Top 5 Student Credit Cards with No Annual Fees
As a college student, building credit early is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Whether you’re managing your monthly expenses, booking a flight home, or simply trying to build your financial future, a student credit card can offer the convenience, security, and benefits you need—without costing you a dime in annual fees.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 5 student credit cards with no annual fees in 2025. We’ll break down what makes each card unique, highlight their benefits, and help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best. These cards are not only free to keep but also great for building credit and earning rewards while you’re still in school.
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Why it stands out:
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a top contender thanks to its rotating 5% cashback categories and unmatched first-year cashback match.
Key Features:
- 5% cashback on rotating categories (like groceries, gas, Amazon, restaurants) up to a quarterly maximum, after activation
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Cashback Match: Discover matches all your cashback earned in your first year
- No annual fee
- FICO® Score monitoring for free
- No credit score required to apply
Ideal for:
Students who want to earn cashback on everyday purchases and take advantage of generous first-year rewards.
2. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Why it stands out:
Chase’s student card offers a straightforward reward structure and a $50 bonus just for getting started.
Key Features:
- 1% cashback on all purchases
- $50 bonus after your first purchase within the first 3 months
- Credit line increase after 5 on-time payments within 10 months
- Free credit score access via Credit Journey
- No annual fee
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
Ideal for:
Students who want a simple, reliable card to begin their credit journey with one of the top issuers in the U.S.
3. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why it stands out:
This card is great for students who spend more on food, streaming, and entertainment.
Key Features:
- 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart)
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees (great for study abroad)
- $0 fraud liability
- Access to Capital One’s CreditWise tool
Ideal for:
Socially active students who want to earn more on what they love—food and fun.
4. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Why it stands out:
Offers flexible cashback that can be tailored to fit your spending habits.
Key Features:
- 3% cashback on a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement)
- 2% cashback at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- No annual fee
- Free FICO® Score access
Ideal for:
Students who want control over where they earn the most rewards and are ready to meet a modest sign-up bonus requirement.
5. Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Why it stands out:
This card is perfect for international students and those without a credit history or SSN.
Key Features:
- 1% cashback on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No SSN required for international students
- Amazon Prime Student subscription reimbursement (up to $59 after spending $500 in the first three months)
- Cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card
- Reports to major credit bureaus
Ideal for:
International students and newcomers to U.S. credit looking for accessibility and practical benefits.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right student credit card isn’t just about rewards—it’s about laying the foundation for your financial future. Each of these no-annual-fee cards offers a unique combination of perks, flexibility, and financial tools tailored to student life. Whether you’re looking to rack up rewards on Netflix and pizza, or you need a practical tool to start building your credit history, there’s a perfect card here for you.
Remember to use credit responsibly. Pay your balance on time and in full whenever possible. Doing so will help you avoid interest charges and build a strong credit score that will benefit you well beyond graduation.
Have you used any of these student credit cards, or are you considering applying? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments!
