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The best credit builder card
for students

The best credit builder card
for students

Build credit early, earn cashback, and grow your savings - all in one place.
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Jumpstart your credit journey

Quickly. Safely. Stress-free.
Build your credit score every time you spend
No more overspending
No annual fee, late payment, or interest
Accept international students without SSN1

Why IS building credit in college important?

  • Easier access to credit
  • Lower interest rates on loans
  • More apartment lease options
  • Better access to financial products
  • Helps employment background checks
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Get Started

Watch how we can help you build credit fast

No overspending. No stress. Just credit building, but faster.
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Build your credit in college be smart. start early.

Build your credit in college be smart. start early.

earn while you learn

get 5% cashback on 12
most-loved educational platforms

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Earn up to 15% merchant cashback2

Whether it's groceries, dining, or online shopping, enjoy cashback that puts money back right in your pocket!
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Get up to 10% 
Random Cashback3

Play the roulette in the app to earn up to 10% random cashback after every purchase.
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Earn up to 4.25% APY1 on your money

The national average interest rate on savings accounts is 0.45% APY12. 

We are not greedy. We want to offer students a much better rate so they can grow their money faster.

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APY
1.25%
4.25%4
Chase
0.01%6
Bank of America
0.01%7
Wells Fargo
0.01%8
Info
What is an APY?
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Questions From College Students

Why should I get a credit card as a college student?
Getting a credit card for college students is a smart move because it helps build your credit history early, which is essential for future financial opportunities. A credit card for college students also teaches you how to manage credit responsibly and can provide access to emergency funds. Additionally, many credit cards for college students offer cashbacks and benefits tailored to young adults. Firstcard is a great first credit card option for college students as it helps students build credit safely and offers rewards like up to 15% cashback at thousands of partner merchants near campus.
What are the benefits of Firstcard for college students?
Firstcard offers numerous benefits for college students:
  • Credit Building: Establish your credit history earlier than others
  • Budgeting: With Firstcard what you deposit it what you can spend. This helps ensure that you don’t spend beyond your means
  • Rewards: Earn up to 15% merchant cashback on purchases at thousands of partner merchants and earn up to 10% random cashback on all qualifying purchases.
  • High APY: Get 1.25% APY on the money in your account when you open a credit card with Firstcard and get 4.25% APY when you subscribe to Firstcard+. (Non-US residents are not eligible for APY4)
  • Apply without an SSN or credit history: Firstcard accepts international students without an SSN. International students can apply for Firstcard with their passports
  • Cashback on tools students love: Get 5% monthly cashback on 12 most-loved educational platforms for students such as ChatGPT, Chegg, Grammarly, Canva, Adobe, Headspace and more
What are some things to consider before getting a student credit card?
When choosing a student credit card, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure it meets your needs. With Firstcard, you can rest assured that we've got you covered:
  • Interest Rates: with Firstcard there is 0% APR
  • Fees: Firstcard is completely free to use, reducing your overall costs and making it easier to manage your finances as a student.
  • Credit Limit: With Firstcard what you deposit is what you can spend meaning you have full control over your “credit limit”. This ensures that factors like your credit utilization ratio won’t negatively impact your score.
  • Rewards Program: Firstcard’s cashback offerings are tailored to student spending habits, allowing you to earn points on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and school supplies. Earn up to 15% cashback at partner merchants when you shop online or instore and earn up to 10% random cashback on all qualifying purchases. Firsctard+ members earn an additional 1% cashback on all purchases.
  • Credit Building Tools: Firstcard reports on time payments  to all three credit bureaus ( Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) which helps build your credit score. Firstcard+ members have access to their credit report at all times allowing you to monitor your credit score as frequently as you’d like!
How can I use a credit card responsibly as a college student?
To use a credit card for college students responsibly, follow these tips:
  1. First, open a credit builder card or secured credit card like Firstcard to help you build credit early
  2. Second, allocate a budget each month and deposit that amount into your credit card account to ensure you never spend more than planned. You can automate this deposit by setting up direct deposit with employers or relatives.
  3. Third, make sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and build a positive credit history. With Firstcard, you can enable the Autopay feature in the app to make sure that you always make payments on time.
  4. Fourth, make purchases using your credit builder card so you build credit every time you send
  5. Finally, monitor your account regularly for any unauthorized transactions. Watch your credit score go up with on-time monthly payments. With Firstcard+, you can monitor your credit score right in the app!
How is Firstcard different from other credit cards for college students?
Firstcard stands out from other credit cards for college students by offering unique benefits tailored to their needs. First, Firstcard accepts immigrants, international students, and foreigners without an SSN, making credit building accessible for all. It helps people build credit faster without requiring a credit check or hard inquiry. With Firstcard, you can earn up to 15% cashback at selected merchants while building your credit. Additionally, it offers multilingual customer support in English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and Portuguese, ensuring a smooth experience for diverse users. With a 0% APR and up to 4.25% APY with Firstcard+, Firstcard is a cost-effective way to build credit efficiently and safely.

our users love us

The stress-free way to build credit in college

Firstcard has been a game-changer for my finances as a college student. The cashback rewards are fantastic, and I love that there are no hidden fees. It's perfect for managing my spending and building credit without stress.

Brody M.
A must have!

Firstcard offers a top-notch banking experience that’s convenient, secure, and reliable. From the moment I signed up I was impressed by its user-friendly interface and seamless integration. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a modern payment solution!!

Bella H.
Perfect for international students & immigrants!

Firstcard's acceptance of immigrants and international students without an SSN was a huge plus for me when I moved to the US from Russia. The sign-up process was smooth and easy, and now I'm earning cashback on all my purchases while building credit. Couldn't be happier!

Boris M.
Easy to use credit builder card

The no-overspending risk and no annual fees were what drew me to Firstcard. The bonus cashback feature is a fun addition, and it's helped me save money effortlessly on everyday purchases.

Katherine K.
Really helps me not overspend

Firstcard is really helpful because it allows me to not overspend and be more frugal about what I’m spending every month.
Overall I really have been enjoying my Firstcard and have been recommending it to friends.

Jessicaxnguyen
Really helps me not overspend

Firstcard  is really helpful because it allows me to not overspend and be more frugal about what I’m spending every month.
Overall I really have been enjoying my Firstcard and have been recommending it to friends.

Jessicaxnguyen
Super cool concept for college students!

Firstcard's high cash back program is an awesome way for college students to get money back without even trying. The app design is super user friendly as well.

MichelleKK2016
Easy to use credit builder card

Firstcard has made it so easy for me to manage my money and get great cashback deals.

Hannah Semaya
IT’S PERFECT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

I’m getting cashback on a lot of the purchases and I’m using that all for savings for a trip.

Lucas
BEST CARD FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

One of the best cards for college students. The app is also very easy to use.

Jansan2
The stress-free way to build credit in college

Firstcard has been a game-changer for my finances as a college student. The cashback rewards are fantastic, and I love that there are no hidden fees. It's perfect for managing my spending and building credit without stress.

Brody M.
A must have!

Firstcard offers a top-notch banking experience that’s convenient, secure, and reliable. From the moment I signed up I was impressed by its user-friendly interface and seamless integration. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a modern payment solution!!

Bella H.
Perfect for international students & immigrants!

Firstcard's acceptance of immigrants and international students without an SSN was a huge plus for me when I moved to the US from Russia. The sign-up process was smooth and easy, and now I'm earning cashback on all my purchases while building credit. Couldn't be happier!

Boris M.
Easy to use credit builder card

The no-overspending risk and no annual fees were what drew me to Firstcard. The bonus cashback feature is a fun addition, and it's helped me save money effortlessly on everyday purchases.

Katherine K.
Really helps me not overspend

Firstcard is really helpful because it allows me to not overspend and be more frugal about what I’m spending every month.
Overall I really have been enjoying my Firstcard and have been recommending it to friends.

Jessicaxnguyen
Really helps me not overspend

Firstcard  is really helpful because it allows me to not overspend and be more frugal about what I’m spending every month.
Overall I really have been enjoying my Firstcard and have been recommending it to friends.

Jessicaxnguyen
Super cool concept for college students!

Firstcard's high cash back program is an awesome way for college students to get money back without even trying. The app design is super user friendly as well.

MichelleKK2016
Easy to use credit builder card

Firstcard has made it so easy for me to manage my money and get great cashback deals.

Hannah Semaya
IT’S PERFECT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

I’m getting cashback on a lot of the purchases and I’m using that all for savings for a trip.

Lucas
BEST CARD FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

One of the best cards for college students. The app is also very easy to use.

Jansan2

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FTC

The Firstcard debit and credit cards are issued by Regent Bank, pursuant to a license from Mastercard. Firstcard is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Regent Bank; Member FDIC.

Forbes Featured Partner:  https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/best/international-students/

Time Featured Partner:  https://time.com/personal-finance/article/best-credit-cards-for-students/

CNN Featured Partner:  https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/money/best-credit-cards-college-students

2 

Valid for 18+ and subject to account approval

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2 

Merchant Cashback: The amount of cashback is determined by the transaction and participating merchants. See firstcard.app/cashback-policy.

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2 

Random Cashback: Users will receive up to 10% of random cashback on qualifying purchases. A qualifying purchase is a purchase that has been processed and accepted by the merchant and has settled in the entrant's Firstcard account. This purchase may, but not necessarily, include tips, holds, and deposits related to the qualifying purchase. Additionally, the following transaction categories are NOT qualifying purchases and will not be eligible to earn entries into random cashback: ATM withdrawals, wire transfers or cash transfers, purchasing gift cards or other cash equivalents, gambling or online casino, peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, such as Venmo, Cash App, transfers between Firstcard users, or similar services, gambling, bill payment, prepaid phone recharge and any other transaction types that we may deem ineligible at our sole discretion. See firstcard.app/random-cashback-policy.

2 

The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for the Deposit Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of October 2023. Users with no SSN or ITIN on file are not currently eligible to earn interest. No minimum balance is required. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.

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2 

Firstcard+ customers will earn an additional 1% unlimited cashback on all eligible credit card purchases. Exclusions apply. Cashback rewards are not earned on ATM withdrawals, P2P transfers, purchases of gift cards or other cash equivalents, and certain other types of transactions as determined by Firstcard. Cashback is awarded within 7 days of the eligible transaction posting to your account. No minimum balance required to earn cashback.

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2 

Data pulled from Chase Bank as of October 20, 2023: https://www.chase.com/content/dam/chase-ux/ratesheets/pdfs/rdfl1.pdf

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2 

Data pulled from Bank of America as of October 24, 2023: https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/bank-account-interest-rates-modal.go

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2 

Data pulled from Wells Fargo as of October 24, 2023: https://www.wellsfargo.com/checking/prime/

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2 

Data pulled from Discover It Secured Credit Card as of October 16, 2023 https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/secured/

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2 

Data pulled Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card from as of October 16, 2023 https://creditcards.chase.com/cash-back-credit-cards/freedom/unlimited

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2 

Data pulled from Bank of America Secured Credit Card as of October 16, 2023 https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/secured-credit-card/

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2 

According to the FDIC, the national average interest rate on savings accounts is 0.45% APY (as of July 15, 2024). https://www.fdic.gov/resources/bankers/national-rates/.