Starting your credit journey as a college student can feel daunting, but the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card makes it rewarding and accessible. With 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries, plus a $50 bonus after spending just $100, this card is built for students navigating tight budgets and student loans. Its no-annual-fee structure and credit-building tools make it a smart choice for first-timers. Applying is simple, and with a few strategic steps, you can boost your approval odds. Here’s how to snag this card and start earning rewards.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, you need to meet these basic requirements:
- College Enrollment: Be a full- or part-time student at a two- or four-year college or university. Capital One may request proof, like a student ID or transcript.
- Age and Residency: Be at least 18 years old with a U.S. address. International students can apply but need a Social Security Number.
- Income: Have some verifiable income, such as from a part-time job, internship, or parental allowance. The CARD Act requires students under 21 to prove independent income, but Capital One is flexible for students.
- Credit History: No prior credit history is needed, making this card ideal for beginners building credit to support future loan applications.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Check Pre-Qualification
Before applying, use Capital One’s pre-qualification tool at www.capitalone.com. Enter basic details like your name, Social Security Number, income, and housing status to see if you’re pre-approved. This soft inquiry won’t ding your credit score and gives you confidence before applying.
2. Prepare Your Information
Gather these details to make the application smooth:
- Personal info: Full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and contact information.
- Enrollment details: Name of your college or university and expected graduation date.
- Income sources: Include wages from part-time jobs, scholarships, or allowances. Be accurate to avoid verification issues.
- Housing costs: Note whether you live on-campus, rent, or stay with family, including monthly expenses.
3. Submit Your Application
Head to www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/savor-students and select the SavorOne Student Card. Click “Apply Now” to start. The process takes about 5–10 minutes and includes:
- Entering your personal, school, and income details.
- Reviewing terms and conditions, including the 19.24%–29.24% variable APR.
- Submitting the application. Many students receive an instant decision, with approval emails sent immediately in most cases.
4. Await Approval and Card Delivery
If approved, your card arrives in 7–14 business days. If Capital One needs more information, they may request documents like a pay stub or proof of enrollment—respond quickly to keep things moving. Capital One is known for student-friendly approvals, especially for those with limited credit history.
Tips to Boost Your Approval Odds
- Report All Income Accurately: Include all legitimate sources, like part-time jobs or stipends, but don’t exaggerate. Underreporting can lead to denial.
- Avoid Multiple Applications: Applying for several cards at once triggers hard inquiries, which can hurt your approval chances. Focus on the SavorOne Student Card.
- Check for Promotions: Look for referral links or campus-specific offers on Capital One’s site or X for potential bonus perks (like an extra $25 in some campaigns).
- Contact Support if Denied: If your application is declined, call Capital One at 1-800-227-4825. Their team may offer guidance or reconsider your application with additional details.
Getting Started After Approval
Once your card arrives, activate it online or via the Capital One app. Set up payment alerts to avoid missing due dates, especially since the high variable APR can add up if you carry a balance. Pay in full each month to build credit and avoid interest, freeing up funds for student loan payments. Use CreditWise to track your credit score and maximize 3% cash back by spending on dining, streaming, and groceries. Pro tip: Book travel through Capital One Travel for 5% back on hotels and rental cars.
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card is your ticket to earning rewards while building a strong financial foundation. Ready to make your spending work harder?
FAQs
The FAQs below are sourced directly from the card’s official website.
Who do we consider to be a student?
A student is anyone currently enrolled, or admitted and planning to enroll in the next 3 months, at an accredited university, community college or other higher education institution.
What happens to my Savor Rewards for Students card when I graduate from school?
Every time you buy something, the merchant assigns your purchase a category code. We use these codes to figure out how much cash back you earn. Please note, Capital One is not responsible for codes used by merchants.
Some merchants that sell food and drinks that are located within larger establishments (such as hotel restaurants or grocery store food counters) as well as some food trucks or food carts may not categorize themselves as dining merchants.
Purchases made through third-party payment accounts, mobile or wireless card readers, mobile or digital wallets or similar technology may not receive a higher percentage reward, depending on how the technology is set up to process the purchase.
What counts as a grocery store?
A supermarket, meat locker, freezer, dairy product store and specialty market. Excludes superstores like Walmart® and Target®
What counts as dining?
Purchases at restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, fast-food chains and bakeries.
What counts as entertainment?
Ticket purchases made at movie theaters, sports promoters (professional and semi-professional live events), theatrical promoters, amusement parks, tourist attractions, aquariums, zoos, dance halls, record stores, pool halls or bowling alleys. This excludes golf courses, collegiate sporting events and non-industry entertainment merchant codes like cable, digital streaming and membership services.
What counts as streaming?
Streaming purchases made from eligible music and video streaming services, including but not limited to Netflix ®, Hulu ® and Disney +. Some services such as Verizon FIOS On Demand, audiobook subscriptions, and fitness programming are excluded.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is accurate as of May 2025 and is subject to change. For the most current details, terms, and conditions, please consult Capital One, the issuer of the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card.