If you’re a student with no credit history, getting approved for your first credit card might seem impossible but it’s not. Several credit cards are designed specifically for students like you. These cards help you build credit responsibly while offering perks like cashback, no annual fees, and even free credit score tracking.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best credit cards for students with no credit history in 2025 and how to pick the right one.
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Why it’s great: This is one of the most popular student cards for a reason. It offers excellent cash back rewards and no credit history is required to apply.
Key Features:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories (like gas, groceries, and Amazon) every quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases), after activation.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Cashback Match: Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
- No annual fee
- Free FICO® credit score monitoring
Apply at Discover’s official website
2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why it’s great: This card offers a flat-rate cash back on every purchase and reports to all three major credit bureaus.
Key Features:
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases.
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees — great for students studying abroad.
- Get access to Capital One CreditWise® to monitor your credit.
- Automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months.
Check eligibility on Capital One’s website
3. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Why it’s great: Backed by Chase’s name, this card offers simple rewards and credit-building perks.
Key Features:
- $50 bonus after your first purchase within the first 3 months.
- 1% cash back on all purchases.
- No annual fee
- Credit limit increase after 5 on-time monthly payments within 10 months.
- Access to your credit score for free.
Apply at Chase’s official website
4. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students
Why it’s great: You choose where to earn the most cash back.
Key Features:
- 3% cash back on a category of your choice (like online shopping, gas, or dining)
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500/quarter)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- Free monthly FICO® Score
Apply at Bank of America’s official site
5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Why it’s great: It’s perfect for international students too—no Social Security Number (SSN) required.
Key Features:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No SSN required (for international students)
- Free Amazon Prime Student for one year (after spending $500 in the first 3 months)
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
6. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Why it’s great: Petal uses alternative data like your income and spending habits instead of just your credit score.
Key Features:
- 1%–1.5% cash back on purchases (based on payment history)
- No fees: No late fees, annual fees, or foreign transaction fees
- Credit limit from $300–$10,000
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
7. Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One
Why it’s great: It rewards good financial behavior with bonus cash back.
Key Features:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- 1.25% cash back when you pay your bill on time
- No annual fee
- Credit line review after 6 months
- Track your credit score with CreditWise®
View more at Capital One
What to Look for in a Student Credit Card
When comparing credit cards, here are some things to prioritize:
- No Annual Fee: You’re just starting to build credit—there’s no need to pay a fee.
- Reports to All 3 Bureaus: Choose a card that reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This helps you build a complete credit history.
- Credit Score Tools: Free credit score monitoring helps you track your progress.
- Low Interest or Grace Period: If possible, look for a card with a long grace period or low interest rate to avoid debt.
- Rewards: While rewards aren’t the top priority, earning cash back for spending you’re already doing (like groceries, books, or gas) is a bonus.
Tips to Build Credit with Your First Credit Card
- Always pay your bill on time – even one late payment can hurt your score.
- Keep your balance low – ideally under 30% of your credit limit.
- Don’t apply for too many cards – stick with one card and use it wisely.
- Monitor your credit using free tools from your bank or apps like Credit Karma.
In conclusion, getting a student credit card is a smart way to build your financial future. Just one card, used responsibly, can help you establish credit, earn rewards, and gain financial independence. Start with a no-annual-fee card like the Discover it® Student Cash Back or Capital One Quicksilver Student, and you’ll be on the path to great credit in no time.