Getting a student credit card

A student credit card can be a great tool to build credit. That’s when you use it responsibly by doing things like making your monthly payments on time. Learn how you might be able to get one.

What you’ll learn:

• Student credit cards are like other credit cards, except they’re designed specifically for college students.

• It’s possible to get a student credit card with little or no credit history. 

• To apply, you’ll need to prove your age and university or college enrollment information. 

• Depending on your age, you may also need to show proof of income to be eligible for a student credit card.

Student credit cards are designed specifically for students with limited or no credit history. That can make them easier to qualify for.

To get a student credit card, you generally need to show proof of enrollment at a college or university. Plus, you must be at least 18 years old. If you’re under 21, you’ll need to show proof of income.

If you can’t show proof of income, it won’t be possible to qualify for a student credit card. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need a job. Depending on your age, issuers may accept alternative sources like:

• 18-20: Income from a work-study program or an allowance from a family member

• 21 and over: Income from a part-time job or from a spouse or partner

Applying for a student credit card is like applying for a traditional credit card. Here are some steps you might take:

• Check and monitor your credit. You can see where your credit reports or scores stand by using a credit monitoring service like CreditWise from Capital One. You can also visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get copies of your credit reports.

• Compare credit cards. You can consider rewards, fees or introductory offers to help you figure out which student credit card is best for you.

• Gather your information. 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.

• See whether you’re pre-approved. Applying for a credit card usually involves a hard inquiry, which can temporarily hurt your credit scores. You can check your likelihood of being approved via pre-approval without impacting your credit scores.

Check out these answers to some frequently asked questions about getting a student credit card:

Getting a student credit card can be a step toward financial independence. And if it’s used responsibly, it can help you establish and build a good credit history. And that can help you reach future milestones, like renting an apartment or buying a car.

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.

• Earn unlimited 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.