Best Credit Cards for Students in 2025 (Even with No Credit)

Getting your first credit card can feel impossible when you have little or no credit history — but in 2025, students actually have more beginner-friendly options than ever before. The right student credit card helps you build credit, earn rewards, and learn smart financial habits without sky-high interest or hidden traps. Let’s look at the top picks for this year and how to choose the one that fits you best.

Why Student Credit Cards Matter

Establishing credit early makes future milestones — renting an apartment, buying a car, getting a loan — much easier. A student card acts as your on-ramp: low limits, simple rewards, and a chance to prove you can manage debt responsibly.

Top Student Credit Cards for 2025

1. Discover it® Student Cash Back

Why it stands out: One of the most beginner-friendly cards, with rotating 5% cash-back categories and automatic dollar-for-dollar match at the end of your first year. No annual fee, reports to all three bureaus, and even rewards for good grades.

• Annual fee: $0
• Cash-back: 5% in rotating categories (up to quarterly limit) + 1% on everything else
• Good Grade Reward: $20 statement credit each school year for GPA 3.0+
• APR: Variable, typically 18%–28% depending on credit

2. Chase Freedom Rise℠

Why it stands out: Designed for people new to credit. If you link a Chase checking account, approval odds increase. Simple 1.5% cash-back on all purchases and automatic credit-limit review after six months of on-time payments.

• Annual fee: $0
• Rewards: 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
• Credit building: Monthly reporting to all bureaus
• Bonus: Early access to upgrade to Freedom Unlimited after credit improves

3. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards

Why it stands out: Great for students who spend on food, streaming, and entertainment. Unlimited 3% cash-back on dining and groceries, plus 1% everywhere else. Also offers travel accident insurance and no foreign transaction fees — rare for a student card.

• Annual fee: $0
• Rewards: 3% on dining, groceries, entertainment, and streaming; 1% elsewhere
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: Variable, typically 19%–29%

4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Student Card

Why it stands out: Perfect for students who travel or study abroad. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases — no categories to track, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees.

• Annual fee: $0
• Rewards: 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases
• Welcome offer: Around 25,000 bonus points after meeting initial spend (check issuer site)
• Foreign transaction fees: None

5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

Why it stands out: Designed specifically for international students — no Social Security Number required if you have a valid U.S. visa and school email. 1% cash-back on all purchases, Amazon Prime Student rebate after first purchase, and free cell phone protection.

• Annual fee: $0
• Rewards: 1% cash-back on all purchases
• SSN required: No (accepts student visa documentation)
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Tips to Get Approved With No Credit

• Use your student status: Many banks accept enrollment proof instead of full credit history.
• Start with a secured card: Deposit $200–$500 as collateral; upgrade to unsecured after on-time payments.
• Apply for one card at a time: Multiple hard inquiries can hurt your score before you even start.
• Always pay on time: Payment history is 35% of your credit score — even one miss can linger for years.

Final Thoughts

Student credit cards are training wheels for financial independence. Pick one that matches your lifestyle — cash-back for daily use, travel rewards if you study abroad, or a secured card if you’re just starting out. By paying on time and keeping balances low, you’ll graduate with more than a degree — you’ll have a solid credit foundation for life.

Continue reading: Why Your Credit Score Still Sucks · How I Earned a Big Sign-Up Bonus in 90 Days