The best credit cards for non-students are very similar to the best credit cards for students.
They typically have perks that are especially appealing to college students, low fees, and reasonable APRs. Some even offer cash-back programs that reward gas, food and other routine purchases.
Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that finding them is fairly straightforward. Find out our top picks by reading on.
The Best Credit Cards For 2022
This year’s best student credit cards are listed here. Each one excels in at least one area, whether it’s giving outsize rewards for everyday spending or offering credit limits that are unusually high for the category.
In our humble opinion, our top pick offers the best overall value of any card in the market.
Petal Card 2 Visa Credit Card
Because it is not targeted specifically at students, the Petal Visa Credit Card is not your typical student credit card. However, a number of its features make it an excellent option for recent college graduates.
Petal reports to all three major consumer credit bureaus. You can apply for this card without a credit score; applicants without FICO scores are instead evaluated on the basis of non-credit factors, such as income.
- You can earn up to 1.5% cash back when you pay on time.
- You can earn up to 10% cash back on purchases with select merchants
- There are no fees—no annual or foreign transaction fees.
- Credit limits range from $300 to $10,000. Other features:
Deserve Edu Student Credit Card
A student credit card with no annual fee and unlimited 1% cash back on all eligible purchases is the Deserve EDU Student Credit Card. However, its impressive list of value-added perks really stands out:
A free one-year subscription to Amazon Prime for new cardholders who spend at least $500 in the first three billing cycles, which is worth $69;
Free cellphone protection with no deductible and limits on coverage; and other benefits that are backed by Mastercard.
Redeem for statement credits, direct deposits into a linked bank account, credits against Amazon.com purchases, and more. No annual fee. No foreign transaction fees. Unlimited 1% cash back on all eligible purchases.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Credit Card
The Capital One Savor One Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is the best cash-back credit card for students because it offers 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment and Vivid Seats purchases as well as up to 3% cash back on all eligible purchases.
The rewards program works as follows:
- The majority of other purchases, with the exception of Vivid Seats and Capital One Entertainment purchases, receive 8% cash back, and eligible hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel receive 5% cash back.
- Earn $100 when you spend $100 within the first three months for a limited time.
- Use your card responsibly and pay your bills on time to be considered for a credit line increase in as little as six months after opening your account.
- There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee.
Jasper Mastercard – Best Credit Building Card
Even though it is not designed specifically for students, the Jasper Mastercard is an excellent credit-building option for students of any age. It is another excellent entry-level card.
It is the best option for prospective cardholders whose credit scores could use some work because there is no credit history requirement to apply if you do not already have one and lenient underwriting requirements for applicants with fair credit.
Other features include:
- As long as your account is in good standing, you will receive cash back as a statement credit after three consecutive on-time payments.
- Earn up to 6% cash back by referring friends (terms apply). There is no annual fee and a credit limit of $5,000 with no security deposit.
- You can take advantage of all the benefits of a premium Mastercard without having to go through the rigorous underwriting process.
The Indigo Platinum Mastercard
The Indigo Platinum Mastercard is an incredible credit-building device for understudies and graduates anxious to return from credit misfortunes. Indigo Platinum excels in the credit-building sector thanks to its simple application process and no-security deposit requirements.
Indigo Platinum Mastercard, like other comparable cards, reserves the right to assess a creditworthiness-based annual fee.
Other features include:
- Depending on your creditworthiness and other factors, the annual fee ranges from $0 to $99; see terms and conditions.
- Free custom card design and rapid prequalification with no impact on credit score.
How To Select Best Credit Card?
You must look within yourself in order to select the best student credit card.
Don’t snicker. An important first step on your credit journey is to know which cards you might be eligible for. This also helps you protect your valuable time, which you don’t have enough of as a full-time student.
It’s possible that you won’t be eligible for a traditional student card if you haven’t had a credit card before and don’t have any student loans in your name. If that’s the case, you’ll need to look for cards whose underwriting process uses non-traditional factors.
You’ll have more options if you have a credit score. Any card on this list is likely yours to choose from if you have good credit and some money. At first, you might have to settle for a secured credit card if your credit isn’t so great.
The next step is to search for cards that match your spending habits. This could mean picking a rewards program that gives you more money back for the kinds of spending you do the most, or finding a list of benefits that fit your lifestyle.
You will most likely discover the card that works best for you. It might just take a while.
