Top 10 · updated October 29, 2026

Best student credit cards

Cards a student or first-time cardholder can realistically get, ranked on accessibility and credit-building value.

1
Bank of America
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
1.5 points per $1 on everyday purchases
Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and credit-building value.
$468/ yearAnnual fee $0
2
Bank of America
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
1.5% cash back on all purchases
Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and credit-building value.
$468/ yearAnnual fee $0
3
Discover
Discover it Student Chrome Credit Card
2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter · 1% cash back on all other purchases
Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and credit-building value.
$336/ yearAnnual fee $0
4
Capital One
Quicksilver Rewards for Students
1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and credit-building value.
$468/ yearAnnual fee $0
5
Capital One
Savor Student Credit Card
3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and credit-building value.
$528/ yearAnnual fee $0
6
Bank of America
BankAmericard Credit Card for Students
0% introductory APR
Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and credit-building value.
$312/ yearAnnual fee $0
7
U.S. Bank
Cash+ Secured Visa Cash Back Credit Card
5% cash back in eligible categories they choose
Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and credit-building value.
$312/ yearAnnual fee $0
8
Discover
Discover it Student Cash Back Card
5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate · 1% cash back on all other purchases
Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and credit-building value.
$312/ yearAnnual fee $0
9
Capital One
Platinum
The card is designed for building credit with responsible use, but does not offer rewards
Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and credit-building value.
$312/ yearAnnual fee $0
10
Bank of America
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
6% cash back in the category of your choice for the first year · 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category after the first year
Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and credit-building value.
$372/ yearAnnual fee $0

Yearly value is rewards plus credits you'd realistically use, minus the annual fee, on $2,600/month: $500 groceries, $400 dining, $200 gas, $300 travel, $1,200 everything else. Points use conservative cash values; store-only rewards count at half. How we rank · Use your own spending

Questions people ask

What is the best student credit card?

As of October 29, 2026, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students ranks first. The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students and Discover it Student Chrome Credit Card come second and third.

How are these student cards ranked?

Cards a student or first-time cardholder can realistically get, ranked on accessibility and credit-building value. Each card's value is its rewards plus the credits a typical cardholder uses, minus its annual fee; points are converted at conservative cash values. No issuer pays for placement.

Is a card with an annual fee ever worth it?

Only if its extra rewards and credits beat the fee on your own spending. In this list the fee is already subtracted, so a $0-fee card and a $95 card are compared on what they actually leave you with.

Ranked for an average spender.

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More rankings

Card details are collected from issuer websites and were last refreshed October 29, 2026. Terms change often; confirm them with the issuer before you apply.