Building your credit history while still in college can help you qualify for a lease, new car or loan after you graduate. Just know that you must be at least 18 years old to apply and show that you have some type of income to be eligible to apply. Student card issuers will also likely require proof that you’re either currently enrolled in school or planning to enroll in a few months.
We analyzed a broad swath of credit cards in this category from a variety of issuers to curate a list of the very best. Here are our selections.
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Firstcard® Credit Builder Card with Cashback for College Students
Welcome bonus
None
None
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
N/A
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
No Credit Check
Earn up to 15% Merchant Cashback at 29,000 partner merchants, up to 10% Random Cashback on all qualifying purchases, 2% Cafe and Restaurant Cashback through 2/29/24 and an additional 1% Unlimited Cashback with Firstcard+ on all purchases on top of the two cashback offerings (Merchant Cashback and Random Cashback) all Firstcard members are currently enjoying.
Card details
- Firstcard users are eligible to apply for Firstcard’s $10,000 Student Scholarship.The application deadline is September 30. Don’t miss this opportunity –apply here.
- A whole new way to build credit: build your credit score without worrying about overspending.
- No credit checks and no credit history are required to open a credit card
- Accept international students without an SSN – apply with a passport.
- No annual fee, no account minimum, no interest, and no overdraft fee.
- Get a monthly 5% cashback on 12 most-loved educational platforms for students such as ChatGPT, Chegg, Grammarly, Canva, Adobe, Headspace and more.
- Get up to 15% Merchant Cashback at 29,000 partner merchants
- Get up to 10% Random Cashback on all qualifying purchases
- Earn 1.25% APY with Firstcard or 4.25% APY with Firstcard+ on the money in your Firstcard.
- Earn an additional 1% Unlimited Cashback with Firstcard+ on all purchases on top of the two cashback offerings (Merchant Cashback and Random Cashback) all Firstcard members are currently enjoying.
- Monitor your credit score right in the app with Firstcard+
- Instant access to your virtual card once your account is approved and you add your virtual card to your phone’s digital wallet.
- Your money is protected with Firstcard — automatically insured up to $250,000 by FDIC (backed by the U.S. government).
- Disclosure
- Rates and fees
Best student credit cards for no credit
- Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best overall.
- Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for gas and dining.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate cash back.
- BankAmericard® credit card for Students*: Best for an introductory APR.
- Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for foodies.
Why trust our credit card experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 250+ cards analyzed.
- 5 data points considered.
- 5-step fact-checking process.
Best overall
Discover it® Student Cash Back
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
On Discover’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
Welcome bonus
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Cashback Match
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Fair, New to Credit
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
Editor’s take
Pros
- No credit score required to apply.
- Elevated cash back in rotating categories (upon activation, up to the quarterly maximum).
- Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
Cons
- Elevated cash back limited to a quarterly cap of $1,500 in spending.
- Must activate bonus categories each quarter to earn the elevated rewards rate.
- Other purchases earn minimal rewards.
Students looking to build their credit history while earning rewards on their spending should consider the Discover it® Student Cash Back. It offers generous rewards and no credit score is needed to apply.
Card details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Best for gas and dining
Discover it® Student Chrome
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
On Discover’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
Welcome bonus
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Cashback Match
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Fair, New to Credit
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
- No annual fee or credit score required to apply.
- Elevated cash back at restaurants and gas stations (up to a quarterly maximum), no activation required.
- Discover will match your earnings at the end of your first year, automatically.
Cons
- Quarterly spending cap of $1,000 for the elevated cash-back rate.
- Low base earning rate on other purchases.
- Discover has limited acceptance abroad.
For those seeking a no-fuss card that doesn’t require any bonus category activation, the Discover it® Student Chrome delivers, earning elevated rewards at gas stations and restaurants, up to a quarterly cap.
Card details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Best for flat-rate cash back
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
On CardRatings’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus when you spend $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
Earn a $50 cash bonus
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Average, Fair, Limited
Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on every other purchase.
Editor’s take
Pros
- Flat-rate cash back on every purchase.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Low welcome bonus.
- No category bonuses.
- Potentially high APR.
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Credit Card is an excellent choice for students who want a card with a simple, flat cash-back rate on all spending.
Card details
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on every other purchase.
- Welcome bonus: $50 cash bonus after spending $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- APR: 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
- Perks and benefits: Elevated cash back on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel, extended warranty protection, complimentary concierge service.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Best for an introductory APR
BankAmericard® credit card for Students
* The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
Welcome bonus
N/A
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.24% – 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
The BankAmericard® credit card for Students does not offer rewards on purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Introductory APR period for both purchases and balance transfers.
- Student card for those with little or no credit history.
Cons
- There’s a balance transfer fee.
- Charges foreign transaction fees.
- No reward potential.
The BankAmericard for Students offers a balance transfer card designed for students — meaning those with little to no credit history who qualify as a student may be eligible. The card offers a handful of convenience benefits, but its ultra-lengthy introductory APR offer is the main draw.
Card details
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: None.
- Welcome bonus: None.
- APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, followed by an APR of 16.24% to 26.24% variable. Balance transfers must be completed in the first 60 days. An intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transaction made within 60 days of account opening applies. After that, the fee will be 4% of each transaction.
- Foreign transaction fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency.
- Perks and benefits: Optional overdraft protection, digital convenience features such as contactless payment, digital wallet and online and mobile banking, educational resources and fraud protection benefits.
Best for foodies
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
On CardRatings’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn $50 cash bonus when you spend $100 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
Earn a $50 cash bonus
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Average, Fair, Limited
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases. Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
- High rewards rates in several areas of spending.
- Flexible redemption options.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Potential for high APR.
- Low welcome bonus.
- Must show proof of enrollment at an eligible school.
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers rewards where students are likely to spend the most: travel, dining and entertainment. The card also has no foreign transaction fees and provides access to a 24/7 concierge — all for no annual fee.
Card details
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: $50 cash bonus after spending $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- APR: 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
- Perks and benefits: Extended warranty, travel accident insurance, access your VantageScore with CreditWise.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Compare the best student cards for no credit
Credit Card
Credit score
Best For
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Fair, New to Credit
Best overall
$0
Cashback Match INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Discover it® Student Chrome
Fair, New to Credit
Best for gas and dining
$0
Cashback Match INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Average, Fair, Limited
Best for flat-rate cash back
$0
Earn a $50 cash bonus Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus when you spend $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
BankAmericard® credit card for Students*The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for an introductory APR
$0
N/A N/A
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Average, Fair, Limited
Best for foodies
$0
Earn a $50 cash bonus Earn $50 cash bonus when you spend $100 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
Best student credit cards for no credit of September 2024
Best overall: Discover it® Student Cash Back
Why this card made the list
The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers an impressive rewards rate on a variety of everyday spending categories that change throughout the year for a card that doesn’t require a credit score to apply. The card also offers a welcome bonus where Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year and a short intro APR promotion on new purchases.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum once activated and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Best for gas and dining: Discover it® Student Chrome
Why this card made the list
If you’re looking for a simpler rewards program structure than the Discover it® Student Cash Back, consider the Discover it® Student Chrome. It offers cash-back rewards at gas stations and restaurants, an intro APR promotion for six months, plus Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year. Again, no credit score is required to apply.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Best for flat-rate cash back: Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why this card made the list
For ultimate simplicity, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on every other purchase. This easy-to-digest rewards structure is likely to be appealing to students who are new to credit cards and rewards potential.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on every other purchase.
- Welcome bonus: $50 cash bonus after spending $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Best for an introductory APR: BankAmericard® credit card for Students* The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
If you’re looking to finance a big purchase over several months, high-interest credit cards generally aren’t a good option as interest charges can quickly inflate what you owe. However, the BankAmericard® credit card for Students*The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. can give you an extended time to pay down that purchase without incurring interest charges. The BankAmericard® credit card for Students*The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, followed by an APR of 16.24% to 26.24% variable. Balance transfers must be completed in the first 60 days. An intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transaction made within 60 days of account opening applies. After that, the fee will be 4% of each transaction.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: None.
- Welcome bonus: None.
- Foreign transaction fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency.
Best for foodies: Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why this card made the list
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a great rewards rate on things a student is likely to spend money on — like going out and staying in. You can take your rewards for cash or as a statement credit against your purchases, a redemption structure that’s as simple as it gets.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: $50 cash bonus after spending $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings.
Factors we considered include:
- The ability to apply even without a credit score.
- Annual fees.
- Rewards potential.
- Any additional perks and benefits.
How to get approved for a credit card with no credit
Getting a student credit card with no credit can be challenging, even with less stringent eligibility criteria. Even if there’s no minimum credit score required to apply, card issuers will still evaluate your ability to repay any debt you incur.
If you get approved for a student credit card, it’s important to learn about and develop good credit habits, such as keeping a low balance and paying your bill on time everytime, so you can make the most of your credit-building opportunity. Here’s more on what you should know.
Before you apply for a credit card, it’s important to know what to expect when it comes to approval requirements and to take your time to pick the right card for you.
Income requirements
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 21, it can be difficult to get approved for any type of credit card on your own. Federal law requires credit card issuers to establish that young adults can independently repay any debt incurred, which means that you need to include personal income, scholarships and grants on your application.
If you’re 21 or older, though, you can also include other income to which you have a reasonable expectation of access. That includes things like spousal income, alimony and child support, investment income, trust fund payments and allowances.
Credit requirements
While some cards may be marketed to consumers with no credit, including many college students, they may still require some credit history. What’s more, most major card issuers don’t allow you to add a co-signer anymore to improve your chances of getting approved.
As you research your options, focus on cards that specifically state that they don’t require a credit score to get approved.
Get preapproved
Some credit card issuers allow you to get preapproved before you submit an official application. This process involves just a soft credit check, which won’t negatively impact your credit score and can give you an idea of your approval odds.
Just keep in mind that a preapproval doesn’t guarantee final approval. You’ll still need to formally apply for the card to see if you are approved.
How to choose student credit cards for no credit
It’s important to take your time to shop around and compare several credit cards to ensure you find the right one for you. As you consider your options, here are some features to pay attention to:
- Rewards rates: Some cards offer a flat rewards rate on everything, while others provide accelerated rewards rates in certain spending categories. Take a look at your budget to get an idea of how much and where you spend, and find a card that can help you reward you on your everyday purchases. Just know that if you don’t pay your balance in full every month, any rewards you earn will likely be negated by interest charges.
- Welcome bonus: While some student credit cards offer higher welcome bonuses than others, it’s important to also consider the spending requirement. Make sure you can meet the minimum threshold without spending more than you normally would.
- Fees: The best student credit cards don’t charge an annual fee, but if you’re thinking about studying abroad at some point, you may also want to consider a card with no foreign transaction fee. Just note that while Discover doesn’t charge fees on international purchases, its cards aren’t accepted widely abroad.
- APR: Most student credit cards come with high interest rates. The good news is that you can avoid interest charges altogether by paying your balance in full each month. If you need some time to pay down a large purchase, though, look for cards that offer a 0% introductory APR to new cardholders, which allows you to pay down the balance with no interest charges for a specified period of time.
Tips for establishing and building credit
Once you receive your card, here are some tips to help you get started building a positive credit history:
- Use the card sparingly: While many student credit cards offer rewards on your purchases, they also typically come with low credit limits. Your credit utilization ratio, or the percentage of your credit limit you’re using at a given time, is an important factor in your credit score. Many credit experts recommend keeping your ratio below 30% (e.g., charging no more than $150 on a card with a $500 credit limit), but the lower it is, the better.
- Pay on time every month: Your payment history is the most influential factor in your credit score, so it’s crucial that you always pay your bill on time. If you miss a due date, pay your balance quickly, as missed payments aren’t reported to the credit bureaus until 30 days after they’re past due. However, you may be socked with a late fee and a penalty APR. It’s best to call the issuer immediately and ask that any late fee or penalty fee be waived the first time you miss a payment due date.
- Pay in full every month: Paying your balance in full each month won’t directly impact your credit, but it will prevent interest charges being added to any unpaid balance.
- Keep tabs on your credit score: Many card issuers and banks allow you access your credit score through their app or website. It’s important to understand all the factors that impact your scores. You’ll want to ensure that you’re handling credit responsibly and your reward for doing so will result in a great credit score over time.
If you can’t get approved for a credit card yet, ask a parent or other loved one to add you as an authorized user on their credit card account. Having authorized user status can help you establish a credit history and increase your credit score over time as long as the primary account holder uses the account responsibly.
Is a student credit card for no credit right for me?
A student credit card is a great way to build credit while still in college. If you don’t have a credit score yet, a student credit card for no credit can help you do that.
That said, it’s important to consider your income and spending habits to determine if a credit card is right for you. Even with no credit score requirement, these cards still require you to have sufficient income, so if you have no income or earn minimal wages from a part-time job, you may not be eligible.
If you’ve had trouble with overspending in the past, consider whether you can maintain discipline with a credit card. While a student card can help you establish your credit history, racking up a large balance and missing payments could have a devastating impact on your credit profile for years to come.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Generally, no. Student credit cards are designed specifically for college students. That said, there are plenty of great starter credit cards, many of which don’t require student status to get approved.
There are many reasons a credit card issuer may deny an application. Fortunately, card issuers are required to explain their reasons for denial in the form of an adverse action letter. Review the letter carefully to learn about your consumer rights and determine your next steps.
If you’re under the age of 21 and at least 18 years old, you can include independent personal income, scholarships and grants as income on your application. Once you reach age 21, you’ll also be able to include other forms of income, such as spousal income, alimony and child support, investment income, trust fund payments and allowances.
Carrying a balance from month to month on your credit card is never necessary to build credit, so avoid doing so if possible. What you’ll want to focus on instead is making payments on time every month and keeping your balance at zero or low relative to your card’s credit limit.
Because each credit card issuer has different underwriting criteria, there’s no single student credit card that’s easiest to get for everybody who applies. Take your time to research and compare several cards to determine which one works best for you.
*The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students has been collected independently by Blueprint.The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
