Building credit while earning rewards is a smart financial move for college students. In 2025, several credit card issuers offer student-focused cards that combine accessible approval criteria with valuable cashback programs. These cards are ideal for young adults looking to develop responsible credit habits and get rewarded for everyday purchases like groceries, streaming, and gas.
Below are the top student credit cards with cashback rewards available this year.
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back – Best Overall for Rotating Categories
- Cashback Rate: 5% on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases), 1% on all other purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro Offer: Cashback Match (all cashback doubled at the end of your first year)
- Credit Reporting: Yes, to all 3 major bureaus
Why it stands out: Discover it® Student Cash Back is consistently rated as one of the best student credit cards. The 5% cashback rotating categories often include essentials like Amazon, restaurants, and gas stations. Plus, Discover’s Cashback Match doubles your rewards at the end of your first year.
Pros:
- High cashback potential
- First-year Cashback Match doubles your earnings
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Rotating categories require activation
- 5% bonus limited to $1,500 in spending per quarter
2. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card – Best for Simplicity and Reliability
- Cashback Rate: 1% on all purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro Offer: $50 bonus after first purchase within the first 3 months
- Credit Reporting: Yes
Why it stands out: Chase Freedom® Student is a straightforward option with a flat-rate cashback model and a decent signup bonus. It also includes automatic credit limit reviews after five months of on-time payments.
Pros:
- Simple flat-rate cashback
- Annual credit line increase reviews
- Access to Chase’s financial tools and alerts
Cons:
- Lower earning rate compared to rotating or tiered rewards cards
- No bonus categories
3. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards – Best for Entertainment and Dining
- Cashback Rate: 3% on dining, entertainment, streaming, and grocery stores; 1% on all other purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro Offer: $50 after spending $100 in first 3 months
- Credit Reporting: Yes
Why it stands out: For students who spend on takeout, music streaming, and social outings, the Capital One SavorOne Student delivers one of the highest reward rates in those categories.
Pros:
- Strong cashback rates in student-friendly categories
- No annual or foreign transaction fees
- Access to Capital One’s CreditWise and cardholder tools
Cons:
- Requires some credit history or a fair credit score
- No introductory APR offer
4. Citi® Double Cash Card for College Students – Best Flat-Rate Cashback
- Cashback Rate: 2% total (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
- Annual Fee: $0
- Credit Reporting: Yes
Why it stands out: Citi Double Cash offers a straightforward and generous 2% cashback on all purchases. It’s an excellent long-term card even after graduation, ideal for students who prefer simplicity over rotating or tiered rewards.
Pros:
- Consistently high cashback rate
- No need to track categories
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Requires responsible repayment to earn full 2%
- May be harder to qualify for with limited credit history
5. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students – Best for Personalized Categories
- Cashback Rate: 3% on category of your choice (e.g., gas, online shopping), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on first $2,500 combined per quarter), 1% on all other purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro Offer: $200 online cash bonus after $1,000 in purchases in first 90 days
- Credit Reporting: Yes
Why it stands out: With customizable cashback categories, students can tailor rewards to their biggest spending areas. It’s ideal for flexible budgeting and maximizing returns.
Pros:
- Personalized 3% category
- Generous welcome bonus
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Bonus categories have quarterly cap
- Slightly higher credit score requirement for approval
Tips for Students Choosing a Cashback Credit Card
- Look for No Annual Fees: Most student cards offer $0 annual fees—avoid paying extra unless benefits outweigh the cost.
- Use Pre-Qualification Tools: These allow you to check your chances of approval without affecting your credit score.
- Pay Balances in Full: Interest rates on student cards can be high; paying in full avoids debt and builds strong credit.
- Monitor Your Credit: Choose a card that reports to all three credit bureaus and includes credit score tracking tools.
Final Thoughts
The best student credit cards in 2025 provide a powerful combination of cashback rewards and credit-building tools. Whether you’re looking for high rates on dining and entertainment, flexible category selection, or simple flat-rate rewards, there’s a card to match your lifestyle and financial goals.
Earning cashback on your everyday purchases is a smart way to make your money go further—just be sure to use your card responsibly and pay your balance on time each month.
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