Capital One offers several great credit cards for students, including the Capital One Journey Student Rewards and Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. These cards have no annual fees, provide sign-up bonuses, and feature low introductory interest rates, making them ideal for those with little or no credit history.
Top 6 Capital One Credit Cards for Students to Build Credit [2025]
| Serial Number | Name of Capital One Credit Card for Students to Build Credit | Best Known & Value for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capital One Savor Rewards for Students | The Capital One Savor Rewards for Students card is best known for its unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services |
| 2 | Capital One QuickSilver Rewards for Student | The Capital One QuickSilver Rewards for Students cis best known for its everyday rewards, with no categories to track. |
| 3 | Capital One Platinum Mastercard | The Capital One Platinum Mastercard card is best known for its no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. |
| 4 | Capital One Platinum Secured | The Capital One Platinum Secured card is best known because of its lowest required security deposits. |
| 5 | Capital One QuickSilverOne Rewards | The Capital One QuickSilverOne Rewards is best known for its unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. |
| 6 | Capital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards | The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards is best known for its 1.5% cash back on every purchase with a refundable $200 minimum deposit. |
Best Capital One Credit Cards for Students to Build Credit for [March 2025]
1. Capital One Savor Rewards for Students
Capital One Savor Rewards for Students Credit Card is a credit designed exclusively for students. It provides higher reward rates in certain areas while maintaining a consistent rate on all other transactions. Capital One’s rewards network allows students to redeem prizes for statement credits, experiences, and travel.
Cashback on Dining and Entertainment
- Issuer – Capital One
- Payment Gateway – Mastercard
- Credit Score – Fair
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 19.24%, 25.24% or 29.24%
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – None
- Cash Advance Fee – Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
- Best For – Students
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services. Issued by Capital One, it’s perfect for foodies and entertainment enthusiasts
With no annual fee and a 0% intro APR for 15 months, the Savor card also offers 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. A good credit score is required, and cardholders can refer friends for rewards.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| No annual fee | Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining & entertainment | Complimentary Concierge Services |
| New cardholder bonus | Earn 1% on all other purchases | Extended Warranty on eligible items |
| Autopay option | – | Instant Purchase Notifications |
| No foreign transaction | – | $0 Fraud Liability |
| Build your credit history | – | Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app |
| Rewards don’t expire | – | Build credit with responsible use |
| Exclusivity for students | – | – |
| Travel Accident Insurance | – | – |
| Capital One Shopping | – | – |
| Capital One Entertainment | – | – |
| Capital One Dining | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- The card does not impose annual or foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal starter card for those studying abroad.
- Cardholders won’t need to activate any categories or worry about spending limits with this card.
- This card features popular bonus categories typical for student cards, making it a great option for earning cash back.
Cons
- The card has a high annual percentage rate (APR) for a student card as compared to the other cards in the market.
- There are no introductory APR offers for purchases or balance transfers, which means you could start accruing interest immediately if you don’t pay off your balance in full each billing period.
Expert Advice
The Capital One Savor Rewards for Students card is an excellent option for students who spend money on food and entertainment. It provides 3% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, popular streaming services, and groceries (excluding superstores such as Walmart and Target), as well as 1% on all other transactions. With responsible use, students can build their credit score and earn rewards.
2. Capital One QuickSilver Rewards for Student
The Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students credit card is designed to help students improve or build their credit history. College students can earn cashback on everyday purchases.
Cashback on Dining and Entertainment
- Issuer – Capital One
- Payment Gateway – MasterCard
- Credit Score – Fair
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 19.24%, 25.24% or 29.24%,
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – None
- Cash Advance Fee – Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Best For – Students
The Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students is a cash back credit card specifically designed for students. It offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no categories to track. This feature makes it an excellent choice for students seeking simple and consistent rewards on their everyday spending.
The card has no annual fee and requires a fair credit score of 580 or higher. Capital One also conducts automatic credit line reviews, which may present opportunities for increases over time. Additionally, the card provides benefits such as travel accident insurance, extended warranty protection, and no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for travelers.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| No annual fee | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day | 24-hour Travel Assistance Services |
| Exclusively for Students | Enjoy 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. | Instant Purchase Notifications |
| No Foreign Transaction Fees | – | $0 Fraud Liability |
| Capital One Entertainment | – | Travel Accident Insurance |
| Capital One Dining | – | 24/7 Customer Service |
| Capital One Mobile App | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- The card has fewer fees compared to others, as there are no annual fees or foreign transaction fees.
- This card offers a rewards structure similar to the full Capital One Quicksilver card but is designed for students with fair credit or limited credit history.
Cons
- The flat rewards rate may not be the most beneficial for students who spend in bonus categories.
- This card does not offer an introductory APR, meaning you won’t receive any interest relief if you carry a balance.
Expert Advice
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card is great for college students with limited credit. It features a competitive cash back rate, no annual fee, and strong benefits.
3. Capital One Platinum Mastercard Card
The Capital One Platinum Mastercard Card is a credit card designed for fee-averse consumers who want to build credit and who don’t prioritize earning rewards. There is no annual fee and no security deposit required.
Credit Building
- Issuer – Capital One
- Payment Gateway – MasterCard
- Credit Score – Fair
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 29.24% variable
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – None
- Cash Advance Fee – Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – N/A
- Best For – Students , Credit builder
The Capital One Platinum Mastercard Card is tailored for individuals with fair credit. It comes with no annual fee and includes automatic credit line reviews every six months. Issued by Capital One, this card helps users build their credit with responsible use.
It features a variable APR of 29.74%, $0 fraud liability, contactless payment options, and no foreign transaction fees. This card is ideal for those looking to improve their credit score without incurring additional costs.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| No annual fee | N/A | Account Alerts |
| Capital One Mobile App | – | Autopay |
| Use Eno®, your Capital One assistant | – | 24/7 Customer Service |
| No Foreign Transaction Fees | – | $0 Fraud Liability |
| 50% off Handcrafted Beverages | – | Automatic credit increases reviews after six months |
| CreditWise access | – | Emergency Card Replacement |
| – | – | Monitor your credit with CreditWise from Capital One |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- After six months, there will be an automatic review of your account to determine if you qualify for a higher credit limit, which can help keep your credit utilization ratio low.
- According to cardholder reviews, you may have a good chance of approval even with fair credit or a FICO score as low as 580.
Cons
- The card lacks introductory APR offers that could provide temporary savings on interest, a feature commonly found in no-annual-fee credit cards.
- This card does not participate in a rewards program, which means that even cards with lower rewards rates can be more beneficial for you.
Expert Advice
The Capital One Platinum card offers a low-fee, hassle-free way to build credit. It’s a convenient option for those with average credit seeking a specific card to improve their credit score.
4. Capital One Platinum Secured
The Capital One Platinum Secured Card is designed for individuals with lower credit scores who are seeking a straightforward way to improve their credit. While the card does not offer rewards, it provides a range of valuable benefits that can support you on your credit-building journey.
Credit Building
- Issuer – Capital One
- Payment Gateway – MasterCard
- Credit Score – Bad- Fair
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 29.24% variable
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – None
- Cash Advance Fee – Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – N/A
- Best For – Students , Defaulters, Low credit users
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is intended for individuals who want to build or rebuild their credit. Issued by Capital One, this card requires a security deposit, which determines your credit limit.
With a variable APR of 29.74% and no annual fee, the card is a useful tool for establishing credit when used responsibly. It also includes features for credit monitoring and budgeting, and there are no foreign transaction fees.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| No annual fee | N/A | Earn back your deposit and upgrade to a standard, unsecured Platinum card |
| No foreign transaction fees | – | Monitor your credit with CreditWise from Capital One |
| No replacement card fees | – | Manage your account anywhere, anytime from Capital One Mobile App |
| No authorized user fees | – | Account Alerts |
| Build credit with responsible card use | – | Autopay |
| Security Deposit – $49, $99 or $200 minimum refundable deposit | – | 24/7 Customer Service |
| $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges | – | – |
| Access to Capital One Mobile App | – | – |
| 50% off Handcrafted Beverages | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- If you have bad credit, there may be an easier approval process for obtaining a credit card.
- You can begin building your credit with a cash deposit as low as $49, provided you qualify (minimum deposits of $99 or $200 may apply depending on your credit score).
Cons
- The ongoing APR for this card is relatively high, which can lead to significant costs if a balance is carried.
- The card does not provide rewards for spending, which may reduce its long-term value.
Expert Advice
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a strong choice for individuals looking to build their credit. It offers one of the lowest required security deposits available, making it an accessible option with excellent potential for credit enhancement.
5. Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards Credit Card is an unlimited cashback credit card that offers rewards on every purchase. With this card, you can earn cashback on every transaction, anywhere you shop. It is designed for individuals who want to earn rewards while also building their credit.
Cash Back on Everyday Purchase
- Issuer – Capital One
- Payment Gateway – MasterCard
- Credit Score – Fair
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 29.74%
- Annual Fee – $39
- International Transaction Fee – None
- Cash Advance Fee – Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – Earn a $200 bonus if you spend $500 within 3 months of account opening
- Best For – Student, Regular Shopper / Household
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards Credit Card provides 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it an excellent choice for those who want to earn rewards on their everyday spending.
This card, issued by Capital One, has a variable APR of 29.74%. It also includes $0 fraud liability and does not charge foreign transaction fees. A fair credit score is required to qualify, and the card comes with tools for credit monitoring and budgeting.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Travel rewards | Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase | Automatic Credit Line Reviews |
| No foreign transaction | – | Tap to Pay option accessible |
| Rewards don’t expire | – | $0 fraud liability |
| Redeem Rewards with PayPal | – | Get a gift card |
| Manage account through Capital One Mobile App | – | 24/7 customer service |
| Premier access with Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment | – | Account alerts |
| Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck | – | Transfer your miles |
| Shop with Rewards at Amazon.com | – | Emergency card replacement |
| 50% off Handcrafted Beverages | – | Best for building Credit |
| – | – | Card lock option |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- The card is best for international students, as it has no foreign transaction fee.
- The card is a great choice for those individuals who want to avoid a security deposit.
- Users get the chance to earn travel miles on every travel purchase such as car rental, hotels, flights, etc.
Cons
- The standard APR is quite high as compared to the other cards in the market.
- The card doesn’t reimburse customers for out-of-network ATM fees.
- To earn a $200 bonus, the customer has to spend $500 in the span of 3 months, which can be quite difficult for some users.
Expert Advice
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards Credit Card is ideal for individuals with fair credit scores, as it provides seamless cashback rewards. However, the annual fee may not be justified for everyone, particularly those seeking no-fee options.
6. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards Card is a credit card that helps the cardholder build or improve their credit. The cardholders can easily earn rewards while building their credit.
Building Credit
- Issuer – Capital One
- Payment Gateway – MasterCard
- Credit Score – Fair
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 29.74%.
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – None
- Cash Advance Fee – Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – None
- Best For – Individuals with low credit scores., Everyday users/ Household, Students
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card is designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit while earning rewards. It offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is quite uncommon for secured cards. Additionally, it reports to all three major credit bureaus, so responsible usage can help improve your credit score over time.
To establish a credit line, this card requires a refundable security deposit, with a minimum deposit of $200. There is no annual fee, and it is available to individuals with a fair credit score of 580 or higher. After six months of responsible use, cardholders may be eligible for a higher credit line. The card also has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent option for international use credit cards.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| No annual fee | Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase with a refundable $200 minimum deposit. | $0 Fraud Liability |
| No foreign transaction fees. | – | 24/7 Customer Service |
| No replacement card fees | – | Security Alerts |
| Build credit with responsible use | – | Card Lock through Capital One Mobile App |
| No authorized user fees | – | Emergency Card Replacement |
| Capital One Mobile App | – | – |
| Security deposit required | – | – |
| CreditWise from Capital One | – | – |
| Capital One Travel | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- With responsible use, you can receive a credit limit increase in as little as six months.
- This card provides enhanced flat-rate rewards on eligible purchases, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance cardholders.
- The card offers a prequalification process that helps you calculate your approval chances before applying, which protects your credit score.
Cons
- Cardholders are required to make a minimum refundable security deposit of $200.
- The card’s low initial credit limit may make it difficult to keep utilization under 30 percent.
- The card charges a high ongoing APR if you carry a balance, as compared to other cards available on the market.
Expert Advice
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards Card is designed for individuals looking to build their credit using a secured credit card. This card is perfect for those who want to earn rewards while avoiding fees, especially if they have a limited credit history or are working to recover from a poor credit score.
Table of Comparison
Top Capital One Credit Cards for Students to Build Credit [2025]
| Card Name | Capital One Savor Rewards for Students | Capital One QuickSilver Rewards for Student | Capital One Platinum Mastercard Card | Capital One Platinum Secured | Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards Credit Card | Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Capital One | Capital One | Capital One | Capital One | Capital One | Capital One |
| Payment Gateway | MasterCard | MasterCard | MasterCard | MasterCard | MasterCard | MasterCard |
| Credit Score | Fair | Fair | Fair | Bad-Fair | Fair | Fair |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $39 | $0 |
| Sign up bonus | Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | N/A | N/A | Earn a $200 bonus if you spend $500 within 3 months of account opening | None |
| Reward rate | Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining & entertainment, and earn 1% on all other purchases | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, Enjoy 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases | N/A | N/A | Unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase | Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase with a refundable $ 200 minimum deposit. |
| Foreign Transaction fees | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Intro APR | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0% for 15 months | N/A |
| Regular APR | 19.24%, 25.24,% or 29.24% | 19.24%, 25.24,% or 29.24% | 29.24% | 29.24% | 29.74% | 29.74%. |
| Best For | Students | Students | Students, individuals looking for credit building | Students, defaulters, low credit users | Regular Shopper / Household, Military Personnel, Student | Individuals with low credit scores., Everyday users/ Household, Students. |
| Decision Criteria | Good for students who eat out frequently, but it’s not ideal for cashback on internet purchases. | Best for students seeking easy cashback on all purchases with no yearly fee. | Best for those individuals and students with average credit | It offers a low security deposit, making it an accessible option for credit enhancement. | It offers decent rewards on all transactions and a reasonable introductory APR. | Good for credit building, but a security deposit is required, and there is no sign-up incentive. |
Methodology
When selecting a credit card to help students build credit, it is important to consider several factors, including annual fees, rewards, credit-building potential, introductory APRs, and debt transfer options.
These Capital One student credit cards provide features designed for young people, such as no annual fees, incentives for regular purchases, fraud protection, and assistance for establishing credit. While rewards cards give payback on typical student spending, secured cards offer an organized approach to credit building. Students can choose a card that best suits their long-term credit objectives and financial habits from a variety of possibilities.
Why Do Students Need to Build Credit?
Students need to build credit for various reasons, such as:
Better Financial Management & Easier Access to Credit
Students who establish credit early are able to qualify for subsequent credit products. Additionally, having a student credit card enables students to monitor their expenditures, comprehend how much credit they are using, and, if necessary, take action to raise their credit score.
Better Loan Terms and Future Financial Decisions
A strong credit score can result in cheaper interest rates on student loans, vehicle finance, and mortgages, allowing students to save money in the long term.
Understanding and Avoiding Credit Pitfalls
Using a credit card responsibly in college teaches students about credit management and how to prevent typical mistakes such as splurging or carrying high-interest debt.
Increasing Job Opportunities
Some companies, or industries such as banking, law enforcement, and government, may conduct credit checks as part of the recruiting process. A strong credit history can demonstrate financial responsibility as well as private accountability.
Easier Rental Approvals
Landlords frequently examine credit scores while processing rental applications. An excellent credit history can increase acceptance chances and lessen the requirement for additional security deposits.
Does Capital One offer Credit Cards to Students?
Capital One offers credit cards that are specially designed for college students, delivering an opportunity for students to build credit during their college years. These cards have benefits that are tailored to the lifestyle of a student, like managing credit limits and rewards programs arranged with daily spending habits.
These student credit cards are accessible choices for students who want to create and develop their credit profiles because they are made for people with little to no credit history.
How Do Capital One Credit Cards Help Students Build Credit?
Capital One student credit cards provide an opportunity for students to build their credit by using the card responsibly for purchases. By making timely payments and maintaining a healthy credit utilization ratio, students can improve their credit scores. Additionally, these cards offer student-friendly perks, such as cashback rewards.
Choosing the Best Capital One Credit Cards for Students to Build Credit
To choose the best Capital One Credit Cards for Students to Build Credit, consider the following criteria:
- Student-Friendly Cash Back Options: Using student credit cards has great advantages, such as the ability to earn cashback on your daily spending. For example, Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students Credit Card offers unlimited 3% cash back on every grocery purchase, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming service, along with 1% cash back on every other purchase.
- No Annual, Hidden, or Foreign Transaction Fees: Students who want to focus on building Credit should go for the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, which has no annual, hidden, or foreign transaction fees.
- Easy Approval to Limited Credit History: Students who have little to no credit history should choose a card with flexible approval criteria. Cards like the Capital One Secured Mastercard offer the student to be eligible for a refundable security deposit, which will help in responsible credit building.
- Low APR on Interest Savings: For students who believe they might carry a balance, going for a card with a low APR may help minimize interest charges.
- Flat Rate Cashback with no Hassle: Some students would rather have a simple rewards system with no spending categories to think about. For example, you can go for Capital One Quicksilver for Students, which offers 1.5% cashback on every purchase, and for gift cards, too.
- Credit Building and Tracking Tools: Credit building and tracking tools are provided by Capital One Credit Cards to help students manage their finances responsibly. Credit Wise® allows students to track their credit scores, get notifications, and receive suggestions for improvement.
Advantages of Capital One Credit Cards for Students
Capital One offers student credit cards that assist students in developing credit while providing helpful benefits. These cards frequently have no annual fees, cashback benefits, and tools to track credit improvement.
- No Annual Fee: Students can save money with no yearly maintenance costs.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Students who travel abroad get the most out of it.
- Cashback Rewards: Students can earn cashback and other perks on everyday spending.
- Credit Building: It helps students build and rebuild credit.
- Automatic Credit Limit Reviews: Students can get a higher credit limit after a certain amount of time.
- Credit Monitoring Tools: The card provides free access to credit tracking tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Student Credit Card?
A Student Credit Card is designed for college students who have little or no credit history. These cards frequently include rewards and perks that fit student’s lifestyles.
Who may apply for a student credit card from Capital One?
According to Federal law:
- You must be enrolled in an approved university, community college, or other higher education institution.
- You must be at least eighteen years old or, if younger, have been admitted and intend to enroll within the next three months.
- If you are under 21 years old, you need to have an adult co-signer or demonstrate sufficient independent income to meet the minimum credit card payments.
How do I handle my student credit card from Capital One?
Digital tools are available from Capital One to assist with account management:
- Use the Capital One mobile app to keep an eye on your account, pay bills, and keep track of your spending.
- Eno – Your Capital One assistant can assist with account inquiries and help protect you and your finances.
- Digital Wallets – For quicker and safer transactions, link your card to digital wallets.
- Credit Wise offers free credit score monitoring that doesn’t impact your credit ratings.
How do I apply for a student credit card from Capital One?
Applying online is easy through the Capital One website. To find the best card without affecting your credit score, consider checking if you are pre-approved before submitting your application.