Best Student Credit Cards of May 2026

BCC Editor's Pick 2026

Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student Cash Back

5.0 BCC Score

Apply Now

on Discover's secure site

Welcome Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro APR

0% Intro APR for 6 months and 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, then 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score Needed

Fair, New to Credit

Card Brand

Discover

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount
No credit score required to apply.
No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
Terms and conditions apply.

Pros

Enjoy generous cash back rewards rates on purchases
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and award-winning customer service

Cons

There is a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

BCC Editor's Pick 2026

Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student Chrome

4.0 BCC Score

Apply Now

on Discover's secure site

Welcome Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year

Rewards Rate

2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro APR

0% Intro APR for 6 months and 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, then 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score Needed

Fair, New to Credit

Card Brand

Discover

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount
No credit score required to apply.
No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
Terms and conditions apply.

Pros

Earn generous cash back rewards on every purchase
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and award-winning customer service

Cons

There is a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
A quarterly cap on the 2% cash back applies

Rates & Fees

Chase Freedom Rise®

5.0 BCC Score

Apply Now

on Chase's secure site

Welcome Offer

Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.

Rewards Rate

1.5% cash back

Intro APR

N/A, then 25.24%

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score Needed

New to Credit

Card Brand

Visa®

Increase your approval chances - Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
Earn Cash Back - With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can establish credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
Credit Limit Increase - As a Freedom Rise® cardmember, you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
Free Credit Score - Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
No Annual Fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® Card.
Member FDIC

Pros

Chase Freedom Rise® offers a generous reward rate, which is rare among 'new to credit' credit cards.
Grow your credit history with this card and earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account.
There is no annual fee with this card.

Cons

There is no intro APR for purchases or balance transfers.
Potential cardholders are encouraged to have a checking or savings account with Chase to increase their approval chances.

BankAmericard® credit card for Students

4.0 BCC Score

Apply Now

on Bank of America's secure site

Welcome Offer

—

Rewards Rate

N/A

Intro APR

0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases and 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on purchases

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score Needed

Excellent, Good

Card Brand

Mastercard®

New! 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
No annual fee.
No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Pros

Save on interest with this card's lengthy 0% intro APR periods.
There is no penalty APR or annual fee.
Build your credit history with responsible use.

Cons

This card does not offer a rewards program on purchases.
There is a balance transfer fee of 5% of the amount of each transaction.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

4.0 BCC Score

Apply Now

on Bank of America's secure site

Welcome Offer

25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

Rewards Rate

1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases and 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center

Intro APR

0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score Needed

Excellent/Good

Card Brand

Visa®

25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants, including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Pros

Unlimited points on every purchase
No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
Big welcome offer

Cons

You need Excellent/Good credit for this card

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students

4.0 BCC Score

Apply Now

on Bank of America's secure site

Welcome Offer

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

Rewards Rate

2% cash back on all purchases for the first year from account opening and 1.5% cash back on all purchases after the first year from account opening

Intro APR

0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score Needed

Excellent/Good

Card Brand

Visa®

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
No annual fee.
Select your card design option when you apply – the Unlimited Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Pros

Unlimited cash back on every purchase
A large welcome offer
This card can help you build your credit history
No annual fee

Cons

There is a foreign transaction fee

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students

5.0 BCC Score

Apply Now

on Bank of America's secure site

Welcome Offer

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

Rewards Rate

6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice, 3% cash back after the first year from account opening in your choice category, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases

Intro APR

0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score Needed

Excellent/Good

Card Brand

Visa®

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Select your card design option when you apply – the Customized Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Pros

Flexible and customizable cash back program
A bountiful sign up bonus
An extensive intro APR period

Cons

You need Excellent/Good credit for this card

Rates & Fees

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.0 BCC Score

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Welcome Offer

Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months

Rewards Rate

3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 1% Cash Back on all other purchases

Intro APR

N/A, then 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score Needed

Average, Fair, Limited

Card Brand

Mastercard

Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
Build your credit with responsible card use
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Top rated mobile app

Pros

Pay no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn generous cash back rewards on purchases with no limits
Enjoy helpful account management tools like $0 fraud liability and automatic consideration for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months

Cons

No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers. Balance Transfer Fee applies to balances transferred at a promotional rate

Rates & Fees

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.0 BCC Score

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Welcome Offer

Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months

Rewards Rate

1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day and 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Intro APR

N/A, then 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score Needed

Average, Fair, Limited

Card Brand

Mastercard

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
Build your credit with responsible card use
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Top rated mobile app

Pros

Simple cash back with 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day
Pay no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Enjoy helpful account management tools like $0 fraud liability for unauthorized transactions and automatic consideration for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months

Cons

No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers. Balance Transfer Fee applies to balances transferred at a promotional rate.