For many students, the dream of traveling the world may seem distant due to financial constraints. However, with the right tools and strategies, it’s possible to make travel dreams come true while maintaining a student budget. One of the best ways to make the most of your travel funds is by using a student travel credit card. These specialized cards offer a range of benefits tailored to young travelers, including rewards points, travel perks, and discounts on flights and accommodations. A good student travel credit card can help you save money, earn rewards, and make your travel experience more enjoyable.
In this article, we’ll explore the best student travel credit cards available today, what they offer, and how to choose the one that best fits your needs. Along with a list of top recommendations, we’ll provide helpful tips on how to maximize your card’s benefits, security features, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- Student travel credit cards offer valuable rewards, low fees, and perks that can help make travel more affordable.
- Popular cards like the Chase Freedom Student Credit Card, Discover it® Student Cash Back, and Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students provide excellent options for earning travel rewards.
- To maximize your benefits, pay your bills on time, track your rewards, and use your card for travel-related purchases.
- Using a student credit card responsibly can help build your credit history, benefiting you in future financial endeavors.
Why Use a Student Travel Credit Card?
Before diving into the details of individual credit cards, it’s important to understand why a student travel credit card can be a game-changer for budget-friendly adventures. Here are some of the benefits these cards offer:
Earn Travel Rewards: Many student credit cards come with rewards programs where you can earn points or cash back for every dollar you spend. These rewards can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses. Earning rewards on everyday purchases like groceries or gas means you’re building up points for future trips.
Build Credit History: As a student, your credit history is just starting to take shape. Using a travel credit card responsibly is a great way to build credit, which will be beneficial for major financial decisions in the future, such as renting an apartment or applying for a car loan.
Discounts and Perks: Many student travel credit cards offer exclusive discounts on travel-related purchases, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. Some cards also offer travel insurance, rental car insurance, and other perks that can save you money.
Low Fees and Interest Rates: Many student travel credit cards have no annual fees, and some offer low interest rates on purchases. This means you can use the card without worrying about extra charges eating into your travel budget.
Convenience and Security: Travel credit cards offer convenience in handling payments when traveling internationally. Plus, they provide extra security with fraud protection and emergency support services.
Top Student Travel Credit Cards
Now that you know the benefits of using a student travel credit card, let’s dive into the top options available. Here are some of the best student travel credit cards on the market.
Chase Freedom Student Credit Card
Why it’s great for students: The Chase Freedom Student Credit Card is a popular choice among students due to its solid rewards structure, no annual fee, and great introductory offer. This card earns 1% cash back on every purchase, and it also offers a $50 bonus if you make your first purchase within the first 3 months.
Key features:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- $50 bonus after your first purchase within 3 months
- No annual fee
- Free credit score tracking with Credit Journey
- Easy-to-use mobile app for tracking rewards and managing payments
Ideal for: Students who want to earn cash back and have a simple, straightforward rewards program.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Why it’s great for students: The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an excellent choice for students looking to maximize their rewards. It offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, such as gas stations, restaurants, and Amazon.com, up to the quarterly maximum. Additionally, it matches all the cash back you earn in the first year—essentially doubling your rewards.
Key features:
- 5% cash back in rotating categories (on up to $1,500 in spending each quarter)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- First-year cash back match—Discover will match all the cash back you earn during the first year of card membership
- Free FICO® credit score tracking
- No foreign transaction fees
Ideal for: Students who want to earn high cash back rates and have the discipline to track rotating categories.
Capital One Journey Student Rewards
Why it’s great for students: The Capital One Journey Student Rewards card is a great option for students who want to earn unlimited rewards while building their credit. This card offers 1.25% cash back on every purchase, and if you pay your bill on time, you’ll earn a 25% cash back bonus at the end of the month.
Key features:
- 1.25% cash back on every purchase
- 25% bonus on cash back if you pay on time
- No annual fee
- Access to a free credit score
- No foreign transaction fees
Ideal for: Students who are looking for a simple, rewarding card that incentivizes on-time payments.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
Why it’s great for students: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students card is an excellent choice for students who want to rack up travel rewards without worrying about rotating categories or spending caps. This card offers unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent, with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no expiration on points.
Key features:
- 1.5 points for every dollar spent
- 25,000 online bonus points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days (worth $250 in travel statement credits)
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- No expiration on points
Ideal for: Students who want to earn flexible travel rewards without the complexities of rotating categories.
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Why it’s great for students: The Journey Student Rewards card offers 1% cash back on every purchase, but with a twist—it rewards students who pay their bill on time with a 25% bonus on their earned cash back. The no annual fee and easy-to-understand reward system make it an ideal card for students.
Key features:
- 1% cash back on all purchases, plus 25% more when bills are paid on time
- No annual fee
- Free access to your credit score
- No foreign transaction fees
Ideal for: Students who prioritize rewards for their everyday spending and want a no-frills card with a focus on responsible financial habits.
Citi Rewards+ Student Card
Why it’s great for students: The Citi Rewards+ Student Card offers a unique benefit for students who want to maximize their everyday spending. It offers 2X points on groceries and gas (up to $6,000 annually) and 1X points on all other purchases. Plus, your points are rounded up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, so you’re always earning rewards, even on small purchases.
Key features:
- 2X points on groceries and gas (up to $6,000 in combined purchases annually)
- 1X points on other purchases
- Points rounded up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 7 months
Ideal for: Students who want to earn rewards for groceries and gas expenses and who will take advantage of the 0% intro APR on purchases.
How to Maximize Your Student Travel Credit Card
Once you’ve chosen your ideal student travel credit card, it’s important to know how to use it effectively to maximize its benefits. Here are a few tips to make the most of your card:
Pay Your Bill on Time
Paying your bill on time is the best way to avoid interest charges and late fees. Plus, paying on time can help you build a strong credit history. Many student cards offer bonuses or higher rewards for on-time payments, so never miss a due date!
Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses
Many student travel cards offer sign-up bonuses, such as earning extra points after spending a certain amount within the first few months. These bonuses can go a long way toward funding your travel adventures, so be sure to meet the spending requirements.
Track Your Rewards
Use the mobile apps or websites provided by your card issuer to track your rewards and spending. Keeping an eye on your points can help you avoid missing out on opportunities to redeem them for travel-related expenses like flights, hotel stays, or car rentals.
Use Your Card for Travel-Related Purchases
To maximize your rewards, use your student travel card for travel-related purchases, such as flights, accommodations, food, and activities. Many cards offer bonus rewards for travel expenses, so make sure you’re making the most of those opportunities.
Monitor Your Spending
While it’s tempting to use your travel credit card for every purchase, be mindful of your spending habits. Stick to your budget and avoid racking up unnecessary debt. Always aim to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card for Students
Traveling as a student can be an exciting and transformative experience, but managing finances while studying abroad or on a vacation requires smart planning. One of the best ways to make your travel adventures both affordable and rewarding is by using a student travel credit card. These cards offer unique perks, such as rewards points, travel discounts, and building credit, which are ideal for students with limited budgets but a passion for exploring new places. However, with so many options available, selecting the right travel credit card can be overwhelming.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right travel credit card for students, helping you understand the key factors to consider, the benefits offered by various cards, and how to maximize your travel rewards.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Student Travel Credit Card
Choosing the right travel credit card for students is not a one-size-fits-all process. The ideal card for you depends on several factors, including your spending habits, travel goals, and ability to manage credit responsibly. Below are the essential aspects to consider when evaluating student travel credit cards:
Rewards Program
The rewards program is one of the most important aspects of any travel credit card. The rewards you earn can significantly offset the cost of flights, hotels, or other travel expenses. Here are the common types of rewards programs to look for:
- Cash Back Rewards: Some cards offer cash back for every dollar you spend, and you can use the money as a statement credit toward future travel or other purchases.
- Travel Points or Miles: Other cards earn points or miles that can be redeemed for travel expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, or car rentals. These rewards may be tied to specific travel brands or networks, like airlines or hotel chains.
- Bonus Categories: Certain cards offer higher rewards rates on specific categories, such as travel, dining, or groceries. If you frequently spend in these categories, cards offering bonus rewards can help you accumulate points faster.
For students who travel often, a card that offers travel-related rewards is ideal. If you’re looking for maximum flexibility, choose a card with general rewards that can be redeemed for travel expenses, not tied to any specific brand or service.
Annual Fees and Foreign Transaction Fees
One of the most important considerations when choosing a student travel credit card is the fee structure. Some credit cards charge annual fees, while others come with no annual fee. While many student cards offer no annual fees, others may charge a fee that could add up over time.
Additionally, some cards charge foreign transaction fees for purchases made outside the United States. If you’re planning on traveling abroad, it’s essential to choose a card that waives these fees, as foreign transaction fees typically range from 1% to 3% per purchase.
Look for cards that have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, as this can significantly reduce the cost of using your card abroad.
Introductory Offers and Sign-Up Bonuses
Many student travel credit cards offer attractive introductory bonuses for new cardholders. These bonuses typically require you to spend a certain amount within the first few months of account opening to unlock rewards such as bonus points or cash back.
For example, a card might offer 25,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 in the first three months. These points could be worth hundreds of dollars in travel expenses or rewards. If you’re able to meet the spending requirement, sign-up bonuses can provide an excellent head start in building your rewards balance.
Interest Rates (APR)
While credit cards for students typically have higher interest rates compared to cards for those with established credit, it’s important to understand the annual percentage rate (APR) for purchases and cash advances. If you plan to carry a balance on your card, high-interest charges can quickly diminish the value of your rewards.
It’s always best to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. However, if you need to carry a balance, look for a card with a low or 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first few months to help you save on interest while you pay off your balance.
Card Benefits and Travel Perks
Beyond the basic rewards program, student travel credit cards often come with a variety of travel-related perks. These benefits can include travel insurance, baggage protection, and access to exclusive discounts on travel services like hotels, car rentals, and flights.
Some cards offer valuable perks like extended warranty protection, purchase protection, and travel accident insurance, which can be useful if something goes wrong during your trip. If you plan to travel frequently, cards with added travel insurance or baggage delay coverage could provide peace of mind at no extra cost.
Additionally, some cards provide access to airport lounges or discounts on travel-related services, which can enhance your overall experience.
Credit-Building Opportunities
As a student, you may have little or no credit history, so it’s important to choose a card that helps you build your credit responsibly. A good student credit card will report your payments to the credit bureaus, which will help establish your credit score.
Many student travel credit cards also come with helpful tools, such as free credit score monitoring, so you can track your credit progress over time. Additionally, paying your bill on time and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit will help improve your credit score.
Customer Service and Support
When choosing a student travel credit card, customer service is an often-overlooked but essential aspect to consider. If you encounter issues with your card, such as fraudulent charges or a lost card while traveling, you’ll want to ensure that you have access to reliable and accessible customer support.
Look for a card issuer with 24/7 customer service, ideally with mobile app support, so you can get assistance whenever you need it.
Top Student Travel Credit Cards for 2023
Now that you know what to look for in a student travel credit card, here are some of the best options available for students in 2023:
Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
- Key Features: 1% cash back on all purchases, $50 bonus after your first purchase, no annual fee, and free access to your credit score.
- Best For: Students who want a simple rewards program with no frills and a low barrier to entry.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Key Features: 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter), 1% cash back on all other purchases, and first-year cash back match.
- Best For: Students who are willing to keep track of rotating categories to earn higher rewards rates.
Capital One Journey® Student Rewards
- Key Features: 1.25% cash back on every purchase, 25% bonus if you pay on time, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Best For: Students who want a simple, straightforward card with added rewards for on-time payments.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
- Key Features: 1.5 points for every dollar spent, no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a 25,000-point bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Best For: Students who want to earn flat-rate travel rewards with no limits or rotating categories.
Citi Rewards+® Student Card
- Key Features: 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year), 1X points on other purchases, and no annual fee.
- Best For: Students who spend frequently on groceries and gas and want to maximize those purchases.
Also Read: Essential Tips For Safe And Affordable Student Travel
Conclusion
Student travel credit cards can be an excellent tool for budget-conscious travelers looking to make the most of their adventures. With the right card, you can earn rewards, build credit, and enjoy travel perks like discounted flights and accommodations. By choosing a card that aligns with your spending habits and travel goals, you can set yourself up for budget-friendly and memorable trips.
FAQs
Are student travel credit cards free?
Most student travel credit cards do not have an annual fee. However, be sure to read the terms and conditions to ensure there are no hidden fees.
How can I build credit with a student travel credit card?
Using your student travel card responsibly by making on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization low will help build your credit history.
What are the best cards for earning travel rewards?
The best cards for earning travel rewards include the Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students, Capital One Journey Student Rewards, and the Citi Rewards+ Student Card.
Can I use my student credit card abroad?
Yes, most student travel credit cards are accepted internationally. However, be sure to check for foreign transaction fees and notify your bank if you’re traveling abroad to avoid any disruptions.
How do I redeem rewards?
Rewards can typically be redeemed for travel statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise. Some cards also allow you to transfer points to travel partners for greater flexibility.
Can I get a student travel credit card with no credit history?
Yes, some student cards, such as the Discover it® Student Cash Back, are designed for individuals with limited or no credit history. These cards often have easier approval requirements.
What if I miss a payment?
Missing a payment can result in late fees and interest charges. Be sure to set up reminders to avoid missing due dates, and pay your bills on time to keep your credit score in good standing.
