Two solid options for students looking for the best credit card are the Capital One Journey Student Rewards card and the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card. MoneyGeek compares these two and breaks down their features to help you decide which is the right credit card for your needs.
Capital One Journey Student Rewards vs. Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students: Which Is Best for You?


Whether you are looking for your first credit card or searching for an additional card, it’s important to weigh your options well. Consider the features, fees and rewards to determine the best option suitable for your situation and needs.
This Capital One Journey Student Rewards vs Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students comparison aims to help you see what each credit card has to offer so that you can decide which is the better choice. Both cards offer unlimited cash back, no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees. That said, each card also has unique features.
Comparison Overview: Capital One Journey Student Rewards vs. Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
- Capital One Journey Student RewardsDeserve EDU Mastercard for Students
- Has Annual Fee
- Has Balance Transfer Offer
- Has APR Offer
- Cash Back Rewards
- Travel Rewards
Capital One Journey Student Rewards At a Glance
The Capital One Journey Student Rewards card is a good option for students with limited to fair credit history. It has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Additionally, you can earn unlimited cash back at a 1% rate.
- Capital One Journey Student Rewards
Best student credit card with up to 1.25% cash back
- Limited-FairCredit Needed
- $0Annual Fee
- 1.25% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
- 1xRewards Rate on Online Shopping
- 1xRewards Rate on Groceries
Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students At a Glance
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card is one of the best rewards cards specifically made for students. It can help you build your credit because the issuer doesn’t require a credit history for this credit card. Additionally, there is no annual fee.
If you travel frequently, you may also find having no foreign transaction fees as a great benefit. International students studying in the U.S. can also get this credit card since a Social Security Number (SSN) is not necessary when applying for this card. The card also offers 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Best student cash back card for limited credit history
- None-PoorCredit Needed
- $0Annual Fee
- 1% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 1xRewards Rate on Online Shopping
- 1xRewards Rate on Groceries
Comparison Summary
Knowing the differences between the Capital One Journey Student Rewards card and the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card can help you in your search for the best student credit card.
- Card DetailComparison Summary
Rewards
Capital One Journey Student Rewards gives cardholders 1% cash back on all purchases. There is no limit on the rewards you can get. If you pay on time, you may get a boost for a total of 1.25% cash back for the specific month.
Deserve EDU Mastercard for students offers 1% cash back on all purchases.
Winner: Capital One Journey Student Rewards
Additional Features
Capital One Journey Student Rewards gives a $60 streaming subscription credit. By paying on time, cardholders can earn $5 monthly for 12 months on select streaming subscriptions.
Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students cardholders get a free Amazon Prime Student for a year and cell phone insurance. They also enjoy all the core benefits of Mastercard Platinum cardholders.
Winner: Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Credit Score Requirement
The Capital One Journey Student Rewards card is available to students with fair credit.
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card is a good beginner credit card because students with no credit history may qualify for it.
Winner: Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Which Card Should You Get?
The best credit card varies per person. When deciding between Capital One Journey Student Rewards or Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students, you should consider your unique situation and needs.
Who Should Consider the Capital One Journey Student Rewards?
The Capital One Journey Student Rewards card doesn’t have an annual fee, making it suitable for students looking to earn cash back. It’s also a great option for those who plan on traveling abroad.
Students looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases can find the Capital One Journey Student Rewards card a good choice. It earns 1% cash back, which can grow into 1.25% if you pay your bills on time.
Students planning on traveling or studying overseas can enjoy no international transaction fees the card offers.
≫ More: Read Our Full Review
Who Should Consider the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students?
Depending on your situation, the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card may be right for you. It’s a great option for international students studying in the U.S. and those looking for a beginner rewards card for students with no credit history.
International students who are currently studying in the U.S. can get the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card without worrying about a SSN.
Students who are looking for a rewards credit card that is suitable for individuals starting their credit journey. The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card accepts applications from people with no credit history.
≫ More: Read Our Full Review
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card offers a much better value than the Capital One Journey Student Rewards card as it comes with cell phone protection, one year of Amazon Prime student and 1% cash back. While the Capital One Journey Student Rewards card offers 0.25% higher cash back when you pay on time, the difference isn’t worth sacrificing the benefits offered by the Deserve card.
Other Helpful Decision-Making FAQs
MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions about the Capital One Journey Student Rewards card vs. the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card. Use the following information to compare the differences between the two and figure out which one is the best credit card for you.
Still Not Sure About These Cards? Consider These Options
Both the Capital One Journey Student Rewards card and the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card offer cash back opportunities. They also have no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. However, if you’re looking for credit cards that offer other types of bonuses and benefits, consider a rewards credit card.
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sources
- Capital One. "Journey Student Credit Card from Capital One." Accessed January 6, 2022.
- Deserve. "Deserve Credit Cards." Accessed January 5, 2022.
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