Building a credit history as a student can be challenging, especially if you have no prior credit. However, establishing good credit early can set you up for a successful financial future. Luckily, many credit card issuers offer student credit cards designed to help students with little or no credit history get started on their credit-building journey. These cards are not only a great way to learn responsible credit use but also come with benefits like rewards, cash back, and even credit score tracking.

In this article, we’ll explore the top credit cards for students with no credit history, each providing a solid foundation for students looking to build credit in 2025.

Why Should Students Build Credit?

Building credit is crucial for several reasons:

• Improve Your Credit Score: A good credit score opens doors to better loans, lower interest rates, and higher credit limits.
• Increase Financial Independence: Having a credit card allows students to make purchases and manage their spending without relying on cash.
• Renting an Apartment or Car: Many landlords and car rental agencies check your credit score before approving you, and having a positive credit history can make this process easier.
• Emergency Coverage: A credit card can provide financial flexibility in case of emergencies when you don’t have enough cash on hand.

Now, let’s dive into the best credit cards for students with no credit history.

Best Student Credit Cards for 2025

1. Discover it® Student Cash Back

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is one of the most popular choices for students, offering a solid combination of rewards and credit-building features. New cardholders can earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations) on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Additionally, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, which is a great bonus for students just getting started.

Key Highlights:

• 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Good Grade Reward: Earn a $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher
• Cashback Match: Double your cash back at the end of your first year

2. Capital One Journey Student Rewards Credit Card

For students who want a straightforward, no-hassle credit card with rewards, the Capital One Journey Student Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. This card offers 1.25% cash back on all purchases, and if you pay your bill on time, you’ll earn an additional 0.25% on your purchases that month (for a total of 1.5%). This can be a great motivator for students to build positive credit habits.

Additionally, this card offers no annual fee, and Capital One provides automatic credit limit increases after you make your first 5 monthly payments on time.

Key Highlights:

• 1.25% cash back on every purchase
• No annual fee
• Bonus 0.25% cash back for paying on time
• Access to CreditWise® from Capital One for free credit score tracking

3. Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card

The Petal® 1 Visa® Credit Card is an excellent option for students with no credit history who want to avoid interest charges and fees. The card offers 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, with the opportunity to earn 1.5% cash back after making 12 on-time payments. Petal also uses a more modern approach to underwriting, considering your banking history (rather than a traditional credit score) when approving your application.

This card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and doesn’t require a security deposit, which makes it an ideal option for students starting out with no credit.

Key Highlights:

• 1% cash back on eligible purchases, with potential for 1.5% cash back after 12 on-time payments
• No annual fee
• No security deposit required
• Access to the Petal app to help manage your spending

4. Discover it® Student Chrome

If you’re a student who frequently drives or eats out, the Discover it® Student Chrome card might be perfect for you. This card earns 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Like the Discover it® Student Cash Back, it also comes with a Cashback Match for new cardholders at the end of the first year, doubling the cash back you’ve earned.

Key Highlights:

• 2% cash back on gas and restaurant purchases (up to $1,000 per quarter)
• 1% cash back on other purchases
• No annual fee
• Cashback Match for the first year

5. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card

The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card is another excellent option for students with no credit history. This card offers 1% cash back on every purchase, making it a straightforward option for students who prefer simplicity. New cardholders can earn $50 cash back after making their first purchase within the first 3 months.

While it may not offer as high rewards rates as some other cards, Chase Freedom® helps students build credit with access to credit score tracking and no annual fee. Plus, it comes with the potential to increase your credit limit after 5 monthly payments.

Key Highlights:

• 1% cash back on every purchase
• $50 cash back after first purchase
• No annual fee
• Free access to your FICO® credit score

6. Journey Student Rewards from Capital One

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One card is another solid choice for students looking to build their credit. It offers 1% cash back on all purchases, and if you pay your bill on time, you’ll earn an additional 0.25% cash back on that month’s purchases. This card has no annual fee and offers tools like CreditWise® to help students track their credit score.

Key Highlights:

• 1% cash back on every purchase
• Bonus 0.25% cash back for on-time payments
• No annual fee
• Access to CreditWise® for credit score tracking

Tips for Building Credit as a Student

1. Make Payments on Time

Your payment history is one of the most important factors in building a good credit score. Always make at least the minimum payment by the due date to avoid late fees and negative marks on your credit report.

2. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low

Try to keep your credit card balance below 30% of your available credit limit to improve your credit score. High credit utilization can lower your score and hurt your chances of getting approved for other financial products.

3. Use Your Card Regularly

Using your card regularly for small purchases like groceries or subscriptions and paying it off each month will help you build a positive credit history. It also demonstrates that you can manage credit responsibly.

4. Monitor Your Credit Score

Many student credit cards provide access to free credit score tracking. Make use of this feature to monitor your progress and ensure you’re on track to building good credit.

Final Thoughts

For students with no credit history, these credit cards provide a great way to start building a strong financial foundation. The key to success is using the card responsibly by paying bills on time, keeping credit utilization low, and regularly monitoring your credit score. Whether you’re looking for cash back, rewards, or the chance to track your credit, these cards are ideal for students to establish credit and reap the benefits of financial independence.