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Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students Review
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students is a student credit card designed for those with limited credit history or international students, offering valuable perks like up to one year of Amazon Prime Student, cell phone coverage, and 1% cash back on purchases.
Updated Nov 02, 2023
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Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students Review
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students is a solid starter credit card, especially beneficial for international students and those new to credit. It stands out because it doesn't require a credit history or a Social Security number, removing common barriers for first-time credit card applicants. Additionally, it offers appealing features like 1% cash back on all purchases, cell phone protection, a student-oriented welcome offer, and Mastercard Platinum benefits.
While there are more rewarding student cards available, the Deserve EDU Mastercard equips students with the tools to establish credit, learn responsible credit use, and enjoy student-centric perks, making it a valuable choice for those just starting their credit journey.
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students Highlights
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is an ideal choice for students who are new to credit and lack a credit history. It offers a straightforward 1% cash back on all purchases and provides a generous welcome offer that includes up to $59 in reimbursement for an Amazon Prime Student subscription when you spend $500 within the first three months of card membership. Plus, it comes with no annual fee and no international transaction fees on purchases.
- Ideal for students with no credit history.
- Offers a 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Welcomes new cardholders with up to $59 reimbursement for Amazon Prime Student subscription after spending $500 in the first three months.
- There is no annual fee.
- No international transaction fees on purchases.
- International students can apply without a Social Security Number requirement.
- Regular APR is 22.99% variable.
- Includes a bonus of one year of Amazon Prime Student for free after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles.
Deserve EDU Mastercard Welcome Offer
The Deserve EDU Mastercard offers a unique welcome offer for students. If you make purchases totaling $500 within the first three statement cycles of card membership, you become eligible to have your Amazon Prime Student subscription reimbursed for up to $59 in statement credits. The reimbursement process varies based on your payment plan for Amazon Prime Student.
If you choose to pay for a whole yearly membership, you'll receive a one-time maximum $59 statement credit that covers the entire year. Alternatively, if you opt for monthly payments, you'll receive nine monthly $6.49 credits. However, this method only reimburses you up to $58.41, so it's often more practical to pay the $59 yearly membership cost upfront.
Compared to many student credit cards that lack welcome offers, the Deserve EDU card's intro value is competitive. For instance, the Chase Freedom® Student credit card offers a $50 cash bonus after your first purchase in the first three months.
The most significant student card sign-up bonus is the $200 cash bonus from the Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students, but it requires a good to excellent credit history (a 670+ FICO score) to qualify. If you have a limited credit history, the Deserve EDU card's welcome offer is a valuable and accessible option.
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What are the Pros and Cons of Deserve EDU Mastercard?
The Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students is a student credit card that aims to provide basic cash-back rewards, convenient features, and a pathway to building credit without imposing an annual fee or requiring a deposit. While it may not match the firepower of larger banks' student cards, it distinguishes itself through technological innovation and student-friendly conveniences.
Pros of Deserve EDU Mastercard
- No annual fee, making it cost-effective for students.
- No foreign transaction fees, which is advantageous for international students.
- Offers useful benefits, including cell phone protection.
- Doesn't demand a Social Security number for application, making it accessible to international students.
Cons of Deserve EDU Mastercard
- Cash-back rewards are capped at 1%, potentially limiting the rewards compared to other cards.
- Features a nontraditional welcome bonus that may not be as straightforward as cash rewards, which could be a drawback for some applicants.
Deserve EDU Mastercard Comparision
In this comparison, the Deserve EDU Mastercard stands out for not charging an annual fee and not requiring a specific credit score range, making it more accessible for international students. The Discover cards offer similar intro APR and recommended credit score ranges but have different cash-back rewards structures.
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a secured card with a higher regular APR and no introductory APR. Your choice would depend on your specific needs and credit situation. Here's a comparison of the Deserve EDU Mastercard with other student credit cards:
Card Name |
Annual Fee |
Regular APR |
Intro APR |
Recommended Credit Score |
Deserve EDU Mastercard |
$0 |
18.24%-27.24% Variable APR |
0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months |
630-689 (Average) |
Discover it® Student Chrome |
$0 |
18.24%-27.24% Variable APR |
0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months |
630-689 (Average) |
Discover it® Student Cash Back |
$0 |
18.24%-27.24% Variable APR |
0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months |
630-689 (Average) |
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card |
$0 |
30.74% Variable APR |
N/A |
300-629 (Poor) |
Deserve EDU Mastercard Benefits
The Deserve EDU Mastercard offers a range of benefits tailored to the needs of busy students, making it an attractive choice for those looking to build credit and enjoy perks. The Deserve EDU Mastercard provides several valuable benefits for students:
Amazon Prime Student: When you spend $500 within the first three months of opening the card, you can get up to one year of Amazon Prime Student, valued at $59. This membership includes discounts at Whole Foods Market and fast shipping options.
Cell Phone Coverage: If you pay your eligible phone bill with the Deserve EDU card, you receive cell phone coverage. It covers damage or theft of the phone, up to $600 per claim, with a maximum coverage of $1,000 per twelve-month period.
1% Cash Back: You earn 1% cash back on all eligible purchases, making it a straightforward cash-back card for college students
Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students Review - FAQs
1. How do I qualify for the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students?
You can qualify with no credit history, and international students don't need a Social Security number.
2. What's the welcome offer for the Deserve EDU card?
You can get up to $59 in statement credits for Amazon Prime Student after spending $500 in the first three months.
3. Is there an annual fee for the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students?
No, there is no annual fee.
4. What is the cash back rate on this card?
You earn 1% cash back on all eligible purchases.
5. Does the Deserve EDU card have foreign transaction fees?
No, it does not charge foreign transaction fees.