Developing responsible credit habits as a student is a vital lesson to learn. In addition to building a good credit history with responsible use, students can also earn cash back with these fantastic options.
Purchase APR
0% Intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then 13.24% – 22.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer APR
10.99% Intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months, then 13.24% – 22.24% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
Fair/New to Credit
Cash Back
1% – 5%
Earn 5% Cash Back At Different Places Each Quarter Up To The Quarterly Maximum When You Activate.
Earn 1% Unlimited Cash Back On All Other Purchases – Automatically
Intro Bonus
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

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Critics’ Overview
Start building your credit history and earn compelling cash back rewards with this top rated student credit card. The cash back you earn your first year is even matched!
Purchase APR
0% Intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then 13.24% – 22.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer APR
10.99% Intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months, then 13.24% – 22.24% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
Fair/New to Credit
Card Details From Issuer
- No credit score required to apply.*
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 13.24% – 22.24% applies.
- Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they’re approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends’ recommendations.
- Get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
- Click “APPLY NOW” to see rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
Apply Now
On Discover’s Secure site
Purchase APR
0% Intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then 13.24% – 22.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer APR
10.99% Intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months, then 13.24% – 22.24% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
Fair/New to Credit
Cash Back
1% – 2%
Earn 2% Cash Back At Gas Stations And Restaurants On Up To $1,000 In Combined Purchases Each Quarter.
Earn 1% Unlimited Cash Back On All Other Purchases – Automatically
Intro Bonus
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

View All Card Details
Critics’ Overview
If you are not interested in rotating cash back categories then this no annual fee student card may be the right fit for you. It is an especially good option for those who spend more on gas and at restaurants. There is also a dollar-for-dollar match of the cash back you’ve earned your first year.
Purchase APR
0% Intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then 13.24% – 22.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer APR
10.99% Intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months, then 13.24% – 22.24% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
Fair/New to Credit
Card Details From Issuer
- No credit score required to apply.*
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 13.24% – 22.24% applies.
- Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they’re approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends’ recommendations.
- Get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
- Click “APPLY NOW” to see rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
Apply Now
On Discover’s Secure site
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.