A guide to finding the best student credit cards for you
As a college student, you’re constantly making decisions about things like which classes to take, where to eat and what to do on the weekends. On top of that, you’re thinking about your future.
Building credit is important. Starting now, using a credit card responsibly could help when you want to rent an apartment, buy a house or apply for jobs after graduation. With so many credit cards out there, it might feel like a major decision. So why not start your search with two award-winning student credit cards from Capital One: SavorOne for Students and Quicksilver for Students?
Key takeaways
- CardRatings named Quicksilver Rewards for Students the best student card of 2024 because of the card’s easy-to-understand rewards, welcome bonus and no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.1
- Quicksilver Rewards for Students cardholders can earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.
- NerdWallet named SavorOne Rewards for Students the best student card of 2023 because it has bonus categories and no annual fee or rewards caps, and it reports to the three major credit bureaus. View important rates and disclosures.2
- SavorOne Rewards for Students cardholders can earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services and at grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases.3, 4
- Student credit cards are designed for college students who typically have limited or no credit history.
Which Capital One credit card was named the best for students?
Capital One offers two student credit cards. Both of them, SavorOne Rewards for Students and Quicksilver Rewards for Students, have won awards.
Quicksilver for Students
The Quicksilver Rewards for Students card was named CardRatings’ best student credit card as part of its 2024 Best of the Year list. The list is determined by CardRatings’ editors and informed by polls of thousands of cardholders.
CardRatings says, “College is already tough enough to navigate; students don’t need another thing on their plate to worry about. This card makes earning simple with 1.5% cash back earned on all purchases made. No caps, no spend categories; just simple and easy-to-earn rewards.”
The site lists Quicksilver Rewards for Students card’s easy-to-understand rewards that never expire, welcome bonus and no annual fee as its pros. View important rates and disclosures.
College is already tough enough to navigate; students don’t need another thing on their plate to worry about. This card makes earning simple with 1.5% cash back earned on all purchases made.
SavorOne for Students
NerdWallet named SavorOne Rewards for Students the best credit card for college students as part of its 2023 Best-Of Awards. The SavorOne Student card was reviewed, along with more than 100 rewards credit cards, based on things like rewards rates, incentives and account availability.
NerdWallet’s 43 judges explained the decision, writing that they loved that cardholders can “earn triple rewards on everyday spending categories like dining, entertainment, streaming and groceries, all for no annual fee.” View important rates and disclosures.
The “nerdy experts” also listed bonus categories, no rewards caps and the fact that the card reports to the three major credit bureaus as pros of the SavorOne Student credit card.
See more for yourself, including how SavorOne Rewards for Students cardholders can earn unlimited 3% cash back on purchases for dining, entertainment and popular streaming services and at grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases.
What is a student credit card and how does it work?
Want to know more about what a student credit card is and how it’s different from any other credit card? Student credit cards are designed for college students, who typically have limited or no credit history, and they can allow students to access and build credit with responsible use.
They generally work the same as traditional credit cards. However, they can be ideal for college students getting their first or second credit card, and rewards might be tailored for students. Credit limits might also be lower, which could be helpful for first-time cardholders learning to manage bills.
What are the requirements for a student credit card?
Like all credit cards, you have to be at least 18 years old to apply for a student credit card. If you’re under 21, you have to show that you can make the minimum monthly payments or have a co-signer.
To be eligible for student credit cards, you might also have to show that you’re enrolled in a college or university. For its student credit cards, Capital One considers someone a student if they’re currently enrolled, or admitted and planning to enroll in the next three months, at an accredited university, community college or other higher education institution.
Can I get a student credit card with no credit?
Student credit cards are generally designed for college students, who may be applying for their first credit card and typically have limited or no credit history. A credit score may not be required to apply, so a student credit card might be an easier way to access credit.
Best credit cards for college students: What to look for
When you’re weighing card options, it’s a good idea to consider what student credit card may be best for you. One way to do that is by considering the card terms, benefits and rewards.
Student-friendly cash back options
A benefit to using a student credit card could be cash back rewards, where you can earn a percentage back of the money you spend and enjoy flexible ways to redeem your rewards. For example, Capital One’s SavorOne Rewards for Students card allows cardholders to earn unlimited 3% cash back on purchases for dining, entertainment and popular streaming services and at grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases. With Capital One’s Quicksilver Rewards for Students, you could get 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Both cards allow you to redeem your rewards for cash, a statement credit, to cover recent purchases or gift cards.
No annual fee, foreign transaction fees or hidden fees
Some credit cards involve paying an annual fee to use and access their benefits. They may also charge foreign transaction fees for any purchases outside of the U.S. But these and other fees can be tough if you’re on a budget or planning to study abroad. That’s why you might want to consider a student credit card with no annual fee, foreign transaction fees or hidden fees, like Capital One’s SavorOne Rewards for Students. View important rates and disclosures.
Ways to build credit
Having good credit scores may benefit you when you make major purchases and can help you secure better interest rates and terms on a car loan or personal loan, for example. Building credit can take time, but a student credit card can be a way to establish your credit. By using a student credit card responsibly by doing things like making on-time payments, the credit card issuer may report positive credit activity to the three major credit bureaus, which can improve credit scores.
Spending bonus
Some credit cards may have a spend or new-cardholder bonus where you can earn money for how much you spend in an initial amount of time. The amount you earn could change, but as you’re considering cards you can look to see what the current spend bonus is. Both the SavorOne Student and Quicksilver Rewards for Students cards let you earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within three months of account opening.5
Travel benefits
Certain credit cards for college students may offer travel benefits in which you could earn rewards for using your card for travel-related purchases. For example, when you book through Capital One Travel with your SavorOne Rewards for Students or Quicksilver Rewards for Students card, you can earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars.6 Both cards also earn 10% cash back on purchases with Uber and Uber Eats.7 Plus, receive a monthly statement credit for an Uber One membership when you pay with your card through Nov. 14, 2024.
Entertainment rewards programs
Student credit cards may also reward you for using your card to make entertainment-related purchases like tickets to concerts or sports events. For example, you could earn 8% cash back on all Capital One Entertainment purchases made with your SavorOne Student card.8 You can also enjoy exclusive access to events and other cardholder perks with your SavorOne Rewards for Students or Quicksilver Rewards for Students card.
Are credit cards for college students worth it?
As a college student, building credit isn’t the only benefit of getting a credit card. You could also learn responsible strategies for handling your finances, like keeping track of billing cycles to avoid late fees and managing your monthly spending habits.
You may also benefit from using a credit card to help cover certain expenses, such as a medical emergency, an unexpected trip home or even textbooks. And student credit cards could help you earn rewards on your expenses, such as cash back at the grocery store or for meals, travel or entertainment.
Best credit cards for college students FAQ
Still have questions about student credit cards? Look no further.
What credit score is needed for a student credit card?
Credit scores are just one factor issuers generally consider when reviewing applications, so it’s a good idea to know your credit score before applying.
From there, you may be able to see what kind of credit level you need to apply for a card. Keep in mind, student credit cards are designed for college students who may have little or no credit history.
You could also see what cards you’re pre-approved for. That means you’ve met the initial criteria to become a cardholder—and it typically doesn’t affect your credit scores.
Is there a credit card for college students with no income?
Generally speaking, there isn’t a standard income requirement to qualify for a student credit card. Credit card companies have different policies regarding income and how much is required for approval.
But if you’re under 21, you have to show that your personal income allows you to make the minimum monthly payments. Some credit issuers may consider certain scholarships, earnings from a work-study position or even regular financial support from a family member as personal income. Once you’re 21 and older, you could also include things like income from a spouse or partner and allowances or gifts.
How old do I have to be to apply for a student credit card?
Like other types of credit cards, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a student credit card. And if you’re under 21, you’ll also need to show that you have the income to make payments—or have a co-signer.
Can international students apply for a student credit card?
It can be possible for international students to apply for a student credit card. Many credit card issuers require a Social Security number (SSN) to apply for a credit card. But some may not. Or, like Capital One, they’ll allow applicants to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead.
The best credit cards for college students in a nutshell
CardRatings named Quicksilver Rewards for Students the best student credit card for 2024. But it’s not Capital One’s only award-winning student credit card. The SavorOne Rewards for Students card was named NerdWallet’s 2023 best credit card for college students. Both cards offer cash back rewards and no annual or foreign transaction fees, but they have some differences. View important rates and disclosures.
If you’re looking for a way to build credit and earn rewards for the things you purchase, using a student credit card responsibly could be a good option. You can compare the student credit cards that Capital One offers to see which one may be right for you. And you can see if you’re pre-approved with no impact on your credit scores.