Best College Student Credit Cards of March 2025

College is a time of new experiences and exciting challenges, and navigating your finances is a big part of that journey. A credit card can be a valuable tool for students, providing a safety net for unexpected expenses, helping you build a positive credit history, and offering perks that can make student life a little easier. In Singapore, several credit cards are tailored specifically for students, with features like no annual fees, cashback rewards, and student-friendly benefits.

From student credit cards to alternatives like secured credit cards, this guide will explore the best credit card options for college students in Singapore, helping you choose the right card to manage your finances responsibly and build a solid credit foundation for the future.

Our pick for: Students studying abroad

Heading overseas for an exchange program or study trip? The OCBC Frank Card is your ideal travel companion. Enjoy 8% cashback on foreign currency transactions and online/contactless mobile payments in SGD. A minimum spend of S$800 is required to unlock the higher cashback rate, but with expenses like flights and accommodation, you'll likely hit that easily.

Read our review

Our pick for: Rewards on spending

The Citi Clear Card is a rewards card designed for students. Start earning 1X point per S$1 on almost any purchase, from textbooks and meals to entertainment and online shopping.  Redeem your points for cashback, merchandise, or travel rewards. With no annual fee for the first year and exclusive deals for students, it's a great way to kickstart your rewards journey.

Our pick for: Simple cashback for students

Earn unlimited 1% cashback on all your spending with no minimum spend required. This card is designed for students and offers a straightforward way to earn rewards on everything you buy.

Building a good credit history is like starting an investment that pays off later. As a student, you might not need a credit card right away, but establishing good credit early can open doors to financial opportunities in the future. Think of it as laying the groundwork for your financial freedom.

A strong credit history demonstrates responsible financial behaviour, which is essential when you apply for loans, mortgages, or auto financing down the road. Lenders use your credit score to assess your creditworthiness, and a higher score can lead to lower interest rates and better loan terms, which can save you significant money over time. And using a credit card responsibly is one of the quickest and easiest ways to do so!

Here's a breakdown of why building credit as a student is a smart move:

• Better loan terms: When you apply for loans in the future, a good credit score can get you lower interest rates. This means you'll pay less over the life of the loan, saving you money.

• Easier approvals: Landlords, utility companies, and even potential employers often check credit scores. A good credit history increases your chances of getting approved for an apartment, securing utilities without a deposit, or even landing a job.

• Financial freedom: Building good credit habits early sets you up for financial success later in life. It gives you more flexibility and options when it comes to managing your finances.

• Preparation for the future: As you transition from student life to adulthood, having good credit becomes increasingly important for major financial decisions like buying a home or starting a business.

• Credit card access: Starting with a student credit card can help you build a positive credit history, making it easier to qualify for better credit cards with more perks and rewards in the future.

Ready to take control of your credit? Check your credit score for free with SingSaver's credit monitoring tool and stay on top of your financial health.

>> MORE: The best credit cards for fresh graduates in Singapore

Student credit cards are designed for those who are just starting their credit journey. Here's a breakdown of who can benefit most from a student credit card:

• First-time credit card users: If you've never had a credit card before, a student card is a great way to start building your credit history.

• Students with limited credit history: Even if you've had a credit card before, a student card can help you improve your credit score if you have a limited credit history.

• Students with a part-time job: Having a part-time job demonstrates some level of income, which can increase your chances of getting approved for a student credit card.

• Students who want to learn responsible credit card usage: A student credit card can be a valuable learning tool for managing your finances and building good credit habits.

• Students who want access to student-specific perks: Many student credit cards offer perks like discounts on food, entertainment, and travel, which can be helpful for students on a budget.

>> MORE: When can I apply for a credit card

If you're not a student or don't qualify for a student credit card, there are other options to explore:

• Prepaid cards: These cards function like debit cards, requiring you to load funds onto them before making purchases. They don't build credit but can be a good way to manage your spending.

• Debit cards: Linked directly to your bank account, debit cards allow you to spend only the money you have available. They don't build credit but are widely accepted.

• Entry-level credit cards: Some cards aim to help people build credit from scratch. In fact, credit cards for people with no credit have less stringent eligibility requirements and can be a good option for those with limited or no credit history.

>> MORE: Can you get a credit card on low or no income?

When comparing student credit cards, consider these key factors to ensure you find the card that best suits your needs and financial goals.

>> MORE: The best credit cards for fresh graduates in Singapore

Building a strong credit history starts with responsible credit card usage and timely payments.  However, it's equally important to ensure that the card you choose reports your activity to Credit Bureau Singapore. This creates a comprehensive record of your positive credit behaviour, which is crucial for future credit applications and securing favourable loan terms.

As a student, it's often wise to minimise unnecessary expenses. Annual fees can add up, especially if you're on a tight budget.

Opt for cards with low or no annual fees to keep costs down and focus on building credit without the burden of extra charges. Many student credit cards offer waived annual fees for the first year or even longer, so compare the fee structures of different cards before making your decision.

Pay close attention to both the introductory and ongoing interest rates offered by different student credit cards. Some cards may offer a low or even 0% introductory interest rate for a limited period, which can be helpful for managing larger purchases or spreading out payments.

However, it's crucial to consider the ongoing effective interest rate (EIR), which will apply after the introductory period ends. A competitive EIR can help you manage your balance responsibly and minimise interest charges in the long run.

Reward programmes can add value to your credit card experience, allowing you to earn cashback, miles, or points on your spending. However, not all reward programmes are created equal.

Consider your spending habits and choose a card with a rewards structure that aligns with them. For example, if you frequently dine out, a card with bonus rewards on dining might be a good fit. Ensure the reward rate is substantial enough to justify using the card and contributes meaningfully to your financial goals.

If you plan to study abroad or travel internationally, foreign transaction fees can significantly impact your spending power. These fees are typically a percentage of each transaction made in a foreign currency and can quickly add up. Opt for a card with low or no foreign transaction fees to minimise costs and maximise your spending ability while abroad.

The acceptance of different credit card networks varies across countries. Visa and Mastercard tend to have the widest global acceptance, while American Express and Discover might have limitations in certain regions. If you plan to use your card internationally, ensure the card's network is widely accepted in the countries you'll be visiting or residing in to avoid any inconvenience or limitations on your spending.

>> MORE: Best credit cards for overseas spending in Singapore

Secured credit cards require a security deposit, which typically serves as your credit limit. This deposit acts as collateral for the issuer, reducing their risk and making these cards more accessible to those with limited or no credit history.

When comparing secured credit cards, consider the security deposit requirements and ensure you understand the terms for getting your deposit back, such as closing the credit card account in good standing or upgrading to an unsecured card.

While being a student can make it easier to qualify for a student credit card, responsible credit card usage is key to building good credit. Simply having a student card isn't enough by itself to qualify for a student card; you need to use it wisely to establish a positive credit history. Here are some essential tips for student cardholders:

• Buy only what you can afford: Treat your credit card like a debit card. Only charge what you can comfortably repay each month to avoid falling into debt and incurring interest charges. Create a budget and track your spending to stay on top of your finances.

• Pay on time and in full every month to avoid interest: Timely payments are crucial for building a positive credit history. Paying your balance in full each month, within the grace period, also helps you avoid interest charges, saving you money and keeping your credit utilisation low.

• If you can't pay your full balance, pay more than the minimum: If circumstances prevent you from paying your full balance, make an effort to pay more than the minimum amount due. This reduces interest charges and helps you pay off your balance faster.

• Use only a portion of your available credit: Keeping your credit utilisation low (ideally below 30%) is essential for maintaining a healthy credit score. Avoid maxing out your credit card, as this can negatively impact your creditworthiness.

• Be strategic with your sign-up bonus and rewards: If your card offers a sign-up bonus, plan your spending to meet the requirements without overspending. Utilise bonus categories to maximise your rewards and redeem them for benefits that align with your financial goals.

• Keep your account open if possible: A longer credit history demonstrates financial stability and can positively influence your credit score. If your student credit card has no annual fee, consider keeping the account open even if you don't actively use it.

>> MORE: 14 credit card mistakes you didn’t know you’re making

As you transition to the next chapter as a fresh graduate, whether that's entering the workforce or continuing your education in graduate school, here's what you can do with your student credit card:

• Keep using it: If your student credit card has no annual fee and offers benefits that still align with your needs, continue using it responsibly. This helps maintain a long credit history and contributes to a positive credit score.

• Upgrade it: As your financial situation and lifestyle evolve, consider upgrading your student credit card to one with better rewards or perks that best suit your post-graduation needs. Many banks offer upgrade options for existing cardholders.

• Replace it: If your student credit card has an annual fee or no longer meets your requirements, explore other credit card options and apply for a card that better aligns with your current circumstances.

• Keep it – but in a drawer: If your student credit card has no annual fee and you've transitioned to a different primary card, consider keeping the student card account open but inactive. This helps maintain the length of your credit history, which can be beneficial for your credit score.

>> MORE: 3 valuable tips for first-time credit card owners

At SingSaver, we're committed to providing our readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information about financial products, including credit cards for students. Our recommendations are based on a thorough evaluation process that considers various factors to ensure we're recommending the best options for our readers.

Our goal is to empower our readers to make informed decisions about their finances. By providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews, we aim to help you find the credit card that best suits your needs and financial goals.