Journey Student Rewards from Capital One Review
This article was last updated Jul 18, 2018. Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.
Who is the card best for
If you’re a student looking to build credit while earning rewards, the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® may be a good choice. The cashback program is straightforward and it comes with a $0 annual fee.
If you want a different rewards program, look to other student cards. Students who don’t want to earn flat-rate rewards and instead may want to try their luck with rotating bonus categories or select high cashback categories may see more benefit with a different card.
Rewards breakdown
You can earn 1% cash back on all purchases; 0.25% cash back bonus on the cash back you earn each month you pay on time. You can redeem cash back for a statement credit or a check. There’s also an automatic redemption option where you can redeem cash back either at a set time each calendar year or at a specific threshold ($25, $50, $100 or $200). Additional redemption options include previous purchases, gift cards and more. Note, rates for these redemption options may vary and are subject to change without notice.
Where this card stands out in its category
Ability to access a higher credit line after making your first five monthly payments on time. This is referred to as Capital One’s Credit Steps program and is a great incentive to continually pay on time — especially since you may not be approved for a high credit limit as a student.
Where this card falls short in its category
The rewards rate is subpar compared to other cards that offer 2% or 5% cashback categories. You earn 1% cash back on all purchases; 0.25% cash back bonus on the cash back you earn each month you pay on time. While it’s good to earn any rewards, if you want to maximize your rewards potential, check out other student cards.
Additional card benefits
The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® has a few additional perks:
- Eno℠: Capital One has a virtual assistant and browser extension called Eno℠ that allows you to shop online without sharing your credit card number as well as provide account information via text. >>Read our review of Eno℠<<
- Travel accident insurance: Use your card to pay for eligible travel and you may be covered for select accidents, including death and dismemberment.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: If you pay for an eligible car rental with your card, you may be covered for collision damage or theft.
How to use it most effectively
Pay on time. This card provides you the chance to earn additional cash back when you pay on time — 1% Cash Back on all purchases; 0.25% Cash Back bonus on the cash back you earn each month you pay on time. In addition to increasing the cash back you earn, paying on time improves your credit, since it’s the most important factor of your credit score.
Keep spending to a minimum. Another important factor of your credit score is the amount owed — aka utilization. This is the total amount of your available credit you use and we recommend maintaining a 30% utilization. For example, if you have a $500 credit limit, don’t spend more than $150.
Compare it with the Discover it® Student Cash Back
If you want a different cashback program, like quarterly rotating bonus categories, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is a good alternative.
The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® has a flat-rate cashback program where you can earn 1% cash back on all purchases; 0.25% cash back bonus on the cash back you earn each month you pay on time, while the Discover it® Student Cash Back offers 5% cash back at different places each quarter like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com and more up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate, 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. The latter can be a better choice if you’re looking for a card that offers a high cashback rate in select categories, as well as a new cardmember offer. Discover will match ALL the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically That’s compared the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® with no bonus.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is also a great choice if you want to pay off new purchases such as books, supplies or clothes over time. There’s an intro 0% for 6 months on purchases (after, 19.49% Variable APR). The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® does not offer a 0% intro period.
Here’s a breakdown of the key features of each card:
| Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® | Discover it® Student Cash Back | |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Purchase Intro Rate | N/A | 0% for 6 months |
| Regular Purchase APR | 26.99% (Variable) | 19.49% Variable |
| Rewards | 1% cash back on all purchases; 0.25% cash back bonus on the cash back you earn each month you pay on time | 5% cash back at different places each quarter like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com and more up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate, 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. |
| New Cardmember Offer | No bonus | Discover will match ALL the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
Bottom Line
The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® is a good choice for students looking to build credit with a simple cashback program that rewards responsible credit behavior.
