Top 10 Student Rewards Credit Cards
Student rewards credit cards are designed specifically for college students and offer incentives like cashback, points, or miles for purchases. These cards often have simpler qualification requirements, making it easier for students with limited or no credit history to obtain them.
Advertisement
These cards can be an excellent tool for young adults to build their credit history while getting rewarded for their spending. Many student rewards credit cards offer benefits such as no annual fees, lower interest rates, and rewards tailored to common student expenses like dining, textbooks, and travel. Additionally, some cards provide extra perks like free credit score monitoring, financial education resources, and even bonuses for maintaining good grades. However, it's crucial for students to use these cards responsibly, paying off their balances in full each month to avoid high interest charges and potential debt accumulation. Proper usage of a student rewards credit card can set the foundation for a strong financial future, helping students transition smoothly into post-college financial independence.
DiscoverView AllDiscover - Discover: Financial services company, credit cards, loans, banking.
Bank of AmericaView AllBank of America - Major U.S. bank offering financial services globally.
ChaseView AllChase - Chase: Major U.S. bank and financial services provider.
CitiView AllCiti - Global banking and financial services corporation.
Capital OneView AllCapital One - Capital One is a major U.S. bank and financial institution.
Wells FargoView AllWells Fargo - Major American financial services company and banking institution.
DeserveView AllDeserve - Deserve: Earned or warranted through actions or qualities.
U.S. BankView AllU.S. Bank - U.S. Bank: Major American financial services holding company.
JourneyView AllJourney - Journey: Atmospheric exploration game with stunning visuals and music.
Sallie MaeView AllSallie Mae - Sallie Mae specializes in student loans and financial services.
Top 10 Student Rewards Credit Cards
1.
Discover
Discover is a financial services company known primarily for its credit card services, offering cashback rewards and competitive interest rates. Founded in 1985, Discover also provides online banking, personal loans, student loans, and home equity loans. The company is distinguished by its strong customer service and innovative financial products. It operates the Discover Network, which includes millions of merchant and cash access locations. Discover aims to deliver straightforward, valuable financial solutions to its customers.
Pros
No annual fee- Cashback rewards
- Excellent customer service
- FICO score monitoring
- Wide acceptance within the U.S.
Cons
Limited international acceptance- High APR for some cards
- Few premium card options
- Limited travel benefits
- Cashback categories may be restrictive
2.
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the largest and most prominent financial institutions in the United States, offering a wide range of banking, investment, and financial services to individuals, businesses, and governments. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, it serves millions of customers through a vast network of branches, ATMs, and digital platforms. The bank provides services such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, investment management, and wealth advisory, emphasizing technological innovation and customer service.
Pros
- Wide network
- diverse services
- digital banking
- strong security
- customer rewards.
Cons
- High fees
- complex terms
- customer service issues
- overdraft penalties
- limited international presence.
3.
Chase
Chase, formally known as JPMorgan Chase & Co., is one of the largest and most prominent financial institutions in the world. Headquartered in New York City, it offers a comprehensive range of financial services including personal and business banking, credit cards, mortgages, and investment management. With a strong global presence, Chase is known for its robust digital banking solutions and extensive ATM network, providing convenient and innovative financial solutions to millions of customers worldwide.
Pros
- Wide range of services
- extensive ATM network
- strong customer service
- user-friendly app
- competitive rewards programs
Cons
- High fees
- strict requirements for fee waivers
- occasional account freezes
- slow transaction processing
- limited branch locations in some areas
4.
Citi
Citi, also known as Citigroup Inc., is a global financial services corporation headquartered in New York City. It offers a wide range of financial products and services, including consumer banking, investment banking, wealth management, and credit cards. Founded in 1812, Citi operates in over 160 countries and serves millions of customers worldwide. The company is known for its significant influence in global finance and its commitment to innovation and digital banking solutions.
Pros
- Wide range of services
- Global presence
- Competitive credit card rewards
- Strong online banking
- Diverse investment options.
Cons
- High fees
- Customer service issues
- Complex fee structures
- Limited branch access
- Stringent lending criteria.
5.
Capital One
Capital One Financial Corporation is a major American bank specializing in credit cards, auto loans, banking, and savings accounts. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in McLean, Virginia, it is one of the largest banks in the United States by assets. Known for its innovative use of technology, Capital One offers a range of financial services to consumers, small businesses, and commercial clients. The company emphasizes customer service and digital banking solutions, making financial services more accessible and user-friendly.
Pros
- Competitive interest rates
- user-friendly mobile app
- extensive credit card options
- 24/7 customer service
- no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Limited branch locations
- high fees on some accounts
- occasional account freezes
- mixed customer service reviews
- limited investment options.
6.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company is a leading American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in San Francisco, California. Established in 1852, it offers a diverse range of services including banking, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance. As one of the "Big Four" banks in the United States, Wells Fargo is known for its extensive network of branches and ATMs, serving millions of customers globally. The company emphasizes innovation and customer-centric solutions to meet diverse financial needs.
Pros
- Wide range of services
- extensive branch network
- innovative digital banking
- strong customer rewards
- competitive mortgage rates
Cons
- History of scandals
- high fees
- average customer service ratings
- slow loan processing
- limited international presence
7.
Deserve
Deserve is a financial technology company that specializes in offering credit solutions, primarily targeting underserved segments like students and new-to-credit individuals. Utilizing machine learning and alternative data, Deserve assesses creditworthiness beyond traditional credit scores. The company's platform facilitates seamless credit card issuance, management, and rewards for both users and institutional partners. By leveraging innovative technology, Deserve aims to democratize access to credit and empower a new generation of financially responsible consumers.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Cash back rewards
- Free Amazon Prime Student
- No security deposit
- Easy application process.
Cons
- High APR
- Limited credit limit
- Requires good credit
- No intro APR offer
- Foreign transaction fees.
8.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank, officially known as U.S. Bancorp, is a leading American financial services holding company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Established in 1863, it operates through a network of over 3,000 branches and 4,800 ATMs nationwide. The bank offers a comprehensive range of services including consumer banking, corporate banking, mortgage, trust, and payment services. Renowned for its strong customer service and robust digital banking platform, U.S. Bank consistently ranks among the largest banks in the United States.
Pros
- Extensive branch network
- diverse financial products
- strong online banking
- reliable customer service
- competitive rates.
Cons
- Fees on some accounts
- limited international presence
- mixed reviews on mobile app
- occasional service outages
- strict credit requirements.
9.
Journey
Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973, known for their powerful anthems and ballads. Featuring iconic lead vocals, initially from Steve Perry, the band's music blends rock, pop, and progressive elements. They achieved massive success in the late 1970s and 1980s with hits like "Don't Stop Believin'," "Any Way You Want It," and "Faithfully." Journey's enduring popularity is marked by their energetic performances and timeless appeal, securing their place in rock history.
Pros
- Unique sound
- Powerful vocals
- Catchy melodies
- Timeless hits
- Excellent musicianship
Cons
- Overplayed hits
- 80s style can feel dated
- Less popular new material
- Lineup changes
- Mixed critical reception
10.
Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae, originally founded in 1972 as the Student Loan Marketing Association, is a financial services company specializing in education-related funding. It offers private student loans, savings products, and insurance to help students and families manage the costs of higher education. Over the years, Sallie Mae has evolved from a government-sponsored enterprise to a private sector entity, playing a significant role in the student loan industry and providing various financial tools to support educational aspirations.
Pros
- Flexible repayment plans
- cosigner release option
- competitive interest rates
- no origination fees
- rewards for good grades.
Cons
- High variable rates
- strict credit requirements
- limited deferment options
- potential for high fees
- complex application process.