
If you're a student, you're likely to be bombarded with credit card offers, but not all of them are created equal. Some student credit cards can actually help you build credit and earn rewards, while others can lead to debt and financial trouble.
Chase offers a range of student credit cards with varying benefits and requirements. For example, the Chase Freedom Student credit card has no annual fee and offers 1% cash back on all purchases.
To choose the right card, consider your financial goals and spending habits. Do you want to earn cash back or rewards points?
What Is Student Credit Cards Chase?
Student credit cards from Chase are designed to help young adults build credit and manage finances responsibly.
These cards often come with lower credit limits and require a co-signer or a parent's approval for students under 21 without a credit history.
Chase offers a variety of student credit cards with different benefits and rewards, such as cash back, travel points, or purchase protection.
Some student credit cards from Chase have no annual fee, making them a great option for students on a tight budget.
To be eligible for a Chase student credit card, students typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number.
Pros and Cons
Student credit cards can be a great way to start building credit and earning rewards, but it's essential to consider both the pros and cons.
Many student credit cards come with lower fees, some even with no annual fees at all. This can be a significant advantage for students on a tight budget.
Student credit cards often offer 0% intro APR offers, allowing you to avoid paying interest on purchases for a certain period. However, be aware that this introductory period will end, and you'll start paying interest on your balance at the regular rate.
Rewards programs are also a common feature of student credit cards, offering cash back or redeemable rewards points on eligible purchases. Some cards may even offer higher cash back percentages for students with high GPAs or for making on-time payments.
However, not all student credit cards are created equal. Some may have cash back capped at 1% for most purchases, requiring good credit or better to apply, and even foreign transaction fees.
Pros of

The pros of student credit cards are numerous and can be a great benefit for students who use them responsibly. Many student credit cards come with lower fees, which can save you money in the long run.
Some student credit cards even have no maintenance or annual fees at all. This means you can enjoy the benefits of having a credit card without breaking the bank.
Student credit cards often come with 0% intro APR offers, which can be a huge help when you're making purchases. This means you won't have to pay interest on your purchases for a certain period of time.
However, it's essential to read your cardmember agreement carefully to understand the terms and conditions of the promotion. This way, you'll know exactly what to expect when the introductory period ends.
Student credit cards usually have rewards programs that allow you to earn cash back or other redeemable rewards points on eligible purchases. You might get anywhere from 1-5% cash back on qualifying purchases like grocery stores, gas stations, and clothing.
Some student credit cards even offer special student benefits, such as higher cash back percentages if you carry a high GPA. This can be a great motivator to keep your grades up while you're in school.
Cons
The Chase Freedom Student credit card has some downsides that might make you think twice about applying.
The cash back potential is capped at 1% for most purchases, which is lower than some other credit cards on the market.
This means you won't earn as much cash back as you would with other cards, especially if you're making a lot of purchases.
The card requires good credit or better, which can be a barrier for students with limited or no credit history.
This is a higher bar than some other student credit cards, which might be a better option if you're new to credit.
The card also has a foreign transaction fee, which can be a problem if you're studying abroad.
This fee can add up quickly, especially if you're making purchases in foreign currencies.
Here are the main cons of the Chase Freedom Student credit card:
- Cash back capped at 1% for most purchases
- Requires good credit or better
- No 0% APR intro promotion
- Foreign transaction fee
Key Features and Fees
The Chase Freedom Student Credit Card has no annual fee, which is a huge plus for students on a budget. This means you can use the card without worrying about an extra charge each year.
You'll also want to be aware of the foreign transaction fee, which is 3%. If you plan on traveling abroad or making purchases online from international sellers, this is something to keep in mind.
The APR for this card is relatively low, which is great for students who want to avoid paying a lot of interest on their balance. The regular APR is RegAPR, and there's also a separate APR for balance transfers and cash advances.
Key Features
The Chase Freedom Student Credit Card has some great features that set it apart from other student credit cards. The card offers a relatively low APR of RegAPR for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances.
You can earn cash back rewards on all eligible purchases, except for one exception that's explained below. There's no limit to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Cash back rewards accrue as Ultimate Rewards points, which are always worth $0.01 per point for Chase Freedom Student cardholders. This means you can redeem your rewards for cash back, statement credits, or other rewards.
The APR for cash advances is higher than for purchases, so it's best to avoid using your credit card to take out cash from an ATM. This way, you can avoid paying high interest charges on your cash advance.
Important Fees
Freedom Student has no annual fee, which is a significant advantage for students looking to save money.
The foreign transaction fee is 3%, so be mindful of that when making purchases abroad.
This fee is relatively standard in the industry, but it's still something to consider when traveling or shopping online.
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Student credit cards can be a viable option for individuals with no credit history, as they don't require a deposit like secured cards do.
Chase offers a starter credit card for students and non-students who are new to credit, but it's worth noting that they don't offer student credit cards specifically.
Student credit cards usually require the applicant to be at least 18 years old and attending college, but eligibility requirements can vary between issuers.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The Chase Freedom Student credit card has its pros and cons. It offers a no-annual-fee policy, which is a huge advantage for students. This means you won't pay anything to keep the card in your wallet.
The card also provides 1% cash back on all eligible purchases, which may not be the highest cash-back rate, but it's comprehensive and predictable. You can earn a $20 bonus each year your account remains open and in good standing, up to $100 in total.
One of the drawbacks of this card is that it charges foreign transaction fees, which means you may want to consider a different card if you're planning to study abroad or make purchases online in foreign currencies.
Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of the Chase Freedom Student credit card in a concise list:
- No annual fee
- 1% cash back on all eligible purchases
- $20 annual bonus for accounts in good standing
- Partner benefits with Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart
- Foreign transaction fees
Additionally, the card offers several other benefits, including access to your credit score for free, fraud protection, and the ability to instantly lock your account to prevent new purchases. These features can help you manage your finances and protect your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chase student credit card being discontinued?
Yes, the Chase Freedom Student credit card was discontinued as of June 11, 2023, and is no longer accepting new applicants.
Is Chase free for students?
Yes, Chase College Checking is free for students with a $0 Monthly Service Fee, but only up to their graduation date or a maximum of 5 years. Students must be 17-24 years old and enrolled in college or a vocational school to qualify.
What credit score do you need for a Chase student credit card?
To be eligible for a Chase student credit card, you typically need a credit score of 600 or higher, but be prepared for limited benefits and higher interest rates. Consider exploring no-fee or student credit cards with Chase for more affordable options.
Sources
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/build-credit/student-credit-card-benefits
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/when-and-how-to-apply-for-a-student-credit-card
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/credit-cards-for-no-credit-history
- https://www.moneycrashers.com/chase-freedom-student-credit-card-review/
- https://www.cardratings.com/credit-card/chase-freedom-student-credit-card.html
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