Choosing your first credit card as a student isn’t just about rewards—it’s about finding a tool that helps you build credit, avoid fees, and fit your lifestyle. In 2025, two cards dominate that conversation: the Discover it® Student Cash Back and the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Both offer no annual fees and rewards. But the better card for you depends on how you spend—and how much credit history you have.
Let’s compare them side by side.
Quick Comparison: Discover vs. Capital One Student
| Feature | Discover it® Student Cash Back | Capital One Quicksilver Student |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Rewards | 5% on rotating categories (up to $1,500/quarter, activation required), then 1% on all others | 1.5% unlimited on all purchases |
| Bonus | Cashback Match: Discover doubles your first-year cashback | None |
| Intro APR | 0% for 6 months (then variable) | None |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Credit Requirements | No/limited credit history | Fair credit (630+) |
| Tools | Free FICO® Score, fraud alerts | CreditWise monitoring, credit line increase eligibility |
Cashback Rewards
Discover it® Student Cash Back gives 5% cash back in rotating categories like gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants (with quarterly activation), and 1% on everything else.
Capital One Quicksilver Student offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases—no activation or tracking required.
Verdict:
- Discover is better if you don’t mind tracking categories and want higher earning potential.
- Capital One wins if you prefer simplicity.
Sign-Up Bonus and Perks
Discover matches all the cashback you earn in your first year automatically—there’s no cap or enrollment required.
Capital One offers no signup bonus, but you may qualify for a higher credit line after six months of responsible use.
Verdict:
Discover offers greater bonus value upfront, while Capital One helps you grow your limit faster.
International Use
Both cards have no foreign transaction fees.
Capital One, a Visa product, is more widely accepted internationally than Discover.
Verdict:
- Discover is excellent for domestic use.
- Capital One may be the better choice for international students or frequent travelers.
Approval Odds
Discover is well-known for approving students with no credit history, making it ideal for beginners.
Capital One generally looks for at least fair credit, around 630+.
Verdict:
- New to credit? Discover is your best bet.
- Have some history? Capital One is worth considering.
Credit-Building Features
Both cards report to all three credit bureaus and help you establish a positive credit history.
Discover includes free FICO® scores, fraud monitoring, and U.S.-based customer service.
Capital One includes CreditWise, which gives real-time credit monitoring and upgrade paths.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Discover it® Student Cash Back if:
- You’re brand new to credit
- You want to earn the most cash back your first year
- You’re good at tracking rotating bonus categories
Choose Capital One Quicksilver Student if:
- You prefer consistent, flat-rate rewards
- You already have some credit history
- You want a card accepted almost anywhere
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Discover or Capital One better for students?
It depends on your goals. Discover is better for maximizing rewards with no credit history. Capital One is simpler and more widely accepted abroad.
Which card is easier to get?
Discover typically approves students with no prior credit. Capital One is better if you have at least fair credit.
Do both cards help build credit?
Yes. Both report to all three major credit bureaus and offer tools to monitor your progress.
Are there any fees to watch for?
Neither card charges an annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Both are student-friendly.
Final Verdict
Both the Discover it® Student Cash Back and Capital One Quicksilver Student are excellent entry-level credit cards. Your choice depends on your priorities:
- Choose Discover if you want to earn maximum rewards and have no credit history.
- Choose Capital One if you prefer flat-rate rewards, plan to travel, or already have some credit experience.
Ready to Compare Cards?
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Q: Is Discover or Capital One better for students?
A: Both are great for students, but it depends on your goals. Discover is ideal if you’re new to credit and want to maximize cashback with the first-year match. Capital One is better if you want flat-rate rewards and a card that’s widely accepted internationally.
Q: Which card is easier to get approved for?
A: Discover is typically easier to get approved for if you have little or no credit history. Capital One usually requires at least a fair credit score (around 630+), so it’s better if you’ve already established some credit.
Q: Do both cards help build credit?
A: Yes. Both cards report to all three major credit bureaus and offer tools like credit monitoring and alerts to help you build and manage your credit profile.
Q: Do either of these cards charge foreign transaction fees?
A: No. Both the Discover it® Student and Capital One Quicksilver Student cards have no foreign transaction fees, making them good options for international travel or study abroad.
Q: Which student credit card earns more cashback?
A: Discover offers 5% on rotating categories (with activation), plus a first-year cashback match, making it more rewarding for active users. Capital One gives a flat 1.5% on all purchases, which is better for those who prefer simplicity.
