Best Credit Cards for Students in 2025 (USA & Canada)

 

 

Looking for the best student credit cards in 2025? You’re in the right place.

Whether you're a college student in the U.S. or Canada, building credit early can help you in the long run. From no annual fees to cashback on everyday spending, we’ve rounded up the top credit cards that make the grade.

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🔍 Why Student Credit Cards Matter in 2025

Getting your first credit card isn’t just about convenience—it’s about building your financial future. A good student credit card helps you:

• Start building credit history
• Earn cashback on groceries, gas, and subscriptions
• Avoid annual fees and hidden charges
• Learn smart money habits

💡 Pro Tip: Always pay your balance in full to avoid interest and grow your credit score faster.

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🏆 Top 5 Student Credit Cards in 2025 (USA & Canada)

1. Discover it® Student Cash Back (USA)

• Rewards: 5% cashback on rotating categories (e.g., gas, Amazon)
• Annual Fee: $0
• Perks: Cashback match after first year, FICO score tracking
• Best For: U.S. students new to credit with frequent online purchases

2. Scotiabank SCENE+ Student Visa (Canada)

• Rewards: Earn points on movies, food, and everyday shopping
• Annual Fee: $0
• Perks: Scene+ rewards, entertainment perks
• Best For: Canadian students who love movies & dining out

3. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards (USA)

• Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases
• Annual Fee: $0
• Perks: No foreign transaction fees
• Best For: U.S. students who study abroad or shop online globally

4. BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students (Canada)

• Rewards: 3% on groceries, 1% on recurring bills
• Annual Fee: $0
• Perks: Extended warranty, purchase protection
• Best For: Canadian students managing essential expenses

5. Deserve EDU Mastercard (USA & International students)

• Rewards: 1% cashback on all purchases
• Annual Fee: $0
• Perks: Free Amazon Prime Student for 1 year
• Best For: International students in the U.S. with no SSN

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📊 Comparison Table

Credit CardCountryRewardsAnnual FeeNotable Perks

Discover it® Student Cash Back	USA	5% rotating categories	$0	Cashback match, FICO Score
Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa	Canada	Points on dining & movies	$0	Scene+ rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Student	USA	1.5% on all purchases	$0	No foreign fees
BMO CashBack Mastercard	Canada	3% groceries, 1% recurring bills	$0	Purchase protection
Deserve EDU Mastercard	USA	1% on all purchases	$0	Free Amazon Prime Student (1 year)

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🧠 What to Look for in a Student Credit Card

• ✅ No annual fee
• ✅ Low interest rate (APR)
• ✅ Rewards for everyday spending
• ✅ Easy approval with little or no credit history
• ✅ Extra benefits (insurance, rewards, credit tracking)

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💬 Final Thoughts: Which Card Is Right for You?

The best credit card for you depends on your spending habits and financial goals. If you value cashback, look at Discover or Capital One. If you're in Canada, Scotiabank and BMO have great options tailored to students.

No matter which one you choose, start small, spend wisely, and always pay on time.

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🧭 FAQs

Q: Can international students apply for credit cards in the U.S. or Canada?
A: Yes! Cards like the Deserve EDU in the U.S. and some Canadian cards allow for international student applications, often without requiring a full credit history.

Q: Does applying for a student credit card hurt my credit?
A: There may be a small temporary dip due to a credit inquiry, but responsible use helps your score grow long-term.