A Guide to Capital One’s Credit Cards for College Students

Capital One offers three college student credit cards, each with advantages and downsides. Overall, though, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card and Journey Student Rewards from Capital One get good marks compared with others in their class. All three cards have a $0 annual fee and meet or exceed the 1% rewards rate standard among student credit cards, making them solid options for students who qualify for them.

Here’s what you need to know about the three student credit cards from Capital One.

Light on fees

Capital One’s student cards acknowledge two truths about college students: They tend to live on tight budgets, and they want to travel when their schedules allow. All three cards waive annual and foreign transaction fees, making it easy for cardholders to want to keep using the cards after graduation.

For students who plan to study abroad or go on vacation during spring and summer breaks, these cards are excellent travel buddies. Because you won't pay a foreign transaction fee, you’ll save money on purchases overseas. The cards also belong to the Visa or Mastercard networks, so they are widely accepted by merchants abroad.

» MORE: The study-abroad student’s guide to credit cards

Rewards-earning potential

All three cards earn cash back, but their rewards structures differ greatly. In general, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is the more valuable card because of its higher cash-back rate in popular spending categories for students. That card earns unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment and some streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Target and Walmart). All other purchases earn 1% back. It’s also the only one of the three cards that gets 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats.

The rewards structures of the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card and Journey Student Rewards from Capital One are simpler but less valuable. The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases. The rate for the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is 1%, but it bumps up to 1.25% if you pay at least the minimum payment on time.

All three cards earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Redemption options are the same, too: Rewards can be cashed in for a statement credit, a check or gift cards. Cardholders can also automate redemption to occur at a certain time each year or when a certain amount is reached.

» SEE: Best Capital One credit cards

Sign-up bonus: Some or none

Although the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One does not have a sign-up bonus, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card do, and it’s identical: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months. However, that bonus is a limited-time offer.

Some credit required to qualify

Applicants will typically need fair credit (a FICO score between 630 and 689) to qualify for any one of Capital One’s student cards, but exceptions may apply. Each applicant is assessed case by case, according to a Capital One spokesperson. As is legally required for any credit card in the U.S., you'll also have to be at least 18 years old and have sufficient income to qualify. Capital One defines “sufficient income” as being greater than your rent or mortgage payment by at least $425.

Those without a FICO credit history should look to a card like the Discover it® Student chrome. The card has a $0 annual fee, and it offers introductory incentives and rewards. Cardholders earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter and 1% cash back on everything else.

» MORE: Best starter credit cards for no credit

Payments are reported to all major credit bureaus

All three of Capital One’s student cards report payments to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, which is essential for building credit. Your payment history accounts for about 35% of your credit score, so if you want a higher score, aim to make on-time payments as often as you can.

Cardholders of the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One have an additional incentive to make on-time payments: You’ll be automatically considered for a credit line increase after a minimum of six months. A clean payment record will likely elevate the odds of receiving a credit bump.

For two of the three cards, student status is required

You’ll have to confirm that you’re a student to be eligible for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. Capital One’s definition of a student is someone who is admitted and enrolled (or intending to enroll in three months) part time or full time at an accredited university, community college or higher education institution. Even after you lose student status, the card remains active and retains its benefits and rewards.

Although the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is classified as a student credit card, you don’t have to be a student to qualify.