Student Credit Cards Worth Applying For

College presents students with a unique four-year opportunity for establishing positive credit history while they still have limited financial responsibility. This is ideal because it allows for you to start borrowing money on a manageable, small-scale basis. However, before you dive right into the application process, it is important to compare features to find a card that best suits your needs. When selecting your first student credit card your primary focus should be on finding a card with as few fees as possible. Here are the top five no annual fee student credit cards.

Note: If recklessly managed, student credit cards could end up harming your credit score. To learn more about how to safely build credit CLICK HERE

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Type: Discover
• 5% cashback on rotating categories
• 1% cashback on everything else
• Unlimited cashback match for first year
• $20 statement for GPA  >=3.0
• Referral program
• SSN Required

The Discover IT student card is perhaps the most rewarding of all the student credit cards on the market. Offering a generous 5% cashback on rotating categories, this is an absolute game changing offer for a starter credit card. The 5% category calendar for 2021 is posted on their site and ranges from grocery stores, gas stations, streaming services, amazon, and more. Another amazing benefit of this card is the welcome offer of unlimited cashback match for the first year. However, this card may not be ideal for international students as it requires a social security number.

• No annual fee
• 1% Cashback on ALL purchases 
• $50 welcome bonus 
• 5% Cashback on Lyft purchases
• Complimentary 3 months of DashPass
• $20 good standing bonus on account anniversary 
• Credit limit increase after 5 on time payments
• Foreign Transaction Fee 3%
• SSN Required

While the Chase Freedom Student card doesn’t offer quite as much cashback as the Discover IT card it’s a good way to get a foot into the door at Chase.This card along with the rewards  earned on it can eventually be upgraded to a standard Chase Freedom card. These points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase portal which may be beneficial in your future. The card has also partnered with both Lyft and DoorDash to offer rewards that may be promising to college lifestyle. Overall, if you are interested in joining the Chase portfolio this card is a good starting point.

• No annual fee
• Foreign Transaction Fees
• Type: Visa
• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice
• $200 online cash rewards bonus offer
• No SSN Required

The Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card for students is an overall solid card. The ability to choose your own 3% cash back category enables you to earn relevant rewards quicker. This card doesn’t require a social security number to apply, making it an excellent choice for foreign transfer students.

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Type: Mastercard
• 1% Cashback on ALL purchases
• Cell phone protection
• Free amazon prime student for one year
• No SSN required

Although Deserve EDU is a lesser known card, it’s got a generous bit of student benefits. These benefits include a free year of Amazon Prime and complimentary cell phone protection. Along with the lack of international fees, it also doesn’t require a social security number making it international student friendly.

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fee
• Type: Mastercard
• 1% Cashback on ALL purchases 
• $60 streaming service credit 
• Increased credit limit after 6 months of responsible use
• SSN Required

The Capital One Journey student card is yet another international student friendly card with great benefits. One of the most relevant for college students is the $60 streaming credit. This credit is earned as $5 month credit for the span of 12 months on select streaming subscriptions when you pay on time. Another significant benefit is the increased credit limit eligibility after 6 months of responsible use.

Honorable Mention

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Type: Mastercard
• Unlimited daily cashback on all purchases

While the Apple Card isn’t marketed as a student card, it has been known to be friendly to those with lack of credit. It prides itself on having absolutely no fees, which is great for your student budget. Another benefit to consider is the cashback rates for apple store purchases. If you are a student who makes big technology purchases, this may benefit you.

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