Credit Cards for Students

Updated: Jan 9, 2026 at 12:43 AM EST

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.

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Customized Cash Rewards for Students
Apply now

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

17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later Break up eligible credit card purchases into equal monthly payments. No interest, just a fixed monthly fee.

Custom Pay Plan

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 three months. Plus, earn 6% cashback in the category of your choice for the first year.

$200 + 6% Cashback In The Category of Your Choice for the First Year

» Learn More: Read Card's Review
Savor Rewards for Students
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On Capital One's Secure Website

Savor Rewards for Students
4.1
Annual fee: $0

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later N/A

N/A

Credit Score

300-669 (Poor/Fair)

Rewards Earn 3% cashback on grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and select streaming services. Additionally, earn 8% cashback on Capital One entertainment purchases and 5% cashback when you book hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars through Capital One Travel. Plus, 1% cashback on all other purchases.

1% - 8% Cashback

Welcome Offer Earn a $50 bonus after spending $100 in the first 3 months.

$50

» Learn More: Read Card's Review
Discover it® Student
Apply now

On Discover's Secure Website

Discover it® Student
3.8
Annual fee: $0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 6 months

Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months

Regular APR

16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later N/A

N/A

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards Earn 5% cashback each quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating categories. Activation is required each quarter by the stated deadline. Plus, earn 1% cashback on all other purchases.

1% - 5% Cashback

Welcome Offer Enjoy Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover will automatically match all the cashback you earn at the end of your first year, with no limit.

Unlimited Cashback Match (first year)

» Learn More: Read Card's Review
Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students
Apply now

On Bank of America's Secure Website

Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students
4.2
Annual fee: $0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Regular APR

17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later Break up eligible credit card purchases into equal monthly payments. No interest, just a fixed monthly fee.

Custom Pay Plan

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases. Rewards do not expire. If you’re enrolled in Bank of America Preferred Rewards, you can earn 25% to 75% more rewards, boosting your rewards to 1.87% to 2.62% cashback on all purchases.

1.5% Cashback

Welcome Offer Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months. Plus, earn unlimited 2% cashback on purchases for the first year.

$200 + 2% Cashback on Purchases for the First Year

» Learn More: Read Card's Review
Travel Rewards for Students
Apply now

On Bank of America's Secure Website

Travel Rewards for Students
4.3
Annual fee: $0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Regular APR

17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later Break up eligible credit card purchases into equal monthly payments. No interest, just a fixed monthly fee.

Custom Pay Plan

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards Earn 1.5X points for every $1 spent on all purchases. If you’re enrolled in Bank of America Preferred Rewards, you can earn 25% to 75% more points, boosting your rewards to 1.87X to 2.62X points per $1 on all purchases.

1.5x Points

Welcome Offer Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. That's worth $250 when redeemed for statement credit toward travel and dining purchases.

25,000 Points

» Learn More: Read Card's Review
BankAmericard® for Students
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On Bank of America's Secure Website

BankAmericard® for Students
2.7
Annual fee: $0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 21 billing cycles

Balance Transfers: 0%, 21 billing cycles

Regular APR

14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later Break up eligible credit card purchases into equal monthly payments. No interest, just a fixed monthly fee.

Custom Pay Plan

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards N/A

N/A

Welcome Offer N/A

N/A

» Learn More: Read Card's Review
Freedom Rise®
Apply now

On Chase's Secure Website

Freedom Rise®
4.1
Annual fee: $0

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

25.24% 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 Get a $25 statement credit when you enroll in automatic payments in the first three months.

$25

» Learn More: Read Card's Review
Discover it® Student Chrome
Apply now

On Discover's Secure Website

Discover it® Student Chrome
3.9
Annual fee: $0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 6 months

Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months

Regular APR

16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later N/A

N/A

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards Earn 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn 1% cashback on all other purchases.

1% - 2% Cashback

Welcome Offer Enjoy Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover will automatically match all the cashback you earn at the end of your first year, with no limit.

Unlimited Cashback Match (first year)

» Learn More: Read Card's Review
Quicksilver Rewards for Students
Apply now

On Capital One's Secure Website

Quicksilver Rewards for Students
4.1
Annual fee: $0

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later N/A

N/A

Credit Score

300-669 (Poor/Fair)

Rewards Earn 5% cashback when you book hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars through Capital One Travel. Earn 5% cashback on Capital One entertainment purchases. Plus, earn 1.5% unlimited cashback on all other purchases.

1.5% - 5% Cashback

Welcome Offer Earn a $50 bonus after spending $100 in the first 3 months.

$50

» Learn More: Read Card's Review