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Capital One Savor Student vs Bilt Mastercard: Which Is Better In 2026?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards: This card is ideal for students who spend on dining, entertainment, and groceries.
- Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees): This card is designed for renters who also spend on dining and travel.
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we think this card is a great choice for students.
- The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a robust rewards program on categories popular with students, like dining and entertainment, without charging an annual fee.
- It provides useful tools and automatic credit line reviews to help students build their credit history responsibly while in school.
- With no foreign transaction fees and availability to international students, it's an excellent companion for studying abroad.
Pros
- Offers generous cash back on categories that align with typical student spending, such as dining, entertainment, streaming services, and at grocery stores.
- Includes valuable credit-building tools and automatic credit line reviews, helping students establish a positive credit history.
- A great option for studying abroad or for international students, as it is travel-friendly and accepts applications from non-U.S. citizens.
Cons
- It typically requires at least a fair credit score, which can be a hurdle for students just starting to build credit.
- A fee applies to balance transfers, which is a potential downside for students looking to consolidate debt from other cards.
- Reward redemptions are somewhat limited, and cash back isn't offered for purchases at certain superstores.
Bilt Mastercard® Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at what makes the Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees) stand out.
- It's one of the only cards that lets you earn rewards on rent payments without charging a transaction fee.
- Cardholders can enjoy premium travel and dining rewards categories without paying an annual fee.
- Points are flexible and can be used for travel, rent credits, or even toward a down payment on a home.
Pros
- You can pay rent and earn points even if your landlord doesn’t accept credit cards, as Bilt can mail a check on your behalf.
- The card offers valuable rewards on everyday spending categories, including dining and travel, making it more than just a rent card.
Cons
- The rewards structure is points-focused, which may not be ideal for users who prefer cash back.
- You must use the card for a set number of transactions each statement period to earn rewards.
- Some users have reported issues with the card’s mobile app and customer service.
Bilt Mastercard® vs Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards
Categories
When deciding which is better, the Capital One Savor Student or Bilt Mastercard, it's essential to consider your primary spending habits. Each card is designed to maximize rewards for different lifestyles and priorities.
- Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is best for students who frequently spend on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. It's tailored to reward common student expenditures.
- Bilt Mastercard®: This card is uniquely suited for renters, as its main benefit is the ability to earn rewards on rent payments. It also offers rewards on dining and travel.
Redemption
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards are earned as cash back, which can be redeemed in a variety of straightforward ways, such as for a statement credit or a check.
Bilt Mastercard®: This card earns flexible points that can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners or used toward future rent payments.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To eliminate the guesswork, a tool like Kudos helps you compare and select the best card by analyzing your unique spending patterns across nearly 3,000 credit cards.
- Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see personalized earnings projections before you apply.
- Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for new cards based on your credit report.
- Get a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months.
- Earn extra rewards through Kudos Boost when shopping at participating stores.
- Monitor your transactions, spending habits, and credit score all in one place.
- Unlock special offers, such as a $20 bonus for signing up with a specific code and making an eligible purchase.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards card is designed for college students looking to build their credit history while earning cash back on everyday expenses. It's an excellent fit for students who frequently spend on dining out, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. Additionally, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it's a practical choice for students studying abroad or anyone wanting to avoid extra costs.
Who Should Choose the Bilt Mastercard®?
The Bilt Mastercard® is primarily designed for renters looking to earn rewards on their largest monthly expense without incurring transaction fees. It's also an ideal card for individuals who frequently dine out or travel, thanks to its competitive rewards rates in these categories. To earn Bilt Points on any purchase, however, you must use the card at least 5 times each statement period.
Alternatives to Consider
So, you've weighed the Capital One Savor Student vs. Bilt Mastercard® and neither feels quite right? No problem—let's explore a few other top-notch cards that could be your perfect match.
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score – Most rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
- Review the requirements – Ensure you can meet any minimum spending or transaction thresholds to earn rewards.
- Have a strategy – Know how the card’s benefits will fit into your daily spending habits before you commit.
Application Strategy
- Time your application to align with large planned purchases to help meet any spending requirements.
- Target specific expenses like rent by applying for a card designed for that purpose, such as the Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees).
- Utilize unique eligibility if you are an international student, as some cards accept an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number.
Our Methodology
We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Capital One Savor Student and Bilt Mastercard have annual fees?
No, neither the Capital One Savor Student card nor the Bilt Mastercard® charges an annual fee, making them both cost-effective options.
Are there special requirements to earn rewards on these cards?
Yes, to earn points with the Bilt Mastercard®, you must use the card 5 times each statement period. The Capital One Savor Student card does not have a minimum transaction requirement to earn cash back.
Do I need to be a student to apply for the Capital One Savor Student card?
Yes, you must be a student currently enrolled at a qualifying university or community college to be eligible for the Capital One Savor Student card.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos 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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