10 Best Student Rewards Credit Cards

Student rewards credit cards are specifically designed to help students build credit while reaping valuable benefits such as cashback, travel rewards, and discounts. These cards not only offer financial perks but also teach responsible money management—a vital skill for young adults navigating their financial journeys.

By using a student rewards credit card, students can enjoy benefits such as low annual fees, tailored rewards programs, and opportunities to establish a strong credit history. Whether you’re looking for cashback on everyday purchases, travel perks, or special student-focused features, these cards can help you maximize value and financial growth during your academic years.

1.

Discover it® Student Cash Back

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a student-friendly cashback card that offers 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, then 1%) and 1% cashback on all other purchases.
The card also features an excellent cashback match at the end of the first year.
Cashback match for first-year cardholders, effectively doubling your rewards.
5% rotating categories offer the potential for high cashback in certain categories.
No annual fee.
Student-friendly: Rewards and tools designed to help students manage their finances.
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    Discover it® Student Cash Back

    Discover it® Student Cash Back - Earn 5% cashback on rotating categories and unlimited 1% on other purchases.

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Pros

  • pros5% cashback on rotating categories (great for spending in specific areas).
  • prosCashback match effectively doubles your rewards in the first year.
  • prosNo annual fee.
  • prosGood grades bonus for students.

Cons

  • consRotating categories: Requires tracking and activation each quarter.
  • consLower cashback (1%) on non-category purchases.

Key Features

5% cashback in rotating categories each quarter, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and Amazon.com (up to $1,500 per quarter).
1% cashback on all other purchases.
No annual fee.
Cashback match at the end of the first year: Discover will match all the cashback you've earned in your first year.
Student benefits: Tools and rewards specifically for students, including good grades bonuses.

Why Is Recommended

Students who want to maximize cashback and take advantage of the first-year cashback match. The rotating categories and student perks make it a great choice for people just starting to build their credit while earning meaningful rewards.

2.

Chase Freedom® Student

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    Chase Freedom® Student

    Chase Freedom® Student - Offers a simple rewards structure and access to Chase's Ultimate Rewards® program.

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3.

Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students

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    Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students

    Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students - Customizable cashback categories to suit your spending habits.

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4.

Capital One SavorOne Student

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    Capital One SavorOne Student

    Capital One SavorOne Student - Perfect for dining and entertainment, with 3% cashback in these categories.

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5.

Deserve® EDU Mastercard

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    Deserve® EDU Mastercard

    Deserve® EDU Mastercard - No credit history required and features rewards tailored for students.

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6.

Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One

The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One is a student-focused credit card that offers 1% cashback on every purchase, with a 1.25% cashback bonus on all purchases if you pay on time each month.
It's designed to help students build credit while earning rewards on everyday spending.
Paying on time gives you a bonus 0.25% cashback, which is a great incentive for responsible credit behavior.
No annual fee: Keep the card without worrying about additional costs.
Credit-building: A card aimed at students who want to start building a positive credit history.
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    Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One

    Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One - Rewards students for on-time payments with 1.25% cashback.

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Pros

  • pros1.25% cashback for on-time payments.
  • prosNo annual fee.
  • prosDesigned for students to build their credit and earn rewards simultaneously.

Cons

  • consLow cashback rate on non-timed payments.
  • consHigh APR if balances are carried over.
  • consW

Key Features

1% cashback on every purchase.
1.25% cashback on all purchases when you pay on time.
No annual fee.
Credit-building features: Regularly reported to credit bureaus to help you build your credit.

Why Is Recommended

Students looking to build credit while earning cashback on their purchases. The 1.25% cashback bonus for paying on time encourages responsible financial behavior and provides additional value.

7.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a straightforward cash back card that offers unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, with no categories or limits to track.
2% Cash Back on Every Purchase: Earn 2% Cash Back on all purchases.
$200 Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
0% Intro APR for 15 Months: Enjoy 0% Intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for the first 15 months (then 19.99%–27.99% variable APR).
No Annual Fee: No yearly fee to enjoy the card benefits.
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    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card - - Earn 2% unlimited cashback on all purchases, with no annual fee and a sign-up bonus for new customers.

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Pros

  • prosUnlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
  • pros$200 sign-up bonus
  • pros0% intro APR for 15 months
  • prosNo annual fee

Cons

  • consHigh APR after the intro period
  • consRewards are fixed at 2% with no higher earning categories

Key Features

2% cash back on all purchases
$200 sign-up bonus
0% intro APR for 15 months
No annual fee

Why Is Recommended

Great for those who want simplicity and a consistent cash back rate. The unlimited 2% cash back and 0% intro APR offer solid value for a variety of everyday purchases.

8.

Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card

The Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card offers 2x points on supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year (then 1x points). All other purchases earn 1x points. Additionally, Citi offers a unique feature where points are automatically rounded up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, which can help students earn more rewards.
Points rounding: The automatic rounding up of points makes it easier to earn rewards.
2x points on everyday expenses like groceries and gas.
No annual fee.
0% intro APR for the first 7 months on purchases.
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    Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card

    Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card - Rounds up rewards to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.

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Pros

  • prosPoints rounding ensures you get more value from each purchase.
  • pros2x points at supermarkets and gas stations is great for everyday spending.
  • prosNo annual fee.

Cons

  • consLimited 2x points to the first $6,000 annually, after which it drops to 1x.
  • consLower points rate on purchases outside of specific categories.

Key Features

2x points at supermarkets and gas stations on the first $6,000 per year (then 1x).
1x points on all other purchases.
Points rounded up to the nearest 10 on every purchase.
No annual fee.
0% intro APR on purchases for the first 7 months (then a variable APR applies).

Why Is Recommended

Students who want to earn more on groceries and gas while also getting the benefit of automatic point rounding. It's a good entry-level rewards card for those who want to build credit and earn rewards for daily expenses.

9.

State Farm® Student Visa®

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    State Farm® Student Visa®

    State Farm® Student Visa® - A great card for students looking to manage expenses and earn rewards.

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10.

Petal® 1 “No Fees” Visa®

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    Petal® 1 “No Fees” Visa®

    Petal® 1 “No Fees” Visa® - Ideal for students building credit, offering cashback and no annual fees.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right student rewards credit card can be a game-changer for young adults. With options tailored to meet the needs of students, these cards provide a stepping stone to financial independence and responsibility. Evaluate your spending habits, desired benefits, and eligibility criteria to find the card that aligns best with your goals. Start building your credit and enjoying the rewards today!

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