2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR STUDENTS
Establishing Credit Early Through Student Credit Cards
In a society where accessibility is often determined by credit score, having a line of credit is crucial. Car rentals, hotel reservations, airplane tickets, housing rentals, and cellphone contracts can be impossible to get without a credit card. For some college students, paying for tuition and various educational expenses necessitates the use of a credit card.
For those learning how to manage personal finances, the best way to access credit is to compare student credit cards and choose the top credit cards for students.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Student Credit Cards
The best credit cards for students will provide a safe and effective line of credit for students to build a foundation of good financial habits. After all, great credit scores translate into great financing for auto loans, mortgages, and low insurance premiums.
While most college students don’t need to worry about getting great mortgage rates yet, credit cards for students make it possible to begin establishing credit early on.
Using good student credit cards to start establishing credit history can certainly come in handy, particularly when looking ahead after graduation. Most college students haven’t had the opportunity to build credit, and student credit cards are a safe and effective way to do so.
See Also: Best Student Credit Cards with No Credit | Guide | Finding the Best Credit Cards for Students with No Credit History
AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Student Credit Cards
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the credit card names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that credit card):
- BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card for Students
- BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students
- Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for College Students
- Discover it® for Students Card
- U.S. Bank College Visa® Credit Card
- Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card
Top 6 Best Student Credit Cards | Brief Comparison
Credit Card Name | % or Low Intro APR Offer? | * Intro Duration |
| BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card for Students | 0% | 12 months |
| BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students | None Offered | None Offered |
| Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card For College Students | 0% | 7 months |
| Discover it® for Students Card | 0% | 6 months |
| U.S. Bank College Visa® Credit Card | None Offered | None Offered |
| Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card | 0% | 6 months |
Credit Card Name | % (Min) | % (Max) |
| BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card for Students | 13.24% | 23.24% |
| BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students | 11.24% | 21.24% |
| Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card For College Students | 14.24% | 24.24% |
| Discover it® for Students Card | 13.24% | 22.24% |
| U.S. Bank College Visa® Credit Card | 12.24% | 21.24% |
| Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card | 11.40% | 21.40% |
Table: Top 6 Best Credit Cards for Students | Above list is sorted alphabetically
Key Features of the Best Student Credit Cards
When looking for the best credit card for students, there are a few key features to look for. Credit cards for students are slightly different than cards geared toward traditional cardholders.
In order to compare student credit cards and find the best first credit card for students, keep the following components in mind:
Good student credit cards promote building credit:
While many credit cards determine eligibility by previously established credit history, this methodology will not apply to most college students. Since many students haven’t had the opportunity to build credit, good credit cards for students will take low or zero credit history into account.
Great student credit card offers come with low or zero fees:
Relaxed annual fees, low introductory rates, and late payment forgiveness are key components of the best student credit cards. Not only do these make managing credit easy, but they also provide reliable ways to create positive credit history.
Top student credit cards come with rewards systems:
Just like a traditional credit card, the best first credit card for students will often come with enhanced rewards systems. This promotes responsible spending — and paying — on credit cards for students.
Many student credit cards will take these features and cater them specifically for college students. For example, points can be earned on student-specific purchases, like restaurants, entertainment, or textbooks.
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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Student Credit Cards
Below, please find the detailed review of each card on our list of the best credit cards for students. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these top credit cards for students to score so highly in our selection ranking.
BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card for Students Review
One of the best credit cards for students is the BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card for Students. This card has been specifically formatted to cater to the unique needs of younger cardholders who are just starting to build credit history.
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As a best first credit card for students, this line of credit uses lowered rates and student-oriented rewards to create the best credit card for students.
Advantages to the BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card for Students
The best credit cards for students will come with enhanced features and benefits for those who are just learning how to manage credit. College students will certainly benefit from the following advantages:
Flexible spending rewards
Part of what makes this one of the top student credit cards is the wide array of opportunities to earn cash back. Students can earn 1% on general purchases, 2% on groceries, and a surprising 3% on gas. Even for traditional credit cards, these are impressive rewards rates.
Additional support for good credit habits
Text alerts for due dates, mobile banking, and fixed payment dates all coincide to create a support system for responsible payment. Good credit cards for students will provide an array of ways to manage credit card payments, and this card certainly follows through.
0% APR for 12 months
For college students, finding student credit card offers with low introductory rates is huge. Interest-free spending for the first year provides a cost-effective means to establishing credit history.
While these advantages certainly make the BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card for Students into one of the best student credit cards, new cardholders should also be aware of the interest rate.
After the introductory period ends, the APR will fall into a range of 13.24%-23.24%, which is slightly higher than competing student credit card offers. This means that students will need to keep track of interest changes to avoid hefty charges.
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BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students Review
While the previous Bank of America product is perfectly formatted as a best credit card for students with little to no credit, the BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students may work best for those who have already established a credit history.
As one of the top student credit cards, this line of credit utilizes low APR rates and credit education tools to provide a solid foundation for new cardholders.
Advantages to the BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students
When looking for good student credit cards, it is important to compare student credit cards to find the best rates, terms, and features. Students who choose to use the BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students will find the following advantages:
Low APR rate
With an APR falling into a range of 11.24%- 21.24%, this is one of the best student credit cards to save on interest. Not only is this the lowest APR among Bank of America products, but it is the lowest APR among our top credit cards for students.
Access to credit education
Student cardholders gain access to resources on credit topics through Bank of America. These topics include budgeting, using credit responsibly, and more.
0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months
For students who already have credit card debt, this may be one of the best student credit cards. Balance transfers will remain on the card interest-free for over a year, allowing relief from hefty interest fees.
These advantages are certainly worthwhile for those looking for the best credit cards for students. Most notably, the ability to make balance transfers without fees or interest is what makes this the best credit card for students with pre-established debt.
Although it does not come with a rewards program, the APR rate is impressively low. Students will certainly benefit from lowered interest and a more affordable line of credit, making this one of the best student credit cards overall.
Related: Chase vs. Capital One Secured Credit Card Review | Which Card Is Best? Secured Card Reviews
Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for College Students Review
Part of what makes this one of the best credit cards for students is that the additional features are catered specifically to benefit students.
With a combination of a strong introductory APR offer and competitive rewards, this line of credit from Citi is one of the best student credit cards to consider.
Advantages to the Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for College Students
Those who want good credit cards for students that also offer good rewards programs will certainly enjoy the following advantages:
0% introductory APR for 7 months
The best student credit cards come with competitive rates. As a best credit card for students, this Citi student card allows for a full 7 months of interest-free spending.
Student-focused rewards system
General purchases are awarded 1 point per dollar, but cardholders will really benefit from purchases made toward entertainment. Two points are awarded for each dollar spent on dining, live theatre, concerts, amusement parks, movie theatres, and online video streaming.
Opportunity for bonus points
New cardholders have the opportunity to earn 2,500 bonus points for spending $500 within the first three months. Students who plan on using this best credit card for students toward textbooks or utility bills will find that this is an easy bonus to reach.
Perhaps the best feature of the Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for Students lies within the rewards program. Few student credit cards place as much emphasis on rewarding students for spending money on their favorite activities, making it a best credit card for students who value entertainment.
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Discover it® for Students Card Review
As a best credit card for students, the Discover it® for Students Card makes establishing credit into an easy, rewarding process. In fact, it has long been recognized as one of the best credit cards for students, with a total customer satisfaction rating of 4.8/5.0.
With accessibility and student benefits in mind, the Discover it® for Students Card is one of the best student credit cards available.
Advantages of the Discover it® for Students Card
When looking for the best credit card for students, it’s difficult to find benefits and rewards to match the Discover it® for Students Card. College students and parents alike will be pleased to see the following advantages:
5% cash back in bonus categories
General purchases earn 1% cash back, but the Discover it® for Students card also uses a 5% cash back calendar. Rotating categories for a higher rewards percentage include gas, restaurants, movie theatres, and Amazon.com purchases. This makes it the best credit card for students who don’t mind taking a little extra time to check the cash back calendar.
Cash back for good grades
As one of the best credit cards for students, this card rewards high grades. Students who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher can expect $20 in cash back each year, for up to a period of 5 years.
0% APR for 6 months
Although the term is short, interest-free spending is an important element of the best student credit cards.
With a competitive rewards system and a low introductory rate, the Discover it® for Students Card is a great option for a beginning student credit card. However, it may not be the best credit card for students who don’t plan on using the cash back calendar to get maximum benefits.
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U.S. Bank College Visa® Credit Card Review
As a best credit card for students to consider, the U.S. Bank College Visa® Credit Card is an easy and efficient solution for students looking to build credit. Whether students have zero, poor, or bad credit, this card offers a simplistic approach to creating positive credit history.
Advantages to the U.S. Bank College Visa® Credit Card
Using this best credit card for students is a great way to learn how to successfully manage a line of credit. Those who are looking for a basic credit card for students will find the following advantages:
Bill pay reminders
The best credit cards for students should provide tools to promote responsible credit management. Mobile alerts can be set to help students remember when their bill is due and how much credit is left on the account.
Online account access
With technology ever-prevalent both inside and outside of the classroom, 24/7 online access is a great benefit, making this a best credit card for students on the go.
Competitive APR rates
Depending upon credit ratings, the APR will fall within a range of 12.24%- 21.24%. It’s certainly worth noting that a beginning rate of 12.24% is one of the lowest APRs among the best credit cards for students.
While the U.S. Bank College Visa® Credit Card doesn’t offer any additional benefits or rewards programs, its value lies in simplicity. This makes it a great option for those looking for the best student credit cards without added complications.
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Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card Review
The Cash Back College Card from Wells Fargo is one of the best credit cards for students to consider getting. Not only can students begin to establish basic credit history, but they can also benefit from a wide range of cash back rewards.
With a combination of competitive rewards, flexible redemption offers, and low introductory rates, this card is one of the best student credit cards available.
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Advantages of the Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card
Those who are looking for the best credit card for students that offers high rewards will find the following advantages:
0% APR for 6 months
Introductory APR rates are crucial when finding the best credit cards for students. It’s also worth considering that at 11.40%- 21.40%, the resulting APR is the lowest of all the reviewed best student credit cards.
Flexible cash back rewards
During the first six months, students have enhanced opportunities to earn cash back. While all purchases fall under a net of 1% cash back, any charges made toward gas, groceries, and drugstore items earn 3% cash back.
Smooth transfer to Wells Fargo accounts
This is certainly the best credit card for students who already have a Wells Fargo bank account, since funds can easily be transferred. Cash rewards can be deposited in $25 increments into a Wells Fargo savings account.
Although the introductory APR is notably shorter than competing top student credit cards, the Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card does offer important benefits as a best first credit card for students. Though the rewards program is somewhat limited, the interest rates can potentially be much lower than competing student credit card offers.
Conclusion – Top 6 Best Student Credit Cards
Establishing a foundation of credit history and responsible financial management is entirely possible through using the best student credit cards. Student credit card offers can be important tools to building good credit, cultivating positive financial habits, and providing a sense of safety and security.
The best student credit cards will combine present and future financial benefits, making credit affordable and manageable.
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Ultimately, finding the best credit cards for students means closely analyzing and comparing the top student credit cards that are currently available. These best student credit cards have gotten wide amounts of praise from cardholders and experts alike.
Our detailed list of the 6 top-rated best credit cards for students can offer expert guidance for those looking for the most beneficial and effective top credit cards for students.
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