American Express Student Credit Cards
If you are looking for a student credit card with great features we have reviewed the top student credit cards as alternatives to American Express (Amex). Learn more here.

American Express does not have any student credit cards but students who have a good credit score can apply for a traditional Amex unsecured credit card. However, even the easiest American Express credit card requires a credit score of at least 670 which may be hard to manage for most college students.
If you are looking for cards exclusively for students, there are many options for companies that offer student credit cards with high rewards, low minimum credit score requirements, and no extra fees. Discover it® is an example of a company that offers student credit cards that are easy to get and offer high rewards. Their Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit card is the best for students as it charges no annual fee, offers various cash back rewards, and has no minimum credit requirement.
We have compiled a list of the best student credit cards that are much easier to get as students compared to the American Express credit cards.
Why Does American Express Not Have Credit Card For Students?
American Express does not offer credit cards to people with limited credit history, and students usually have a poor credit history. It takes years to build a good credit and college students are at the time of their lives where they have just started building it. Therefore, American Express does not have cards exclusively for students.
There are, however, other card options from American Express like their personal, business, or travel credit card. Students can apply for these American Express cards if they have a FICO score of at least 670 and they are able to meet all the other eligibility requirements too. Following are a few options to consider that have no annual fees and offer good rewards.
Lender | Scholaroo rating | Fixed rates starting (APR) | Variable rates starting (APR) |
---|---|---|---|
![]() Blue Cash Everyday® Best for no annual fee Visit website | 19.24% to 29.99% | 670+ | |
![]() Amex EveryDay® Credit Card Best for a lower interest rate Visit website | 18.24% to 29.24% | 670+ | |
![]() Delta SkyMiles® Blue Best for travelling Visit website | 20.99% to 29.99% | 670+ |

Blue Cash Everyday®
Best for no annual fee

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
Best for a lower interest rate

Delta SkyMiles® Blue
Best for travelling
Best Credit Cards for Students - Alternatives to American Express
Lender | Scholaroo rating | APR Rates % | Minimum Credit Score |
---|---|---|---|
![]() Discover it® Student Cash Back Best overall for students Visit website | 18.24% - 27.24% | N/A | |
![]() Discover it® Student Chrome Good for everyday rewards Visit website | 18.24% - 27.24% | N/A | |
![]() SavorOne Rewards Good for students with fair credit Visit website | 19.99% - 29.99% | 580 | |
![]() Quicksilver Cash Rewards Great for above-average everyday rewards Visit website | 19.99% - 29.99% | 580 | |
![]() Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Good ‘no fees’ card for beginners Visit website | 18.24% – 32.24% | N/A | |
![]() Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Good for a long interest-free introductory period Visit website | 18.24% - 28.24% | 670 | |
![]() Bank of America® Travel Rewards Best travel card for students Visit website | 18.24% - 28.24% | 670 |

Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best overall for students

Discover it® Student Chrome
Good for everyday rewards

SavorOne Rewards
Good for students with fair credit

Quicksilver Cash Rewards
Great for above-average everyday rewards

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa®
Good ‘no fees’ card for beginners

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards
Good for a long interest-free introductory period

Bank of America® Travel Rewards
Best travel card for students
#1 Discover it® Student Cash Back
#2 Discover it® Student Chrome
#3 Capital One SavorOne Rewards
#4 Capital One Quicksilver Rewards
#5 Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa®
#6 Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards
#7 Bank of America® Travel Rewards
Pros & Cons of a Student Credit Card
There are some pros and cons of having a student credit card and we have given them below so you can make an informed decision:
Pros of a Student Credit Card
- Easy-to-get for students: Student credit cards have flexible income and credit requirements as they are designed specifically for students and are, therefore, easier to get approved for.
- You can build your credit history: when you are starting out as a student, it is important to start building your credit history for future financial stability.
- You can earn rewards: Credit cards offer rewards and points that can be beneficial for daily purchases and cash back.
- Travel Perks: With some credit cards you get many travel benefits and rewards on airline tickets and hotel stay.
- They offer convenience: Credit cards are easy to use and accepted in most places, so there’s no need to carry cash or checks with you.
- Emergency funds: Credit cards can be really useful in an emergency, as they provide access to funds that may not be available otherwise.
- Lower chances of overspending: Most student credit cards have low starting spending limits. This helps to keep students’ spending in check so that they are able to manage their monthly payments well.
Cons of a Student Credit Card
- High interest rates: If you don’t pay off the full balance every month you will be charged penalties and high interest rates which makes you lose money over time.
- Identity Theft: It is easy for people to steal your identity through online shopping if you are not careful.
- Negative impact on credit score: If you miss payments or exceed your credit limit, it can have a negative impact on your credit score.
- Temptation to live beyond your means: With a credit card you have an amount of money that you can spend but not pay immediately which makes it tempting to live beyond your means. However, the bills and debt will add up making it extremely stressful in the long run.
Should I Get an American Express Card as a College Student?
If you have a good to excellent credit score, you can consider credit card options from Amex. Following are the benefits of getting an Amex card and also some downsides to it to consider before making a final decision.
Benefits of Getting an AMEX
- No annual fees: Some of the credit cards by Amex do not charge any annual fee which is better in the long-term. However, many other credit cards by other companies can provide you with the same benefit.
- High rewards: Most American Express student credit cards come with high rewards and bonuses.
- Wider acceptability: American Express credit cards may be more widely acceptable nationally and internationally than some other payment networks like Discover it.
- Can help establish a good credit history: Like all other credit cards that report to the major credit bureaus, Amex can also help in establishing a good credit history.
Costs of Getting an AMEX
- No student-specific credit cards offered: Student credit cards are designed specifically for college students in mind. They offer relevant rewards and have flexible eligibility requirements.
- Limited acceptability in some countries: You may not be able to pay for purchases in some countries. Getting a Mastercard or a Visa would be more suitable if you make international purchases often.
- High credit score requirement: American Express credit cards require a high level of credit score for approval. Applicants that have a credit score of that is above 700 have higher chances of approval.
- High income requirements: There may be high income requirements associated with these credit cards that college students may find hard to meet.
- Chance of overspending: Unsecured credit cards generally have higher credit limits than student credit cards which can result in overspending. Since most college students have limited income, it may become hard to make these repayments. Therefore, it is better to go for cards with lower limits to avoid hurting your credit score.
FAQs
Does American Express have a card for students?
American Express has many personal, business, and travel-related credit cards but they do not have a card that is specially designed for students. If you have a good credit score you can still get their other credit cards. Their Blue Cash Everyday® Card is the easiest option to consider.
What credit score do you need for American Express?
You will need at least a good credit score to apply for an American Express credit card which is a FICO score of 670 or higher.
Do I have to be a student to get a student credit card?
Yes, student credit cards are exclusively for students enrolled in a college or a university. You will be asked to provide proof of enrollment to be eligible for the card.
Which credit card is best for students?
Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card is rated highest and is one of the best cards for students, especially those that have just begun their financial journey. This is because it is specifically designed for students and does not require a minimum credit score to apply. Other great cards for students include Discover it® Student Chrome, Capital One SavorOne Rewards, and Quicksilver Cash Rewards by Capital One. For more options, you can look at our list of the top student credit cards above.