Starting college is exciting—but building credit might seem confusing. The good news? There are student credit cards out there that don’t charge any annual fees and still offer amazing perks!
In this post, you’ll find the top 5 student credit cards in 2025 that are beginner-friendly, safe to use, and perfect for building your financial future—without paying a yearly fee.
🥇 1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Annual Fee: $0
Intro Offer: Cashback Match (they double all the cash back you earn in your first year)
Why We Love It:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories (like gas, restaurants, Amazon)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No credit history required
Related: How to Build Credit as a Student
🥈 2. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards:
- 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and grocery stores
- 1% on everything else
Why It’s Great:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Automatically considered for a credit limit increase after 6 months
✅ Ideal for: Social and active students who spend on food and fun
Related: Top Credit Cards for International Students
🥉 3. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Annual Fee: $0
Bonus Offer: $50 bonus after first purchase within 3 months
Why Pick This One:
- Flat 1% cash back on all purchases
- $20 Good Standing reward every year for 5 years
Tip: Read our guide on Credit Score Myths That Hurt Students
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
Standout Features:
- No expiration on points
- Great for travel, including flights, hotels, and Airbnb
- Ideal for students who study abroad or travel often
🔗 Bank of America Student Card Page
Related: Secured vs. Unsecured Student Cards
5. Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Annual Fee: $0
Unique Benefit: No SSN required for international students
Why It’s a Winner:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- Free Amazon Prime Student for 1 year
- No foreign transaction fees
🔗 Deserve EDU Official Website
Related: Top Credit Cards for International Students
✅ How to Choose the Right Card
Ask yourself:
- Do I want cash back or travel rewards?
- Am I an international student?
- Do I plan to study abroad?
Also check:
- Interest rates (APR)
- Foreign fees if you’re traveling
- Ease of approval for first-time applicants
🔗 Related Reads
- How to Build Credit as a Student
- Top Credit Cards for International Students
- Secured vs. Unsecured Student Cards
- Credit Score Myths That Hurt Students
Final Thoughts
Getting a credit card in college is a smart move—if you use it wisely. These 5 student-friendly options give you rewards and benefits without charging a yearly fee. Compare features, read the terms, and apply for the one that fits your needs best.
💳 Ready to apply? Start here → Apply for the Best Student Cards
Disclaimer: Always double-check rates and offers on the official issuer website before applying.
✅ FAQs
Q1: Can students get approved for a credit card with no credit history?
Yes! Many student cards are designed for applicants with little or no credit history.
Q2: Are student credit cards safe to use?
Absolutely, as long as you make payments on time and use your card responsibly.
Q3: What’s the difference between secured and unsecured student cards?
Secured cards require a cash deposit; unsecured cards don’t. Most student cards are unsecured.
Q4: Do these cards help build credit?
Yes, these cards report to major credit bureaus, helping you build credit with consistent use.
Q5: Can international students apply?
Some cards, like the Deserve EDU Mastercard, allow international students to apply without an SSN.
Start building your credit the smart way—apply for one of these top-rated student cards today!
