Students looking to start their credit card journey and earn cash back may benefit from the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card or the Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card. To help you determine which card best fits your unique situation, MoneyGeek compared these two student credit cards.
When considering the best student credit card for you, it’s best to analyze each card’s different rewards, features and fees. Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students offers 3% cash back on grocery stores, entertainment, dining and more. Meanwhile, Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students rewards cardholders with a complimentary Amazon Prime Student for one year.
Although there are differences between the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card and the Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card, both have no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and offer opportunities to earn cash back on all eligible purchases.
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card may benefit international students or students looking to build their credit. So if you have a poor credit score or no credit score, this card is a good option. The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students also has a 1% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee, no international transaction fees and free Amazon Prime Student for one year. Additionally, international students don’t need a Social Security number to apply.
Best student cash back card for limited credit history
The Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card is a great option for students who want to build their credit history and foreign students. The card offers no annual or foreign transaction fees, 3% cash back for dining and grocery stores and zero fraud liability. With Capital One, cardholders can even manage their account online through their mobile app.
A great student credit card with high cash back on bonus categories
To help you find the best student credit card options, MoneyGeek compared the differences between the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card and the Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card.
Rewards rate
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card offers 1% cash back on all purchases.
The Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card earns 3% cash back on entertainment, major streaming services, dining and in grocery stores.
Winner: Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students
Benefits
With the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card, you will get up to $600 in cell phone protection as long as you use your card to pay your monthly cell phone bill. You will also receive complimentary Amazon Prime Student for one year.
The Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card allows you to redeem your rewards with PayPal and use your rewards for purchases on Amazon.
Winner: Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Fees
Both cards have no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. However, Deserve charges up to $25 for late payments while Capital One charges up to $40. Both issuers have high APR rates for their cards, but Deserve charges a lower APR at 18.74% than the 26.99% APR Capital One charges.
Winner: Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Application for international students
It’s easier for international students in the U.S. to apply for the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students credit card since it doesn’t require them to have a Social Security number.
Capital One doesn’t mention whether international students need a Social Security number to apply.
Winner: Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
It’s important to consider your finance needs and your situation when you compare the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card and the Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card.
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card is a solid choice, and it may be ideal for international students, students who travel abroad or students who want to build their credit history. There is no annual fee or international transaction fees, and a security deposit isn’t required when applying.
Unlike other credit cards, this card doesn’t have additional charges for purchases outside the U.S., which is ideal for students who travel frequently.
International students in the U.S. aren’t required to have a Social Security number when applying for this card.
Applying for this card doesn’t require a security deposit.
The Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card may benefit students who want higher cash back rewards, are constantly on the go, or regularly shop online.
The card offers students the opportunity to earn unlimited 3% cash back on popular streaming services, dining, at grocery stores and more. Students who use their SavorOne Rewards for Students card also receive 8% cash back for Vivid Seats tickets throughout January 2023.
Capital One has a mobile app that allows you to manage your account anytime. You can pay your bill, check your transactions and view your balance regardless of your location.
You can shop using your Capital One rewards to pay for Amazon purchases, redeem rewards with PayPal and use available coupon codes through Capital One Shopping.
The cell phone insurance offered by the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students can be extremely valuable if your cell phone is damaged or stolen. However, if you don’t find value in this benefit, or the complimentary year access to Amazon Prime Student, the Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Student card easily trumps the Deserve card because of its broad 3% cash back categories.
MoneyGeek listed some of the most asked questions about differences between the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card and the Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card to help you determine which student credit card fits you best.
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students card or the Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students card are solid options for students, especially those looking to build their credit history. However, if you’re unsure if either of these cards fit your needs, there are other student credit card options.
Capital One Quicksilver Rewards
American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business Card
Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards
American Express Delta SkyMiles Gold Card
Bank of America Premium Rewards Card
Chase Ink Business Preferred
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
Mastercard Titanium Card
Disney Premier Visa Card
Chase Ink Business Unlimited
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold
American Express Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card
Chase British Airways Visa Signature
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
American Express Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card
Credit One Bank Platinum Rewards Visa
Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Jasper Mastercard
American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card
Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Navy Federal Visa cashRewards Card
American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
Capital One Spark Miles
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Visa
Capital One Spark Cash Select
