BEST OF

Best College Student Credit Cards of February 2023

Feb 22, 2023

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A student credit card is a great first step in establishing a good credit history. Building good credit might not seem like a priority when you're still in school, but you'll need it down the road if you want to finance a car, buy a house or qualify for the best credit card offers. Your credit can even affect your job prospects and your ability to rent an apartment.

Be aware that simply being a college student may not be enough to qualify you for a “student” card. You’ll generally need access to income, and if you have shaky credit or no credit history at all, you may find it hard to get approved. In that case, consider a secured credit card. These cards require you to put down a cash deposit as collateral. The deposit protects the issuer in case you fail to pay your bill, which reduces the risk of approving you for a card.

Some of our selections for the best college student credit cards can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.

NerdWallet's Best College Student Credit Cards of February 2023

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Best College Student Credit Cards From Our Partners

Our pick for

Bonus cash-back categories

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-10%

Cashback

Intro offer

$50

Recommended Credit Score

The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a combination of features that's hard to beat, especially among student cards: triple rewards in a variety of popular categories, for a $0 annual fee.

Pros

  • You'll earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 3% cash back on dining, entertainment purchases, eligible streaming services and grocery store purchases; and 1% back on all other purchases. Those are excellent ongoing rates that you simply won't find on many other cards in this class.

Cons

  • Newbies to credit may find that keeping track of multiple bonus categories can be a challenge. A flat-rate rewards card would be easier to manage.

Read full review
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases

  • Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months

  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024

  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges

  • Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees

  • Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen

  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card

  • Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal

  • Build your credit with responsible card use

  • Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you

Our pick for

Simplicity and value

Apply now

on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Discover it® Student chrome

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer

Cashback Match

Recommended Credit Score

Discover offers two fine cards for college students. The Discover it® Student chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure and student-friendly bonus categories. You also get a free FICO score, low fees, and forgiveness for your first late payment. Plus, Discover says there's no FICO history requirement for this card.

Pros

  • You earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. (Unlike with Discover's other student card, you don't have to "activate" your bonus rewards.) The annual fee is $0. There's also Discover's signature bonus for new cardholders.

Cons

  • Although there's no foreign transaction fee, Discover isn’t as widely accepted abroad as other cards. If you plan to travel internationally, make sure you have a backup plan.

Read full review
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

  • No credit score required to apply.

  • Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.

  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.

  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.

  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

  • View Rates & Fees

Our pick for

Rotating bonus categories

Apply now

on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Discover it® Student Cash Back

4.6

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

Cashback Match

Recommended Credit Score

The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers rich rewards in quarterly bonus categories, although it requires more work than your typical student card.

Pros

  • This card offers 5% cash back in rotating categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter; all other spending earns 1% cash back. There's no annual fee and no late fee on your first late payment. With this card, too, Discover says there is no FICO history requirement.

Cons

  • Having to activate bonus categories every three months can be a hassle, especially when you're just getting started with credit, and some of the categories might be a poor fit for a student's spending. There's no foreign transaction fee, but Discover isn’t as widely accepted overseas — something to keep in mind if you're studying abroad.

Read full review
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

  • No credit score required to apply.

  • Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.

  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.

  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.

  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

  • View Rates & Fees

Our pick for

Simple rewards + easy-to-earn bonuses

Apply now

on Chase's website

Chase Freedom® Student credit card

4.6

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%

Cashback

Intro offer

$50

Recommended Credit Score

With its rewards and bonuses, its relatively low APR and its upgrade possibilities, the Chase Freedom® Student credit card offers a compelling combination of benefits to students looking for their first card.

Pros

  • You'll earn 1% cash back on all purchases and enjoy bonus opportunities — $50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening, plus an annual $20 "good standing" bonus for up to five years. You can earn a credit-limit increase with a pattern of on-time payment (see terms), and Chase has great cards to potentially upgrade to after you graduate. You don't need a credit history to apply. The ongoing APR is 19.24% Variable APR — lower than on many other cards for credit newcomers.

Cons

  • There are other cards that pay a higher cash-back rate on all purchases or offer richer rewards in specific categories. This card charges a foreign transaction fee, making it a poor choice for studying abroad.

Read full review
  • $50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening

  • Earn 1% cash back on all purchases

  • No annual Fee

  • $20 Good Standing Rewards after each account anniversary for up to 5 years

  • Earn a credit limit increase after making 5 monthly payments on time within 10 months from account opening when meeting credit criteria

  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open

  • Free credit score with Chase Credit Journey

Our pick for

Travel rewards (for those with established credit)

Apply now

on Bank of America's website

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

4.6

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Bank of America's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1.5x

Points

Intro offer

25,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

For travel-loving students who have already established credit, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students offers excellent value.

Pros

  • This student card offers largely the same features and benefits as the regular version for non-students — including a good sign-up bonus and a lengthy introductory APR offer. You earn 1.5 points per dollar on spending (rising to 3 points per $1 on eligible travel booked through the issuer), and points can be redeemed for a penny apiece against travel and restaurant purchases. There's no foreign transaction fee, making it a good study-abroad companion, and the annual fee is $0.

Cons

  • Unlike some student cards that encourage those with no credit history to apply, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students requires good credit, which can be a significant barrier to those just starting out.

Read full review
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.

  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.

  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.

  • New longer intro period! 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.

  • When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.

  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.

  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Our pick for

Secured card

Apply now

on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer

Cashback Match

Recommended Credit Score

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent starter card for someone new to credit. It requires a security deposit, but it has a $0 annual fee, earns rewards and offers a clear path to an upgrade to a regular card.

Pros

  • The rewards on this card match those on the Discover it® Student chrome: 2% cash back on up to $1,000 worth of spending per quarter on restaurants and gas, and 1% on all other spending. That's very good for a secured card. After seven months, Discover automatically evaluates your account for possible upgrade to an unsecured card.

Cons

  • This is a secured credit card, so you must put down a deposit of at least $200. (Your credit limit will be equal to your deposit, up to $2,500.) Although secured cards are easier to qualify for than regular unsecured cards, approval isn't guaranteed. You'll need to be able to show you can pay your bill.

Read full review
  • No credit score required to apply.

  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.

  • Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.

  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.

  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

  • Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.

  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.

  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

  • View Rates & Fees

Our pick for

Unique incentives

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Journey Student Rewards from Capital One

4.7

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

N/A

Recommended Credit Score

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One offers simple rewards, with a bonus for paying on time. You don’t even have to be a student to apply, so consider it if you have average credit.

Pros

  • The rewards are easy to understand and can help you develop good credit habits. You earn 1% cash back on all purchases; when you pay your bill on time, you’ll receive an extra 0.25% cash back as a bonus. And you can be automatically considered for a higher credit limit with no additional deposit in as little as six months. The annual fee is $0, and there are no foreign transaction fees.

Cons

  • The maximum rewards rate of 1% or 1.25% is lower than the top rate on some other student cards.

Read full review
  • Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month

  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges

  • Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees

  • Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen

  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card

  • Pick the monthly due date that works best for you

  • Pay for Amazon.com purchases using your Capital One rewards

  • Pay for online purchases with virtual card numbers and keep your actual card number to yourself

  • Get notified via text, email, and phone if Capital One notices potential suspicious transactions on your account

  • Build your credit with responsible card use

Our pick for

Flat-rate cash back

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.4

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1.5%-10%

Cashback

Intro offer

$50

Recommended Credit Score

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is straightforward and rewarding, with no hoops to jump through.

Pros

  • The card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and the annual fee is $0.

Cons

  • If you're willing to put in more work, you can find student cards that earn more than 1.5% back in popular bonus categories.

Read full review
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

  • Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months

  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024

  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges

  • Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees

  • Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen

  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card

  • Build your credit with responsible card use

  • Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you

FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST COLLEGE STUDENT CREDIT CARDS

Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Discover it® Student chrome

Our pick for: Simplicity and value

Simplicity makes the Discover it® Student chrome a standout for students searching for their first credit card. You'll earn bonus cash back at restaurants and gas stations with no activation required and no rotating categories to keep track of. Read our review.

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Our pick for: Bonus cash-back categories that rotate

The Discover it® Student Cash Back gives students the same excellent rewards as the regular Discover it® Cash Back — notably, bonus cash back in rotating categories that you must activate. Activating and tracking categories might be too much of a hassle for some students brand new to credit cards, but if you're up for a little work, the rewards can be handsome. Read our review.

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Bonus cash back categories that stay the same

Among cards aimed at students, the $0-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is near the head of the class. It earns 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 3% back in a variety of popular spending categories for students — including dining, entertainment purchases, eligible streaming services and grocery store purchases — which is a better deal than you'd find on many cards requiring annual fees or sterling credit. Read our review.

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card gets high marks for cards in its class, thanks to its $0 annual fee and its no-fuss rewards rate: 1.5% cash back on all purchases. That's as good a combo as you'd find on even a lot of non-student cards. Read our review.

Journey Student Rewards from Capital One

Our pick for: Unique incentives

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One gives newcomers to credit a powerful incentive to develop responsible habits. You earn cash back on every purchase, but when you pay your bill on time, the cash-back rate for that month gets a boost. Read our review.

Chase Freedom® Student credit card

Our pick for: Simple rewards + easy-to-earn bonuses

With its rewards and bonuses, its relatively low APR, its $0 annual fee and its upgrade possibilities, the Chase Freedom® Student credit card offers a compelling combination of benefits to students looking for their first card. Read our review.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

Travel rewards (for those with established credit)

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students offers largely the same benefits and features as the regular version for non-students, making it an excellent option for those who love to travel. It requires good credit, however, which can be a significant barrier to those just starting out with credit. Read our review.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Our pick for: Secured card

Like other secured credit cards for people building or rebuilding credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a cash security deposit. Unlike most others, it offers rewards. But what really makes it stand out from the competition is its upgrade possibilities. The issuer has a process in place for automatically reviewing accounts for possible transition to an unsecured card. Read our review. 

• • •

OTHER RESOURCES

By Melissa Lambarena, NerdWallet

Why it’s wise to build credit as a student

Building credit might not seem like an urgent priority when you're still in school, but the earlier you start the clock on your credit history, the better. Having good credit will be important down the road when you want to buy a home or get a car loan, but there are even more immediate benefits. For example, good credit can improve your chances of landing a job or renting an apartment.

Your credit history, detailed in your credit report and summarized by credit scores, shows how well you've handled borrowed money — and using a credit card responsibly is one of the quickest and easiest ways to build credit. Among the situations in which good credit comes in handy:

  • Borrowing money. Whether you’re applying for a credit card, car loan, personal loan, mortgage or other loan, good credit can be the difference between approval and rejection. Further, good credit can qualify you for lower interest rates, which saves you money.

  • Renting an apartment. When you submit an application to rent an apartment, the landlord may look at your credit score to gauge how likely you are to pay your rent on time.

  • Setting up utilities. Utility companies commonly check customers' credit history. If you have bad credit or no credit history, your power company or water utility might require you to pay a deposit or get a letter of guarantee from someone who agrees to pay your bill if you can't.

  • Getting hired: Depending on your profession, you might need good credit to pass an employment screening. Some employers check credit, especially for jobs that require handling other people's money.

  • Starting a business: Some creditors look at your personal credit score when you’re trying to establish business credit. If you dream of starting a business or want to keep the door open to this possibility, a good credit score can keep interest rates affordable.

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Who should apply for a student credit card

Simply being a college student isn't enough by itself to qualify for a student card. Here's what you need to know.

  • Student status might (or might not) matter. Check the card's terms and conditions on the issuer's website for application eligibility. For example, the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One does not have an explicit student requirement, while the rules for the Discover it® Student Cash Back say "You must be a college student."

  • Federal law limits who can get credit cards under age 21. Issuers are prohibited from providing cards to people under 21 unless they have proof of independent income or a co-signer — someone who agrees to be responsible for the debt if the primary cardholder doesn't pay the bill. This can be a roadblock since most major credit card issuers don’t allow co-signers.

  • Those 21 or over are also required to provide proof of income. However, they can list any income to which they have “reasonable expectation of access.”

  • Bad credit is usually a dealbreaker. Student credit cards are designed for people with little or no credit history. If you have bad credit because of missed payments or other missteps, you probably won’t qualify for a student card on your own. In that case, look to a card specifically designed for people with bad credit.

Alternatives to student cards (and options for non-students)

  • If you're under 21 and can't qualify on your own: Have a parent add you as an authorized user on one of their cards. Authorized user status can help you build a credit history. You'll get a card with your name on it that you can use for purchases, but your parent is legally responsible for the debt.

  • If you're over 21 and still have trouble qualifying: Even with a full-time income, it can be hard to qualify for a traditional credit card if you lack a credit history.

    • Some startup companies have begun offering credit cards for people with no credit or limited credit. These issuers use alternative methods to evaluate applications — looking at income, employment status and assets rather than credit history, for example.

    • Secured credit cards are another excellent option. They're easier to qualify for because they require a security deposit, which reduces the risk for credit card issuers. Use one to build a credit history, then move up to a better card. See our best secured credit cards.

  • If you can’t clear any of these hurdles and you want to start building credit: Some rent-reporting services will report your rent payments to credit bureaus for a fee. It can be more affordable than coming up with a deposit for a secured credit card. Being able to prove a good payment history might even help you qualify for a credit card in the future.

  • If you've already established credit and have independent income: Consider bypassing student cards entirely. You might qualify for a credit card that offers better rewards, a generous sign-up bonus or lower interest. If you don't yet meet the criteria for such cards, you can look forward to these options once you establish good credit.

How to compare student credit cards

Student credit cards generally don't offer the same rewards and perks as “regular” credit cards. That's OK — the main purpose of student cards is to build credit with the goal of qualifying for better cards down the line. A good student credit card will save you money and report to all three credit bureaus (more on that below); rewards on top of that are just a bonus.

Here are some factors to consider as you shop around.

Credit reporting

The student credit card you choose should report to all three credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. These companies gather the information used to calculate credit scores. That's why you want your good payment history recorded by all of them. All of our recommended student cards report to all three bureaus.

Annual fee

It’s ideal to avoid an annual fee when you're on a student budget. In addition to keeping costs low, a no-annual-fee card makes it easier to keep an account open once you build enough credit to move on to better credit cards. Without an annual fee, you can keep your original credit card open to keep the length of your credit history and benefit your credit score.

Introductory and ongoing interest rates

Cards designed for people new to credit tend to have higher interest rates, so it's best to pay your bill in full each month, which allows you to avoid paying interest entirely. However, some student cards give you an introductory 0% interest period, which can be helpful if you have a big purchase you'll need a few months to pay off.

Rewards

If you’re hoping to earn points or cash back for your spending, look for a card that offers a rewards rate of at least 1%. Some student credit cards are more generous, but 1% is a decent rate for a starter card. You’ll get more value if you choose a card whose rewards align with your spending. Some cards also offer a sign-up bonus. These incentives can potentially defray the cost of your college expenses, but only if you’re not overspending to earn them. If you do choose a student credit card with rewards, use it only for those purchases you already make within your budget.

Foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the country, usually 1% to 3% of the total amount of a transaction. That can represent a serious hit to a student budget if you're spending a full semester in a study abroad program. If you plan to travel outside the U.S., look for a student credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Some issuers, including Discover and Capital One, don't charge these fees on any of their cards.

International acceptance

Another consideration when studying abroad is how easily you can use your credit card. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide, but American Express and especially Discover are less so.

Security deposit (for secured cards)

If you're having a hard time qualifying for a student credit card, consider a secured card. These cards require a security deposit, which is usually equal to your credit limit. Minimum deposit requirements tend to be $200 to $300, but some can be as high as $500. Pulling together the deposit can be an obstacle on a student income, so you may have to save up for it, or ask someone to help out. You get your deposit back when you close your account in good standing or upgrade to a “regular” credit card with the same issuer. See our best secured credit cards.

Making the most of your student credit card

Once you've been approved for a credit card, you’re ready to get to work building credit. Here’s how to use your card to your advantage:

  • Buy only what you can afford. It can be tempting to charge a night out with friends, for example, when you don't have the cash on hand to cover it. But if such spending becomes a habit, it will be costly.

  • Pay on time and in full every month to avoid interest. Use your card as a tool for building good credit, not for spending money you don't have. Use it for small purchases you can afford to pay back on time and in full every month to keep your card’s grace period in effect. You’ll maintain control of your budget and save money on interest.

  • If you can’t pay your full balance, pay more than the minimum. In circumstances when it’s not possible to pay your full balance, at least pay more than the minimum amount due. You’ll make more progress toward eliminating your debt.

  • Use only a portion of your available credit. Your card might have a credit limit of, say, $1,000, but it's not wise to use the full $1,000. Keep your balance under 30% of your limit to maintain a good credit utilization ratio and protect your score. As a student, you probably won’t get a high credit limit anyway, so use your card primarily for smaller purchases.

  • Be strategic with your sign-up bonus and rewards. If your student credit card offers a sign-up bonus, planning your application around upcoming expenses can help you meet the bonus requirements without additional spending. Choosing a credit card with rewards that match your spending will also prove more fruitful for your wallet.

  • Keep your account open if possible. If your credit card doesn’t charge an annual fee, keep it open to maintain the length of your credit history and your credit score. Closing a credit card can end up hurting the score you’ve worked hard to build.

What to do with your student credit card after graduation

Once you boost your credit score into the good-to-excellent range, you're more likely to be approved for regular, non-student credit cards with richer rewards and enhanced features. After you graduate and begin working (or move on to graduate school), consider your options with your student credit card:

  • Keep using it. In most cases, you can hold onto your student card even after you graduate. If there's no annual fee on the card, there's no harm in keeping the account open and continuing to use it. However, a different card might provide better rewards or a lower interest rate.

  • Upgrade it. Ask your issuer whether you can switch your account to a different card through a so-called product change. Doing so allows you to move to a card that better suits your needs while keeping the account open. That's beneficial to your credit score because it helps preserve the length of your credit history.

  • Replace it. If you're paying an annual fee on a student card you don't plan to continue using, and the issuer won't upgrade you, you're probably better off applying for a better card and (once approved) closing the student card account.

  • Keep it — but in a drawer. If you can't (or choose not to) upgrade the card but you aren't paying an annual fee, it's smart to keep the account open even after you apply for other cards. Your credit score will benefit. Use a simple "autopay and everyday" strategy to keep your account active with one purchase — or several — throughout the year.

Last updated on February 22, 2023

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best credit cards for college students based on overall value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of students. Factors in our evaluation include annual fees, rewards programs (both earning rates and redemption options), promotional and ongoing APRs, bonus offers for new cardholders, incentives for responsible behavior, free credit scores and other credit education, availability to applicants with thin or no credit history, and other noteworthy features such as a path to upgrade to a different product later on. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions