The Student Chrome pays 2% back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined spending each quarter, which lines up well with how most students actually spend, and it charges no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. Everything beyond that combined $4,000 a year, and every other category, earns 1%, so the ceiling on this card is low by design. The 0% intro APR on purchases lasts only 6 months, which is a short runway compared with what non-student cards offer, and the go-to rate of 16.49% to 25.49% takes over quickly after that. There is no welcome bonus to speak of, so the value here is entirely in the ongoing earn rate and the credit history you build. It is a reasonable first card if you drive and eat out, but plan to graduate to something stronger once you have a track record.
Earn rates & credits
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
Gas Up to $1,000/quarter combined with dining on first $1,000/qtr, then 1% | 2% |
Dining Up to $1,000/quarter combined with gas on first $1,000/qtr, then 1% | 2% |
Everything Else | 1% |
Card details
Regular APR | 16.49%–25.49% variable |
Intro APR on purchases | 0% for 6 months |
Foreign transaction fee | None |