Top 10 Best Credit Cards for Students in 2025
Navigating finances as a student can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing credit. A credit card can be a valuable tool for building a solid credit history, earning rewards, and handling emergencies. However, students need a credit card that offers flexibility, rewards, and low fees, without the risk of falling into debt.
In this guide, we explore the best credit cards for students, focusing on features like low interest rates, rewards, and ease of approval.
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best for Cash Back Rewards
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is one of the top choices for students looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases. It offers 5% cash back on rotating categories (like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations) up to the quarterly maximum, plus 1% on all other purchases. In addition, new cardholders get a welcome offer: Discover will match all the cash back earned in the first year.
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 5% cash back on rotating categories (activation required)
- 1% on all other purchases
- 0% APR for the first 6 months on purchases
- Free access to your FICO® Score
Why it's Great for Students: The ability to earn 5% cash back in rotating categories makes it a great way for students to save money, especially on items like groceries, dining, and gas. Additionally, there's no annual fee, which is a huge plus for those just starting their credit journey.
2. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Best for Simple Cash Back
The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card is perfect for students who want a straightforward cash-back program without any complicated categories. You’ll earn 1% on every purchase, and there’s a $50 bonus after your first purchase made within the first 3 months.
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 1% unlimited cash back on all purchases
- $50 bonus after the first purchase within 3 months
- Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards® for more redemption options
Why it's Great for Students: With no annual fee and simple cash-back rewards, the Chase Freedom® Student card is ideal for students who don’t want to track rotating categories. The $50 bonus is also a nice incentive to start using the card.
3. Capital One® Journey® Student Rewards
Best for Building Credit
The Capital One® Journey® Student Rewards card is designed for students who want to build their credit while earning rewards. You earn 1% cash back on every purchase, and the rewards increase to 1.25% if you make your payment on time each month.
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 1% cash back on all purchases (1.25% with on-time payments)
- Credit limit increases with responsible use
- Access to a free credit score
Why it's Great for Students: This card encourages good financial habits, rewarding on-time payments with higher cash back rates. Plus, Capital One will increase your credit limit over time if you use the card responsibly, helping you build your credit score.
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Best for Travel Rewards
For students who travel frequently, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a great option. You’ll earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Plus, there’s a 25,000 online bonus points offer when you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
- 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- No foreign transaction fees
Why it's Great for Students: The no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and travel rewards make this card an excellent choice for students who love to travel. The bonus points offer can help jump-start your rewards balance.
5. Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card
Best for Earning Points on Everyday Purchases
The Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card offers a unique twist on earning rewards. It rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, so even small purchases get a bump in rewards. You’ll earn 2 points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 in combined purchases each year) and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 2 points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations (on the first $6,000 in combined purchases each year)
- 1 point per dollar on other purchases
- 10% points back for the first 100,000 points redeemed per year
Why it's Great for Students: The 10% points-back feature makes this card stand out, allowing you to maximize your rewards. Additionally, earning 2 points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations is perfect for students who make frequent purchases in these categories.
6. Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card
Best for Cash Back on All Purchases
The Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card offers an uncomplicated rewards system with 3% cash back on your chosen category (such as dining, gas, or groceries), and 1% on all other purchases. There is no annual fee, and you can change your 3% category once per month.
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 3% cash back in your chosen category
- 1% on all other purchases
- Ability to change your 3% category monthly
Why it's Great for Students: This card is perfect for students who want to earn more rewards on specific categories, while still benefiting from cash back on all other purchases. The flexibility to change categories each month is a unique feature.
7. Discover it® Student chrome
Best for Students Who Spend on Gas and Restaurants
The Discover it® Student chrome card is tailored for students who spend a lot on gas and dining out. You’ll earn 2% cash back on the first $1,000 spent each quarter on gas and dining, and 1% on all other purchases. Like the standard Discover it® Student Cash Back card, new users will have their cash back matched in the first year.
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 2% cash back on gas and dining (up to $1,000 per quarter)
- 1% on all other purchases
- Free access to FICO® score
Why it's Great for Students: This card’s focus on gas and dining rewards is perfect for students who drive or eat out frequently. The 1% cash back on all other purchases also ensures that you continue to earn rewards on everyday expenses.
8. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Best for Low Introductory APR
If you’re looking to carry a balance, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card offers one of the best introductory APR offers for students. You’ll get 0% APR for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, making it a great option for managing larger expenses over time.
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers
- No interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles
Why it's Great for Students: With no interest for 18 months, students who need time to pay off large purchases or transfers can do so without worrying about interest piling up. This card is also ideal for students looking for flexibility.
9. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Best for No Fees and Cash Back
The Petal® 2 card stands out because it has no fees—no annual fee, no late fees, no foreign transaction fees. You’ll earn 1% cash back on purchases right away, with the potential to earn up to 1.5% cash back after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 1% cash back (up to 1.5% with on-time payments)
- No fees—no late fees, no foreign transaction fees
- No credit history required to apply
Why it's Great for Students: The Petal® 2 card is a great option for students who are just starting to build their credit and want to avoid fees. The cash-back rewards grow as you demonstrate responsible credit use.
10. American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card for Students
Best for Cash Back on Everyday Purchases
The American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card for Students offers cash back on everyday purchases, making it a great all-around card for students. You earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent at supermarkets per year, 2% at U.S. gas stations and select department stores, and 1% on other purchases.
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
- 2% at U.S. gas stations and select department stores
- 1% on other purchases
Why it's Great for Students: This card is perfect for students who spend a lot on groceries and gas, offering excellent cash-back rates in those categories. The no annual fee makes it accessible for those with limited credit experience.