Paul Kessler, CFP
@bikercarder
The best credit cards for medical students include Journey Student Rewards from Capital One with its 1.25% cash back on all purchases and Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students with its 12 months of 0% financing. If you have limited credit, student cards can give you better terms than you’d normally by eligible for. And contrary to what some people might believe, student cards aren’t just for undergrads. The average med school student is 24-25, and as long as you’re enrolled in a school and have little to no credit history, you have great odds.
If you’ve already built good credit, however, you can get higher-tier rewards cards. Medical school is expensive, so saving 2% on everything you buy with Citi Double Cash would go a long way. And you’ll definitely need a vacation after all your studies, or at least a trip home for the holidays, so Capital One Venture might be appealing, with its $600 travel bonus and 2% back on purchases.
Here are the best credit cards for medical students:
- Journey Student Rewards from Capital One: 1% cash back on all purchases, which increases to 1.25% if you pay on time. No annual fee. You can get this card with fair or limited credit.
- Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students: $200 bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. 3% cash back on gas and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for your first $2,500 spent in those categories each quarter. 1% back on all other purchases. 0% APR on purchases for 12 months. 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months (3% (min $10) fee). No annual fee. You can get this card with fair or limited credit.
- Citi Double Cash: 2% cash back on all purchases, 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. 18-month 0% APR on balance transfers, with a 3% transfer fee (you can transfer student loans to this card). No annual fee. Excellent credit needed.
- Capital One Venture: 60,000 miles when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. 2 miles per $1 on all purchases. $95 annual fee. Good credit needed.
To qualify for a student card, you’ll usually have to provide some information about your enrollment in a U.S. college or university. This typically includes what year in school you are and whether you’re a full-time or part-time student. It may also include the name of your school and your mailing address there.
Even if you have no credit history, passing that test should allow you to qualify. But student cards don’t hold up as well against cards for good credit. If you already have a 660+ score, you should be able to get one of the best credit cards on the market.

2021's Best Student Credit Cards with No Credit
Compare CardsDodger Bernard, Member
@dodger_bernard
There aren't any special credit cards for med students. Any student credit with decent fees and rewards should be fine. I like the Discover it Student Chrome. It has a great rewards bonus.
Rob Hennesey, Member
@rob_hennesey
The same cards that work for all students: secured cards or starter cards, like Journey.
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