When you’re a college student, it can be tough for top lenders to deem you fit enough for a credit card, which is why some banks offer Student credit cards to help you earn the rewards you desire. Note that even if you are a college student, you may not be enough to qualify for a “Student” credit card. You’ll need a source of income, a decent credit score and credit history for the rate of approval to increase. A student credit card is definitely a milestone or step towards better credit history, however, you may want to consider something from our Best Secured Credit Cards of 2018 as well.
![]() | Chase College CheckingSM: Get $100 as a new Chase checking customer when you open a Chase College CheckingSM account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of account opening. Get Coupon---Chase College Checking Review |
![]() | Chase Secure BankingSM: Earn a $100 bonus when you open a new Chase Secure BankingSM account online or enter your email address to get your coupon and bring it to a Chase branch to open an account. Make sure to complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of coupon enrollment. Apply Now---Chase Secure Banking Review |
![]() | Chase Private Client: Enjoy up to $3,000 bonus when you open a new Chase Private Client Checking account with qualifying activities. Get more from a personalized relationship when you open a new Chase Private Client Checking account with qualifying activities. Learn More---Chase Private Client Review |
Recommended Student Credit Cards:
This will be quick summary for those of you that don’t really want to read on the perks mentioned about each of what we think to be the most efficient and well-rounded cards for students in the credit card market. We ranked the Discover it for Students Credit Card #1, the Citi ThankYou Preferred Card for College Students #2, and the Journey Student Credit Card #3 on our list, with other cards you can apply for that can be rewarding for you listed in bulletin:
- Discover IT Chrome for Students Card
- SelfScore MasterCard
- BankAmericard Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Discover it® for Students – Overall Cash Back Prowess:
Get your hands on the Discover it for Students Credit Card, and earn a beautiful 5% cash back in quarterly categories, up to $1,500 each quarter. In addition as a new card holder you can double your cash back at the end of your first year. Students who maintain a 3.0 GPA are also eligible for an annual $20 reward, making this card absolutely the best credit card for Students in terms of rewards.
Discover it for Students Credit Card Summary:
- Learn More
- Maximum Bonus: New members can double the cash back earned at the end of the first year, up to the maximum of $1,500 each quarter for 5% cash back purchase categories and no limit for all other 1% cash back purchases.
- Spending Requirement: None
- Annual Fee: $0
- Bonus Worth: Total yearly maximum of $6,000 for 5% cash back category purchases plus amount earned for all 1% cash purchases which does not have a limit.
- Expiration Date: None
- Additional Advice: Students can get $20 cash back each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next five years.
ThankYou Preferred for Students – Overall Entertainment Necessities:
If you are a college student, then consider getting the Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for College Students. With this card, 2 points per dollar spent on purchases for dining at restaurants and entertainment and 1 point on all other purchases. There is no annual fee and you can redeem your points from a large selection of gift cards including dining, entertainment and retail, to an amazing selection of valuable rewards such as electronics, travel rewards, home goods, books and media, charitable donations or even cash.
Citi ThankYou Preferred Card for College Students Summary:
- Maximum Bonus: 2,500 ThankYou Points
- Spending Requirement: You must spend $500 within 3 months of account opening.
- Annual Fee: None
- Bonus Worth: The 2,500 ThankYou Points is worth about $25
- Expiration Date: None
- Additional Advice: Points do not expire and you can earn an unlimited amount of them!
Capital One Journey Student Credit Card – Responsible Students:
Journey Student Credit Card Summary:
- Learn More
- Best Feature: Cashback on all purchases
- Annual Fee: None
- Expiration Date: None
- Additional Advice: This card also comes with Visa Platinum Benefits such as 24-hour travel assistance services, extended warranty, and auto/travel insurance benefits
BankAmericard Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students:

BankAmericard Cash Rewards Summary:
- Learn More
- Best Feature: $150 Bonus
- Annual Fee: None
- Expiration Date: none
- Additional Advice: This card also comes with cash back opportunities, so take advantage of this as well.
Discover It Chrome For Students Credit Card:

Discover It Chrome For Students Summary:
- Learn More
- Best Feature: New members can double the cash back earned at the end of the first year, up to the maximum of $1,000 each quarter for 2% cash back purchase categories and no limit for all other 1% cash back purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Bonus Worth: Total yearly maximum of $4,000 for 2% cash back purchases plus amount earned for all 1% cash purchases which does not have a limit.
- Expiration Date: None
- Additional Advice: Discover lets you have free access on your credit score, showing you your FICO score every month.
Recommended Secured Cards:
Recommended Credit Cards:
This section is for cards recommended after you have the adequate credit score established:
Conclusion:
Students, you won’t have to suffer with an unattractive credit score/credit history or a bland-as-oatmeal credit card with no rewards anymore. Reap full benefits of our top contender: the Discover It for Students and get 5% cash back on $1,000 earned quarterly. Note that even if you are a college student, you may not be enough to qualify for a “Student” credit card. Also note that Student credit cards reflect crucially on your credit, and we recommend responsible usage with all of your credit cards. Once you have the adequate credit score, the next card I recommend is the Chase Freedom UnlimitedSM . See our complete list of Credit Card Promotions!