Lifestyle

6 Ways These Student Credit Cards Can Help You Live Your Best College Life

It's a game changer.

Written by Lib Aubuchon
Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

Let’s face it: managing finances isn’t exactly a hot topic of conversation at college parties. But just like so many other aspects of college life, the decisions you make about your money now can have a big impact on your future.

What if we told you there’s a way to build credit responsibly while earning rewards and scoring some sweet perks, all while learning the ropes of financial responsibility? Meet Capital One's SavorOne for Student and Quicksilver for Student credit cards. They’re designed especially for the unique needs of students — and they might just help you live your best college life.

Your Financial Sidekick

Think of a credit card like the cool best friend in a movie. The pal who wants you to have fun but is also first to remind you of who you really are and what you actually want. When used responsibly, credit cards can help you track your expenses with ease, stick to your budget, and start building that all-important credit history your parents are always talking about. Building credit is a long game, and Future You will be grateful you started early with timely payments and responsible credit use. Plus, with Capital One’s student credit cards, you don’t need to stress about hidden fees, and you get 24/7 account access through their mobile app. Transparency is very much the vibe.

Your Everyday Ride-Or-Die

Capital One's SavorOne Student credit card is like that supportive friend who’s always down to hangout and makes going out super fun, whether it’s visiting a trendy dessert spot or checking out a new band. Except it’s even better. Because with this friend, you earn a solid 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Target® and Walmart®). Plus, 1% on all other purchases. That’s a sweet deal.

Now let's talk about the Capital One Quicksilver Student credit card, your main ride-or-die friend who’s there for it all, no matter what. This card gives you unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and absolutely no hidden fees.*

Worried about not having a credit history? You don’t need to have a credit score to apply for either card.** And if you’re a new account holder and you spend $100 in the first three months, you’ll score a $50 cash bonus. Plus, if your card goes on an unplanned journey without you (i.e., gets lost or stolen), you’re covered with $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized transactions (subject to verification).

Your Bestie Who Knows All The Hot Spots

It’s Friday, and you’re itching to go out. So you text your bestie who knows all the latest hot spots and happenings. That’s what Capital One Entertainment is like.

Each of Capital One’s student cards also offers exclusive access to a ton of unforgettable experiences across music, sports, dining, and more through Capital One Entertainment. Plus, SavorOne Student cardholders earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. If you’re traveling this summer, you’ll find even more deals, along with a smarter travel booking tool with Capital One Travel. Ready to travel abroad? You don’t need to worry about foreign transaction fees with Capital One’s student cards either.

And if you’re an Uber frequent user (honestly, who isn’t?) both student cards are a game changer: you'll automatically earn 10% cash back on purchases on Uber and Uber Eats, plus you get a complimentary statement credit for your Uber One membership through November 14, 2024.

Your Pre-Approval Buddy

We mentioned in the first tip that responsibly using a credit card can help you build that all-important credit history. But how do you choose one? Let’s demystify the whole process with Capital One's student pre-approval tool. It's quick, simple, and it won't impact that credit score you’re trying to build. All it takes is a few minutes and some very basic information to see which Capital One student card you’re pre-approved for. We love a quick answer!

Your Credit Monitoring Tool

If building and managing your credit still seems a little overwhelming, you’re not alone. That’s why Capital One introduced CreditWise. This handy tool helps you monitor your credit, understand the factors that affect your score, and even sends you alerts about meaningful report changes.*** It’s a completely free credit monitoring tool in your pocket!

Your Trusty Financial Toolkit

We know college life can be … a lot. Whether you're enrolled at a four-year university, community college, or another higher education institution, Capital One has the tools you need to get started on your financial journey. When used responsibly, students can start building their credit — while also reaping the rewards. Whether it’s a SavorOne card or a Quicksilver card, Capital One's student credit cards are more than just a convenient way to pay for stuff. Capital One offers tools and products that can help you on your financial journey while you live your best college life now!

*View important rates and disclosures here.

**Capital One may use credit scores where available.

***The CreditWise score is calculated using the TransUnion® VantageScore® 3.0 model, which is one of many scoring models. The CreditWise score is a good measure of your overall credit health, but it is not likely to be the same score used by creditors. In order to enroll in CreditWise, you need to be a U.S. resident, at least age 18, and with a valid social security number that can be matched to a credit profile from the TransUnion credit bureau.

Alerts are based on changes to your TransUnion and Experian® credit reports and information CreditWise finds on the dark web. Some monitoring and alerts may not be available if your enrollment information does not match the information at one or more consumer reporting agencies.