Written by : Alen vi
Edited by : Credit card views Desk
For college students in the United States, managing finances can be challenging. Between tuition, rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses, money often feels tight. While part-time jobs help, one of the smartest and most overlooked financial tools for students is US credit card rewards.
Student credit cards allow students to earn cash back, rewards, and bonuses on purchases they already make. According to Credit Card Views and consumer finance analysts, students who use credit cards responsibly—by paying balances in full and keeping spending under control—can earn $100 to $500 per year in rewards while simultaneously building a strong credit profile.
This article explains how students can make extra money with US credit card rewards and provides an in-depth review of the 10 best student credit cards, including detailed benefits, eligibility criteria, credit score expectations, pros, cons, and expert opinions.
How Students Make Extra Money with Credit Card Rewards
Students do not “earn income” directly from credit cards. Instead, they make extra money by reducing expenses through:
• Cash back on groceries, dining, gas, and online shopping
• Signup bonuses and first-year reward matches
• Statement credits that lower monthly bills
• Travel rewards that reduce airfare or hotel costs
• Credit-building benefits that unlock higher-reward cards later
According to Credit Card Views, the most important rule is simple:
Always pay the full balance every month. Interest charges can cancel out rewards very quickly.
10 Best Student Credit Cards in the US (Detailed Review)
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best Overall Student Credit Card
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is widely considered the best student credit card for earning rewards. It offers rotating bonus categories that often include groceries, gas stations, restaurants, Amazon, and digital wallets—areas where students naturally spend money.
Detailed Benefits. Students earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to the quarterly limit) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. What truly sets this card apart is Discover’s Cashback Match™, which automatically matches all cash back earned during the first year. This means a student who earns $300 in rewards will receive an additional $300, effectively doubling their earnings.
Pros
• Very high earning potential in the first year
• No annual fee
• Free credit score monitoring
• Strong customer service reputation
Cons
• Bonus categories require quarterly activation
• High APR if balance is carried
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be enrolled in a US college or university
• No established credit history required
• US Social Security Number required
• Proof of income (part-time work or allowance accepted)
Credit Score Requirement
• No minimum credit score; designed for beginners
Credit Card Views Opinion
According to Credit Card Views, this card consistently ranks #1 because it allows students to earn the most rewards with responsible spending.
Credit Card Views Rating: 4.8/5
2. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Best for Simple Rewards and Long-Term Credit Growth
The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card is ideal for students who prefer a simple reward structure and want to build a long-term relationship with Chase.
Detailed Benefits
This card offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, making it easy to earn rewards without tracking categories. Students also receive a $50 welcome bonus after their first purchase, which is one of the easiest signup bonuses available.
Pros
• Simple and predictable rewards
• No annual fee
• Free access to Chase Credit Journey®
• Strong upgrade potential to Chase Freedom Unlimited or Sapphire cards
Cons
• Lower rewards compared to rotating-category cards
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a college student
• Limited or no credit history accepted
• US residency and SSN required
• Proof of income or financial support
Credit Score Requirement
• No established score required, but approval odds improve with responsible banking history
Credit Card Views Opinion
Experts recommend this card for students focused on building credit steadily rather than maximizing short-term rewards.
Credit Card Views Rating: 4.5/5
3. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Student card is designed for students who want effortless rewards without worrying about categories or spending limits.
Detailed Benefits
Students earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, whether it’s food, textbooks, transportation, or subscriptions. There are no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for travel or online international purchases.
Pros
• Consistent cash back on all spending
• No annual fee
• Excellent mobile app and budgeting tools
Cons
• No higher bonus categories
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be enrolled in a college or university
• Fair or limited credit accepted
• SSN required
• Proof of income needed
Credit Score Requirement
• Fair credit or no credit history
Credit Card Views Opinion
Credit Card Views highlights this card as one of the best “low-effort” reward cards for students.
Credit Card Views Rating: 4.6/5
4. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Best for International Students
This card is specifically designed for international students studying in the US who may not have a Social Security Number or US credit history.
Detailed Benefits
Students earn 1% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. Many offers include a free Amazon Prime Student subscription, adding additional value.
Pros
• No SSN required
• No US credit history needed
• Simple rewards
Cons
• Lower cash back rate
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be an international student in the US
• Valid student visa required
• No SSN required
• Proof of enrollment
Credit Score Requirement
• None
Credit Card Views Opinion
Credit Card Views considers this one of the easiest ways for international students to start building US credit.
Credit Card Views Rating: 4.4/5
5. Discover it® Student Chrome
Best for Gas and Dining Spending
The Discover it® Student Chrome card is ideal for students who frequently spend on gas and restaurants.
Detailed Benefits
Students earn 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants (up to the quarterly cap) and 1% on all other purchases. Like other Discover cards, it includes the first-year cashback match.
Eligibility Criteria
• Student enrollment required
• No credit history necessary
• SSN required
Credit Card Views Rating: 4.6/5
6. Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
Best for Travel and Study Abroad
This card is well-suited for students who travel frequently or plan to study abroad.
Detailed Benefits
Students earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases and pay no foreign transaction fees. Points can be redeemed for travel statement credits.
Eligibility Criteria
• Student enrollment required
• Limited credit accepted
• SSN required
Credit Card Views Rating: 4.5/5
7. Capital One Journey Student Rewards
Best for Encouraging Responsible Payments
This card rewards students for paying on time.
Detailed Benefits
Students earn 1% cash back, plus a 0.25% bonus each month they pay on time.
Eligibility Criteria
• Student status required
• Limited or no credit history
Credit Card Views Rating: 4.3/5
8. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Student
Best for Flexible Categories
This card allows students to customize their rewards.
Detailed Benefits
Earn 3% cash back in a chosen category, 2% on groceries, and 1% elsewhere.
Eligibility Criteria
• Student enrollment required
• SSN required
Credit Card Views Rating: 4.6/5
9. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards
Best for Dining and Entertainment
Designed for lifestyle spending.
Detailed Benefits
Earn 3% cash back on dining, groceries, entertainment, and streaming services.
Eligibility Criteria
• Student enrollment required
• Fair or limited credit accepted
Credit Card Views Rating: 4.7/5
10. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Best for Students with No Credit
This is a secured card focused on credit building.
Detailed Benefits
Requires a refundable security deposit and helps establish credit history.
Eligibility Criteria
•No credit history required
•SSN required
Credit Card Views Rating: 4.2/5
1. Can I get a student credit card in 2026 with $0 income?
*The Answer: Yes, but with a catch. Under US law (the CARD Act), if you are under 21, you must show “independent ability to pay.” However, issuers like Discover and Capital One often count scholarships, grants, and even a regular allowance from parents as “income” on your application. If you have absolutely zero funds, your best bet in 2026 is the Chase Freedom Rise®, which focuses more on your bank account balance than your monthly paycheck.
2. Which student card is best for international students without an SSN?
*The Answer: In 2026, the Deserve® EDU and Zolve remain the top picks because they use your passport and visa (F-1/J-1) for identification instead of a Social Security Number. Another pro tip: If you have a bank account with Chase or Bank of America, you can sometimes apply for their student cards in a physical branch using your passport and an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
3. Is it better to get a student card or a ‘Secured’ card first?
*The Answer: Always try for a Student Card first (like the Discover it® Student). Why? Because secured cards require a cash deposit (usually $200+) that is “locked” by the bank. Student cards are “unsecured,” meaning no deposit is required. Only go for a secured card—like the Capital One Platinum Secured—if you’ve been rejected for student-specific cards and need to “force-start” your credit history.
Final Thoughts
According to Credit Card Views, student credit cards are one of the safest and smartest ways for young adults to earn rewards while building credit. When used responsibly, they reduce expenses, teach financial discipline, and open the door to better financial opportunities after graduation.
About the Author – Alen Vi
Alen Vi is a seasoned financial expert with over 10 years of experience specializing in the credit card industry. Throughout his career, he has worked with various leading media firms, providing in-depth analysis, insights, and guidance on personal finance, credit card rewards, and smart spending strategies. At Credit Card Views, Alen combines his extensive knowledge and practical expertise to help readers make informed decisions, maximize their cash back and rewards, and navigate the complex world of credit cards with confidence.
Disclaimer
The information provided on Credit Card Views is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as financial, legal, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information about credit cards, rewards programs, fees, and offers, terms and conditions can change frequently, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of all content.
Credit card offers and eligibility criteria vary by issuer, credit score, and individual circumstances. Before applying for any credit card or making financial decisions, readers should conduct their own research and consider consulting with a qualified financial advisor.
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