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The Best Student Credit Cards of 2025

Timothy Moore

by Timothy Moore

Contributor

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ScoreCard Research

Getting a student credit card can be a valuable financial step. While these cards cover small expenses, their real value lies in helping students build credit early and learn to manage money responsibly. Let’s look at why a student credit card might be worth it and explore the best options for 2025.

Best Student Credit Cards for 2025

What Is a Student Credit Card? 

A student credit card is designed to help students build credit. A credit card in college can pave the way for a solid financial future. Learning to handle credit responsibly doesn’t just build a credit history—it prepares students for major financial decisions like renting an apartment or securing a car loan. Student credit cards let young adults ease into managing credit without the high risks or fees often seen with regular credit cards.

Key Features of Student Credit Cards

Student credit cards come with features that meet specific student needs:

  • Low Credit Requirements: Most student credit cards are accessible for those with limited credit history.
  • Rewards Programs: Some cards offer cashback on essentials like dining or groceries, stretching a student’s budget.
  • Credit Monitoring: Several cards include free credit score access to help students see their progress.

Comparing Student Credit Cards

1. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

best for flat cash back

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card allows students to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Plus, you can enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

  • Steady Cashback: Earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
  • No Annual Fee: Keep your savings intact without extra costs. (See Rates & Fees)

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Starter Card: It requires limited or fair credit to apply.
  • No Intro APR Offer: The regular APR on this card is 19.24% - 29.24%(Variable).

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re a student looking for a solid cash-back card, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card could be the right choice for you.

Explore the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

2. Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

best for dining and entertainment

The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideal for students who enjoy dining out and streaming entertainment. Its generous rewards categories align with typical college lifestyles.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

  • Steady Cashback: 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • No Annual Fee: Get all the perks without extra costs. (See Rates & Fees)

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Starter Card: It requires limited or fair credit to apply.
  • No Intro APR Offer: The regular APR on this card is 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable).

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re a student who frequently spends on dining, streaming, and entertainment, the Capital One Savor Student card rewards your lifestyle while helping you establish good credit habits.

Explore the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

3. Discover it® Student Cash Back

best for rotating cashback rewards

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an excellent choice for students who want strong rewards and credit-building features. It offers rotating 5% cashback categories and no annual fee, making it perfect for everyday expenses.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

  • Solid Rewards: Earn 5% cashback on rotating categories (after activation) and 1% on all other purchases. 
  • Cashback Match: You’ll get a cashback match at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your earnings.

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Requires Some Planning: You’ll need to activate rotating rewards categories.
  • Intro APR: You’ll get 0% Intro APR for six months on purchases, then 17.24%-26.24% variable rate.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re a student juggling everyday expenses like dining and groceries, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card’s rotating rewards can provide significant savings while building credit.

Explore the Discover it® Student Cash Back Card

4. Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card

best for simplicity

The Chase Freedom® Rise® Credit Card is a no-fuss option designed for students who want steady rewards and incentives for responsible credit behavior.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

  • Flat Cashback Rate: With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
  • Credit Line Reviews: Automatic credit line reviews every six months for responsible users.
  • No Annual Fee: Build credit without additional costs.

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Limited Rewards: Offers fewer rewards compared to category-specific cards.
  • No Intro APR Offer: The APR on this card is 25.99% variable.

Real-Life Scenario: If you prefer a straightforward credit card with steady cash back and incentives for good financial habits, the Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card is an excellent starter card.

Explore the Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card

5. Bilt Mastercard®

best for renters

The Bilt Mastercard® allows students to earn rewards on rent payments as well as dining, travel and more all with no annual fee.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

  • Solid Cash Back Rewards: Earn 3x Bilt Points on dining, 2x points on travel, and 1x points on other purchases, and on rent payments (up to 100,000 points each calendar year). Earn double points on Rent Day (excluding rent) up to 1,000 bonus points.
    Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
  • No Annual Fee: Build credit without additional costs. (See Rates & Fees)

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Minimum Use Required: You’ll need to use your card at least five times each statement period to earn points.
  • No Intro APR Offer: The APR on this card is variable.

Real-Life Scenario: If rent is your biggest expense, the Bilt Mastercard® may be the best choice for you.

Explore the Bilt Mastercard®

How to Choose the Best Credit Card as a Student

Choosing the right credit card comes down to spending habits and financial goals. Here’s what to consider:

  1. Compare Fees and Interest Rates: Find cards with no annual fees and, ideally, low interest rates.
  2. Check Approval Requirements: Pick a card that fits your credit profile—many student cards are designed for those just starting out.
  3. Look at Rewards Programs: Identify where you spend most. Some cards give bonuses on dining or groceries, while others offer more general rewards.
  4. Check the Credit Limit: Student cards come with lower credit limits. Make sure the limit covers your intended use as you build your credit.

Benefits of Having a Student Credit Card

Owning a student credit card can have multiple upsides:

  • Building Credit Early: Starting a credit history in college often means better rates on loans later.
  • Learning Financial Responsibility: Students gain experience managing payments, tracking spending, and understanding interest.
  • Emergency Backup: A credit card provides funds for emergencies, adding financial security.

Tips for Managing a Student Credit Card

Smart credit management is key. Follow these steps:

  1. Limit Spending: Track your expenses to avoid maxing out your card.
  2. Pay the Balance in Full: Avoid interest by paying off your balance each month.
  3. Stay Organized: Use reminders to make payments on time and keep an eye on spending.
  4. Use Credit Wisely: Only charge what you can pay off each month, treating the card as a credit-building tool rather than a source of extra cash.

Contributor Timothy Moore is a writer and editor in Cincinnati who covers banks, loans, insurance, travel and automotive topics for The Penny Hoarder.