Student credit cards are a double-edged sword, to say the least. On one hand, young adults with access to a line of credit can be tempted to incur debt that can take many years to pay off. On the other hand, the responsible use of the right credit card can allow students to utilize the convenience and security of these products while building their own credit history and even earning rewards.

Once a college student has decided to open a credit card account, the task becomes finding the best card for his or her needs. Ideally, a student card will have low interest rates, few fees and simple terms. Student credit cards must also be offered to young adults with a limited credit history.

Other features to look for in a student credit card include benefits. Some cards include extended warranty programs, purchase protection policies and travel assistance services that can be valuable for students attending college out of state. In fact, an innovative feature found on some student cards is a cellphone insurance policy that covers damaged or stolen phones.

When it comes selecting a student credit card, the most difficult issue may be rewards. Earning cash back from spending can be a great way for students to save money on their purchases, but it has several drawbacks. Students, like all credit card users, can be tempted to spend more to earn additional rewards. Furthermore, students tend to have modest spending requirements, so most really don’t have the opportunity to earn large amounts of rewards. Because it’s likely that students will incur more interest than earn significant rewards, we’ve weighed interest rates and terms much more heavily than a credit card’s rewards program.

The Winner: Citi Forward for College Students

This card offers so many unique advantages that it even appeals to those who are no longer in college.

Why it won: The Citi Forward card for college students offers an unbeatable list of benefits as well as outstanding rewards.

The benefits: Cardholders receive numerous benefits at no cost, including extended warranty coverage, retail purchase protection, and even a cellphone protection plan that covers up to $250 after a $50 deductible. Rewards include one ThankYou point per dollar spent on all purchases, and five points per dollar spent at restaurants and on entertainment purchases including theaters and video rentals. Points can then be redeemed for travel, gift cards, electronics and other rewards. Finally, cardholders receive a 0% APR introductory rate on purchases for seven months, although students would be wise to ignore it and get in the habit of paying their statement in full each month.