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Credit cards by goal

Best credit cards for students

A student card is made for people with a short credit history. Approval is easier than on most rewards cards.

Most have no annual fee and pay a small amount of cash back. Some add a reward for good grades.

Use it for a few bills each month and pay the full balance. That builds a record you can use later for a car loan or a first apartment.

We list 8 cards here. 8 have no annual fee. The largest welcome bonus we track is $250 on the Unlimited Cash Rewards For Students.

A card is listed here when the issuer markets it to students. Sorted by lowest annual fee first, then rewards rate. Facts match the main cards page.

Common questions

Can I get a student card without a job?
In the United States, people under 21 must show their own income or have a co-signer. Allowances and student aid can count as income.
Is a student card better than a secured card?
It can be, because there is no deposit. A secured card is the fallback if you are not approved.

Card terms come from each issuer and can change. Check the issuer page before you apply. SwitchWize may earn a fee if you apply through a link marked as an offer.

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