Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » Deserve EDU Credit Card: 2023 Review
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Deserve EDU Credit Card: 2024 Review

Deserve Edu will not ask for a previous credit score or experience and can be a great option for people who are beginning their credit journey
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

Rewards Plan

1% cashback on every purchase

Sign up Bonus

No Sign Up bonus

Credit Rating

No Credit – Poor

0% Intro

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

APR

22.49% Variable
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

Rewards Plan

1% cashback on every purchase

Sign up Bonus

None

0% Intro

N/A

PROS

CONS

APR

22.49% Variable

Annual Fee

$0

Balance Transfer Fee

N/A

Credit Requirements

No Credit – Poor

The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is suitable for those who are beginning their credit journey. Compared to most sites, Deserve Edu allows international students and is ideal for overseas trips because it operates outside the US border. The benefits of using this product include; no annual fee, 1% cashback on every purchase, and mobile phone protection. 

The main benefit – you are not required to be a US citizen or be a resident here for you to use the card. Also, Deserve Edu will not ask for a previous credit score or experience. International students can qualify for this product with their passports, student visa, and bank accounts. 

There is the Amazon Prime Student Reward yearly membership for students. To qualify and receive the rebated fee, you must first make Purchases totaling $500 or more within the first three statements after card issuance.

  • Exempted Charges
  • International Students
  • Extended Warranty Period
  • Account Management
  • Cashback Rewards
  • No Credit Score
  • Insurance
  • No Balance Transfer or Cash Advances
  • High APR

Do the cards report payments to all credit bureaus?

Deserve reports EDU payment activities to two of the major credit bureaus; Experian and Transunion.

How is the card customer service availability?

The Deserve customer service team is available on a toll free number 6 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 12 pm on Saturdays (PT).

Can I add an authorized user?

Unfortunately no, the card issuer permits adding another user to your account.

Table of Contents

Advantages

Let’s take a look at the advantages of this card and see if it’s the right one for your wallet or not.

Customers are exempted from paying annual fees and foreign transaction charges.

Students will not be asked to show proof of US citizenship or provide a Social Security Number. Foreign students can sign-up for this product with their passports, student visas, and US bank account.

In addition to the warranty given by a product’s manufacturer, paying with your Deserve Edu card can extend the warranty up to a year. 

You can manage your account effectively with Deserve Edu. It is easy to track your spending and subscribe to the autopay feature. Automatic payments will free you from worries about late payments or incurring late fees.

 Students are entitled to a 1% cashback on every purchase .

There is no expiry date for cash backs, which means you can redeem them anytime within the account's operational period. Clients enjoy discount shopping from top brands like Feather up to $100 for furniture rental, and a $10 statement credit for paying for coverage at Lemonade Insurance. 

You do not need to have credit experience or a high score to qualify for a Deserve Edu card. The bank is more interested in your educational qualifications.

If you pay your cell phone debts with this product, you earn up to $600 insurance for theft and damages. You also get coverage for a car rental during a collision or theft. You can call for assistance during a roadside emergency like running out of gas or needing to tow the car.

Disadvantages

Let’s take a look at the disadvantages of this credit card and see if it’s the right one for your wallet or not.

There is no option for cash advances or balance transfer with this product. Students usually don't use any of these features, but it is best to have the opportunity to transfer your balance or ask for a cash advance if the need arises.

Deserve Edu is said to have a higher than average APR for student cards. The APR is 22.49% Variable and may be expensive to maintain since there is no introductory rate to ease into it.

How To Apply For Deserve EDU Credit Card?

Visit the Deserve Edu website and begin your prequalification process. Click in between the box that says “student.”

After clicking, you'll see the option to identify as a US citizen or an international student. Select your answer to proceed.

Now, you have to fill in your email address. Click “next” to submit.

Fill in your full name and click “Next” to proceed.

Fill in your residential address by imputing your home details, zip code, city, and state. Click “Next” to proceed.

Now, you have to fill in your date of birth. Click ‘Next” to submit.

A review of the information you've provided will appear on your screen. Go through it one last time to avoid errors or misinformation. After confirming that there are no errors, scroll down to click “Submit.”

Now that you are prequalified, click on “Continue Application” to proceed.

Finalize your application by agreeing to receive emails or text messages concerning your card. Tick the box to confirm.

Now, scroll down to fill in financial and academic information, including; the level of study, school state, school name, major, scholarship, and employment status. Tick both boxes to show that you consent to the terms and conditions and click “Continue” to proceed.

Now is the time to link your bank account to your bank. Identify your bank among the listed and select — double-tap on your bank logo to proceed.

You have to fill in your account username and password to link your card. Click “Submit” to proceed once you have filled in your credentials and connected your bank with your card. You may proceed to make your final decision to get on board with Deserve Edu.

Compare The Alternatives

There are more cards for students – here are some good alternatives to the Deserve EDU card:

chime card

Capital One Journey Student Card

discover-it-student-cash-back_5mNPw7i

Chime Credit Builder
Capital One Journey
Discover It Student Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0
$0
$0
Rewards
None None
Up to 1.25% earn 1% cash back and another 0.25% if you pay on time, so you can boost your cash back to a total of 1.25%
1-5% 5% cash back on activated rotating category purchases (up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter, then 1%) and 1% on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
None None
None $5 per month for 12 months on select streaming subscriptions when you pay on time
Match Bonus Match Bonus for the first 12 months
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
None
$0
Purchase APR
N/A
29.99% (Variable)
18.24% – 27.24% Variable

FAQ

The Deserve EDU is a dedicated student card, so all you need to demonstrate is that you are a student with your student ID.

You can prequalify for the Deserve EDU in a matter of seconds without any impact on your credit score. There are only a couple more simple steps to complete your application after pre approval.

Deserve does not specify an initial credit limit, as each application is assessed and assigned a credit limit upon approval.

The top reason not to get the Deserve EDU is that it is a rather basic student card. If you already have some credit history, you may find that other student cards offer more benefits.

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The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. 

Picture of Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
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Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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Welcome Bonus:
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Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.