Best Student Credit Cards with No Credit in 2025

That Actually Help You Build Credit

Starting college is a huge milestone—and so is building your credit. If you have no credit history, the good news is that you can still get approved for a credit card designed for students.

These cards are specifically built to help you build credit from scratch, earn rewards, and learn good money habits without the burden of high fees or complicated rules.

Here are the best student credit cards with no credit in 2025, plus tips to help you start strong.

Top Picks for Students with No Credit History

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Best for: Students who want high cash back with no credit score required

• 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500/quarter), then 1%
  
• Unlimited Cashback Match™ after Year 1
  
• $0 annual fee
  
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
  
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus
  

💡 No FICO score needed to apply. Great for students starting from zero.

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Dining, entertainment, and travel rewards

• 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and grocery stores
  
• 5% back on hotels and rental cars (booked through Capital One Travel)
  
• $0 annual fee & no foreign transaction fees
  
• $100 sign-up bonus after spending $300 in 3 months
  

💡 One of the most rewarding student cards with no credit history needed.

Discover it® Student Chrome

Best for: Gas station and restaurant spenders

• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), then 1%
  
• 1% on all other purchases
  
• Same Cashback Match™, $0 annual fee, and 6-month 0% intro APR
  
• No credit score required to apply
  

💡 Simpler structure than the Cash Back version but still great for everyday spending.

Capital One Platinum Secured

Best for: Students with no income or limited approval odds

• Secured card: Requires refundable deposit (as low as $49 for a $200 limit)
  
• $0 annual fee
  
• Potential credit line increase in 6 months
  
• Helps build credit when used responsibly
  

💡 If you’ve been denied unsecured cards, this is a reliable way to start building credit.

Chase Freedom Rise®

Best for: Automatic payments + cash back + Chase ecosystem

• 1.5% cash back on every purchase
  
• $0 annual fee
  
• $25 bonus for setting up auto-pay in the first 3 months
  
• Free credit score tracking & credit limit increase reviews
  

💡 Built for students and young adults just entering the credit world—with added incentives for good habits.

How to Build Credit Fast with No History

If you’ve never had a credit card or loan before, here’s how to make your first card count:

• 💳 Use your card monthly, even for small purchases like gas or Netflix
  
• 🧾 Pay your bill on time—every time
  
• 📉 Keep your balance under 30% of your credit limit
  
• 🚫 Don’t apply for multiple cards at once
  
• 📊 Monitor your score with free tools from Capital One, Discover, or Chase
  

Best Card for Every Student Type

Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Graduate to Better Cards

The best credit cards for students with no credit are more than just training wheels—they’re your first step toward financial independence, higher scores, and better card options down the line.

By choosing the right starter card and using it wisely, you can go from “no credit” to great credit before graduation.

Related Guides:

• 7 Beginner Credit Cards That Actually Raise Your Score
  
• Discover it® Student Cash Back vs. Capital One SavorOne Student
  
• Secured vs Unsecured Student Cards: Which Should You Start With?