What is the best credit card for students ?
The best student credit card in the USA depends on whether you want cashback, credit-building benefits, travel rewards, or a card with no annual fee.
My top recommendation is the Discover it Student Cash Back for students who want rewards while building their credit history.
Top 7 student credit cards in the USA (2026)
Discover it® Student Cash Back Card
1. Discover it Student Cash Back
Best overall for cashback
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$0 annual fee
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5% cashback on rotating categories, up to quarterly limits, with activation
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1% on other purchases
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Unlimited first-year Cashback Match
Official website
discover.com+1
The best credit cards for 18-year-olds - The Points Guy
2. Capital One Savor Student
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$0 annual fee
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3% cashback on dining, groceries, entertainment and eligible streaming
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1% on other purchases
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No foreign transaction fees
Official website
Capital One
This credit builder card from Chase also pays 1.5%…
3. Chase Freedom Rise
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card - Review
4. Capital One Quicksilver Student
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$0 annual fee
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Unlimited 1.5% cashback
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Simple everyday rewards
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No security deposit
Official website
NerdWallet
Discover it Student Chrome Review: Earn Rewards, Build Credit - NerdWallet
5. Discover it Student Chrome
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$0 annual fee
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2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants, up to quarterly limits
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1% on other purchases
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Good for students who drive and dine out
Official website
NerdWallet+1
Best Forex Cards For The USA In 2026
6. Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students
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$0 annual fee
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Travel rewards on purchases
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No foreign transaction fees
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Good for students who travel internationally
Official website
Bankrate+1
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students Review: Rewards, Benefits & Fees | MaxRewards
7. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students
Quick comparison
|
Card
|
Best for
|
Annual fee
|
|
Discover it Student Cash Back
|
Cashback
|
$0
|
|
Capital One Savor Student
|
Dining and groceries
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$0
|
|
Chase Freedom Rise
|
Building credit
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$0
|
|
Capital One Quicksilver Student
|
Everyday spending
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$0
|
|
Discover it Student Chrome
|
Gas and restaurants
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$0
|
|
BofA Travel Rewards Student
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Travel
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$0
|
|
BofA Customized Cash Rewards Student
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Flexible cashback
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$0
|
My recommendations
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Best overall: Discover it Student Cash Back.
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Best for groceries and restaurants: Capital One Savor Student.
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Best for beginners: Chase Freedom Rise.
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Best for everyday purchases: Capital One Quicksilver Student.
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Best for international travel: Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students.
Important eligibility information
Student credit cards are generally designed for eligible college or university students. Being a student alone does not guarantee approval.
Under US federal law, applicants under 21 generally need an independent ability to pay or a qualifying cosigner. Applicants aged 21 or older must also demonstrate the required ability to pay.
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