1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Issuer Name: Discover
- Credit Needed: Fair, Limited
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 17.24% – 26.24% Variable
- Penalty APR: None
- Intro APR on Purchases: 0% for 6 months
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% introductory fee, up to 5% later
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Key Features:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (e.g., gas, groceries, restaurants), 1% on all other purchases.
- Dollar-for-dollar cashback match at the end of the first year.
- Free FICO® credit score access to build and track credit.
2. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
- Issuer Name: Chase
- Credit Needed: Fair, Limited
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 20.24% Variable
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
- Intro APR on Purchases: None
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5% of each transfer amount
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Key Features:
- $50 bonus after first purchase within 3 months.
- 1% cash back on all purchases.
- $20 Good Standing Reward each account anniversary for up to 5 years.
- Access to Credit Journey to track and improve credit score.
3. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Issuer Name: Capital One
- Credit Needed: Fair
- Annual Fee: $39
- Regular APR: 30.49% Variable
- Penalty APR: None
- Intro APR on Purchases: None
- Balance Transfer Fee: None
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Key Features:
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases.
- Access to higher credit line after making first 6 payments on time.
- No foreign transaction fees, ideal for students or young travelers.
4. Citi® Secured Mastercard®
- Issuer Name: Citi
- Credit Needed: Limited, Poor
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 28.49% Variable
- Penalty APR: None
- Intro APR on Purchases: None
- Balance Transfer Fee: Not available for balance transfers
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Key Features:
- Security deposit of $200 or more (refundable) to establish a credit line.
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping to build or rebuild credit.
- Access to account alerts and FICO® Score tracking for financial management.
5. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
- Issuer Name: WebBank
- Credit Needed: No Credit or Fair
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 17.74% – 31.74% Variable
- Penalty APR: None
- Intro APR on Purchases: None
- Balance Transfer Fee: Not applicable
- Cash Advance Fee: Not applicable
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Key Features:
- 1% cash back on purchases, increases to 1.5% with on-time payments over 12 months.
- No fees for late payments, overdraft, or foreign transactions.
- Credit approval without a credit score based on bank account information and financial habits.
6. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
- Issuer Name: Deserve
- Credit Needed: Limited or No Credit
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 22.99% Variable
- Penalty APR: None
- Intro APR on Purchases: None
- Balance Transfer Fee: Not applicable
- Cash Advance Fee: Not applicable
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Key Features:
- 1% unlimited cash back on all purchases.
- Free Amazon Prime Student subscription (reimbursement up to $59).
- Ideal for international students with no SSN requirement.
7. Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One
- Issuer Name: Capital One
- Credit Needed: Fair or Limited
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 30.49% Variable
- Penalty APR: None
- Intro APR on Purchases: None
- Balance Transfer Fee: Not applicable
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Key Features:
- 1% cash back on all purchases, boosted to 1.25% for on-time payments.
- Access to a higher credit line after 6 months of responsible use.
- $0 foreign transaction fee, making it a great option for studying abroad or travel.
8. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students
- Issuer Name: Bank of America
- Credit Needed: Good or Limited
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 18.24% – 28.24% Variable
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
- Intro APR on Purchases: 0% for 18 billing cycles
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for each transaction
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Key Features:
- 3% cash back in a chosen category, 2% at grocery stores, 1% on all other purchases.
- Up to $2,500 in combined grocery/choice category purchases each quarter.
- Free FICO® Score access to track and improve credit.
9. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Issuer Name: Capital Bank
- Credit Needed: None (No Credit Check)
- Annual Fee: $35
- Regular APR: 22.99% Variable
- Penalty APR: None
- Intro APR on Purchases: None
- Balance Transfer Fee: Not available
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $6 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Key Features:
- No credit check required for application.
- Refundable security deposit of $200 or more.
- Reports to all major credit bureaus, helping young adults build a credit history.
10. Tommy Hilfiger Platinum Mastercard® from Synchrony
- Issuer Name: Synchrony
- Credit Needed: Fair
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 25.74% Variable
- Penalty APR: None
- Intro APR on Purchases: None
- Balance Transfer Fee: Not available
- Cash Advance Fee: Not available
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Key Features:
- Earn points on purchases at Tommy Hilfiger and other merchants.
- Special discounts and offers on purchases at Tommy Hilfiger.
- Good choice for those interested in retail benefits and store-related rewards.
