Student credit cards are built for people who are just starting out. They usually have lower approval barriers than regular cards and can help you establish a credit history while you’re in school. But they vary a lot in fees, rewards, and rules. Here’s how to choose.
Who can get a student card?
Typically you must be enrolled in a qualifying college or university. If you’re under 21, you also need to show an independent ability to make payments or have a cosigner. [VERIFY] The exact eligibility rules vary by issuer.
What to look for
- No annual fee. There’s rarely a good reason to pay one on a first card.
- Reports to all three bureaus.
- Reasonable limit and clear terms.
- A path to keep the card after graduation. Some issuers let you convert the account to a standard card, which preserves your credit age.
- Simple rewards, if any. Don’t chase them at the expense of balance.
- Good tools: free score access, alerts, and easy autopay.
Examples to compare (verify current terms)
Editor: These are commonly cited student cards. Confirm each one’s current eligibility, fees, and features on the issuer’s website, and update or remove as needed.
| Card | Known for | Annual fee | Rewards | Eligibility notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Student Cash Back | Rotating category cash back and a good-grades reward in past versions | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] |
| Capital One student cards (for example, SavorOne Student) | Flat or category cash back geared to students | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students | Choice of bonus category and existing-customer perks | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] |
| Deserve® EDU Mastercard® | Aimed at students without a credit history; may accept some applicants without an SSN | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] | [VERIFY] |
Student card vs. secured card
| Question | Student card | Secured card |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit required? | No | Yes |
| Must be a student? | Usually yes | No |
| Approval difficulty | Moderate | Easier |
| Rewards | Often | Sometimes |
| Best for | Students with some income | Anyone with a deposit |
If you can’t get approved for a student card, a secured card is a good fallback. (Best starter cards)
How to apply
- Gather your info: name, date of birth, SSN (or ITIN if accepted), school, expected graduation, income, and address.
- Prequalify if available, to avoid an unnecessary hard inquiry. (How inquiries work)
- List all income honestly, including job earnings and other regular income you can access.
- Apply for one card at a time.
Smart use of a student card
- Charge only what you can pay in full. No interest is the goal.
- Set autopay to at least cover the minimum, and ideally the full balance.
- Keep utilization low by charging small, planned expenses. (Utilization)
- Don’t treat the limit as spending money.
- Track due dates. They may not line up with paydays.
- Keep it after graduation if there’s no annual fee, so your account keeps aging. (Credit age)
Watch out for these traps
- Cash advances and high APRs. They’re expensive and can damage your budget.
- Late fees and penalty rates.
- Rewards that tempt overspending.
- Campus promotions for cards with high fees or poor terms.
- International student issues. Some issuers require an SSN. If you don’t have one, look for products that accept other documentation, and read our ITIN and immigrant guide.
FAQ
Do I need a job to get a student credit card? Not always, but under-21 applicants must show independent ability to pay or use a cosigner.
Are student cards easier to get than regular cards? Often yes, since they’re designed for people with limited history.
What happens when I graduate? Many issuers convert the account or let you keep it. Ask before you close it.
This article is for general education and is not financial advice. Product terms change; confirm details with the issuer.