Comparison Overview: Journey Student Rewards from Capital One vs. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
- Journey Student Rewards from Capital OneDeserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
- Has Annual Fee
- Has Balance Transfer Offer
- Has APR Offer
- Cash Back Rewards
- Travel Rewards
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One At a Glance
The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card is a good option for students with limited to fair credit history. It has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Additionally, you can earn unlimited cash back at a 1% rate.
- Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Best student credit card with up to 1.25% cash back
- up to 1.25% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 29.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Limited–FairRecommended Credit
Pros
- Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases, with a jump to 1.25% cash back when you pay your bills on time.
- There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee.
- After six months, Capital One will reexamine your credit profile to see if you are eligible for a higher credit line. This can give students more purchasing power and flexibility without opening another card.
Cons
- High APR on purchases
- Lack of robust benefits
- Cardholders receive 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Pay your bill on time and receive a 0.25% cash back bonus on top of that.
- $0 fraud liability policy provides peace of mind.
- There are no foreign transaction fees, which is great for travelers.
- You have unlimited access to CreditWise from Capital One so you can check in on your credit profile at any time.
- There’s no cosigner required, although one may be helpful.
- When making purchases online, you can generate virtual card numbers so that your actual card number is kept private.
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students At a Glance
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card is one of the best rewards cards specifically made for students. It can help you build your credit because the issuer doesn’t require a credit history for this credit card. Additionally, there is no annual fee.
If you travel frequently, you may also find having no foreign transaction fees as a great benefit. International students studying in the U.S. can also get this credit card since a Social Security Number (SSN) is not necessary when applying for this card. The card also offers 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Best student cash back card for limited credit history
- 1% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 23.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- (No Credit History)Recommended Credit
Pros
- Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases
- There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee
- You will have complimentary Amazon Prime Student for a year
- Complimentary cell phone protection when you use your card to pay your cell phone bill
- Do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply
- Access to Mastercard Platinum benefits
Cons
- High APR on purchases
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases, making it easy for students to earn rewards on everyday spending.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Enjoy no annual fee, helping you save money each year.
- Make purchases abroad without worrying about foreign transaction fees.
Perks & Benefits
- Get one year of Amazon Prime Student, adding value to your online shopping experience.
- Protect your cell phone with coverage up to $600 when you pay your phone bill with your card.
- Benefit from Mastercard Platinum perks, including rental car insurance.
- Use the easy-to-use app to manage your account and pause card access if you misplace it, all on the go.
Comparison Summary
Knowing the differences between the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card and the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card can help you in your search for the best student credit card.
Card Detail | Comparison Summary |
|---|---|
Rewards | Journey Student Rewards from Capital One gives cardholders 1% cash back on all purchases. There is no limit on the rewards you can get. If you pay on time, you may get a boost for a total of 1.25% cash back for the specific month. Deserve EDU Mastercard for students offers 1% cash back on all purchases. Winner: Journey Student Rewards from Capital One |
Additional Features | Journey Student Rewards from Capital One gives a $60 streaming subscription credit. By paying on time, cardholders can earn $5 monthly for 12 months on select streaming subscriptions. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students cardholders get a free Amazon Prime Student for a year and cell phone insurance. They also enjoy all the core benefits of Mastercard Platinum cardholders. Winner: Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students |
Credit Score Requirement | The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card is available to students with fair credit. The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card is a good beginner credit card because students with no credit history may qualify for it. Winner: Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students |
Which Card Should You Get?
The best credit card varies per person. When deciding between Journey Student Rewards from Capital One or Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students, you should consider your unique situation and needs.
Who Should Consider the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One?
The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card doesn’t have an annual fee, making it suitable for students looking to earn cash back. It’s also a great option for those who plan on traveling abroad.
Students looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases can find the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card a good choice. It earns 1% cash back, which can grow into 1.25% if you pay your bills on time.
Students planning on traveling or studying overseas can enjoy no international transaction fees the card offers.
≫ More: Read Our Full Review
Who Should Consider the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students?
Depending on your situation, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card may be right for you. It’s a great option for international students studying in the U.S. and those looking for a beginner rewards card for students with no credit history.
International students who are currently studying in the U.S. can get the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card without worrying about a SSN.
Students who are looking for a rewards credit card that is suitable for individuals starting their credit journey. The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card accepts applications from people with no credit history.
≫ More: Read Our Full Review
EXPERT OPINION
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card offers a much better value than the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card as it comes with cell phone protection, one year of Amazon Prime student and 1% cash back. While the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card offers 0.25% higher cash back when you pay on time, the difference isn’t worth sacrificing the benefits offered by the Deserve card.
Other Helpful Decision-Making FAQs
MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions about the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card vs. the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card. Use the following information to compare the differences between the two and figure out which one is the best credit card for you.
Is the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card better than the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card?
The best credit card for you will depend on your situation and needs as a cardholder. Both the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card and the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card are good options for students looking for a cash back card. However, if you have no credit history, then the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students may be the better option.
Can you get the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card if you have the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card?
Yes, you can. Generally, you can get credit cards from different issuers.
Can you transfer points from the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card to the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card?
Neither of these cards earn points. As you earn cash back on each card, they will accumulate in their respective accounts.
Can you switch from the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card to the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card?
Yes. You can also have both cards simultaneously since these two credit cards are from different issuers.
What’s harder to get, the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card or the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card?
Applying for both credit cards can be done online. Complete the forms on the companies’ websites. The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card offers pre-qualification. This isn’t possible for the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card.
How much do you have to spend for the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card vs the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card to get the welcome bonus?
There are no welcome bonuses available on either card.
Still Not Sure About These Cards? Consider These Options
Both the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card and the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students card offer cash back opportunities. They also have no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. However, if you’re looking for credit cards that offer other types of bonuses and benefits, consider a rewards credit card.
Learn more about credit cards in general
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About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- Capital One. "Journey Student Credit Card from Capital One." Accessed December 5, 2024.
- Deserve. "Deserve Credit Cards." Accessed December 5, 2024.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.