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 card also features an excellent cashback match at the end of the first year.
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.
- Discover it® Student Cash BackCheck Here
Discover it® Student Cash Back - Earn 5% cashback on rotating categories and unlimited 1% on other purchases.
Pros
- 5% cashback on rotating categories (great for spending in specific areas).
- Cashback match effectively doubles your rewards in the first year.
- No annual fee.
- Good grades bonus for students.
Cons
- Rotating categories: Requires tracking and activation each quarter.
- Lower cashback (1%) on non-category purchases.
Key Features
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
2.
Chase Freedom® Student
- Chase Freedom® StudentCheck Here
Chase Freedom® Student - Offers a simple rewards structure and access to Chase's Ultimate Rewards® program.
3.
Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students
- Bank of America® Cash Rewards for StudentsCheck Here
Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students - Customizable cashback categories to suit your spending habits.
4.
Capital One SavorOne Student
- Capital One SavorOne StudentCheck Here
Capital One SavorOne Student - Perfect for dining and entertainment, with 3% cashback in these categories.
5.
Deserve® EDU Mastercard
- Deserve® EDU MastercardCheck Here
Deserve® EDU Mastercard - No credit history required and features rewards tailored for students.
6.
Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One
It's designed to help students build credit while earning rewards on everyday spending.
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.
- Journey® Student Rewards from Capital OneCheck Here
Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One - Rewards students for on-time payments with 1.25% cashback.
Pros
- 1.25% cashback for on-time payments.
- No annual fee.
- Designed for students to build their credit and earn rewards simultaneously.
Cons
- Low cashback rate on non-timed payments.
- High APR if balances are carried over.
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Key Features
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
7.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
$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.
- Wells Fargo Active Cash CardCheck Here
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card - - Earn 2% unlimited cashback on all purchases, with no annual fee and a sign-up bonus for new customers.
Pros
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- $200 sign-up bonus
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
- No annual fee
Cons
- High APR after the intro period
- Rewards are fixed at 2% with no higher earning categories
Key Features
$200 sign-up bonus
0% intro APR for 15 months
No annual fee
Why Is Recommended
8.
Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card
2x points on everyday expenses like groceries and gas.
No annual fee.
0% intro APR for the first 7 months on purchases.
- Citi Rewards+℠ Student CardCheck Here
Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card - Rounds up rewards to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.
Pros
- Points rounding ensures you get more value from each purchase.
- 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations is great for everyday spending.
- No annual fee.
Cons
- Limited 2x points to the first $6,000 annually, after which it drops to 1x.
- Lower points rate on purchases outside of specific categories.
Key Features
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
9.
State Farm® Student Visa®
- State Farm® Student Visa®Check Here
State Farm® Student Visa® - A great card for students looking to manage expenses and earn rewards.
10.
Petal® 1 “No Fees” Visa®
- Petal® 1 “No Fees” Visa®Check Here
Petal® 1 “No Fees” Visa® - Ideal for students building credit, offering cashback and no annual fees.
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!