Finding the right credit card as a student can be overwhelming. The good news? Many banks and credit card issuers in the USA now offer student-friendly credit cards with no annual fees. These cards are designed to help young adults build credit history, earn rewards, and manage expenses — all without the stress of paying yearly charges.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best student credit cards in 2025 that come with no annual fees, their features, pros and cons, and why you should consider them.
Why Choose a Student Credit Card with No Annual Fee?
• Save Money – As a student, avoiding extra costs is a priority. No annual fee means more savings.
• Build Credit History – Responsible use helps you establish a solid credit score early.
• Earn Rewards – Many cards offer cashback, points, or bonuses on everyday purchases.
• Flexible Approval – These cards are designed for people with limited or no credit history.
Top Student Credit Cards in the USA (2025)
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: 5% cash back on rotating categories (gas, groceries, restaurants, etc.) + 1% on all purchases.
• Bonus: Unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all cashback earned in the first year.
• Why It’s Great: Flexible rewards, beginner-friendly, and free FICO® score tracking.
2. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards
• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores.
• Bonus: $50 sign-up bonus when you spend $100 in the first 3 months.
• Why It’s Great: Perfect for students who spend on food and entertainment.
3. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: 1% unlimited cashback on all purchases.
• Bonus: $50 after making your first purchase within 3 months.
• Why It’s Great: Simple and straightforward rewards, plus a $20 bonus for each year you keep the account open (up to 5 years).
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
• Bonus: 25,000 online bonus points (worth $250 in travel) if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.
• Why It’s Great: Ideal for students who love to travel and want flexible redemption options.
5. Citi Rewards+® Student Card
• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations, 1X points on all other purchases.
• Unique Feature: Rounds up points to the nearest 10 on every purchase (buy coffee for $3 = earn 10 points).
• Why It’s Great: Great for maximizing points on small purchases.
Tips for Students Applying for a Credit Card
1. Check Eligibility: Most student cards require you to be 18+ and enrolled in college.
2. Start with One Card: Avoid multiple applications that can hurt your credit score.
3. Pay on Time: Interest rates can be high if you miss payments.
4. Use Responsibly: Keep your utilization rate (credit used vs. available) under 30%.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a student in the USA in 2025, getting a credit card with no annual fee is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Not only do you avoid unnecessary costs, but you also start building your credit history early, which can benefit you for years to come.
👉 Our top pick? Discover it® Student Cash Back — perfect for cashback beginners. But if you love food and entertainment, the Capital One SavorOne Student Card might be your best choice.