As a college student, managing your finances can be challenging, but having a credit card can provide you with a convenient and responsible way to build your credit history.
However, not all credit cards are created equal, and it’s essential to find one that best suits your needs and financial goals. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top credit cards for college students.
The Best College Student Credit Cards 2023
1. Discover it Student Cash Back
- Introductory Offer: Discover will match all the cash back you earn at the end of the first year.
- No Annual Fee: This card allows you to enjoy its benefits without any annual charges.
- Cash Back Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Good Grades Reward: Get a $20 statement credit for each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher, for up to five years.
- Free FICO Score: Stay on top of your credit with free access to your FICO Score on your monthly statement.
2. Capital One Journey Student Rewards
- No Annual Fee: This card has no annual fee, making it a great option for college students.
- Credit Increase: Receive access to a higher credit line after making the first five monthly payments on time.
- Cash Back Rewards: Earn 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 0.25% when you pay on time.
- Credit Tracking Tools: Capital One CreditWise allows you to monitor your credit and receive alerts for any changes.
3. Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
- Cash Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Receive a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days.
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits of this card without paying an annual fee.
4. Citi Rewards+ Student Card
- Round-Up Rewards: Get 10% bonus points back on the first 100,000 Thank You Points you redeem each year.
- No Annual Fee: This card provides you with various benefits at no additional cost.
- Citi Entertainment: Access exclusive presale tickets, VIP experiences, and more with this program.
5. Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card
- Cash Back Rewards: Earn 3% cash rewards on gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases for the first six months, then 1% thereafter.
- Build Credit History: Use this card responsibly to demonstrate your creditworthiness as a college student.
- Cell Phone Protection: Pay your monthly cell phone bill with this card and receive up to $600 protection against covered damage or theft.
6. Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
- No Credit History Required: This card is designed for students with little to no credit history.
- No Social Security Number Required: International students can apply without a Social Security Number.
- Amazon Prime Student Offer: Get reimbursed for a year of Amazon Prime Student with a $59 statement credit.
7. State Farm Student Visa Credit Card
- Introductory APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first six months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Receive coverage for theft and collision damage on eligible rental vehicles.
- No Annual Fee: This card offers its benefits without charging an annual fee.
8. U.S. Bank College Visa Credit Card
- Good Grades Rewards: Earn $20 each year your GPA is 3.0 or higher, for up to five years.
- Cell Phone Protection: Pay your monthly cell phone bill with this card and receive coverage against damage or theft.
- Online and Mobile Banking: Conveniently manage your credit card account through online and mobile banking platforms.
9. Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use this card while studying abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees.
- CreditWise: Access Capital One’s free credit tracking tool to monitor and manage your credit.
- Fraud Coverage: Enjoy $0 fraud liability if your card is lost or stolen.
10. Petal 2 Visa Credit Card
- No Fees: This card has no annual fees, late fees, international fees, or any other hidden fees.
- Cash Back Rewards: Earn up to 1.5% cash back with responsible credit card use.
- Credit Building: Petal reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build your credit history.
As a college student, choosing the right credit card can provide you with financial flexibility and the opportunity to build a positive credit history. Consider the features, and benefits.
Rewards offered by each of these top 10 credit cards for college students and select the one that aligns with your financial goals and needs. Remember to use your credit card responsibly and make timely payments to maintain a healthy credit score.
FAQ
1. What is the Discover it Student Cash Back credit card?
The Discover it Student Cash Back credit card is a credit card designed specifically for college students. It offers benefits such as a cash back rewards program, a good grades reward, and free access to your FICO Score.
2. What are the rewards offered by the Capital One Journey Student Rewards credit card?
The Capital One Journey Student Rewards credit card offers 1% cash back on all purchases, with an additional 0.25% cash back when you pay on time. It also provides access to credit tracking tools through Capital One CreditWise.
3. What are the cash rewards offered by the Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students?
The Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students offers 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. It also provides a $200 online cash rewards bonus for qualifying purchases.
4. What are the benefits of the Citi Rewards+ Student Card?
The Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card offers round-up rewards with a 10% bonus on the first 100,000 Thank YouPoints redeemed each year. It has no annual fee and provides access to Citi Entertainment, which offers exclusive presale tickets and VIP experiences.