Best Student Credit Cards in 2024

Student credit cards can operate just like regular credit cards, allowing students to earn rewards and take advantage of intro APR offers. Although student cards are usually easier to qualify for, they tend to have fewer benefits and lower credit limits than regular credit cards.

Even students with limited or no credit history can get approved, but they’ll most likely need to show proof of enrollment. Access to credit allows students the opportunity to build credit and develop good financial habits, as long as they’re careful to avoid overspending.

• PAY YOUR BILL ON TIME EACH MONTH

  Your payment history is the biggest factor that affects your credit score. It makes up 35% of your FICO credit score, which is the type of score used by 90% of top lenders. That means just paying your bills on time (or early) each month can help you build credit. It’ll also help you avoid late fees and may help reduce interest payments. Even if you can’t afford to pay your entire balance one month, at least make the minimum payment to avoid late fees and negative marks on your credit.

• DON'T CHARGE MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD TO PAY

  When you’re first starting out with a student credit card, it can be tempting to spend money without worrying about how you’ll pay it back. However, it’s always best to start small with credit and only charge purchases you can afford to pay off right away. This will help you build positive credit habits you’ll need later in life.

  Of course, there may be situations where you can’t afford to pay your balance in full. In that case, you should strive to pay off as much as you can, even if you have to make multiple payments throughout the month.

• STAY WELL BELOW YOUR CREDIT LIMIT

  The second most important factor in your FICO Score is the amount you owe in relation to your credit limit. This factor is known as your credit utilization ratio and counts for 30% of your score. Generally speaking, it’s always best to keep your utilization below 30% of your available credit. For example, if you have a credit limit of $1,000, you should keep your balance under $300.

  Tip

  If you can keep your credit utilization rate below 10% of your available credit, that will typically help your score even more.

   

• CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE FREQUENTLY

  Check your credit score for free with LendingTree Spring. With Spring, you can check your credit score without getting a hard inquiry on your credit report.

  In addition, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the three major credit bureaus to provide individuals with a free annual credit report. You can get a free credit report from each of the major bureaus once a week by going to AnnualCreditReport.com. Plus, you’re also entitled to receive one any time a company takes adverse action against you, like rejecting an application for a credit card or loan.

There are a few key differences between student credit cards and typical credit cards that aren’t targeted at college students. Student credit cards are typically easier to get, but come with lower credit limits than credit cards marketed to people with a more extensive credit history.

Since students generally have less experience managing credit products, card issuers tend to compensate for that risk by keeping credit limits low. Once you’ve proven yourself more creditworthy — by paying on time every time and keeping your balance under control — you may be able to ask your issuer to upgrade you to another card. You can also request a credit limit increase on your existing card or apply for a new card.

The best credit cards for college students will typically have the following:

• No annual fee (or a low annual fee)
• Reasonable APR (or an introductory APR offer)
• Can earn rewards or cash back on spending
• Chance to build credit
• No foreign transaction fees (if you plan to travel)

When comparing the best student credit cards, consider which perks and features are most important to you. If you’re looking for a card that earns rewards, choose one that offers bonus points in the categories you spend the most. For example, the Discover it^® Student Cash Back has quarterly rotating bonus categories, while the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students lets you select one bonus category each month to earn its top cash back rate.

For cards that include a welcome bonus, make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement without going into debt or blowing your budget. Fortunately, the spending requirement for student credit card sign-up bonuses are typically on the lower end.

It can be intimidating to apply for your first credit card as a student, especially if you have limited credit history. Luckily, student credit cards are geared for applicants who are new to credit, which means it’s easier to get approved. You can boost your approval odds by taking steps to build your credit before you apply.

After deciding which card is right for you, follow these steps to apply for a credit card:

1. Check if you prequalify. Some banks offer online tools to check if you prequalify for a credit card. After providing basic information, you’ll see the cards you’re most likely to be eligible for. Prequalification isn’t a guarantee, but it can help you see if you’re likely to be approved — and it also won’t affect your credit.
2. Visit the issuer’s website or a local branch. After selecting a card, apply online or in person at your local branch. In some cases, online and in-branch offers may differ.
3. Provide the necessary information and documents. When you apply for a credit card, you’ll typically be asked for your Social Security number, housing details, income, employment status and basic contact information.
4. Find out your application status. When applying online, you may receive immediate approval on your new credit card. If not, call the bank to ask if there’s any additional information you’ll need to provide to receive a decision on your application or reconsider the denial.
5. Wait for your credit card to arrive. If approved, your credit card should arrive in the mail within seven to 10 days. In the meantime, you may even be able to access your card immediately through a digital wallet like Apple Pay.
6. If denied, review your options. Applying for a secured credit card or becoming an authorized user on a friend or family member’s card can help you build credit until your score improves.

• SECURED CREDIT CARD

  If you have poor credit or no credit, a secured credit card can help you turn your situation around. While secured credit cards require a security deposit to secure your line of credit, they report your credit movements to the three credit bureaus in order to help you boost your score.

  Many secured credit cards also offer rewards for spending with no annual fee, and you can get your security deposit back when you close your account or upgrade it in good standing.

• BECOME AN AUTHORIZED USER

  You can also look into becoming an authorized user on another person’s credit card, like a parent, spouse or other trusted family member. This step can help you piggyback off the good credit and responsible use of the primary cardholder.

  Just remember that there are risks involved in being an authorized user for both you and for the primary cardholder, who is ultimately responsible for repayment.

• STORE CREDIT CARDS

  Store credit cards from retailers, like Lowe’s or Kohl’s, can also help you build credit. It’s often easier to get approved for a retail card than a traditional credit card. The downside of store cards, however, is that you can only use them with a single store or certain store brands.

  That said, some store cards (like the Prime Visa from Amazon) are offered by card networks like Visa and Mastercard, so you can use this kind of store card nearly anywhere. Still, store cards that work on major credit card networks are also often more difficult to qualify for.

• DEBIT CARD

  If you just want a way to make purchases without using cash, you can also use a debit card that’s connected to your bank account. But remember, debit card usage won’t help build your credit score, as your payments won’t be reported to any of the major credit bureaus. You’re also less likely to earn rewards with a debit card.

To determine the best student credit cards, we considered rewards programs, sign-up bonuses and accessibility for students with no credit or limited credit histories.

All of the cards on this list are aimed at college students and can help cardholders build credit history — plus, none of them charge an annual fee. We also considered any useful features a card might have, like cell phone protection plans or other perks. Learn more about how we calculate the value of credit cards here.