Top 10 Credit Cards Every College Student Should Consider

Navigating the world of credit cards can be daunting, especially for college students who may be using credit for the first time. Choosing the right card can help build your credit history, manage expenses, and earn rewards. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 credit cards for college students.

10. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card

The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card is a solid option for those new to credit. It offers a modest initial credit limit, which can be increased after making your first five monthly payments on time. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all purchases, with no annual fee. Students can benefit from a $50 bonus after their first purchase made in the first 3 months. 

Key Features: 

• Cash Back: 1% on all purchases 
• Annual Fee: $0 
• Bonus Offer: $50 after the first purchase 

9. Discover it® Student Cash Back 

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is perfect for students who want to earn cash back while learning about responsible credit use. This card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories (like gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants) each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum, and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back earned in the first year for new cardholders. 

Key Features: 

• Cash Back: 5% in rotating categories, 1% on other purchases 
• Annual Fee: $0 
• First-Year Bonus: Cashback matched 

8. Capital One Journey Student Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Journey Student Rewards card is designed for students who want to earn rewards for their spending while building their credit history. Cardholders earn 1% cash back on all purchases, with the potential to earn 1.25% if they pay their bill on time each month. It also has no annual fee and provides access to a higher credit line after making on-time payments. 

Key Features: 

• Cash Back: 1% on all purchases, 1.25% with timely payments 
• Annual Fee: $0 
• Credit Limit Increase: Possible with on-time payments 

7. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

For students who love to travel, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. This card offers unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases, with no foreign transaction fees. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, redeemable for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. 

Key Features: 

• Rewards: 1.5 points on all purchases 
• Annual Fee: $0 
• Bonus Offer: 25,000 points after $1,000 in purchases 

6. Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card 

The Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card stands out for its unique rounding feature. Cardholders earn 2 ThankYou® Points per dollar spent at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 yearly, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Additionally, every purchase is rounded up to the nearest 10 points, making it an ideal choice for students who want to maximize their rewards. 

Key Features: 

• Rewards: 2 points at supermarkets and gas stations, 1 point on other purchases 
• Annual Fee: $0 
• Bonus Offer: 15,000 points after $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months 

5. Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card 

The Petal 2 card is a great option for students with little or no credit history. It uses a unique algorithm to assess creditworthiness based on income and spending patterns rather than solely on credit scores. Petal 2 offers 1% cash back on all purchases, increasing to 1.5% cash back after making 12 on-time payments. No fees exist, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious students. 

Key Features: 

• Cash Back: 1% on all purchases, 1.5% after 12 on-time payments 
• Annual Fee: $0 
• No Fees: No late fees, no foreign transaction fees

4. U.S. Bank Visa® Student Card

The U.S. Bank Visa® Student Card is another solid choice for students looking to build credit while earning rewards. This card offers 1% cash back on all purchases and has no annual fee. It also provides access to tools to manage spending and set budget goals, which can be helpful for students learning to manage their finances. 

Key Features: 

• Cash Back: 1% on all purchases 
• Annual Fee: $0 
• Financial Management Tools: Available through the app 

3. American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card for Students 

The American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card is great for students who frequently shop at U.S. supermarkets. Cardholders earn 3% cash back on purchases at these locations (up to $6,000 per year), 2% at U.S. gas stations, and 1% on other purchases. Plus, students can earn a $150 statement credit after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. 

Key Features: 

• Cash Back: 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 2% at U.S. gas stations, 1% on other purchases 
• Annual Fee: $0 
• Bonus Offer: $150 after $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months 

2. Discover it® Student Chrome 

The Discover it® Student Chrome card is tailored for students who spend on gas and dining. It offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter), and 1% on everything else. Like other Discover cards, it features a first-year cash-back match, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize cash back. 

Key Features: 

• Cash Back: 2% at gas stations and restaurants, 1% on all other purchases 
• Annual Fee: $0 
• First-Year Bonus: Cashback matched 

1. Discover it® Student Secured Card 

The Discover it® Student Secured Card is topping our list and is ideal for students looking to build or rebuild their credit. With a secured credit limit that you control, this card allows you to deposit an amount as collateral, which becomes your credit limit. It offers 2% cash back on restaurants and gas stations (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% on all other purchases. The best part? Discover matches all the cash back earned in your first year. 

Key Features: 

• Cash Back: 2% at restaurants and gas stations, 1% on other purchases 
• Annual Fee: $0 
• First-Year Bonus: Cashback matched 

Choosing the right credit card as a college student can lay the foundation for a healthy financial future. Each of these cards has unique benefits, making it crucial to consider your spending habits and financial goals. Whether you want to earn cash back, travel rewards, or establish a credit history, there’s a card on this list. Remember always to spend responsibly and make timely payments to maximize your benefits and maintain a good credit score.