Teaching young adults about credit cards is a very necessary thing to do because mistakes made with a student credit card pale in comparison to the mistakes possible when you’re an established professional. For one, the credit limit is much lower on a student credit card, making the possible debt load less. Then, should you make a late payment or default on your card, you’ll have more time to correct your mistakes before your credit is needed for a house or car purchase.
Student credit cards certainly have their pros and cons, but if used responsibly, the experience and rewards gained by credit cards can certainly help a students future. We’ve compiled a short list of the best student credit cards in the market today. All of these cards teach responsible spending while rewarding students for on time payments, good grades and responsible spending.
Not too long ago, credit card issuers offered students free t-shits, koozies, slices of pizza, and other random goodies as a reward for applying for a credit card. Rules have changed, and applying for a student credit card is a little more strict now. This is a good thing, as many students took on more than they could handle. The following student credit cards offer good rewards programs, have reasonable interest rates, and no annual fees. When used properly, they can help you learn to use credit responsibly and help you build your credit score.
Top Credit Cards for College Students
The Citi Forward® Card for College Students – The only credit card that rewards paying on time and staying under your credit limit, the Citi Forward® Card for College Students offers students an APR reduction if payments are made on time. 5 ThankYou® Points for every $1 you spend at restaurants and on entertainment; 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Earn 100 ThankYou Points each billing period that you pay on time and stay under your credit line. You can also enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first seven months. Finally, there is No Cosigner required and the Citi Forward® Card for College Students comes with no annual fee.
Citi® Dividend® Card for College Students – If rewards are of importance, the best student credit card would be the Citi® Dividend® Card for College Students. Earn bonus cash back each quarter on new must-have categories- like department stores, travel and more, with enrollment. Additional cash back can be earned on other purchases, including 1% cash back on all other purchases. All Citi credit cards do not require cosigners, including the Citi® Dividend® Card for College Students. Finally, there is no annual fee.
Discover it® for Students with $20 Cashback Bonus - The Discover it® for Students is an excellent option for college students who are seeking a card with a cash back rewards program. This card is fair… No annual fee. No overlimit fee. No foreign transaction fee & no pay-by-phone fee. No late fee on your first late payment. And we won’t increase your APR for paying late.* It is also Generous…5% cash back in categories that change throughout the year up to $1,500 in purchases with free and easy sign-up each time. And 1% cash back on all other purchases.* You can earn cash rewards with $20 Cashback Bonus® when you make your first purchase within 3 months of approval.* Standard variable purchase APR*- 12.99% – 18.99%. *Click apply for Terms & Conditions. Visit the Discover website to learn more. Apply Now!
* See the online credit card application for details about terms and conditions. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the “Apply Now” button, you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the issuer’s website.
Discover is a paid advertiser of CashMoneyLife.com
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- Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® Visa® Card – $100 Cash Back Bonus
- Credit Cards with Low Interest Rates
- Best Cash Back Credit Cards
- Best Credit Cards for Paying Taxes
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I have the Citi Forward and the Capital One cards and love them both. Of course, I’m trying to pay my debt down on them, but they’re definitely great starter credit cards.
Great list! I sure wish I saw pros and cons of different cards when I was in college.