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.
On Bank of America's Secure Website
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
On Capital One's Secure Website
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
On Discover's Secure Website
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)
On Bank of America's Secure Website
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
On Bank of America's Secure Website
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
On Bank of America's Secure Website
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
On Chase's Secure Website
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
On Discover's Secure Website
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)
On Capital One's Secure Website
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