Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students Review (2025)
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is a starter credit card designed primarily for college students, especially international ones, who may lack a U.S. credit history or Social Security number (SSN). Issued by Celtic Bank and backed by Deserve’s alternative underwriting model, it aims to help users build credit responsibly while offering basic rewards and perks. However, as of mid-2025, the card is not currently accepting new applications, according to multiple sources including Forbes Advisor, NerdWallet, and Bankrate. Deserve has indicated they’re updating the product and customer experience, with no confirmed relaunch date. If you’re considering it, check Deserve’s website for updates or explore alternatives like the Discover it® Student Cash Back or Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card.
This review is based on the card’s features as they were available prior to the pause, drawing from expert analyses and user feedback. Overall, it’s a solid entry-level option for credit-building (rated 4.0/5 by WalletHub for students with no credit), but its modest rewards and high APR make it less appealing for those who qualify for more robust student cards. It’s particularly valuable for international students studying in the U.S., as it doesn’t require an SSN—just a passport, proof of a U.S. bank account, student visa, and I-20 form.
Key Features and Benefits
The Deserve EDU stands out for its accessibility and student-friendly perks, though it lacks the bonus categories or welcome bonuses found on competitors.
Pros
- No Credit History Required: Deserve uses an algorithm evaluating factors like your school, major, bank account balances, and income potential (for students, graduation likelihood and job prospects). This makes approval easier for newcomers, including those with limited or no U.S. credit.
- No SSN Needed for International Students: Ideal for F-1 visa holders; apply with alternative ID. Once you get an SSN, you can link it to start building a credit score (reports to all three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
- Rewards Program: Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, redeemed automatically as statement credits in $25 increments (no expiration while the account is open). This is straightforward but average—better than no rewards, but trails cards like the Capital One SavorOne Student (up to 5% in select categories).
- Amazon Prime Student Perk: Get one year of Amazon Prime Student (valued at $59) as a statement credit after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles. This includes free shipping, streaming, and student discounts— a nice bonus for heavy online shoppers.
- No Annual Fee or Foreign Transaction Fees: $0 annual fee keeps costs low. No foreign fees make it great for study abroad trips or international use (accepted wherever Mastercard is).
- Cell Phone Protection: Up to $600 coverage for damage/theft per claim (up to two claims/year, $50 deductible) when you pay your phone bill with the card.
- Other Mastercard Benefits: Includes extended warranty (doubles manufacturer warranty up to 1 year), price protection, car rental insurance, roadside assistance, and ID theft protection.
- Credit Limit: Up to $5,000 based on creditworthiness; starters often get $500-$1,000, with potential increases after on-time payments.
- App Features: User-friendly app for tracking spending, setting autopay, freezing the card, and viewing clean merchant details (with logos/maps).
Cons
- High APR: 22.99% variable APR (as of last update), which is above the student card average (around 18-20%). Avoid carrying a balance to prevent interest from eroding rewards—pay in full monthly.
- No Intro APR or Balance Transfers: No 0% promo periods, and cash advances/balance transfers aren’t allowed, limiting flexibility for debt management.
- Modest Rewards: Flat 1% cash back is basic; no bonus categories (e.g., groceries, dining) or sign-up bonuses. Competitors like the Citi Rewards+ Student Card offer 2% in key areas plus a points rebate.
- Limited Perks for U.S. Students: If you have an SSN and some credit, better options exist (e.g., Discover it® Student matches first-year cash back). International students get the most value here.
- Customer Service Complaints: User reviews highlight poor support, including delays in disputes (e.g., fraud claims taking months) and rude interactions. Some report issues with credit reporting or app glitches.
- No Cash Back on Certain Purchases: Excludes cash equivalents; rewards may not apply to tuition if fees are involved.
- Currently Unavailable: As noted, new applications are paused, so you can’t apply right now.
Fees and Rates
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- APR: 22.99% variable (on purchases and balance transfers, if allowed)
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $25
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $37
- Cash Advance Fee/APR: Not available
- Penalty APR: None mentioned; standard APR applies
- Other Fees: No over-limit fees if you opt out; no balance transfer fees (but not offered)
How to Apply and Eligibility
- Who Qualifies?: U.S. or international students aged 18+ enrolled in a U.S. college/university. No credit history needed, but you must prove income/ability to pay (e.g., bank statements). International applicants need a passport, U.S. bank account, visa, and I-20. Under 21? Provide independent income proof (no cosigner).
- Application Process: Online via Deserve’s site; prequalify with no hard inquiry. Approval uses alternative data (e.g., education, banking). Instant decisions common, but up to 7 days in some cases.
- Credit Score Impact: No hard pull for prequalification; reports positive activity monthly to build scores (average user increase of 30-50 points after 6 months of on-time payments, per Deserve claims).
User Reviews and Ratings
Based on aggregated 2025 data from WalletHub, Bankrate, and Credit Karma:
- Overall Rating: 4.0/5 (strong for credit-building, weaker on rewards/service).
- Positive Feedback: “Great for internationals—no SSN hassle, and the Amazon perk saved me $59.” (WalletHub user). Many praise easy approval and app usability.
- Negative Feedback: “Worst customer service—dispute took months, and they demanded a foreign police report.” (Reddit thread). Some complain of low limits ($500 start) and no credit reporting without SSN.
- Reddit Insights: In r/CreditCards, users note it’s “decent for F-1 visa holders” but advise waiting for an ITIN/SSN for better cards like Chase Freedom Student.
Who Should Get the Deserve EDU?
- Best For: International students or those with no/thin credit starting their U.S. financial journey. Ideal if you value simplicity, no fees, and basic perks like Amazon Prime reimbursement.
- Avoid If: You have an SSN and decent credit—opt for higher-reward cards like the Capital One SavorOne Student (up to 5% cash back) or Discover it® Student (cash back match). Not for debt consolidation due to high APR.
Alternatives
If unavailable, consider:
- Discover it® Student Cash Back: 5% rotating categories (up to $1,500/quarter), 1% elsewhere; first-year cash back match; no annual fee.
- Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards: 3% on dining/entertainment/groceries/streaming, 1% other; no foreign fees; $0 annual fee.
- Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa®: Builds credit with cash flow underwriting; up to 1.5% cash back; good for limited credit.
For the latest, visit Deserve’s site or call 800-418-7353. Responsible use (pay on time, stay under 30% utilization) is key to maximizing benefits. If you’re an international student, this could be a gateway to better credit products.
Sources: WalletHub, Forbes Advisor, MyBankTracker, Bankrate, CNBC Select, LendingTree, Reddit, FinanceBuzz, SuperMoney, NerdWallet, Credit Karma, U.S. News, Deserve.com, myFICO Forums