Best Student Credit Cards

Building Credit While Taking Classes

It is a well-known fact that students are dangerous with credit cards; they aren't aware of the trouble they can create with their credit, and they spend every semester racking up charges for ramen noodles and beer. That said, students can still begin to build their credit while living away at college as long as they are responsible about spending and about paying the minimum payment. 

Most major banks offer student credit cards that can be obtained by themselves or through student checking and savings accounts. These cards come with no annual fee, and usually with minimal interest rates. If you are a student or parent looking at credit cards for the college student, it's important to know the facts about these cards, and to know the benefits of each.


Bank of America

Student Visa Platinum

Bank of America has recently joined with MBNA, and they are now providing cards for US colleges and universities. Rather than just the normal Visa face of the card, you can get them with your school's logo or mascot instead. They don't have every school in the country, however, and you can still apply for the regular student Visa card.

There is no co-signer required to obtain this card, and there is no annual fee. Applicants must be earning a minimum of $200 per month after expenses, whether from a job or from the support of a parent. There is no interest rate for the first six months, with a variable 10.99% thereafter. They charge a cash advance fee of 3% and an over credit limit fee of $35.00. The grace period is at least 20 days.

Learn More: Bank of America's website
Apply Over the Phone: 1-800-932-2775


J.P. Morgan Chase Bank  (now combined with Bank One)

Chase Bank offers a total of 35 different student cards, ranging from school names to the Starbucks card to the Sony card. Each of these credit cards offers varying rewards, which can be translated into cash back, assisted tuition, and free gifts.

Chase Student Free Cash