Top 10 Student Credit Cards with Low Fees — An Expert Guide

Getting your first credit card as a student is a milestone: it’s a tool to build credit if used responsibly, a safety net for emergencies, and a way to access small perks and rewards. The problem? Students often worry about fees, confusing terms, and hidden costs. This guide cuts through the noise and highlights the top 10 student credit cards that minimize fees while offering useful benefits for college life. I’ll explain how I picked them, list the cards with who should consider each, and finish with practical tips for using them responsibly.

How these cards were selected (criteria)

To make this list useful for students, I focused on cards that meet these practical criteria:

• Low or zero annual fee — priority #1 for students. Cards with $0 annual fee are preferred.
• Minimal ongoing costs — foreign transaction fees, hidden maintenance fees, and punitive penalty fees were considered.
• Student orientation or beginner-friendly underwriting — cards marketed to students, those that accept applicants with limited credit, or cards with alternative underwriting (e.g., income-based or international-student friendly).
• Useful perks for students — cash back on everyday categories, sign-on or first-year benefits (grade rewards, small sign-up bonuses), and basic protections (fraud monitoring, free FICO access, cellphone protection).
• Reputation & current availability — I relied on issuer pages and major reviewers (issuer product pages, NerdWallet/CreditKarma/Forbes/WalletHub) to confirm features and whether the card is open to new applicants.

(Where product pages or reputable reviews were used for facts, I cite them inline in each card’s blurb.)

Quick summary — the top picks at a glance

1. Discover it® Student Cash Back — $0 annual fee, rotating 5% categories + grade reward. Discover
2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards — $0 annual fee, flat 1.5% cash back. NerdWallet
3. Capital One Savor Student (SavorOne Student) — $0 annual fee, 3% on dining/entertainment/grocery. Capital One+1
4. Chase Freedom Student — $0 annual fee, $20 good-standing reward, simple cash back. WalletHub
5. Bank of America® Student Cards (BankAmericard/Cash Rewards student offers) — $0 annual fee options; student features. Bank of America+1
6. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students — $0 annual fee; great for international students; Amazon Prime Student perks. Bankrate+1
7. Petal® 2 Visa® Card — $0 annual fee, designed for those with little/no credit; cash back on purchases. petalcard.com+1
8. Citi Rewards+® Student (legacy choice) — historically $0 annual fee; note: stopped accepting new applications in 2025 (see note). NerdWallet
9. Wells Fargo College/Student credit options — many student-oriented Wells Fargo products with $0 annual fee (compare specific offers). WalletHub+1
10. Secured / starter options for students who need to build credit (Capital One Secured; Discover it® Secured) — low fees, reporting to bureaus. (See issuer pages for terms.)

Below I unpack each pick: features, who should apply, pros and cons, and tips on getting approved.

1) Discover it® Student Cash Back — Best for rotating category rewards and generous first-year value

Why it made the list: Discover’s student card combines a $0 annual fee with a generous rotating 5% cash back program (on categories that change quarterly) plus Discover’s first-year cashback match for new cardmembers — an especially valuable boost for students who can maximize categories. Discover also historically provides an A+ student experience (grade-reward programs, no foreign transaction fees). Discover+1

Key features

• $0 annual fee. Discover
• 5% cash back in rotating categories (activate each quarter) on up to quarterly limits; 1% back on other purchases. Discover
• Discover matches all cash back earned at the end of the first year for new cardmembers (effectively doubling rewards in year one). Discover
• No foreign transaction fees on most Discover cards (helpful for study-abroad students). Discover

Who should apply: Students who are ready to track rotating categories and want the biggest possible rewards in year one.

Pros: No annual fee; excellent first-year value; grade rewards historically available; good fraud protection and customer service.

Cons: Rotating categories require activation and tracking; merchant acceptance abroad can be more limited than Visa/Mastercard.

2) Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards — Best simple flat cash back

Why it made the list: If you want a simple card that pays a steady flat rate on every purchase and carries no annual fee, Capital One’s Quicksilver Student card is a top pick. Flat-rate cards suit students who prefer “set it and forget it” rewards. NerdWallet

Key features

• $0 annual fee. NerdWallet
• Flat cash back (often 1.5% on all purchases) — no category tracking. NerdWallet
• Typically comes with a small welcome bonus (e.g., $50 after spending a low threshold). NerdWallet

Who should apply: Students who want simple rewards without tracking categories or activations.

Pros: Easy rewards; universally useful; no annual or foreign transaction fee (on select products). NerdWallet

Cons: Lower return if you frequently spend in specific high-return categories compared with rotating or bonus cards.

3) Capital One Savor Student (SavorOne Student) — Best for food, streaming, and entertainment

Why it made the list: The SavorStudent (or SavorOne Student variant) gives elevated cash back in dining, entertainment, and streaming — high-value categories for typical student budgets — and carries no annual fee. For students who spend heavily on food and entertainment, it often gives more raw cash back than flat-rate cards. Capital One+1

Key features

• $0 annual fee. Capital One
• Elevated cash back (often 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and groceries; 1% on other purchases). Capital One
• Small sign-up bonus in many marketing windows.

Who should apply: Students who spend frequently on dining out, streaming, and entertainment.

Pros: Higher rewards in student-relevant categories; no annual fee.

Cons: If most spending is outside those categories, a flat-rate card may be better.

4) Chase Freedom Student — Simple, student-focused benefits plus a small reward for good standing

Why it made the list: Chase positions the Freedom Student card for new credit users and students. It has a $0 annual fee, a small ongoing “good standing” bonus (for example a $20 annual credit for on-time payments) and straightforward cash back. It’s a good entry card for students who might later upgrade into Chase’s broader card ecosystem. WalletHub

Key features

• $0 annual fee; small good-standing reward for keeping the account in good standing. WalletHub
• Simple cash back or rewards structure suited to beginners. Chase+1

Who should apply: Fresh credit builders who want a large issuer (Chase) on their credit report and an easy starter card.

Pros: Beginner-friendly; path to other Chase products; small incentive to pay on time.

Cons: Rewards can be modest compared to specialized cards; approval may require some credit/income evidence.

5) Bank of America® Student Cards (BankAmericard/Customized Cash Rewards Student) — Reliable bank-brand student options

Why it made the list: Bank of America offers a set of student products (BankAmericard Student, Customized Cash Rewards for students, travel student variants) typically with $0 annual fees. For students with an existing Bank of America relationship (checking or savings), application and approval odds can be more favorable. Bank of America+1

Key features

• $0 annual fee options among student product lineup. NerdWallet+1
• Student-oriented tools and educational material; sometimes sign-on bonuses.

Who should apply: Students who bank with Bank of America or who want flexible cash-back categories and strong branch support.

Pros: No annual fees on student offers; good local branch support for in-person help.

Cons: Rewards vary across products; some perks require banking relationships.

6) Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students — Best for international students and those without an SSN

Why it made the list: Deserve’s EDU product is explicitly designed for students who may not have a Social Security number or U.S. credit history (common for international students). It charges $0 annual fee and often includes practical perks like Amazon Prime Student reimbursement when you meet initial spend requirements. That makes it uniquely useful for international students or beginners. Bankrate+1

Key features

• $0 annual fee; no SSN requirement in many cases; Amazon Prime Student reimbursement with qualifying activity. Bankrate+1
• Typically 1% cash back on purchases; cellphone protection if you pay your phone bill with the card. Bankrate

Who should apply: International students, students with little or no U.S. credit history, or those who want a straightforward cash-back starter card.

Pros: Acceptance without SSN; thoughtful perks for students; $0 annual fee.

Cons: Rewards rates are modest; underwriting and features can vary.

7) Petal® 2 Visa® Card — Best no-fee option for students who need alternative underwriting

Why it made the list: Petal’s cards use cash-flow underwriting and are designed for applicants with little or no credit history. Petal 2 has no annual fee and advertises “no fees” features (no annual and no foreign transaction fee) and a simple cash back structure — a good bridge for students who are cautious about fees but want rewards. petalcard.com+1

Key features

• $0 annual fee; no late-fee policy differs by product but Petal advertises minimal fees. petalcard.com+1
• Earn cash back on purchases; reports to credit bureaus to help build credit. WalletHub+1

Who should apply: Students with thin credit files who want a no-fee card and credit bureau reporting.

Pros: No annual fee; innovative underwriting; decent support for credit building.

Cons: APRs can be high for some applicants; rewards modest compared with specialty cards.

8) Citi Rewards+® Student — Strong rounding feature but note availability changes

Why it made the list: Citi’s Rewards+ product (student variant historically) offered a novel “round-up” feature that rounded up small purchases to the nearest 10 points and returned points on certain categories — all with no annual fee. Important: the Citi Rewards+® Student card stopped accepting new applications in April 2025; existing cardholders could keep their cards but new applicants should consider alternatives. If you already have it, it remains a low-fee, useful option. NerdWallet

Who should apply: Existing holders or students who can find equivalent Citi student offers; otherwise consider other cards on this list.

Pros: Unique point rounding; no annual fee for existing accounts.

Cons: Closed to new applicants as of 2025; availability limited. NerdWallet

9) Wells Fargo College / Student Credit Card options — $0 annual fee options from a large issuer

Why it made the list: Wells Fargo has offered college credit options that emphasize no annual fee and straightforward cash-back structures; while Wells Fargo’s student suite changes periodically, its “no annual fee” posture for student products and the presence of bank support make it a practical pick for students who want in-branch help. Verify current offers at Wells Fargo before applying. WalletHub+1

Who should apply: Students who want bank branch access and simple cash-back or low-fee options.

Pros: No annual fee on many student-targeted options; large-bank customer support.

Cons: Wells Fargo’s student targeting has varied; confirm product availability before applying. WalletHub+1

10) Secured or Starter Products: Discover it® Secured, Capital One Secured — low fees, great for building credit

Why it made the list: Some students don’t qualify for unsecured student cards yet. Secured credit cards require a refundable deposit, typically lower overhead, and report to credit bureaus — making them ideal for building history. Discover it® Secured often has no annual fee and matches cash back in the first year (like the unsecured Discover product), while Capital One’s secured options are designed for those who need to start small. Check issuer terms for deposit amounts and fees.

Who should apply: Students with no credit history or troubled credit who need to build or rebuild credit.

Pros: Clear path to unsecured cards; refundable deposit; low cost aside from deposit.

Cons: Upfront deposit required; some secured cards carry small fees (read terms).

How to choose the right student card for you

1. Prioritize $0 annual fee — don’t pay for a card when you’re building credit. Student cards that charge an annual fee rarely make sense unless the rewards easily offset the fee. (All cards above emphasize $0 annual fee options.)
2. Match rewards to spending — if you eat out often and stream a lot, SavorStudent variants will net more cash back than flat-rate cards. If your spending is varied, a flat 1.5% card (Quicksilver Student) may be easier and more consistent. NerdWallet+1
3. Think about acceptance and travel — Visa or Mastercard generally have wider global acceptance than Discover, so if you plan to study abroad check acceptance or carry a secondary travel card. Discover is still a strong no-fee value in the U.S. and has no foreign transaction fees, but merchant acceptance varies abroad. Discover+1
4. Watch APRs but don’t treat them as primary — APR matters if you plan to carry a balance. The best strategy is to pay in full each month — that avoids interest entirely and protects your credit score.
5. Consider issuer relationships — banks sometimes favor existing customers. If you already bank with Bank of America or Chase, their student cards may have better approval odds or special offers. Bank of America+1
6. For international students, look at Deserve EDU — it accepts applicants without an SSN in many cases and includes student-friendly perks. Bankrate

Practical tips to get approved (and to build credit fast)

• Have proof of income (part-time job, stipend, parental allowance) — issuers must see a way you’ll repay.
• Use authorized user strategy — be added as an authorized user on a responsible parent’s card to build history (make sure the primary user has a good record).
• Pay on time, every time — on-time payments are the biggest single driver of credit score improvement. Set autopay if possible.
• Keep utilization low — aim for <30% of your limit; under 10% is ideal for the fastest scoring gains.
• Use the card for predictable monthly spend (groceries, streaming) and pay in full — this builds history and keeps costs zero.
• Monitor your credit — many student cards give free FICO/Vantage updates; use those to track progress.

Common student FAQs

Q: Should I get a credit card as a student?
A: Yes — when you can use it responsibly. A student card that you pay in full each month builds credit, helps in emergencies, and can earn small rewards. Avoid carrying balances.

Q: Are student cards different from regular entry-level cards?
A: Student cards are tailored to applicants with limited credit history — they often have educational resources, lower or no fees, and sometimes small bonuses for good grades or responsible use.

Q: What if I don’t have a Social Security number?
A: Deserve EDU and some other issuers accept international applicants without an SSN (they use passport and U.S. bank account verification). Always check issuer documentation. Bankrate

Q: Does “no annual fee” mean the card is free?
A: Not entirely — you still pay interest if you carry a balance, and there may be fees for late payments or returned payments. But “$0 annual fee” eliminates the recurring yearly cost.

Q: What if I can’t get approved for any student card?
A: Consider secured cards (e.g., Discover it® Secured, Capital One Secured) or becoming an authorized user on a responsible adult’s account. Secured cards report to bureaus and often lead to unsecured offers later.

Short comparison table (simplified)

Final verdict — which student card should you pick?

• If you want maximum first-year value and are happy to track rotating categories: Discover it® Student. Discover
• If you want simple, predictable rewards without tracking: Capital One Quicksilver Student. NerdWallet
• If your budget is heavy on dining and entertainment, go Savor Student. Capital One
• If you’re an international student or lack an SSN: consider Deserve EDU. Bankrate
• If you’re unable to qualify for unsecured products, start with a secured card (Discover or Capital One secured options) and build history.

Important — always confirm current terms before applying

Card offers, APRs, and sign-up promotions change frequently. Before you apply, always check the issuer’s current product page for the exact terms, fees, and whether the product is open to new applicants. (Issuer product pages and major reviewers were used for this guide.) For example, Discover, Capital One, Chase, Bank of America, Deserve, and Petal maintain up-to-date product pages with fee disclosures. petalcard.com+5Discover+5Capital One+5

FAQS

1. What is a student credit card?
A student credit card is an entry-level product designed for college students who have little to no credit history. These credit cards usually have lower limits, no annual fees, and simple rewards programs.

2. Do student credit cards require a credit history?
Not always. Many student credit cards approve applicants with no prior history, while some require a thin file. Cards like Discover it® Student and Petal® 2 are built for beginners.

3. Are student credit cards free to use?
Most have $0 annual fee, but you may still face late fees, cash advance fees, or interest. Used wisely, student credit cards can remain cost-free.

4. Will applying for a student card hurt my score?
Yes, temporarily. A hard inquiry may lower your score slightly, but consistent use of student credit cards boosts your credit in the long term.

5. How do student credit cards help build credit?
They report payment history, balances, and limits to the bureaus. Responsible use of student credit cards builds the foundation for higher-limit credit cards later.

6. Can I get a student credit card without income?
Some issuers allow students to qualify using grants, allowances, or parental support. Others may deny applications without proof of income.

7. What if I’m an international student?
International students can apply for Deserve EDU or other student credit cards that don’t require a Social Security number.

8. Are student cards safe abroad?
Yes, but acceptance varies. Visa and Mastercard are best. Discover has no foreign fees but limited use overseas.

9. What’s the difference between a student card and a secured card?
Student credit cards don’t require deposits. Secured credit cards do, but both report to bureaus to build history.

10. Can I upgrade my student card later?
Yes. Many issuers let you convert student credit cards into mainstream cash-back or travel cards after graduation.

11. How many student credit cards should I have?
One is enough for most. Too many credit cards can hurt your score if you mismanage them.

12. Do student cards have sign-up bonuses?
Some do, though smaller than premium credit cards. Discover’s Cashback Match acts as a large year-one bonus.

13. What fees should I watch out for?
Typical fees: late fees, returned payments, cash advance fees, and interest. The best student credit cards have no annual fee.

14. How much credit limit do student cards offer?
Usually $300–$1,500 at first. Responsible use raises limits over time.

15. Can students with bad credit get approved?
Yes, but secured credit cards are the best starting point for rebuilding.

16. Will using a card affect student loan chances?
No — using student credit cards responsibly can even help qualify for private loans later.

17. Should I pay in full every month?
Yes. Paying student credit cards in full avoids interest and keeps your score safe.

18. What happens after graduation?
Your issuer may automatically upgrade student credit cards into regular products with higher rewards.

19. Can I share my student card with a friend?
No. But you can add an authorized user if permitted — you remain liable.

20. Is a debit card better than a student card?
Debit doesn’t build credit. Student credit cards are better for building credit and earning rewards.

21. Can student credit cards be used to pay tuition?
Yes, but most schools charge fees. It’s smarter to use student credit cards for everyday expenses.

22. Do student cards offer purchase protection?
Many student credit cards include purchase protection or extended warranty — useful for laptops or phones.

23. How long before my score improves?
With consistent use, student credit cards may improve your score within 3–6 months.

24. Can I transfer a balance to student credit cards?
Some allow it, but better balance transfer offers exist on mainstream credit cards.

25. Do student credit cards work with mobile wallets?
Yes. Most student credit cards link easily to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.