How you could get a student credit card

When used responsibly, a student credit card can be a helpful way to build your credit history. That means doing things like making monthly payments on time. 

But before you can build credit with a student credit card, you have to apply for a student card.

What you’ll learn:

• Student credit cards are like other credit cards, but are for students with little or no credit histories.

• Student credit card applications typically ask for proof of age and school enrollment.

• Federal law requires applicants who are under 21 to show proof of income or have a co-signer who’s older than 21. 

• Many major issuers don’t allow co-signers, but becoming an authorized user is another way to access and build credit.

Yes—if approved, students can get credit cards. Some cards are even made just for them: Student credit cards are geared toward college students with little or no credit. That can make them easier to qualify for than other credit cards.

If you’re under 21, you have to show proof of income or have a co-signer. Income can take many forms, including money from multiple sources.

Pay from a regular job may be the most obvious. But even that can take many forms, including pay from full- or part-time jobs, work-study programs, seasonal or gig work, military duties, and self-employment. How a job makes money can vary too. Salaries might be considered, and so can other wages, bonuses, tips and commissions. 

Proceeds from student loans that go beyond tuition and financial support from parents or guardians might also qualify.

Other sources of income might also be acceptable. They might be less relevant to college students, but they could be helpful to know if you’re trying to learn how credit works. They include income from interest or dividends, retirement benefits, public assistance, alimony and child support.

To qualify for a student credit card, you’ll typically need to meet a few basic criteria:

• Age: At least 18 years old.

• Enrollment: Proof that you’re currently enrolled in a college or university.

• Income or co-signer: Proof of income or a co-signer is required for applicants who are 21 or younger. But many major issuers don’t accept co-signers.  

Applying for a student credit card is like applying for a traditional credit card. Below are some steps you can take to prepare and increase your chances of approval.

Even without a credit history, it can be helpful to know where your credit reports and scores stand. CreditWise from Capital One can help. You could also visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get free copies of your credit reports.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation says if you decide to apply for a card, you should first compare credit cards based on annual percentage rates, fees and rewards.

Capital One offers two student credit cards:

• Quicksilver Student card: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.

• Savor Student card: Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, groceries and streaming services.*

Neither Capital One student credit card has an annual fee. View important rates and disclosures. And they both allow access to exclusive benefits through Capital One Entertainment.

It can be useful to have your personally identifiable information ready to go, including your Social Security number (SSN), proof of income and college enrollment details.

Applying for a credit card usually involves a hard inquiry. And according to credit-scoring company FICO, those inquiries can have a small effect on credit scores. But seeing whether you’re pre-approved can give you an idea of your chances, without affecting your credit scores.

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting a student credit card.

Getting a student credit card can be a first step toward financial independence. And if it’s used responsibly, it can help you build your credit history, work toward higher credit limits and earn cash back rewards on everyday spending.

If you’re looking for a way to build credit and earn rewards while you’re in college, using a student credit card responsibly may be a good option.

• See if you’re pre-approved for a student credit card without harming your credit scores.

• Explore student rewards credit cards you can use to build credit with responsible use.

• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on food and fun with the Savor Student card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with the Quicksilver Student card.