Best credit cards for students in the US for 2026

Verified Oct 16, 2026USD

Cards with no annual fee and no income requirement, ranked by 3-year value on a student's spending. Each card shows Year 1 against every year after, so a card that's mostly its welcome bonus is easy to spot.

Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a commission when you apply through some links on this page. It never affects rank: cards are ordered by the value worked out from your spending. How we make money · Methodology

Spending: Student · $985/moRank these on my own spending

#1
Chase
IHG One Rewards
No annual feeGroceries 3xDining 3x
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1estimated value, about $940, based on 0.59 cents per point
Year 2+estimated value, about $202, based on 0.59 cents per point
3 years estimated value, about $1,344, based on 0.59 cents per point after fees· no fee to coverMostly first-year value
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1estimated value, about $940, based on 0.59 cents per point
Year 2+estimated value, about $202, based on 0.59 cents per point
Welcome or anniversary bonus$738 / $0Rewards on spending$172 / $172Credits$30 / $30Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
3x
Groc
Groceries
3x
Dine
Dining and takeout
3x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
2x
Air
Flights
5x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
2x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
2x
Stream
Streaming
2x
Drug
Drugstores
2x
Online
Online shopping
2x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
2x
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #1 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth about $1,344 (estimated) after fees.
Year 1. about $940 (estimated) = welcome bonus $738 + rewards $172 + credits $30.
Each year after. about $202 (estimated) = rewards $172 + credits $30.
Against #2. Beats Wells Fargo One Key Card by $313 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$488).
Points valued at 0.59¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#2
Wells Fargo
One Key Card
No annual feeGroceries 3%Dining 3%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$510
Year 2+$260
3 years $1,030 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$510
Year 2+$260
Welcome or anniversary bonus$250 / $0Rewards on spending$260 / $260Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
3%
Groc
Groceries
3%
Dine
Dining and takeout
3%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1.5%
Air
Flights
1.5%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1.5%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1.5%
Stream
Streaming
1.5%
Drug
Drugstores
1.5%
Online
Online shopping
1.5%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1.5%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #2 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,030 after fees.
Year 1. $510 = welcome bonus $250 + rewards $260.
Each year after. $260 = rewards $260.
Against #1. Trails Chase IHG One Rewards by $313 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$488).
Against #3. Beats Chase United Gateway by $58 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$288).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#3
Chase
United Gateway
No annual feeTransit 2xGas 2x
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1estimated value, about $644, based on 1.2 cents per point
Year 2+estimated value, about $164, based on 1.2 cents per point
3 years estimated value, about $972, based on 1.2 cents per point after fees· no fee to coverMostly first-year value
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1estimated value, about $644, based on 1.2 cents per point
Year 2+estimated value, about $164, based on 1.2 cents per point
Welcome or anniversary bonus$480 / $0Rewards on spending$164 / $164Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1x
Groc
Groceries
1x
Dine
Dining and takeout
2x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
2x
Air
Flights
1x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
2x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1x
Stream
Streaming
1x
Drug
Drugstores
1x
Online
Online shopping
1x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1x
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #3 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth about $972 (estimated) after fees.
Year 1. about $644 (estimated) = welcome bonus $480 + rewards $164.
Each year after. about $164 (estimated) = rewards $164.
Against #2. Trails Wells Fargo One Key Card by $58 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$288).
Against #4. Beats Chase Freedom Flex by $15 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$230).
Points valued at 1.20¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#4
Chase
Freedom Flex
No annual feeDining 5xGroceries 5x
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$486
Year 2+$236
3 years $957 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$486
Year 2+$236
Welcome or anniversary bonus$250 / $0Rewards on spending$236 / $236Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
5x
Groc
Groceries
5x
Dine
Dining and takeout
5x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1x
Air
Flights
1x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
5x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1x
Stream
Streaming
3x
Drug
Drugstores
5x
Online
Online shopping
1x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1x
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #4 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $957 after fees.
Year 1. $486 = welcome bonus $250 + rewards $236.
Each year after. $236 = rewards $236.
Against #3. Trails Chase United Gateway by $15 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$230).
Against #5. Beats Wells Fargo Choice Privileges Mastercard by $9 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$209).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#5
Wells Fargo
Choice Privileges Mastercard
No annual feeGroceries 3xBills 3x
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1estimated value, about $616, based on 0.75 cents per point
Year 2+estimated value, about $166, based on 0.75 cents per point
3 years estimated value, about $948, based on 0.75 cents per point after fees· no fee to coverMostly first-year value
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1estimated value, about $616, based on 0.75 cents per point
Year 2+estimated value, about $166, based on 0.75 cents per point
Welcome or anniversary bonus$450 / $0Rewards on spending$166 / $166Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
3x
Groc
Groceries
1x
Dine
Dining and takeout
3x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1x
Air
Flights
5x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1x
Stream
Streaming
1x
Drug
Drugstores
1x
Online
Online shopping
3x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1x
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #5 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth about $948 (estimated) after fees.
Year 1. about $616 (estimated) = welcome bonus $450 + rewards $166.
Each year after. about $166 (estimated) = rewards $166.
Against #4. Trails Chase Freedom Flex by $9 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$209).
Against #6. Beats U.S. Bank Cash+ by $16 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$250).
Points valued at 0.75¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#6
U.S. Bank
Cash+
No annual feeBills 5%Groceries 2%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$444
Year 2+$244
3 years $933 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$444
Year 2+$244
Welcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$244 / $244Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
2%
Groc
Groceries
2%
Dine
Dining and takeout
2%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
5%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
5%
Stream
Streaming
1%
Drug
Drugstores
1%
Online
Online shopping
5%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #6 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $933 after fees.
Year 1. $444 = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $244.
Each year after. $244 = rewards $244.
Against #5. Trails Wells Fargo Choice Privileges Mastercard by $16 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$250).
Against #7. Beats Citi Double Cash by $23 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$23).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#7
Citi
Double Cash
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$436
Year 2+$236
3 years $909 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$436
Year 2+$236
Welcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$236 / $236Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
2%
Groc
Groceries
2%
Dine
Dining and takeout
2%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
2%
Air
Flights
2%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
2%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
2%
Stream
Streaming
2%
Drug
Drugstores
2%
Online
Online shopping
2%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
2%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #7 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $909 after fees.
Year 1. $436 = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $236.
Each year after. $236 = rewards $236.
Against #6. Trails U.S. Bank Cash+ by $23 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$23).
Against #8. Beats American Express Blue Cash Everyday by $9 over 3 years, mostly on credits (−$101).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#8
American Express
Blue Cash Everyday
No annual feeGroceries 3%Online 3%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$400
Year 2+$250
3 years $901 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$400
Year 2+$250
Welcome or anniversary bonus$150 / $0Rewards on spending$217 / $217Credits$34 / $34Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
3%
Groc
Groceries
1%
Dine
Dining and takeout
3%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1%
Stream
Streaming
1%
Drug
Drugstores
3%
Online
Online shopping
1%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #8 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $901 after fees.
Year 1. $400 = welcome bonus $150 + rewards $217 + credits $34.
Each year after. $250 = rewards $217 + credits $34.
Against #7. Trails Citi Double Cash by $9 over 3 years, mostly on credits (+$101).
Against #9. Beats Discover it Cash Back by $17 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$233).
Not counted: Some visitors are offered $200; the lowest offer seen is counted (up to $50 more).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#9
Discover
it Cash Back
No annual feeGroceries 5%Dining 5%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$442
Year 2+$221
3 years $883 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$442
Year 2+$221
Rewards on spending$442 / $221Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
5%
Groc
Groceries
5%
Dine
Dining and takeout
5%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
5%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
5%
Stream
Streaming
5%
Drug
Drugstores
1%
Online
Online shopping
5%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #9 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $883 after fees.
Year 1. $442 = rewards $442.
Each year after. $221 = rewards $221.
Against #8. Trails American Express Blue Cash Everyday by $17 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$233).
Against #10. Discover it Secured is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#10
Discover
it Secured
No annual feeGroceries 5%Dining 5%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$442
Year 2+$221
3 years $883 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$442
Year 2+$221
Rewards on spending$442 / $221Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
5%
Groc
Groceries
5%
Dine
Dining and takeout
5%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
5%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
5%
Stream
Streaming
5%
Drug
Drugstores
1%
Online
Online shopping
5%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #10 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $883 after fees.
Year 1. $442 = rewards $442.
Each year after. $221 = rewards $221.
Against #9. Discover it Cash Back is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Against #11. Discover it Student Cash Back is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#11
Discover
it Student Cash Back
No annual feeGroceries 5%Dining 5%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$442
Year 2+$221
3 years $883 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$442
Year 2+$221
Rewards on spending$442 / $221Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
5%
Groc
Groceries
5%
Dine
Dining and takeout
5%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
5%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
5%
Stream
Streaming
5%
Drug
Drugstores
1%
Online
Online shopping
5%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #11 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $883 after fees.
Year 1. $442 = rewards $442.
Each year after. $221 = rewards $221.
Against #10. Discover it Secured is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Against #12. Beats Capital One Savor by $23 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$223).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#12
Capital One
Savor
No annual feeGroceries 3%Dining 3%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$420
Year 2+$220
3 years $861 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$420
Year 2+$220
Welcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$220 / $220Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
3%
Groc
Groceries
3%
Dine
Dining and takeout
1%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
3%
Stream
Streaming
1%
Drug
Drugstores
1%
Online
Online shopping
1%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #12 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $861 after fees.
Year 1. $420 = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $220.
Each year after. $220 = rewards $220.
Against #11. Trails Discover it Student Cash Back by $23 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$223).
Against #13. Beats Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards by $30 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$30).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#13
Bank of America
Customized Cash Rewards
No annual feeGroceries 2%Dining 3%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$462
Year 2+$184
3 years $831 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$462
Year 2+$184
Welcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$262 / $184Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
2%
Groc
Groceries
3%
Dine
Dining and takeout
3%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
3%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1%
Stream
Streaming
3%
Drug
Drugstores
3%
Online
Online shopping
1%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #13 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $831 after fees.
Year 1. $462 = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $262.
Each year after. $184 = rewards $184.
Against #12. Trails Capital One Savor by $30 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$30).
Against #14. Beats Chase Freedom Unlimited by $7 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$7).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#14
Chase
Freedom Unlimited
No annual feeDining 3xDrugstores 3x
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$408
Year 2+$208
3 years $824 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$408
Year 2+$208
Welcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$208 / $208Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1.5x
Groc
Groceries
3x
Dine
Dining and takeout
1.5x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1.5x
Air
Flights
1.5x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1.5x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1.5x
Stream
Streaming
3x
Drug
Drugstores
1.5x
Online
Online shopping
1.5x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1.5x
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #14 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $824 after fees.
Year 1. $408 = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $208.
Each year after. $208 = rewards $208.
Against #13. Trails Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards by $7 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$7).
Against #15. Beats Wells Fargo Active Cash by $15 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$100).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#15
Wells Fargo
Active Cash
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$336
Year 2+$236
3 years $809 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$336
Year 2+$236
Welcome or anniversary bonus$100 / $0Rewards on spending$236 / $236Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
2%
Groc
Groceries
2%
Dine
Dining and takeout
2%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
2%
Air
Flights
2%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
2%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
2%
Stream
Streaming
2%
Drug
Drugstores
2%
Online
Online shopping
2%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
2%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #15 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $809 after fees.
Year 1. $336 = welcome bonus $100 + rewards $236.
Each year after. $236 = rewards $236.
Against #14. Trails Chase Freedom Unlimited by $15 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$100).
Against #16. Beats Wells Fargo Autograph by $6 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$106).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#16
Wells Fargo
Autograph
No annual feeDining 3xTransit 3x
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$401
Year 2+$201
3 years $803 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$401
Year 2+$201
Welcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$201 / $201Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1x
Groc
Groceries
3x
Dine
Dining and takeout
3x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
3x
Air
Flights
3x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
3x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
3x
Stream
Streaming
1x
Drug
Drugstores
1x
Online
Online shopping
1x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1x
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #16 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $803 after fees.
Year 1. $401 = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $201.
Each year after. $201 = rewards $201.
Against #15. Trails Wells Fargo Active Cash by $6 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$106).
Against #17. Beats Bank of America Travel Rewards by $21 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$71).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#17
Bank of America
Travel Rewards
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$427
Year 2+$177
3 years $782 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$427
Year 2+$177
Welcome or anniversary bonus$250 / $0Rewards on spending$177 / $177Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1.5%
Groc
Groceries
1.5%
Dine
Dining and takeout
1.5%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1.5%
Air
Flights
1.5%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1.5%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1.5%
Stream
Streaming
1.5%
Drug
Drugstores
1.5%
Online
Online shopping
1.5%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1.5%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #17 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $782 after fees.
Year 1. $427 = welcome bonus $250 + rewards $177.
Each year after. $177 = rewards $177.
Against #16. Trails Wells Fargo Autograph by $21 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$71).
Against #18. Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#18
Bank of America
Unlimited Cash Rewards
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$427
Year 2+$177
3 years $782 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$427
Year 2+$177
Welcome or anniversary bonus$250 / $0Rewards on spending$177 / $177Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1.5%
Groc
Groceries
1.5%
Dine
Dining and takeout
1.5%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1.5%
Air
Flights
1.5%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1.5%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1.5%
Stream
Streaming
1.5%
Drug
Drugstores
1.5%
Online
Online shopping
1.5%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1.5%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #18 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $782 after fees.
Year 1. $427 = welcome bonus $250 + rewards $177.
Each year after. $177 = rewards $177.
Against #17. Bank of America Travel Rewards is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Against #19. Beats Capital One Quicksilver by $50 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$50).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#19
Capital One
Quicksilver
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$377
Year 2+$177
3 years $732 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$377
Year 2+$177
Welcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$177 / $177Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1.5%
Groc
Groceries
1.5%
Dine
Dining and takeout
1.5%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1.5%
Air
Flights
1.5%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1.5%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1.5%
Stream
Streaming
1.5%
Drug
Drugstores
1.5%
Online
Online shopping
1.5%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1.5%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #19 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $732 after fees.
Year 1. $377 = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $177.
Each year after. $177 = rewards $177.
Against #18. Trails Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards by $50 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$50).
Against #20. Beats Discover it Miles by $23 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$200).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#20
Discover
it Miles
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$355
Year 2+$177
3 years $709 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$355
Year 2+$177
Rewards on spending$355 / $177Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1.5%
Groc
Groceries
1.5%
Dine
Dining and takeout
1.5%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1.5%
Air
Flights
1.5%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1.5%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1.5%
Stream
Streaming
1.5%
Drug
Drugstores
1.5%
Online
Online shopping
1.5%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1.5%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #20 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $709 after fees.
Year 1. $355 = rewards $355.
Each year after. $177 = rewards $177.
Against #19. Trails Capital One Quicksilver by $23 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$200).
Against #21. U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#21
U.S. Bank
Smartly Visa Signature
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$236
Year 2+$236
3 years $709 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$236
Year 2+$236
Rewards on spending$236 / $236Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
2%
Groc
Groceries
2%
Dine
Dining and takeout
2%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
2%
Air
Flights
2%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
2%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
2%
Stream
Streaming
2%
Drug
Drugstores
2%
Online
Online shopping
2%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
2%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #21 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $709 after fees.
Year 1. $236 = rewards $236.
Each year after. $236 = rewards $236.
Against #20. Discover it Miles is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Against #22. Beats Citi Strata by $2 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$2).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#22
Citi
Strata
No annual feeGroceries 3xDining 2x
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$236
Year 2+$236
3 years $707 after fees· no fee to coverBonus not counted
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$236
Year 2+$236
Rewards on spending$236 / $236Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
3x
Groc
Groceries
2x
Dine
Dining and takeout
3x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1x
Air
Flights
1x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
3x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
3x
Stream
Streaming
1x
Drug
Drugstores
1x
Online
Online shopping
1x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1x
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #22 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $707 after fees.
Year 1. $236 = rewards $236.
Each year after. $236 = rewards $236.
Against #21. Trails U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature by $2 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$2).
Against #23. Beats Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold by $16 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$345).
Not counted. Welcome offer not counted: Bonus points after a spending requirement; the amounts don't load on Citi's page.
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#23
Chase
Marriott Bonvoy Bold
No annual feeGroceries 2xBills 2x
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1estimated value, about $449, based on 0.73 cents per point
Year 2+estimated value, about $121, based on 0.73 cents per point
3 years estimated value, about $691, based on 0.73 cents per point after fees· no fee to coverMostly first-year value
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1estimated value, about $449, based on 0.73 cents per point
Year 2+estimated value, about $121, based on 0.73 cents per point
Welcome or anniversary bonus$329 / $0Rewards on spending$121 / $121Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
2x
Groc
Groceries
1x
Dine
Dining and takeout
1x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1x
Air
Flights
3x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
2x
Stream
Streaming
1x
Drug
Drugstores
1x
Online
Online shopping
2x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1x
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #23 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth about $691 (estimated) after fees.
Year 1. about $449 (estimated) = welcome bonus $329 + rewards $121.
Each year after. about $121 (estimated) = rewards $121.
Against #22. Trails Citi Strata by $16 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$345).
Against #24. Beats Chase Prime Visa by $10 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$179).
Points valued at 0.73¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#24
Chase
Prime Visa
No annual feeDining 2%Online 5%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$327
Year 2+$177
3 years $681 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$327
Year 2+$177
Welcome or anniversary bonus$150 / $0Rewards on spending$177 / $177Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1%
Groc
Groceries
2%
Dine
Dining and takeout
2%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
2%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1%
Stream
Streaming
1%
Drug
Drugstores
5%
Online
Online shopping
1%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #24 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $681 after fees.
Year 1. $327 = welcome bonus $150 + rewards $177.
Each year after. $177 = rewards $177.
Against #23. Trails Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold by $10 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$179).
Against #25. Beats Discover it Chrome by $107 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$150).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#25
Discover
it Chrome
No annual feeDining 2%Gas 2%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$287
Year 2+$143
3 years $574 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$287
Year 2+$143
Rewards on spending$287 / $143Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1%
Groc
Groceries
2%
Dine
Dining and takeout
2%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1%
Stream
Streaming
1%
Drug
Drugstores
1%
Online
Online shopping
1%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #25 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $574 after fees.
Year 1. $287 = rewards $287.
Each year after. $143 = rewards $143.
Against #24. Trails Chase Prime Visa by $107 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$150).
Against #26. Beats Chase DoorDash Rewards Mastercard by $5 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$5).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#26
Chase
DoorDash Rewards Mastercard
No annual feeGroceries 2%Dining 4%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$190
Year 2+$190
3 years $569 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$190
Year 2+$190
Rewards on spending$190 / $190Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
2%
Groc
Groceries
4%
Dine
Dining and takeout
1%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1%
Stream
Streaming
1%
Drug
Drugstores
1%
Online
Online shopping
1%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #26 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $569 after fees.
Year 1. $190 = rewards $190.
Each year after. $190 = rewards $190.
Against #25. Trails Discover it Chrome by $5 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$5).
Against #27. Beats Chase Freedom Rise by $12 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$37).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#27
Chase
Freedom Rise
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$202
Year 2+$177
3 years $557 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$202
Year 2+$177
Welcome or anniversary bonus$25 / $0Rewards on spending$177 / $177Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1.5x
Groc
Groceries
1.5x
Dine
Dining and takeout
1.5x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1.5x
Air
Flights
1.5x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1.5x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1.5x
Stream
Streaming
1.5x
Drug
Drugstores
1.5x
Online
Online shopping
1.5x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1.5x
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #27 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $557 after fees.
Year 1. $202 = welcome bonus $25 + rewards $177.
Each year after. $177 = rewards $177.
Against #26. Trails Chase DoorDash Rewards Mastercard by $12 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$37).
Against #28. Beats Citi Costco Anywhere Visa by $8 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$25).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#28
Citi
Costco Anywhere Visa
No annual feeDining 3%Gas 4%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$183
Year 2+$183
3 years $549 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$183
Year 2+$183
Rewards on spending$183 / $183Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1%
Groc
Groceries
3%
Dine
Dining and takeout
4%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
3%
Air
Flights
3%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1%
Stream
Streaming
1%
Drug
Drugstores
1%
Online
Online shopping
1%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #28 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $549 after fees.
Year 1. $183 = rewards $183.
Each year after. $183 = rewards $183.
Against #27. Trails Chase Freedom Rise by $8 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$25).
Against #29. Beats Chase Amazon Visa by $4 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$54).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#29
Chase
Amazon Visa
No annual feeDining 2%Online 3%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$215
Year 2+$165
3 years $545 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$215
Year 2+$165
Welcome or anniversary bonus$50 / $0Rewards on spending$165 / $165Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1%
Groc
Groceries
2%
Dine
Dining and takeout
2%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
2%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1%
Stream
Streaming
1%
Drug
Drugstores
3%
Online
Online shopping
1%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #29 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $545 after fees.
Year 1. $215 = welcome bonus $50 + rewards $165.
Each year after. $165 = rewards $165.
Against #28. Trails Citi Costco Anywhere Visa by $4 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$54).
Against #30. Beats Capital One Quicksilver Secured by $13 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$50).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#30
Capital One
Quicksilver Secured
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$177
Year 2+$177
3 years $532 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$177
Year 2+$177
Rewards on spending$177 / $177Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1.5%
Groc
Groceries
1.5%
Dine
Dining and takeout
1.5%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1.5%
Air
Flights
1.5%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1.5%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1.5%
Stream
Streaming
1.5%
Drug
Drugstores
1.5%
Online
Online shopping
1.5%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1.5%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #30 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $532 after fees.
Year 1. $177 = rewards $177.
Each year after. $177 = rewards $177.
Against #29. Trails Chase Amazon Visa by $13 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$50).
Against #31. Goldman Sachs Apple Card is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#31
Goldman Sachs
Apple Card
No annual feeGroceries 2%Dining 2%
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$177
Year 2+$177
3 years $532 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$177
Year 2+$177
Rewards on spending$177 / $177Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
2%
Groc
Groceries
2%
Dine
Dining and takeout
2%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
2%
Air
Flights
2%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
2%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
2%
Stream
Streaming
2%
Drug
Drugstores
2%
Online
Online shopping
2%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
2%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #31 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $532 after fees.
Year 1. $177 = rewards $177.
Each year after. $177 = rewards $177.
Against #30. Capital One Quicksilver Secured is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Against #32. Beats Capital One VentureOne by $210 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$310).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#32
Capital One
VentureOne
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$174
Year 2+$74
3 years $322 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$174
Year 2+$74
Welcome or anniversary bonus$100 / $0Rewards on spending$74 / $74Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
1.25x
Groc
Groceries
1.25x
Dine
Dining and takeout
1.25x
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1.25x
Air
Flights
1.25x
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1.25x
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1.25x
Stream
Streaming
1.25x
Drug
Drugstores
1.25x
Online
Online shopping
1.25x
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1.25x
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #32 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $322 after fees.
Year 1. $174 = welcome bonus $100 + rewards $74.
Each year after. $74 = rewards $74.
Against #31. Trails Goldman Sachs Apple Card by $210 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$310).
Against #33. Beats Bank of America BankAmericard by $322 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$222).
Points valued at 0.50¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#33
Bank of America
BankAmericard
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$0
Year 2+$0
3 years $0 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$0
Year 2+$0
Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
0%
Groc
Groceries
0%
Dine
Dining and takeout
0%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
0%
Air
Flights
0%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
0%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
0%
Stream
Streaming
0%
Drug
Drugstores
0%
Online
Online shopping
0%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
0%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #33 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $0 after fees.
Year 1. $0 = nothing.
Each year after. $0 = nothing.
Against #32. Trails Capital One VentureOne by $322 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$222).
Against #34. Capital One Platinum is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#34
Capital One
Platinum
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$0
Year 2+$0
3 years $0 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$0
Year 2+$0
Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
0%
Groc
Groceries
0%
Dine
Dining and takeout
0%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
0%
Air
Flights
0%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
0%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
0%
Stream
Streaming
0%
Drug
Drugstores
0%
Online
Online shopping
0%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
0%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #34 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $0 after fees.
Year 1. $0 = nothing.
Each year after. $0 = nothing.
Against #33. Bank of America BankAmericard is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Against #35. Chase Slate is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#35
Chase
Slate
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$0
Year 2+$0
3 years $0 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$0
Year 2+$0
Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
0%
Groc
Groceries
0%
Dine
Dining and takeout
0%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
0%
Air
Flights
0%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
0%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
0%
Stream
Streaming
0%
Drug
Drugstores
0%
Online
Online shopping
0%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
0%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #35 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $0 after fees.
Year 1. $0 = nothing.
Each year after. $0 = nothing.
Against #34. Capital One Platinum is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Against #36. Chase Slate Edge is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#36
Chase
Slate Edge
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$0
Year 2+$0
3 years $0 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$0
Year 2+$0
Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
0%
Groc
Groceries
0%
Dine
Dining and takeout
0%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
0%
Air
Flights
0%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
0%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
0%
Stream
Streaming
0%
Drug
Drugstores
0%
Online
Online shopping
0%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
0%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #36 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $0 after fees.
Year 1. $0 = nothing.
Each year after. $0 = nothing.
Against #35. Chase Slate is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Against #37. Wells Fargo Reflect is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
#37
Wells Fargo
Reflect
No annual fee
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$0
Year 2+$0
3 years $0 after fees· no fee to cover
Apply
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$0
Year 2+$0
Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
Earn rate by category
0%
Groc
Groceries
0%
Dine
Dining and takeout
0%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
0%
Air
Flights
0%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
0%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
0%
Stream
Streaming
0%
Drug
Drugstores
0%
Online
Online shopping
0%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
0%
Other
Everything else
Why it's ranked here
Ranked #37 of 37. By 3-year value on the student preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $0 after fees.
Year 1. $0 = nothing.
Each year after. $0 = nothing.
Against #36. Chase Slate Edge is worth the same over 3 years; the tie-breakers (lower fee, no foreign fee, earlier break-even) decide.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption

All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.

Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.

Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.

More best-of lists

The ranking in numbers

Student preset, $985 a month, after fees. "~" marks estimates.

Card	Year 1	Year 2+	3 years
Chase IHG One Rewards	~$940	~$202	~$1,344
Wells Fargo One Key Card	$510	$260	$1,030
Chase United Gateway	~$644	~$164	~$972
Chase Freedom Flex	$486	$236	$957
Wells Fargo Choice Privileges Mastercard	~$616	~$166	~$948
U.S. Bank Cash+	$444	$244	$933
Citi Double Cash	$436	$236	$909
American Express Blue Cash Everyday	$400	$250	$901
Discover it Cash Back	$442	$221	$883
Discover it Secured	$442	$221	$883

Frequently asked questions

What are the best credit cards for students?

On student spending ($985 a month), Chase IHG One Rewards ranks first: ~$940 in year 1 and ~$202 a year after fees. From year 2, Wells Fargo One Key Card keeps the most: $260 a year.

How were these cards picked?

Cards with no annual fee and no income requirement, ranked by 3-year value on a student's spending. The order comes from the same calculation as the comparison tool, with the same tie-breakers; commission never changes it.

Will the order be the same for me?

Only if you spend like the preset. Spending more in a card's bonus categories moves it up. Set your own numbers in the tool to see your order.

Sources

Estimates for information only; not financial advice. See how cards are ranked.