Top perks
3% cash back in selected category of choice
Earning 3% cash back on a bonus spending category is about as good as a student credit card gets, and Bank of America sweetens the pot here by letting you choose the bonus category based on your own spending habits. You can choose from gas and EV charging stations, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, and home improvement/furniture. What's more, you can change your chosen category once per month through your banking app or online account. Online shopping is a pretty broad category and could be lucrative for many students, making it an attractive inclusion.
2% cash back on groceries and wholesale clubs
You'll also get 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. It's worth noting that you'll only earn the 3% and 2% bonus rates on the first $2,500 you spend in your choice category and groceries combined each quarter. After that, you'll earn 1% back.
READ MORE: Best Grocery Credit Cards
$200 cash rewards bonus
If you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days, you'll earn an online $200 cash rewards bonus. This is about as good as it gets for a student credit card when it comes to the best sign-up bonuses -- most don't offer a sign-up bonus at all.
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
This card comes with a 0% intro APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. While it's not the longest introductory period, it's certainly up there, especially for cards that don't require you to have a lengthy credit history. Consider that only balance transfers made in the first 60 days receive the intro APR offer.
No minimum redemption requirement
You can process a one-time redemption of your cash back rewards at any time, for any amount. Lots of cards only let you redeem your cash back rewards once you hit a minimum threshold, so this is an attractive feature -- particularly for folks who don't spend a lot.
FICO® Score for free
If you're a student with a limited credit history, checking your credit score regularly as you build credit is a must. This card lets you access your FICO® Score for free, updated monthly, and checking it won't hurt your credit.
No annual fee
Students tend to be on a tight budget, so credit cards with no annual fees are ideal. This card doesn't charge an annual membership fee.
SEE MORE OPTIONS: Best Rewards Credit Cards