What’s the best credit card for college students? Some would argue that there isn’t one and that college students should avoid credit cards at all costs. On the other hand, the argument can be made that wise student credit card use could lead to many benefits down the road. I can only speak from my experience with student credit cards. For me a credit card in college was the quickest way to access credit and to start building my credit. Even though I messed up (a few times), I was still able to build my credit and buy my first investment property in my early-20s. You can also start to build you credit in college. Why wait?
I’m not here to preach. If you have no self-control, then you shouldn’t be applying for any credit cards because I don’t want to find out that you’re in debt.
If you want to build your credit, have access to money just in case, and be able to book hotel rooms (let’s be honest here), you can consider one of the credit cards mentioned below.
Below you’ll find a quick review of the two best credit cards designed for students which are all good to own. If you decide to apply, make sure to stay within your credit limit and ALWAYS pay your bill on time. I don’t want your student credit card to get you into massive amounts of debt that will follow you around for the next decade or so. I’ve also limited this to two credit cards because I don’t want to throw too many options at you. Your first card should be pretty basic.
Martin’s Pick For The Best Credit Card For Students is…
Citi Forward® Card for College Students - My favorite student card is most definitely the Citi Forward® Card for College Students. This card gives students a 0% intro APR on purchases for 7 months and when that expires the APR becomes 13.99% – 23.99% variable. The card has no annual fee and requires no cosigner … which is rare for student credit cards these days.
The Citi Forward Card for College Students also has a great rewards program, offering students 5 ThankYou® Points for every $1 you spend at restaurants and on entertainment; 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. One ThankYou point is given for every $1 spent on all other purchases and this card offers up to a 2% APR reduction if you make your payments on time and stay within your credit limit.
Citi® Dividend® Card for College Students - Students that own the Citi® Dividend® Card for College Students will receive a 0% intro APR on purchases for seven months. Earn bonus cash back each quarter on new must-have categories– like department stores, travel and more, with enrollment. You can earn a full 1% cash back on all other purchases. A few other key benefits include:
- Free enrollment each quarter for new categories that earn additional cash back.
- You can manage your account online or on any device that you have.
- No annual fee. This student credit card has a standard APR of 13.99% – 23.99%* (Variable) and charges no annual fee.
My favorite feature by far is the cash back potential. You can automate your bills to your credit card and earn cash back in the process. You also don’t need a co-signor. You have the ability to manage your account online or on your smartphone. You’ll know what your like with your spending and you can track exactly where your money goes. Where are you overspending?
You’ll also receive identity theft protection and ZERO liability on fraudulent charges. This is protection that simple doesn’t come with cash.
How do you compare credit cards?
If you’re debating between these two credit cards or any other card, then I have a handy calculator below. All you have to do is input the numbers and see what card you should apply for.
Which card will you use to boost your credit in college?
Deciding what’s the best credit card for students strongly depends on what your goals are and what your current credit status is. Finding the best college student credit card is also very important for those of you that want to use credit cards and not get used by them. If I missed any credit cards for students that you would like to put on this list, then please let us know.
