Top 5 College Student Credit Cards for Building Credit and Earning Rewards

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Tom Koesternen
Written by
Tom Koesternen
A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Updated on:
Filed under: Credit Cards

As a college student, it’s important to start building your credit early on. Not only will having a good credit score make it easier for you to get approved for loans and credit cards in the future, but it can also help you get lower interest rates on those loans and credit cards. Plus, using a credit card responsibly can help you learn how to manage your money and make responsible financial decisions.

But with so many credit card options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best college student credit cards to help you make an informed decision.

What to Consider When Choosing a College Student Credit Card

Before you apply for a credit card, there are a few key things to consider:

  • Interest rates and fees: Paying off your credit card balance in full each month is important to avoid paying interest, but sometimes that’s not possible. If you do carry a balance from month to month, you’ll want to choose a credit card with a low-interest rate. You’ll also want to watch out for fees, such as annual fees, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees.
  • Rewards and perks: Many credit cards offer rewards for using them, such as cashback, points, or miles. If you plan on using your credit card regularly, choosing a card with rewards that align with your spending habits can be a great way to earn a little extra something for using the card. Some credit cards also offer perks, such as extended warranty protection, purchase protection, and travel insurance.
  • Credit limit: Your credit limit is the maximum amount you’re allowed to charge on your credit card. It’s important to choose a credit card with a credit limit that’s appropriate for your spending habits and financial situation. A high credit limit doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better credit card, as having a high credit utilization (the amount of credit limit you use) can negatively impact your credit score. On the other hand, a low credit limit can make it difficult to make larger purchases or use your credit card for emergencies.
  • Credit score requirements: Credit card companies have different requirements for credit scores and credit histories. If you have a limited credit history or a lower credit score, you may want to start with a credit card that has more lenient requirements. Keep in mind that applying for multiple credit cards in a short period of time can also negatively impact your credit score, so it’s important to do your research before applying.

Top 5 College Student Credit Cards

Now that you know what to look for in a college student credit card, here are our top 5 picks:

1. Discover Student Cash Back

The Discover it Student Cash Back credit card is a great choice for college students who want to earn cash back on their purchases. You’ll earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, such as gas stations and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Other perks of the Discover it Student Cash Back credit card include:

  • No annual fee.
  • Free FICO credit score access.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for six months.
  • Extended warranty protection.

2. Capital One Journey Student Credit Card

The Capital One Journey Student Credit Card is another great option for college students looking to earn cash back on their purchases. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all purchases, and you can earn a higher cashback rate by paying on time each month. Plus, there’s no annual fee for this credit card.

Other perks of the Capital One Journey Student Credit Card include:

  • Free credit monitoring.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for the first nine months.
  • 24/7 access to customer service.

3. Citi ThankYou Preferred Credit Card for College Students

The Citi ThankYou Preferred Credit Card for College Students is a great choice for college students who want to earn rewards points on their purchases. You’ll earn 2 points per $1 spent on dining and entertainment and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. You can also earn a sign-up bonus of 2,500 points after you spend $500 in the first three months.

Other perks of the Citi ThankYou Preferred Credit Card for College Students include:

  • No annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for seven months.
  • Travel protection, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

4. Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card

The Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card is a great choice for college students who want to earn cash back on their purchases. You’ll earn 3% cash back on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, there’s no annual fee for this credit card.

Other perks of the Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card include:

  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first six months.
  • Free credit score access.
  • Cell phone protection when you pay your monthly phone bill with your credit card.

5. Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students

The Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is a great choice for college students who want to earn cash back on their purchases. You’ll earn 3% cash back on the category of your choice (such as gas, online shopping, dining, travel, or home improvement/furnishings), 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, you’ll earn a sign-up bonus of $200 after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.

Other perks of the Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students include:

  • No annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles.
  • Free credit score access.

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Tips for Using a College Student Credit Card Responsibly

Using a credit card responsibly is important for building a strong credit history and avoiding debt. Here are a few tips to help you use your college student credit card responsibly:

  • Only charge what you can afford to pay off in full each month: This is the most important rule of using a credit card responsibly. By paying off your balance in full each month, you’ll avoid paying interest and potentially damaging your credit score. If you’re having trouble paying off your balance in full each month, consider reducing your credit limit or finding a credit card with a lower interest rate.
  • Monitor your credit score and credit utilization: Your credit score and credit utilization are important factors in determining your creditworthiness. Make sure to check your credit score regularly and keep your credit utilization low (ideally below 30%). You can get free access to your credit score through many credit card companies or through annualcreditreport.com, a website sponsored by the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).
  • Understand the terms and conditions of your credit card: It’s important to read and understand the terms and conditions of your credit card, including the interest rate, fees, and rewards program. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the credit card company for clarification.

Conclusion

As a college student, using a credit card responsibly can help you build a strong credit history and make responsible financial decisions. By considering factors such as interest rates and fees, rewards and perks, credit limits, and credit score requirements, you can choose the best college student credit card for your needs. Our top 5 picks include the Discover it Student Cash Back, Capital One Journey Student Credit Card, Citi ThankYou Preferred Credit Card for College Students, Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card, and Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students. By following the tips for using a credit card responsibly, you can make the most of your credit card and set yourself up for financial success in the future.

F.A.Q.

What is a credit score, and why is it important?

A credit score is a number that reflects the information in your credit report. It’s used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness or how likely you are to pay back a loan or credit card debt. A high credit score can make it easier for you to get approved for loans and credit cards and can also help you get lower interest rates. A low credit score can make it more difficult for you to get approved for loans and credit cards and can result in higher interest rates. It’s important to maintain a good credit score to set yourself up for financial success in the future.

What is a credit limit, and how does it affect my credit score?

A credit limit is a maximum amount you’re allowed to charge on your credit card. It’s important to choose a credit card with a credit limit that’s appropriate for your spending habits and financial situation. If you consistently use a high percentage of your credit limit, it can negatively impact your credit score. It’s generally recommended to keep your credit utilization (the amount of your credit limit you use) below 30%.

What are some resources for managing my credit and finances as a college student?

There are several resources available to help college students manage their credit and finances. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a government agency that provides information and resources on credit and financial topics, including student loans, credit cards, and financial planning. The National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) is a non-profit organization that provides financial education resources for college students, including workshops and seminars. Finally, many colleges and universities offer financial counseling and financial literacy programs for their students.

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