Best Credit Cards For College Students Reviewed

Several credit cards cater to college students, offering tailored benefits for different stages of their academic and financial journey. For students who have already established some credit history, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is recommended. This card provides 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3% on drugstore purchases and dining, 2% on Lyft rides until September 30, 2027, and 1.5% on all other purchases. It carries no annual fee.

Students opening their very first credit card may find the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card to be a suitable option. This card is designed for those new to credit, offering a way to build a credit history. While specific reward rates for this card were not fully detailed in the provided text, its positioning suggests it focuses on rewarding everyday spending, a common need for students.

For students planning to study abroad, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is highlighted. This card is likely to offer benefits that are advantageous for international use or travel-related expenses, though specific details were not elaborated upon. Another strong contender for everyday spending is the Citi Double Cash® Card. This card offers a straightforward reward structure, providing 2% cash back on all purchases – 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay for them. This simplicity makes it an attractive choice for students who want a single card for all their expenses without complex reward categories.

Students who are keen on maximizing their rewards and are willing to actively manage their spending to take advantage of bonus categories might consider the Discover it® Student Cash Back card. The information for this card was collected independently by The Points Guy and has not been reviewed by the issuer. This card typically offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories that can change, such as gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and Amazon.com, up to a quarterly maximum, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. To qualify for the 5% cash back, cardholders must activate the bonus categories each quarter. Discover also often offers a cash back match for new cardmembers during their first year, doubling the cash back earned.