Best Student Credit Cards 2025

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Martinez2010

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I’m heading into my senior year of college and currently earn around $50,000 a year through consistent internships, scholarships, and other sources. I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid student loans entirely, so no debt there. Up until now, I’ve only used a debit card with Wells Fargo, but I’m looking to open my first credit card to start building credit and (ideally) earn some cash back along the way.

My main spending categories are groceries and dining, but I’d also love a card that offers some travel benefits down the road. I’ve heard good things about Discover, Chase, and Capital One, and I’m trying to figure out which card makes the most sense to start with.

So far, it looks like I’d have a good shot at being approved for the Discover It Student Cash Back, which seems like a solid option. But I’m curious about cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One Quicksilver/Savor Rewards are those out of reach as a first-time applicant?

I know Chase tends to prefer applicants with some credit history, so I’m not sure I’d get approved just yet. Capital One pre-qualified me for QuicksilverOne (with the annual fee) when I checked under “student,” but showed Quicksilver and Savor under the “employed” option which left me a little confused.

Also:
  • Is the Discover Student It card fairly easy to get approved for, and how does it compare to Chase Freedom Flex for a new user?
  • And if I apply for something like Chase or Capital One and don’t get approved, will that hurt my credit score as a brand-new applicant?
Would love any advice or suggestions especially if there’s something I’m overlooking. Thanks in advance!
 
Discover It Student Cash Back was my first card, and I still use it. 5% rotating categories = awesome if you remember to activate. Plus, they match your first-year cashback, which helped me snag almost $200 without even trying.
 
Just chiming in as someone who started with Chase Freedom Unlimited....i was lucky to get approved with no credit history but solid income. You might have a shot given your $50K income. Worth trying a pre-qual tool before diving in.
 
You’re definitely not out of range for Quicksilver or Freedom Unlimited. I’d avoid QuicksilverOne though the annual fee isn’t worth it unless you’re truly limited. Discover’s student card is super forgiving and a great starter, but I get wanting better travel rewards.
 
Dude same situation last year. No debt, good income, zero credit. Discover It Student was super chill to get approved for and gave me a $1,500 limit. Been using it religiously and just got pre-approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred
 
I applied for Chase Freedom Flex and got rejected straight up. Their system does not vibe with zero credit history no matter how much you earn. Hit up Discover first, build that score for 6 months, then go shopping.
 
I’d say Discover Student is a no-brainer starter. But if you want points vs. cashback for future travel, maybe look into the Apple Card. It has soft pull pre-approval and reports fast. Not as flashy, but works well if you’re in the Apple ecosystem.
 
Bro you make 50k and have no student loans??? That’s the dream setup. Get the Discover card, keep utilization under 10%, and in 6 months throw an app at Chase. You’re gonna be sittin’ on an 800 score in no time.
 
Can confirm Capital One's pre-qual tool is... weird. Said i qualified for the secured card but then approved me for the VentureOne later. Trust the soft pull results more than anything but take them with a grain of salt still.
 
Not to sound like a boomer but don’t sleep on building with just one card. Open one, keep it simple, pay it in full, and focus on age + utilization. You can build a killer score in a year without spreading thin.
 
I’m really happy with my Discover Student It. I use it for everything, pay in full monthly and love their app. I started with a $1,000 limit and got an auto-increase at 6 months. If you're not using rotating categories, though it’s meh.
 
If you're planning to travel next summer after graduation, I’d say go for a basic cashback card now and upgrade later. A lot of travel cards aren’t worth it unless you're dropping $10k+ annually.
 
QuicksilverOne’s annual fee sucks, don’t do it. You’re better off getting the Discover or even an Apple Card first, then hitting Quicksilver or Freedom once you’ve got 6 months of positive history.
 
Everyone's pushing Discover but real talk: check out the Petal 2 if you want no fees and decent rewards. It doesn’t even require a credit score. Not flashy but pretty damn solid for building credit.
 
You’re overthinking the hard inquiry. One ding is like 5 points MAX and it goes away in a year. Just don’t go applying for 6 cards at once. One Chase or Capital One app isn’t going to wreck you.
 
I got denied by Chase for Freedom Flex but approved for Discover and Amex Blue Cash Everyday 3 months later. Honestly didn’t expect that. Amex prequal tool was spot on. Worth a try.
 
If you’re serious about building a long-term travel setup, think 2 years out. Start with cashback now, then transition to points. The Chase Trifecta works amazing once you get Freedom + Sapphire + Ink.
 
I’m shocked nobody mentioned Amex Blue Cash Everyday. 3% at supermarkets and no annual fee? Big W for grocery spenders. If you’ve got the income and no derogs, approval odds are decent.
 
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