Best Graduate Credit Cards 2025
Karl says: “For recent graduates looking to maximize their rewards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice, offering 1.5% cash back on every purchase, plus 5% on Chase Travel and 3% on dining and drugstores. It also includes a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, perfect for managing post-grad expenses. The Citi Double Cash® Card is another excellent option, providing 2% cash back on all eligible purchases and a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, making it ideal for paying off student-related debt.”
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Key offer
Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a top choice for grads because it earns strong rewards on everyday spending and offers built-in flexibility with how you pay over time.
• Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, plus bonus categories like 5% on Chase Travel and 3% on dining and drugstores
• Access to 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers — ideal for managing big post-grad expenses
Welcome offer
• Limited Time Offer: Earn $250 cash back in the form of 25,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points which is worth at least $250 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months.
• Intro APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months & 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months After that 19.49% – 28.24% Variable
Annual fee
$0
Combines strong everyday rewards with professional-level benefits and credit limits suitable for graduate student expenses.
Card Rewards
All Cashback is earned in the form of points.
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel®
• 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and delivery) and drugstore purchases
• 2% cash back on Lyft rides (through 09/30/27)
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
• Points are redeemable for cash back, travel, gift cards, or to pay yourself back via Ultimate Rewards®
Premium Benefits
• Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• Earn 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and delivery) and at drugstores
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR applies
• Credit score monitoring through Chase Credit Journey®
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Insurance & Protections:
• Purchase protection covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days
• Extended warranty protection adds 1 extra year on eligible manufacturer warranties
• Auto rental collision damage waiver (secondary in the U.S., primary outside)
• Travel and emergency assistance services included
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance covers up to $1,500 per person for eligible prepaid travel expenses
Minimum Qualifications
• You’ll need good credit for this one — generally around 670 or higher.
• It’s not a student card, so you should already have some credit history and income to show.
• Chase’s 5/24 rule definitely applies here too, so make sure you haven’t opened too many personal cards recently.
• A relationship with Chase (like a checking account or existing card) can improve your odds.
Key offer
Citi Double Cash® Card is a smart pick for graduates who want maximum value with zero effort — it pays you back just for using and paying off your card.
• Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases.
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months — great for clearing student-related debt or large purchases
Welcome offer
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Best For: Research expenses and general spending
Card Rewards
• 2% cash back on purchases: 1% when buying, 1% as you pay.
• Special Offer: Earn 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi TravelSM portal until 12/31/25.
Premium Benefits
• Earn a simple 1% cash back when you buy and 1% when you pay — 2% total cash back on every purchase
• Rewards are earned as ThankYou® Points and can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel, or used at Amazon and PayPal
• 0% intro APR, only on balance transfers for the first 18 months of account opening; after that, 18.24% to 28.24%
• Points never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing
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Insurance & Protections:
• $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges
• Digital safety through Citi’s fraud detection tools and secure online account access
Minimum Qualifications
• Citi usually looks for good to excellent credit — higher then 680 is enough. Over 700 is a better chance for getting approved.
• No student requirement here, but you should already have some credit under your belt.
• They can be strict about inquiries and recent accounts, so spacing out applications is smart.
• Citi also has a rule where you can only get one bonus from the same card family every 48 months
Pro Tips
Credit Requirements
Q: Minimum score needed?
A: Usually 670+, but academic income helps
Income Verification
Q: Do stipends count? A: Yes, including teaching, research, and fellowships
- Chase added academic subscription credits
- Citi expanded purchase protection
- AmEx increased travel coverage
- New graduate cards launching Q1 2025
Academic Perks
- Journal subscriptions
- Software purchases
- Professional memberships
- Workshop registrations
Career Development
- Interview travel
- Networking events
- Professional attire
- Certification costs