Cards often featuring rewards:
* Discover it® Student chrome card: Often features cashback rewards, and Discover's cash back program can be attractive for students. They frequently have introductory offers.
* Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: A secured card (requiring a security deposit), which is a good option for students building credit from scratch. Some versions might offer cash back.
* Chase Freedom Student credit card: May offer cash back rewards, but often requires a good credit score to be approved for (this can be challenging for new applicants).
* Citi Rewards+® Student Card: May offer cash back or other rewards; check current offerings.
Cards emphasizing building credit:
* Secured credit cards (various issuers): These require a security deposit equal to your credit limit. They're excellent for building credit history when you have little to none. Many issuers offer these, not just Capital One.
Things to consider when choosing a student credit card:
* Annual Fee: Many student cards waive annual fees, but some don't.
* APR (Annual Percentage Rate): This is the interest rate you'll pay if you carry a balance. Look for a low APR. High APRs can quickly lead to debt.
* Rewards Program: Consider whether cashback, points, or miles align with your spending habits. Don't pick a rewards program just because it's flashy, only if you'll actually use the rewards.
* Credit Limit: Start small. A lower credit limit helps manage spending and avoids accumulating significant debt.
* Fees: Pay attention to late payment fees, over-limit fees, and foreign transaction fees.
Important Note: Avoid cards with excessively high fees or APRs. The goal of a first credit card should be to build positive credit history responsibly, not to accrue debt. Consider the secured credit card option if you're unsure about managing credit. Always read the fine print before applying. Many credit cards have introductory offers that expire after a period; pay attention to that as well. You should also look for information about how the card reports to the credit bureaus to ensure they report your payments and on-time payments as part of your credit history.