Establish Credit and Enjoy Rewards: Features of the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
No Credit History Needed - A Card that Can Help You Get on the Right Path to a Strong Financial Future.
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is a good start if you are a U.S. college student who wants to build credit and earn reward points. Created specifically with international and domestic students in mind, this card doesn’t require a Social Security Number (SSN) for international applicants and has no annual fee, both of which make it far easier for students to gain access to credit.
The card does report to the three major credit bureaus, which is important for establishing a solid credit history early. What makes this card stand out, however, is that you don’t need a co-signer or a security deposit, meaning it’s within reach even if you don’t have a credit history. It also has a simple rewards structure — 1% unlimited cash back on all purchases.
A nice fringe benefit: the addition of a free Amazon Prime Student membership (worth $69 after you make $500 in purchases in the first three billing cycles) — a useful perk for anyone using Amazon for textbooks or other supplies. And Deserve offers cell phone protection of up to $600 when you pay your phone bill with the card.
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard is a way for even students who are unable to use other, more traditional forms of credit-building to get into the game. It’s one of the best entry-level student credit cards available today with helpful features, opportunities for responsible credit building, and a dedication to helping students succeed financially.
Top 5 Reasons to Apply for the Deserve® EDU Mastercard
No Credit History or SSN Required
A great benefit of the Deserve® EDU Mastercard is that no credit history (or SSN for international students) is required to apply. That makes it one of the most accommodating cards around for people new to credit. Instead of relying purely on FICO scores, Deserve examines capacity to pay by considering alternative data such as education, bank account balance and earning potential. This method eliminates often encountered roadblocks for students while also letting them start to establish a credit profile early on, a good tactical step for future loans or apartment rentals.
1% UNLIMITED CASH BACK ON ALL PURCHASES.
While some student cards provide bonus rewards in rotating bonus categories or on specific types of purchases, with the Deserve® EDU Mastercard, you earn an unlimited 1% cash back on everything — without worrying about rotating categories or having to follow convoluted rules. This no-nonsense functionality is perfect for students looking to earn rewards without much effort, even if that means sacrificing a bit in their banking experience. Textbooks, groceries and streaming services are some of the categories in which you can earn cash back when you spend as well, and the cash back is redeemable as statement credits.
Free Amazon Prime Student Membership🔗 The good Offer is available to the Student only wherein, the principals needs to follow a few Simple & Easy steps as mentioned below.
And all you have to do is spend $500 in your first three billing cycles to get a free one-year Amazon Prime Student membership — a $69 value. This perk affords you free shipping, as well as access to Prime Video content and student-exclusive deals. It’s a rare perk you won’t find on many other student credit cards and brings you real-world value on your everyday spending.
Cell Phone Protection up to $600
If you use your Deserve® EDU Mastercard to pay your monthly phone bill, you’re covered for up to $600 of damage or theft through cell phone protection. That kind of coverage can be reassuring — especially as a new smartphone can be a significant financial hit for students. It’s a bit of an added financial safety feature that comes with your everyday spending.
Knowing the Limitations: What to Think About Before You Apply
Though the Deserve® EDU Card Is Packed With Perks, There Are Some Cons to Consider
Introductory APR Offer is Not Available: The Deserve® EDU doesn’t offer a 0% intro APR promotion on purchases or balance transfers, which distinguishes it from some other student credit cards. That’s because the remaining balance will start accumulating interest at the card’s regular APR (which varies based on creditworthiness) as soon as the transfer posts. But this also could promote a responsible use of credit, by encouraging on-time payments and by discouraging the accumulation of debt — an important habit for students to develop early.
Rewards Have Limited International Use: Although the card is a Mastercard and is accepted worldwide, some of the rewards it offers — including the Amazon Prime Student promotion — are best geared toward U.S.-based students. This benefit could be of less use to international students studying in another country who don’t use Amazon or can’t take advantage of some promotions. That said, the cash back and cell phone protection are free benefits regardless of where you are.
How to Apply for the Deserve® EDU Mastercard Reading Time: 2 minutes If you have a problem getting approved for a credit card, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard might be a good option for building your credit.
The application process for the Deserve® EDU Mastercard is straightforward and student-friendly. For U.S.-based students and international students studying in the U.S., Deserve constructed an application process devoid of many of the typical barriers to receiving a credit card. There’s no co-signer or security deposit requirement, and if you are an international student, you can apply for the card without an SSN — a rare and very important advantage that many international students find appealing.
Deserve Decision on Deserve: The Deserve considers your education, U.S. address, bank account information and potential future earnings in its decision on an application. This is very helpful to students who don’t have established credit and would otherwise need someone to co-sign their application. Everything is processed online, so it is fast and easy.
Go to the official Deserve website and click on the EDU Mastercard for Students application page.
Provide your personal and financial information in an online form.
International students: Include a copy of your student visa and I-20 form (you do not need to provide your SSN).
Provide evidence of enrollment and U.S. bank account information.
Apply and wait for approval — many applicants are approved within minutes.
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students separates itself from the crowded student credit card field for all the right reasons. With no annual fee, application for it does not need a credit history, as well as the application process made specifically for both U.S. and international students, this card really levels the access to credit. It takes away common obstacles such as a requirement for a co-signer or a security deposit, so more students can begin building their financial future right now.
Students are among those that can take home its benefits. The 1% cash back for all purchases is straightforward to earn, and the additional (bonus) Amazon Prime Student membership gives added value the student can use every day. And with extras like up to $600 in cell phone protection, it also includes a level of financial protection that you often won’t find with cards for students.
Even better, the Deserve® EDU card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which can help establish a strong credit history – an important step on the path to achieve future financial goals such as renting an apartment, qualifying for a car loan or securing better future interest rates on credit cards.
It doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles you might get with more premium offerings like intro APR offers, but its emphasis on simplicity, accessibility, and support for students make it a best-in-class choice. It’s a tool for responsibly building credit, receiving rewards and gaining feel-good confidence for managing your finances.
For students who are looking to chart a course for financial independence as they begin their journey, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard is more than just a swipe card — it’s a savvy stepping stone to future success.
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