
If you're a college student looking for a credit card, Mastercard offers several options that can help you build credit and earn rewards.
Mastercard offers a range of student credit cards with no annual fee.
One option is the Mastercard Cash Back for Students, which offers 1% cash back on all purchases.
This card also has a credit limit of up to $1,000 and a 0% introductory APR for 6 months.
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Best Cards
If you're looking for a Mastercard student credit card, there are some great options out there. The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is the best overall, with a $0 annual fee and cash back rewards ranging from 1 - 8%.
The BankAmericard credit card for Students is another great choice, offering a long 0% intro APR with a $0 annual fee. This can be a great option if you're looking to make purchases without incurring interest charges.
Consider reading: Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

Here are some of the top Mastercard student credit cards to consider:
Best Card Comparison
If you're in the market for a new credit card, comparing your options can be overwhelming. But don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are some key things to consider when choosing the best card for you.
One important factor to think about is the annual fee. Some cards have a fee, while others don't. For example, the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card and the BankAmericard credit card for Students both have $0 annual fee.
Another thing to consider is the rewards rate. This is the percentage of your purchase that you'll earn back as rewards. For instance, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 1.5 - 5% cash back on all purchases.
If you're looking for a long 0% intro APR, the BankAmericard credit card for Students is a great option. This can be especially helpful if you need to make a large purchase or consolidate debt.
A unique perspective: Capital One vs Discover Student Credit Card
Here are some of the top Mastercard student credit cards to consider:
Cards Members Love
If you're looking for credit cards that members love, you'll want to check out the Student Rewards Mastercard from USC Credit Union. This card offers affordable rates and rewards, as well as convenient features like Zelle availability in the app.
The Student Rewards Mastercard is a great option for students who want to build credit while earning rewards. With no annual fee and a 0% intro APR, it's a great way to start building your credit score.
One of the benefits of the Student Rewards Mastercard is its low credit card rates. USC Credit Union also offers convenient features like Zelle availability in the app, making it easy to manage your finances on the go.
If you're under 18, you can become an authorized user on someone else's account to start building credit. This can help you get a head start on building your credit score and being well-positioned when you're old enough to qualify for your own credit card account.
Here are some cards that members love:
- Student Rewards Mastercard from USC Credit Union
- Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
- BankAmericard credit card for Students
- Patelco Credit Union Progress Student Rewards Mastercard
Rewards and Offers

With the Patelco Credit Union Progress Student Rewards Mastercard, you can earn points and build credit with everyday purchases. No matter what your daily routine involves, you can earn points and redeem rewards for merchandise, travel, gift cards, event tickets, and more.
You can earn bonus points on specific categories, such as groceries and gas, where $1 spent earns 2 points. This is a great way to rack up rewards quickly.
One point is earned for every $1 spent, making it easy to track your progress.
Here are some of the rewards and offers you can expect with the Student Rewards Mastercard:
- Merchandise
- Travel
- Gift cards
- Event tickets
Additionally, you'll have access to ID Theft Protection fraud monitoring, alerts, and assistance, as well as Zero Liability Protection against unauthorized card purchases.
Get Rewarded for Purchases
You can earn points and build credit with your student credit card, no matter what your daily routine involves.
Groceries, gas, and morning latte runs are all eligible for points, as well as shopping online or in-store at brands like Apple, Macy’s, REI, and Starbucks.
Low variable rates, no application or annual fees, and no foreign transaction fees make this credit card a great option.
$1 spent on fuel and groceries earns you 2 points, and you can redeem rewards for merchandise, travel, gift cards, event tickets, and more.
Here are some key benefits of this credit card:
- Low variable rates
- No application or annual fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- $1 spent = 1 point
- $1 spent on fuel & grocery = 2 points
- ID Theft Protection™ fraud monitoring, alerts and assistance
- Zero Liability Protection against unauthorized card purchases
- Global Service for emergency replacement anywhere, in any language
Patelco Credit Union Rewards
The Patelco Credit Union Progress Student Rewards Mastercard offers a high rewards rate, which is a great perk for those who want to earn points quickly.
No membership fees are associated with this credit card, making it an attractive option for those who want to avoid extra costs.
You can qualify for this credit card with limited or no credit history, which is a plus for students or individuals who are just starting to build their credit.
The credit card also features bonus rewards categories, which can help you earn even more points on specific purchases.
If this caught your attention, see: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Understanding Cards

A Mastercard student credit card is a type of credit card designed specifically for students.
You can use it to make purchases online or in-store, and it's accepted at millions of merchants worldwide.
The card comes with a unique card number, expiration date, and security code, which are all displayed on the card itself.
What Is a Card?
A card is a small, portable piece of plastic or paper that contains a unique code or number, known as a card number.
You might be wondering why cards are so ubiquitous - it's because they're a convenient way to store and transmit sensitive information, like your name, address, and payment details.
In the context of payment cards, the card number is used to identify the account holder and authorize transactions. A card's expiration date and security code are also crucial for secure transactions.
What's the Difference Between a Regular Card?
The main difference between a regular credit card and a student credit card is that student credit cards offer better rewards, rates, and fees than other credit cards for people with limited or no credit.
Student credit cards are specifically designed for college and graduate students, which is a key distinction from regular credit cards.
Regular credit cards don't have the same age or student status requirement as student credit cards do.
Student credit cards work the same way as most other credit cards, just with more favorable terms.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for a Mastercard student credit card, you must be at least 18 years old.
You'll also need to be a student in good standing, enrolled in a degree-granting program at an accredited institution.
To qualify, you'll typically need to provide proof of enrollment, such as a transcript or class schedule.
The credit limit for student credit cards is usually lower than that of regular credit cards, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000.
You'll likely be required to make a security deposit, which can be a portion of the credit limit.
The interest rate on a Mastercard student credit card can be relatively high, sometimes exceeding 20%.
You'll need to make timely payments to avoid late fees and interest charges.
Some student credit cards may offer a 0% introductory APR for a certain period, typically 6-12 months.
0% APR Intro Offer
You'll get a 0% APR Introductory Offer for the first 15 billing cycles when you make purchases and balance transfers within six months of opening your account. This is a great opportunity to save money on interest.
This offer applies to both purchases and balance transfers, so you can use your credit card for everyday expenses and debt consolidation without worrying about interest.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Balance Transfer Credit Cards for Fair Credit
College Ave Secured Card
The College Ave Ambition Mastercard is a secured credit card designed for college students 18 years and older.
It requires no credit check to qualify, allowing students to establish the credit limit by transferring money to the card from their checking or savings account.
The card has no interest charges, no late fees, and no fees to apply, making it a great option for students who want to build credit without the added stress of fees.
There is no monthly fee for the first six months, but after that, the account will be charged $2 each month.
The Ambition card also enables students to earn cash back and build a positive credit history by reporting on-time payments to the three major credit bureaus.
Intriguing read: Why Should College Students Have Credit Cards
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for a student credit card?
No credit score is required to apply for a Discover it Student credit card, which can help you build credit with responsible use.
Sources
- https://wallethub.com/credit-cards/student-mastercard/
- https://www.usccreditunion.org/credit-cards/student-rewards-mastercard/
- https://www.usccreditunion.org/credit-cards/student-mastercard/
- https://www.pymnts.com/mastercard/2024/college-ave-launches-mastercard-secured-credit-card-for-college-students/
- https://www.financeglobe.com/credit-cards/Student-Credit-Cards.php
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