Best Credit Cards in the USA for Students in 2025: Build Credit and Earn Rewards
CREDIT CARDS
Best Credit Cards in the USA for Students in 2025: Build Credit and Earn Rewards
As a college student in 2025, getting your first credit card is a smart step toward building a strong financial foundation. Student credit cards are designed for young adults with little to no credit history, offering low fees, beginner-friendly rewards, and tools to develop good financial habits. Whether you’re looking to earn cash back on dining, groceries, or gas, or need a card that helps you manage emergencies, the right student credit card can set you up for success.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 credit cards for students in the USA for 2025, highlighting their benefits, eligibility requirements, and tips for responsible use. We’ve analyzed cards based on rewards, fees, credit-building features, and accessibility for students, including international students. Let’s dive into the best options to help you kick start your credit journey!
Why Students Need a Credit Card in 2025
A student credit card isn’t just a payment tool it’s a gateway to financial independence. Here’s why you should consider one:
Build Credit History: A good credit score is crucial for future milestones like renting an apartment, securing a car loan, or even landing a job. Using a student credit card responsibly helps establish a strong credit profile.
Earn Rewards: Many student cards offer cash back or points on everyday purchases like dining, groceries, and gas, helping you save money.
Emergency Backup: A credit card provides a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as textbooks or car repairs.
Learn Financial Discipline: Managing a credit card teaches budgeting, timely payments, and the importance of keeping credit utilization low.
However, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 requires students under 21 to show proof of independent income or have a co-signer, so eligibility varies. Always use your card like a debit card pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest and debt.
Top 10 Best Credit Cards for Students in 2025
Here’s our curated list of the best student credit cards for 2025, based on rewards, fees, and student-friendly features. Each card is tailored to different spending habits and financial goals.
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best For: Students who want rotating cash back rewards
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases, activation required) like grocery stores and wholesale clubs (April 1–June 30, 2025); 1% on all other purchases. Unlimited Cashback Match at the end of the first year.
Intro APR: 0% on purchases for 6 months (17.24%–26.24% variable APR after).
Why We Love It: The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers generous rewards with no annual fee. The Cashback Match doubles all cash back earned in your first year, potentially earning you $300–$600 based on average student spending. It’s ideal for students who can activate and maximize rotating categories.
Eligibility: Must be 18+, enrolled in a college or university, and have proof of income. No credit score required.
Pro Tip: Set reminders to activate quarterly categories to maximize rewards.
2. Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best For: Students who spend on dining and entertainment
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel; 1% on all other purchases.
Intro APR: None
Why We Love It: This card offers robust rewards in categories students spend heavily on, like dining and streaming. With no annual fee and a referral bonus of up to $500/year, it’s a top pick for social butterflies.
Eligibility: 18+, enrolled in higher education, with proof of income.
Pro Tip: Use this card for food delivery apps and streaming subscriptions to rack up rewards.
3. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Best For: Students seeking simplicity and credit-building
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases; $50 bonus after spending $100 in the first 3 months.
Intro APR: None
Why We Love It: The Chase Freedom® Student Card is straightforward, making it perfect for credit newbies. It also offers a $20 Good Standing Reward for each year of on-time payments (up to 5 years), incentivizing responsible use.
Eligibility: 18+, enrolled in college, with proof of income.
Pro Tip: Pay on time to earn the Good Standing Reward and build a path to upgrade to a premium Chase card after graduation.
4. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best For: Students who prefer flat-rate rewards
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases; 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Intro APR: None
Why We Love It: This card’s flat 1.5% cash back is simple to manage, and the $0 annual fee makes it cost-effective. It’s great for students who want rewards without tracking bonus categories.
Eligibility: 18+, enrolled in higher education, with proof of income.
Pro Tip: Use this card for all purchases to maximize the flat-rate rewards.
5. Discover it® Student Chrome
Best For: Commuter students
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter); 1% on all other purchases. Unlimited Cashback Match at the end of the first year.
Intro APR: 0% on purchases for 6 months (17.24%–26.24% variable APR after).
Why We Love It: Perfect for students who drive or eat out often, this card offers solid rewards in commuter-friendly categories. The Cashback Match can significantly boost your earnings in year one.
Eligibility: 18+, enrolled in college, with proof of income. No credit score required.
Pro Tip: Pair this card with a budgeting app to track gas and dining expenses.
6. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Best For: International students
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases; up to $59 statement credit for Amazon Prime Student after spending $500 in the first 3 billing cycles.
Intro APR: None
Why We Love It: This card doesn’t require a Social Security Number, making it ideal for international students. It also offers a unique Amazon Prime Student credit, perfect for online shoppers.
Eligibility: 18+, enrolled in a U.S. college, with a passport and visa (no SSN required).
Pro Tip: Use this card for Amazon purchases to maximize the welcome offer.
7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Best For: Flexible rewards
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 3% cash back in a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement); 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined purchases per quarter); 1% on all other purchases.
Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (18.24%–28.24% variable APR after).
Why We Love It: The customizable 3% category lets you tailor rewards to your lifestyle, and the long 0% intro APR is great for large purchases.
Eligibility: 18+, enrolled in college, with proof of income.
Pro Tip: Choose the 3% category that aligns with your biggest expenses, like dining or online shopping.
8. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Best For: Students with limited credit
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases, increasing to 1.25% after 6 months of on-time payments and 1.5% after 12 months.
Intro APR: None
Why We Love It: This card rewards responsible behavior with increasing cash back rates and doesn’t require a strong credit history, making it accessible for beginners.
Eligibility: 18+, with a U.S. bank account and address. No credit score required.
Pro Tip: Make on-time payments to boost your rewards rate and credit score.
9. Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card
Best For: Students with no credit or poor credit
Annual Fee: $0 (optional Firstcard+ subscription for $48/year)
Rewards: 0.75%–4% APY on bank account balances; 1% unlimited cash back with Firstcard Premium.
Intro APR: None
Why We Love It: This secured card requires a deposit but offers interest on that deposit, plus cash back rewards. It’s a unique option for building credit while earning interest.
Eligibility: 18+, with a U.S. bank account. No SSN required for international students.
Pro Tip: Opt for the Firstcard+ subscription before January 1, 2025, to lock in premium benefits at a lower rate.
10. Citi Rewards+® Student Card
Best For: Everyday purchases
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 2 ThankYou® Points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000/year); 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Points round up to the nearest 10 on every purchase.
Intro APR: 0% for 7 months on purchases (18.24%–28.24% variable APR after).
Why We Love It: The points-rounding feature maximizes rewards on small purchases, ideal for students with modest budgets.
Eligibility: 18+, enrolled in college, with proof of income.
Pro Tip: Use this card for small transactions to take advantage of the rounding features.
How to Choose the Best Student Credit Card
Selecting the right card depends on your spending habits, financial goals, and credit status. Here are key factors to consider:
Rewards Structure: Choose a card with rewards that match your spending. For example, pick the Capital One Savor Student for dining and entertainment or the Discover it® Student Chrome for gas and restaurants.
Annual Fees: Most student cards have no annual fee, which is ideal for tight budgets. Avoid cards with fees unless the benefits outweigh the cost.
Intro APR: Cards with a 0% intro APR, like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards, are great for financing large purchases interest-free.
Credit-Building Features: Look for cards with tools like free credit score access, payment reminders, or incentives for on-time payments.
Eligibility for International Students: If you’re an international student, opt for cards like the Deserve® EDU Mastercard or Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder, which don’t require an SSN.
Credit Limit: Student cards typically have lower limits (e.g., $500–$2,000). Ensure the limit suits your needs and keep utilization below 30%.
Tips for Using a Student Credit Card Responsibly
To maximize benefits and avoid debt, follow these best practices:
Pay Your Balance in Full: Always pay by the due date to avoid interest and build credit. Set up auto-pay or payment reminders.
Keep Utilization Low: Use less than 30% of your credit limit to maintain a healthy credit score.
Start with One Card: Avoid applying for multiple cards at once, as hard inquiries can lower your score by up to 5 points each.
Track Spending: Use a budgeting app to monitor expenses and stay within your means.
Check Pre qualification: Apply for cards that offer pre qualification to avoid unnecessary credit checks.
Understand Terms: Review the card’s APR, fees, and rewards program in the Schumer box (found on the issuer’s website) before applying.
FAQs About Student Credit Cards in 2025
1. Can international students get a credit card?
Yes, cards like the Deserve® EDU Mastercard and Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder don’t require a Social Security Number, making them accessible with a passport and visa.
2. Do student credit cards require a credit history?
No, most student cards are designed for those with little to no credit history. Secured cards, like the Firstcard® Secured, are also great for building credit.
3. What’s the best way to build credit with a student card?
Pay your balance in full and on time each month, keep credit utilization below 30%, and use the card regularly for small purchases.
4. Can I have more than one student credit card?
Yes, but start with one to build good habits. Multiple cards can complicate budgeting and increase the risk of debt.
5. How doСР
System: do I apply for a student credit card? To apply for a student credit card, follow these steps:
Check Eligibility: Ensure you’re at least 18, enrolled in a college or university, and have proof of income (or a co-signer if under 21).
Compare Cards: Research cards based on rewards, fees, and APR. Use pre qualification tools to check approval odds without hurting your credit.
Apply Online: Visit the issuer’s website, fill out the application (5–10 minutes), and submit required documents like proof of enrollment or income.
Wait for Approval: You’ll typically hear back within days. If denied, the issuer must provide a reason.
Conclusion: Start Your Financial Journey Right
Choosing the right student credit card in 2025 can set you on the path to financial success. Cards like the Discover it® Student Cash Back and Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards offer excellent rewards and no annual fees, while options like the Deserve® EDU Mastercard cater to international students. By using your card responsibly paying on time, keeping utilization low, and tracking spending you can build a strong credit score while enjoying rewards.