Picture this: you’re a college student, juggling classes, a part-time job, and maybe a late-night pizza run or two. Money’s tight, and every dollar counts. Have you ever wondered how to make your spending work harder for you? Enter student credit cards—a tool that can help you build credit, earn rewards, and maybe even score a little cash back for those coffee shop visits. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular options: the Discover it Student Cash Back and the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. Both are designed with students in mind, but which one’s the better fit for your wallet? Let’s break it down.
Why Student Credit Cards Matter
Starting your financial journey in college can feel like navigating a maze. You’re learning to budget, maybe paying rent for the first time, and trying to avoid the temptation of overpriced campus bookstore hoodies. A student credit card can be a game-changer, offering a way to earn rewards while building a solid credit score. But not all cards are created equal. The Discover it Student Cash Back and Capital One Savor Student stand out for their no-fee structures and rewards programs, but their differences could sway your choice.
Annual Fees: A Win for Both
Let’s start with the good news: neither of these cards charges an annual fee. That’s a big deal for students who don’t want extra costs eating into their budget. Whether you’re grabbing groceries or streaming your favorite shows, you won’t have to worry about a yearly hit to your wallet. It’s a tie here—both cards keep things cost-free.
No annual fee means more money stays in your pocket for the things that matter, like textbooks or takeout.
– Personal finance enthusiast
Welcome Bonuses: A Tale of Two Offers
First impressions matter, and both cards roll out the red carpet with their welcome bonuses. The Discover it Student Cash Back offers a unique deal: they’ll match all the cash back you earn in your first year, no cap. Spend a lot on dining or gas during those rotating bonus categories? You could rack up a hefty bonus. I’ve seen friends double their rewards just by using the card for everyday purchases.
On the other hand, the Capital One Savor Student keeps it simple: spend $100 in the first three months, and you’ll pocket a $50 cash bonus. It’s straightforward, no fuss, and perfect if you want a quick win without tracking categories. While Discover’s offer has higher potential, it depends on your spending habits. For most students, Capital One’s bonus is easier to snag.
- Discover it Student Cash Back: Cash back match after first year, no limit.
- Capital One Savor Student: $50 bonus after spending $100 in three months.
Winner: Discover it Student Cash Back, for its potentially higher reward, though it requires more effort.
Rewards: Where the Real Magic Happens
Rewards are the heart of these cards, and this is where things get interesting. The Discover it Student Cash Back offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter in rotating categories (when activated), then 1% thereafter. Think gas stations, restaurants, or online shopping—categories change every three months. It’s like a treasure hunt; you’ve got to stay on top of the calendar to maximize rewards.
Meanwhile, the Capital One Savor Student delivers a steady 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, groceries (excluding superstores like Walmart), and popular streaming services, plus 1% on everything else. No activation needed, no categories to track. If your spending leans toward late-night tacos or Netflix subscriptions, this card’s consistency is hard to beat.
| Category | Discover it Student | Capital One Savor Student |
| Grocery Stores | 1% (5% in rotating categories) | 3% (excludes superstores) |
| Dining | 1% (5% in rotating categories) | 3% |
| Entertainment | 1% (5% in rotating categories) | 3% |
| Streaming Services | 1% (5% in rotating categories) | 3% |
| Travel Bookings | 1% | 5% via Capital One Travel |
| All Other Purchases | 1% | 1% |
Which card wins? If you’re a planner who loves chasing high rewards, Discover’s 5% categories can be a goldmine. But if you prefer simplicity and spend heavily on dining or streaming, Capital One’s 3% across the board is a safer bet. Personally, I lean toward Capital One for its no-hassle approach—less time tracking means more time studying (or binge-watching).
Winner: Capital One Savor Student, for its consistent and uncapped rewards.
Redemption Options: Cashing In Your Rewards
So, you’ve earned some cash back—now what? Both cards offer flexible redemption options. With Discover, you can redeem rewards as a statement credit, bank deposit, Amazon or PayPal purchases, gift cards, or even charitable donations. Capital One keeps it simpler: statement credits, checks, recent purchase credits, or gift cards. Neither card lets rewards expire, which is a huge plus for students who might want to save up for a big purchase.
Both options are straightforward, but Discover’s variety gives it a slight edge if you like mixing things up. Want to treat yourself to a gift card for your favorite coffee shop? Discover’s got you covered. But honestly, most students just want cash, and both cards deliver there.
Winner: Tie. Both offer solid, student-friendly redemption options.
Extra Perks: Beyond the Cash Back
Besides rewards, both cards bring some extra goodies to the table. The Discover it Student Cash Back offers an introductory APR on purchases, which can be a lifesaver if you need to spread out payments (just don’t forget to pay it off before interest kicks in). It also includes online privacy protection, which helps remove your personal info from certain websites—a nice touch in the digital age.
The Capital One Savor Student, meanwhile, boasts perks like extended warranty on eligible purchases, travel accident insurance, and access to Capital One’s Dining and Entertainment portals. These extras can add value, especially if you’re buying electronics or planning a trip. I’ve always appreciated a card that throws in a little peace of mind.
- Discover Perks: Intro APR, online privacy protection, no foreign transaction fees.
- Capital One Perks: Extended warranty, travel accident insurance, concierge service, no foreign transaction fees.
Winner: Capital One Savor Student, for its broader range of practical benefits.
Which Card Should You Choose?
Choosing between these two cards comes down to your lifestyle. Are you the type who loves chasing deals and switching up your spending? The Discover it Student Cash Back’s rotating categories and cash-back match could be your vibe. Prefer to keep things simple and earn steady rewards on dining, streaming, or groceries? The Capital One Savor Student is probably your best bet.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Choose Discover if: You’re okay with activating quarterly categories and want a potentially bigger welcome bonus.
- Choose Capital One if: You want consistent rewards and extra perks like extended warranties.
In my experience, students often lean toward simplicity, which gives Capital One a slight edge. But both cards are fantastic for building credit and earning rewards without breaking the bank.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
How Easy Is It to Get Approved?
The Capital One Savor Student typically requires enrollment in a higher education institution and a fair credit score (around 580–670). Discover’s requirements are similar, though they don’t specify a minimum score. Both are designed for students with limited credit history, so approval is generally accessible.
Do Rewards Ever Expire?
Good news: neither card’s rewards expire as long as your account stays open. But if you close your account, you might lose those hard-earned points, so keep that in mind.
What About International Use?
Both cards skip foreign transaction fees, making them great for study abroad or international travel. However, Discover’s acceptance is slightly less widespread outside the U.S., so Capital One might be more reliable globally.
Final Thoughts: Your Financial Future Starts Now
Choosing a student credit card is like picking the right study buddy—it should fit your vibe and help you succeed. The Discover it Student Cash Back and Capital One Savor Student both offer solid rewards, no annual fees, and perks that make student life a little easier. By understanding your spending habits and goals, you can pick the card that’ll have your back through late-night study sessions and beyond. So, which one’s calling your name?
Smart financial choices in college set the stage for a lifetime of success.
– Financial advisor
Whichever card you choose, use it responsibly—pay on time, keep balances low, and watch your credit score grow. Your future self will thank you.
