How I Chose My First Credit Card as a Student – And How You Can Too

Getting my first credit card was an exciting but overwhelming experience. As a student, I wanted a card that not only helped me build credit but also rewarded me for my everyday spending. After a lot of research, I went with the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card—and it turned out to be the perfect fit.

Why I Chose the Capital One SavorOne Student Card

As a student, my spending was mostly on groceries, dining, entertainment, and travel. I wanted a credit card that maximized cashback in these areas while keeping things simple. Capital One SavorOne Student stood out because it offered:

• 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target).

• 10% cashback on Uber and Uber Eats (a major bonus for anyone who frequently orders food or uses rideshare).

• 5% cashback on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

• 1% cashback on everything else, with no annual fee.

The 10% Uber cashback was a game-changer! Since I often used Uber to get around and ordered food through Uber Eats, I started saving a lot more than I expected. It made my spending feel much more rewarding.

Who Should Consider SavorOne Student?

If you spend a lot on dining, groceries, concerts, streaming, Uber, and occasional travel, then the SavorOne Student is a fantastic option. It's great for:

• Food lovers – Whether you’re dining out, ordering takeout, or getting groceries, you’ll earn solid cashback.

• Entertainment fans – Perfect for students who go to concerts, movies, or subscribe to streaming services.

• Uber users – If you rely on Uber or Uber Eats, the 10% cashback is unbeatable.

• Occasional travelers – The 5% cashback on travel booked through Capital One adds extra savings.

I've been using this card for a while, and the cashback on groceries, Uber, and entertainment has added up fast!

Why My Friends Chose Other Cards

Some of my friends had different spending habits, so their choices varied:

🔹 Discover it® Student Cash Back – One of my friends picked this because of its 5% rotating categories (like gas stations, Amazon, and groceries) and the Cashback Match feature, where Discover doubles your cashback at the end of the first year. If you don’t mind tracking rotating categories, it’s a great way to maximize rewards.

🔹 Capital One Quicksilver Student – Another friend preferred a flat 1.5% cashback on everything without worrying about categories. It’s a great "set it and forget it" card for students who just want straightforward rewards.

🔹 Chase Freedom® Student – One of my classmates chose this because Chase offered a credit limit increase after five on-time payments and a $50 signup bonus. It’s a solid choice for students planning to upgrade to premium Chase cards later.

Final Thoughts – Choose Based on Your Spending

The best student credit card depends on your spending habits. If you spend a lot on entertainment, dining, groceries, and Uber, then Capital One SavorOne Student is the way to go. If you like 5% rotating categories, Discover could be a better fit. And if you just want simple, consistent cashback, Quicksilver Student is worth considering.

No matter which card you pick, pay your balance in full every month to build a strong credit history. A smart credit card choice now will set you up for premium rewards cards and better financial opportunities in the future!