Intro: The Best Credit Cards for Students in 2022
As an undergraduate student, you are likely still building your credit history and establishing your credit score, which will come in handy when you begin to look for loans, apartments and even job offers in the future.
Therefore, it’s important to choose the right credit card as you begin your college career so that you can establish good habits early on.
Here are some of the best credit cards available to students today and in 2022.
Student Plus
The Student Plus card offers student-friendly rewards, no annual fee, and built-in protections like a 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Get $40 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, and 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (up to $4,000 annually). Terms apply.
Diners Club
Most students already have a Diners Club, or at least know someone who does but that doesn’t mean it isn’t one of the best credit cards for students.
Why? Because it’s accepted everywhere and you can receive special rates and rewards if you keep your account in good standing. It also comes with travel protection, like emergency medical insurance and lost luggage coverage.
Discover IT
This card features a cash-back program, and it has no annual fee. It offers 1% cash back on every purchase. However, you can earn up to 5% cash back (in rotating categories) at restaurants or gas stations.
This is a smart choice if you pay your balance in full each month and make one large purchase every three months plus, Discover doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees.
First National Bank College Visa
This card comes with perks that only a student would appreciate, including no annual fee, rewards points (1 point per $1 spent), and a 0% APR on all purchases and balance transfers.
It also boasts an impressive APR: 15.24%-20.24% Variable, depending on your creditworthiness.
United Explorer
The United Explorer credit card offers 1 mile per $1 spent and a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers (purchases are still subject to an interest rate of 12.99%).
This is a good card for students who want more flexibility when making purchases, as there is no penalty APR, no over-limit fee and cash advances cost only 3%.
On top of that, it has some travel benefits: your first checked bag is free on United flights and you can choose two free lounge passes every year.
Blue Cash Preferred from American Express
This card offers cash back on all purchases, 3% back at supermarkets and gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), and a sign-up bonus: $250 back when you spend $1,000 within three months. Terms apply. Full review » • Annual fee: $95. Apply now » • Read our full credit card guide »
USAA Secured MasterCard
This is another card for people with bad credit or no credit history. You’ll need to provide a cash deposit (anywhere from $250 – $5,000) and have it verified by USAA.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards
This card offers one of the highest cash-back rates, at an impressive 10%. However, to earn rewards you’ll need to put at least $1,000 on your card each month. If you can do that and pay off your balance every month (which is likely for a student), you’ll be eligible for a sign-up bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Additional Alternatives to Consider (Credit Cards)
You’ll also want to consider a line of credit. This can be beneficial, as you won’t have to worry about missing payments or paying interest fees. The interest rate is much lower than a traditional credit card and can be great if you don’t carry a balance from month to month or take advantage of cash advances.
