S23 (via my guidance) just applied for the “Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card” - it has cash back percentages that vary per the spending category, as well as a $50 bonus if you spend $100 over the first 3 months.
You do not need a credit history to be approved, the application asks if you’re student, your graduation year, and income per year - however it notes that money deposited into your account by other people (such as your parents) can be included. For my kiddo, his summer jobs have been mostly cash based, so being able to honestly add to this amount on an application was a boon. (I had him put down $15k per year, as I could deposit that amount into his checking account and have him pay the room and board himself.)
With the $15k income, no credit history, and being a college student graduating in 2027 - he was immediately approved via their online application for a card with a $500 credit limit.
He’s made a standing appointment in his calendar to pay it in full every Saturday morning (on my advice, it’s easier for a new user to review your charges once a week and know immediately if they’re valid or not than once a month, and paying it weekly will keep him under 30% utilization).