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It may not be top of mind when you’re in school, but building your credit is important for securing your financial future. Obtaining a student credit card is a great first step toward establishing good credit history and learning good credit behavior. With good credit, it’ll be easier to purchase a car or rent an apartment upon graduating. College students, international students and non-traditional students can also find a great card match to start their credit-building journey off right. You’ll find our top picks—and tips to make the most of them—for the best student credit cards below.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - 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 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.49% - 23.49% Variable
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Discover it Student Cash Back makes it possible to skip the "starter card" phase even if you don't have a credit history. It features a full-fledged cash back program, earning 5 percent on rotating bonus categories when you activate each quarter (up to the quarterly maximum of $1,500 in combined purchases, then 1 percent).
Discover’s Cash Back Match program will match all of the cash back you earn with this card at the end of your first year.
There are a fair amount of redemptions options with this card, including direct deposits, charity donations and gift cards.
Cons
You’ll have to keep track of bonus categories and enrollment dates.
The intro APR period on purchases is rather short at only 6 months.
No credit score required to apply.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - 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 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
New! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
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 14.49% - 23.49% applies.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
$100
Limited Time Offer: Earn $100 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 26.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Fair to Good (580 - 740)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Students in the market for a card that offers flat-rate cash back rewards and few fees will find a pretty good match in this Capital One credit card. There are no foreign transaction fees and the 1.5 percent flat cash back rate, plus 5 percent back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, is one of the most generous rewards rates for a student credit card.
This card does not charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
The welcome offer is attainable; students only have to spend $100 in the first three months to earn $100 back.
Cons
This card does not offer an intro APR on purchases or balance transfers.
This card charges a late fee. While standard for most cards, some student cards do not charge one.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Limited Time Offer: Earn $100 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
You can help build your credit with responsible use of a card like this
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
1.5%
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
1%
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away.
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
13.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you're a student with a credit history that's a work in progress, the Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card could help you graduate to the next level. This card also offers an incentive-driven cash back program.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
8%
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
3%
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
1%
Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$100
Limited Time Offer: Earn $100 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 26.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Fair to Good (580 - 740)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you’re looking for a card to fund a solid night in or out, consider the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. It handsomely rewards popular dining and entertainment purchases, while also granting you the opportunity to earn a higher credit limit in as little as six months with positive credit activity. The card also has an attainable welcome offer; students only have to spend $100 in the first three months to earn $100 back.
With no foreign transaction fees, this card could be a solid study abroad tool.
This card doesn’t have a penalty APR.
Cons
The regular APR is high with this card, at 16.49 to 26.49 percent variable.
Superstores like Target and Walmart do not count for the 3 percent cash back rate.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases. Plus, earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
Limited Time Offer: Earn $100 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
You can help build your credit with responsible use of a card like this
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
2%
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - 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 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.49% - 23.49% Variable
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This card is a great example of why it’s important to find the credit card that rewards you for purchases you most often make. The Discover it Student chrome offers bonus cash back automatically at gas stations and restaurants—two of the most common spending categories for college students.
This card is fairly affordable to hold with no annual fee, foreign transaction fees or penalty APR.
Benefit from Discover’s Cash Back Match program with this card and get all the cash back you earn in the first year matched.
Cons
You must have at least $5 in cash back rewards to redeem for a gift card.
There is a quarterly cap on the 2 percent cash back you earn at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined quarterly purchases, then 1 percent).
No credit score required to apply.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - 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 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. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
New! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
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 14.49% - 23.49% applies.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
1%
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases plus $20 Good Standing Rewards after each account anniversary for up to 5 years
Intro offer
$50 Bonus
$50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
An easily attainable intro bonus, no annual fee and a chance to earn no hassle, flat-rate cash back makes the Chase Freedom Student credit card a great choice for students just starting out on their credit journey. You can also snag $20 Good Standing Rewards each account anniversary for up to 5 years.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
20.74% - 30.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This card is designed for the credit newcomer who wants to create good financial habits. With the ability to create and track monthly budgets, calculate interest costs and monitor your credit score, Petal gives you all the tools you need to build a positive credit history.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
1%
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24% Variable
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
With the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students, you don’t have to take a crash course in personal finance. This card has a simple and straightforward rewards rate and international students can qualify for this card without having a Social Security number, a fairly rare advantage that provides key access to credit for a much wider range of students.
You aren’t required to make a deposit to carry this card.
International students may find value in this card, given that a social security number is not required to apply.
Cons
There are no intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
You are required to at least have a checking account when applying for this card.
Receive one year of Amazon Prime Student on Deserve after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles with your EDU card (Lifetime Value of $59).
Earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you'll automatically start earning cash back on all purchases.
Feel secure with cell phone protection up to $600.
No deposit required. No annual fees.
No international transaction fees on purchases abroad so you can travel with confidence.
No Social Security Number required for international students to apply.
Refer A Friend Program: Refer anyone to Deserve using your personal referral code. Upon approval, card activation and use, you'll receive $30 and so will your referral. Referral bonuses are unlimited!
Manage and track your spending, set automatic payments and securely freeze your card all through one easy to use app.
See if you prequalify with no impact to your credit score in minutes.
Deserve Mastercards are issued by Celtic Bank, Member FDIC.
Enjoy Mastercard Platinum Benefits intended to make your life easier like Mastercard ID Theft Prevention™ and Master Rental®.
A closer look at the best credit cards for students
Discover it Student Cash Back: Best for rotating cash back bonus categories
What we love about the Discover it Student Cash Back: The Cash Back Match feature replaces a traditional sign-up bonus with this card. At the end of your first year as a cardholder, Discover will match all the cash back you earned dollar for dollar, so $300 earned cash back becomes $600 with no extra work on your part.
Who this card is good for: Students with limited credit histories who want to earn cash back. Cash back strategizing could be complicated for someone with no experience with rewards cards. If you’ve built up a bit of credit history with a less complex card and are looking for a way to earn more, this card is a good choice for you.
Alternatives: If you’re a student who’s new to the world of credit cards and you worry about keeping track of confusing rotating bonus categories, you should consider the Deserve EDU Mastercard. The Deserve EDU offers a flat 1 percent cash back rate on all purchases, with no categories to keep track of.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate cash back
What we love about the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: The rewards rate—1.5 percent flat cash back (Cardholders also earn an unlimited 5 percent cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, terms apply)—is high for a student card. Also, there’s no annual fee, making maintaining the card easier on students with limited budgets.
Who this card is good for: Students who plan to study abroad. The card will be a cost-saver while overseas as it carries no foreign transaction fees.
Alternatives: The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good alternative choice for students who are looking to earn elevated rewards in categories like dining out and streaming services. SavorOne cardholders will earn 3 percent cash back in those categories.
Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card: Best student starter card
What we love about the Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card: The Petal 2 has a relatively low barrier to entry, so it’s an excellent credit-building tool. It’s also among the more lucrative credit-building cards with a cash back rate of up to 1.5 percent (after 12 on-time monthly payments, 1 percent flat cash back before that). It’s a valuable find for students just starting out with credit cards.
Who this card is good for: Students who are seeking a simple way to manage their cards. The Petal 2 app makes managing your card and checking card transactions easy.
Alternatives: If you’re a student looking for an easier credit card to acquire and more lucrative cash back consider the Discover it Secured Credit Card. This secured card touts a solid cash back rate—2 percent cash back on up to $1,000 in combined gas station and restaurant purchases and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases—and the notable Cashback Match as a welcome offer.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best overall student credit card
What we love about the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Cardholders get high rewards rates on some of students’ most popular spending categories like dining and popular streaming services. Concert goers can get a whopping 8 percent cash back on tickets purchased at Vivid Seats. Cardholders also get an unlimited 5 percent cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
Who this card is good for: This card is a solid choice for students with at least a fair credit score. With it, a student can earn rewards in several everyday categories.
Alternatives: If your credit score isn’t quite up to par, the Petal 2 “No Annual Fee” Visa might be a better choice. Cardholders can earn a 1 percent flat-rate cash back (up to 1.5 percent cash back after making 12 on-time monthly payments).
Discover it Student chrome: Best for gas, dining, and large purchases
What we love about the Discover it Student Chrome: The Cashback Match sign-up bonus can be very lucrative when used with a clear strategy because Discover matches all cash back earned dollar for dollar. For example, if you spend $1,000 furnishing your first apartment, you’ll get 1 percent cash back or $10, and with the Cashback Match, you’ll get an additional $10.
Who this card is good for: Students who commute or take road trips often. Your rewards earnings are elevated: 2 percent cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 per quarter in combined spending, then 1 percent.
Alternatives: If you’re looking to boost your rewards earnings a bit beyond the Student chrome’s 1 to 2 percent cash back, the Discover it Student Cash Back card is a solid choice. Cardholders are rewarded with 5 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter (then 1 percent, enrollment required) in rotating categories like Amazon.com, restaurants, gas stations and PayPal.
Chase Freedom Student credit card: Best student card for benefits
What we love about the Chase Freedom Student credit card: This card encourages students to develop good financial habits with its features. Cardholders can receive a credit limit increase after making five monthly on-time payments within 10 months of account opening (if you meet the score requirements). Cardholders also earn a $20 Good Standing Reward each anniversary of your account opening for up to five years.
Who this card is good for: Students who want to earn a straightforward welcome bonus. Cardholders will get $50 for making a purchase within the first three months from account opening.
Alternatives: If you have several streaming service subscriptions, the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One credit card might be a good alternative. Cardholders will get $60 in 12 monthly streaming service credits (when you pay on time, exclusions apply.)
Petal 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa Credit Card: Best for local cash back offers
What we love about the Petal 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa Credit Card: The Petal 1 mobile app gives cardholders access to local offers near them that earn 2 percent to 10 percent cash back at select merchants.
Who this card is good for: Aspiring credit builders who want to avoid security deposits or annual fees. Unlike secured cards, the Petal 2 allows you to skip security deposits while keeping the barrier to entry low. Other financial indicators like your income and bill payment behavior are considered, making the card easier to obtain.
Alternatives: The Petal 2 “No Annual Fee” Visa offers many of the same great features, like no annual fee and more lenient credit score requirements, while offering up 1 to 1.5 percent cash back rewards.
Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students: Best for students with no credit history
What we love about the Deserve EDU Mastercard: Cardholders who spend $500 in their first three billing cycles will receive a credit for a one-year Amazon Prime Student subscription, valued at $59. It’s also accessible for international students as it doesn’t require a social security number to apply.
Who this card is good for: Students who don’t have an established credit history or a Social Security number. There is no minimum credit score requirement for this card, and a Social Security number isn’t required for the application.
Alternatives: If you want to boost our rewards earnings, the Discover it Student Cash Back card might be a better choice for you. Cardholders are rewarded with 5 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter (then 1 percent, enrollment required) in rotating categories—whereas EDU Mastercard holders earn just 1 percent cash back on all purchases.
What are student credit cards and how do they work?
A credit card for students, whether you’re a college student, international student or a non-traditional student, is exactly what it sounds like: a credit card geared specifically toward students and their needs. Student credit cards work essentially like how other credit cards work, but they’re easier for credit beginners to obtain. A student credit card offers a line of credit, and if you pay off the balance in full and on time every month, you’ll never owe more than what you spent.
Why should I get a student credit card?
If you’re unfamiliar with carrying your own credit card, choosing a student option is a great way to get started. Along with letting you spend conveniently, student cards will give you the opportunity to establish a credit score while learning how to manage an account.
You can start to build credit as a college student, and it’s a fairly good idea to start building credit early if you can. You can read our full guide for all of the reasons why your credit score matters, but essentially, good credit gives you access to larger loans, like a mortgage or auto loan, with better interest rates.
You can start with using your card to pay for everyday purchases like your rent or groceries. Or maybe you only want to use it to buy a laptop that would make your school work easier. The point is even little purchases here and there are effective at building credit over time.
Used responsibly, a student credit card can help you develop good habits that will come in handy later in life. Setting a routine of being on time with payments and budgeting within your means will lead you to success.
A credit card can be a great resource in an emergency. If your car breaks down, if you need a hotel room after your flight gets canceled or if you get a big bill after a trip to urgent care, your student card can provide a much-needed cushion.
Planning on studying abroad? Unless you like the idea of paying an extra 3 percent on top of every card transaction, you should have a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees, which a lot of student cards do.
Why building credit important is for a college student
A credit card is an excellent tool for students to learn good financial behaviors while still in college. Credit cards are an excellent way to learn to manage your monthly budget and will help you with your finances in the future by building your credit score. Student credit cards often start with lower credit limits to make it easier for students to learn the skill of managing their credit card effectively while preventing splurging and overspending.
As you continue practicing positive credit behavior by making regular on-time payments and keeping your balance low, the issuer may offer you a higher credit limit. This will boost your credit score higher by decreasing your credit utilization ratio. A credit card can also be a helpful tool in the event of an emergency and used to save you money in foreign transaction fees if you decide to study abroad.
Pros and cons of student credit cards
Pros
Less strict credit requirements— Student credit cards are designed for those who are just starting out, so a lack of credit history is less likely to prevent you from approval.
Student-centric rewards—While some credit cards with lower credit requirements are lacking in the rewards department, plenty of student cards offer cash back or points in popular student spending categories.
Specialized benefits—Student credit cards often feature perks designed to appeal to credit beginners, like lenient late fee policies, automatic review for a credit line increase, and credit education tools.
Low cost—Many students want to avoid credit cards that cost money to carry. Luckily, many of the top student credit cards are free of annual fees.
Cons
Less robust rewards programs—While plenty of student credit cards offer modest rewards, the highest-earning rewards cards generally require good-to-excellent credit.
Potential for high interest rates—In general, lower credit requirements tend to mean higher interest rates.
Lower credit limits—Students are often considered a higher-risk borrower for lenders and these lenders may offer lower credit limits until student borrowers prove creditworthiness with responsible card use.
Borrowed funds—Remember that money on a credit card is borrowed and must be repaid, so it’s important to carefully monitor credit card spending.
Running up a sky-high balance or missing payments regularly can negatively impact your credit score and make it difficult to accomplish future financial goals like getting a mortgage. Be sure that you’re fully aware of the responsibilities that come with carrying a credit card and that you understand the basics of how credit cards work before you apply.
The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act, also known as the CARD Act requires cardholders to be at least 21 years old. This restriction applies to student credit cards as well, but you can bypass this requirement by having a cosigner on your card or by proving your ability to independently pay your bills.
Popular student expense categories included gas, restaurants, grocery stores, entertainment, school supplies and streaming services. Some student cards offer higher rewards rates on these spending categories, so it’s good to know which categories you spend, and can therefore earn, the most on.
Some cards on the market offer simple, flat-rate rewards on all purchases while others have rotating spending categories that usually require you to keep track of these changes and enrollment dates. Know what you want most out of your student card and apply or adjust accordingly.
The main charge to know about is interest, as any interest charges will be applied to whatever balance you carry month-to-month unless your card has a promotional 0 percent interest offer. Other extra fees include foreign transaction fees, late payment fees and penalty APRs.
Still unsure if a student credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
How students can avoid credit card debt
Learning experiences can be painful, especially when they involve learning how bad decisions can hurt your personal finances. Here’s a list of four tips for staying out of debt trouble with credit cards:
Choose the right card for your finances and lifestyle. If you don’t own a car and you rarely dine out, it’s not a good idea to apply for a rewards card that offers cash back on gas and dining purchases.
Pay off your balance in full every month. It may seem obvious, but the only way to avoid paying more than you have to is by paying in full every month. Make sure you note when your credit card bill is due and stick to your payment schedule.
Pay on time. Late payments are a huge drag on your credit score and can activate expensive penalty APRs. In addition to paying in full each month, always pay on time or pay over the minimum due when possible.
Bankrate insight
It’s best to not use your credit card to pay for tuition, but some schools will allow you to do it. However, be aware that you may be charged a convenience fee, and interest will stack up quickly if you don’t pay it off right away.
Alternatives to student credit cards
A starter credit card is one of the best ways to build your credit. Starter cards geared towards students can be difficult for someone not enrolled in school to obtain. They also typically require you to show proof of independent income or require a co-signer if you’re under 21. If you’re searching for a way to build your credit with a lower barrier to entry, secured credit cards provide a good alternative. The best secured credit cards have much more lenient requirements (they often don’t require people applying to have a credit score at all) than the typical student card. This means students looking to get a credit-building card will have a much easier time, so long as they can afford to put down the security deposit.
How to apply for a student credit card
If you’ve picked out the credit card that best suits your student lifestyle, then the next step is to get it. When you’re ready, here’s how to apply for a student credit card.
Check your credit score. If you’ve never had a credit card and you currently have no loans or steady income, your best option for getting your own credit card account is to become an authorized user on a pre-existing account. If you already have a credit history, it’s important to know what your score is. Determining your credit score will let you know which cards you are likely to be approved for.
Go to the issuer’s website and find the card’s application. Once you know what card you like, simply head to the issuer’s website and find the application for that card. You may have to create an account before you can start the application.
Fill out the application. Once you’ve completed your thorough research on what card works best for your needs, fill out the application with your name, address, identifying information and more. Be sure to have all of your application information ready before getting started.
Receive the application decision. Once you submit your application, you will receive a decision on whether you are approved or denied for your credit card. Sometimes issuers will send out an instant decision or it may take a few days. If your application is denied, the issuer is legally required to send a letter explaining the denial.
Have your budget and repayment plan ready. Responsible credit use starts with a stable budget and a concrete plan to repay what you spend. Make note of your payment due date and your minimum payment amount so you can always pay on time.
Bankrate insight
Want to know which credit cards you may prequalify for and unlock special offers from our partners? Use our CardMatch™ tool to find your personalized matches in 60 seconds or less with no impact on your credit score.
How we chose our top picks for student credit cards
Credit cards reviewed by Bankrate receive scores based on a unique 5-star rating system. Our evaluation of best student credit cards focuses closely on specific qualities and benefits including:
Credit requirements
The typical person shopping for a student credit card might not have excellent credit or even much credit history at all. Most of the cards on our list are open to new-credit, fair-credit or limited-credit applicants.
Fees
If you don’t yet have a full-time career, obviously you would be better served by a credit card that goes easy on the fees and charges. Annual fees, foreign transaction fees and other charges make the card more expensive to own, especially if it doesn’t have a rewards program that helps offset those costs.
Rewards
Some of our top student credit cards have rewards programs that earn cash back for gas, groceries and other everyday purchases. Rewards offer a surefire way to get more value from your card.
Additional reviews and research
Need to do more studying before you make a decision? No worries. Choosing the right credit card as a college student is a big deal. Check out these resources from Bankrate.
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
Frequently asked questions about student credit cards
Applying for a credit card as an international student can be an intimidating process. In some cases. card issuers allow students to apply with an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) instead of an SSN.
You must be 21 years old to be a primary cardholder for a credit card, or show proof that you can independently pay your bills or have a willing co-signer if you’re at least 18.
It is not a requirement to be employed to get a credit card, though most issuers will request proof that you will be able to pay your credit card bill.
As a staff writer for Bankrate.com, Sarah offers sound advice that will improve your financial life and help simplify topics like travel hacking and credit card rewards.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.
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