Best Credit Card For Students With No Credit In May 2024

Are you looking for a credit card for students with no credit? If yes then you are at the right place. Getting a student credit card can be a smart move, especially if you do not have much credit history.

These cards can help you save money on purchases, usually between 1% to 5%. Using them responsibly can help you build a good credit history, which is important for your future.

To get approved for a student credit card, you will need to be at least 18 years old, enrolled in school, and have enough money to pay your monthly bills, which are usually around $10 for student cards. 

When you have a student credit card, make sure to pay your bill on time every month and do not spend more than you can afford.

By using your student credit card wisely, you will start building the credit you need for things like renting an apartment, buying a car, and getting good loans. 

Even though it can be tough being a student with little income and lots of expenses, having a student credit card can make things a bit easier. 

In this article, we will see how to get a credit card for students with no credit. Let’s get started. 

Key Takeaways

• Credit cards for students with no credits are like regular credit cards but for students with little credit history.
• They often have lower credit limits and higher interest rates than regular cards.
• They can still offer rewards and benefits to help you build credit.
• Good for students who want to build credit history and don’t have a lot of money.
• You can get a student credit card even if you do not have a job by using your parent’s income, showing financial aid, or getting someone to co-sign.
• When choosing a student credit card, consider factors like annual fees, interest rates, rewards programs, and special offers.
• Use your student credit card responsibly by paying your bills on time and in full to build a good credit history.

What Is a Student Credit Card?

A student credit card is like a regular credit card but made specifically for college students. These cards usually come with lower credit limits and fewer perks because students might not have much income or credit history.

Even though student cards might not have as many benefits as other cards, they can still offer rewards and some extra features. For example, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card is similar to the regular Discover it® Cash Back card but with a few differences, like a shorter introductory APR period.

Is A Student Credit Card Right For You?

Student credit cards are made for students who have not used credit much before and do not have a lot of money. If you are still in school and do not earn much, a student card might be a good choice. It will help you to get the best college student credit cards with no income and credit history.

When you are 18 to 20 years old, you can only tell the credit card company about your own money, like from a job or scholarships. This can make it hard to get a card if you do not earn a lot. But if you are 21 or older, you can also count money from your family.

If you have okay credit and a job, you have a better chance of getting approved. You might not even need a student card. There are other cards you can get if you pay your bills and have a steady income.

You should check your credit score to see how you are doing. You can also try to build your credit history by taking out a special loan or using an app that helps you get credit for paying your bills on time.

Top 11 Best Credit Card For Students With No Credit

Card	Rewards	Additional Information
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards	1-8% cash back	Bonus cash back for spending in the first 3 months
Discover it® Student Chrome	2% gas/restaurants, 1% others	No foreign transaction fees match rewards in the first year
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards	1.5-5% cash back	Bonus cash back for spending in the first 3 months
Discover it® Secured Credit Card	2% gas/restaurants, 1% others	Matches rewards in the first year
Discover it® Student Cash Back	5% groceries/restaurants (quarterly limit), 1% others	Matches rewards in the first year
U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card	5% categories, 2% everyday category, 1% others	Foreign transaction fees apply
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards	3% chosen category, 2% groceries/wholesale clubs (limit), 1% others	Bonus cash back if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days, foreign transaction fees apply
Bank of America® Travel Rewards	1.5 points per dollar	No foreign transaction fees, welcome bonus points
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards	1.5% cash back	Bonus cash back if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days, foreign transaction fees apply
Chase Freedom® Student	1% cash back	Bonus cash back for first purchase, free credit score monitoring
Deserve® EDU Mastercard	1% cash back	Free Amazon Prime Student for a year if you spend $500 in the first 3 months

Here are some of the best credit card for students with no credit: 

1. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top choice for students with no credit. There is no annual fee. It means you won’t have to pay any extra costs each year. 

If you spend $100 on purchases within the first 3 months of getting the card, you will get a $50 bonus to start with. The rewards you will earn after that are really good. You can get anywhere from 1% to 8% cash back on the things you buy.

2. Discover it® Student Chrome

Discover it® Student Chrome is the best choice if you are a student without credit. It won’t cost you anything each year, which is awesome. You won’t have to pay extra when you use it outside the country. 

You will get cool rewards like 2% cash back when you buy gas or eat at restaurants (but only up to $1,000 spent every few months combined). 

For all other purchases, you will still get 1% back. Discover matches all the rewards you earn in your first year of having the card.

3. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top choice for students without credit. It does not charge you any money each year. You can earn cash back rewards ranging from 1.5% to 5% on your purchases. 

If you spend at least $100 in your first three months of having the card, you will even get a bonus of $50. Even if you do not have much of a credit history, you can still apply for this card.

4. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

If you are looking to build credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a solid choice. It has no annual fee. You will also earn rewards, like getting 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on everything else you buy. 

Whatever rewards you earn in your first year, Discover will match them on your card anniversary. Now, since it is a secured card, you won’t be able to spend more than what you put down as a security deposit. 

This deposit starts at $200, and it sets your spending limit. So, it helps you manage your spending responsibly.

5. Discover it® Student Cash Back

If you are a student, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card could be a great choice. You earn 5% cash back on things like groceries and restaurants, up to a certain limit each quarter. 

You get 1% cash back on everything else you buy. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you have earned. That is like getting double the rewards. 

But please keep in mind that not all stores accept Discover, especially if you are traveling abroad. Also, the bonus categories might not always match what you buy, so you might not earn as much cash back every quarter.

6. U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card

If you cannot get a student credit card or want something different, you might like the U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card. You give the bank at least $300, and that becomes your credit limit. 

You cannot spend more money than you have. With this card, you earn cash back on your purchases. You get 5% back on certain things, like groceries and restaurants, up to $2,000 each quarter. 

You also get 2% back on one everyday category, like gas stations. On everything else, you get 1% back. But watch out, if you use this card outside the U.S., you will pay a 3% fee on each purchase.

7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students

If you are a student looking for a good cash-back credit card, consider the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students. You get to pick a category where you earn 3% cash back, like gas or online shopping. 

You automatically get 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. But please remember, you only earn extra cash back on the first $2,500 you spend in those categories every three months. On everything else, you get 1% cashback. 

You also get a $200 cash bonus if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days. However, this card charges a 3% fee on purchases made outside the U.S., so it is not ideal if you are planning to study abroad.

8. Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

If you are planning to study abroad, we suggest getting the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students. It does not charge any fees when you use it internationally.

With this card, you earn 1.5 points for every dollar you spend, and you get a welcome bonus of 25,000 points if you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days. 

There is no annual fee. You can use your points to pay for flights, hotels, and more. However, this card does not offer travel protections like lost baggage assistance or travel insurance.

9. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students

The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students is a good choice for students. You earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and there is no annual fee. If you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of opening the account, you get a $200 cash rewards bonus. 

The card also offers a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days, with a variable APR afterward. However, it charges foreign transaction fees. So it is not ideal if you plan to study abroad.

10. Chase Freedom® Student credit card

The Chase Freedom® Student credit card is a great option for those who are new to credit cards. It lets you earn at least 1 percent cash back on all your purchases without any yearly fee. 

If you make your first purchase within three months of opening your account, you can get a $50 cash bonus. With the Chase Credit Journey program, you can also keep an eye on your credit score for free.

11. Deserve® EDU Mastercard

The Deserve® EDU Mastercard is a good choice for 18-year-olds. You do not need someone to vouch for you or give a deposit to apply. It is also great for students from other countries since you do not need a Social Security number.

When you spend $500 in the first three months, you get a year of Amazon Prime Student for free. You get 1% cash back on everything you buy. There is no yearly fee, but the interest rate can change.

How We Picked The Best Credit Cards For Students With No Credit?

To find the best student credit card for you, we compared over 1,000 offers. We looked at things like rewards, rates, fees, and approval requirements. Let’s break down how college credit cards work and how to pick the right one for you.

1. First, you can check if you are pre-approved for a credit card without hurting your credit score. Pre-approval means you are likely to get approved if you apply. But, most students with little or no credit already have good chances of getting a student credit card.
2. Student credit cards are easy to get, have low fees, and help you build credit. They often offer better rewards than regular cards because credit card companies want to build long-term relationships with students.
3. There are two main types of student credit cards: unsecured and secured. Both are usually easy to get if you have enough income to pay the bills. Student credit cards come with different perks. Some offer travel rewards, cash back, or 0% APR for a limited time. 
4. Interest rates on student cards can start low, especially with introductory offers. But they often go up after a while. The key is to use your card responsibly by paying on time and not maxing out your limit.

So, please remember that getting the right credit card for students with no credit is just the first step. You also need to use it wisely to build credit and save money.

How To Build Credit With a Student Credit Card? 

Credit is like a key in the world of money. With good credit, you can borrow money from banks, rent apartments, lease cars, and even start your own business. But if you do not have any credit, it can be tough to do these things.

Student credit cards are made for students who do not have much credit history. They are easier to get than regular cards. But remember, using credit cards wisely is important, no matter what kind you have. Here is what you should do:

• Always pay your bills on time and in full.
• Try not to keep a balance on your card because then you will have to pay extra money called interest.
• Read all the details about your card so you understand how it works.
• Keep the amount of credit you use low, ideally less than 30% of your total credit limit.
• Do not apply for too many cards all at once.

How To Compare Credit Card for Students With No Credit?

When picking a credit card for students with no credit, you have to think about a few things to find the best one for you.

• 1. First, check if the card has an annual fee. You want to avoid paying extra money, so go for ones with no annual fee or a low one.
• 2. Next, look at the interest rates, which is how much you will pay if you borrow money. Try to find one with a lower rate to save money. But, please remember that using credit cards costs more than paying with cash.
• 3. Also, see if the card gives you rewards or cash back on things you buy often.
• 4. Check if the card has any special offers when you first get it, like a 0% APR for a few months or bonuses for spending a certain amount.
• 5. Please make sure the card company reports your credit activity to the big credit bureaus. This helps you build a good credit history.
• 6. If you plan to travel abroad, see if the card charges extra fees for using it outside your country.
• 7. Some cards offer lessons on how to manage your money wisely. That can be helpful as you learn about credit.

How To Get a Credit Card For Students With No Credit?

Getting approved for a credit card for students with no credit history might seem hard, but it is doable, especially if you are applying for a student or secured card. 

1. The first thing to do is find a card that is likely to approve you even if you have no credit.
2. Once you have found the right card and read all the details, you can apply online or call the issuer.
3. It might take a little while for your application to be processed, and the issuer might ask for more information. 
4. Please remember, it is important to be honest on your application. 
5. Provide as much information as possible, it shows that you are responsible. 
6. Once approved, you will get your card in the mail, and sometimes you might get a virtual card number to use online right away.

How To Choose The Best Credit Card For Students With No Credit History?

When you are looking at a credit card for students with no credit history, there are a few important things to think about. 

1. First, check the interest rates to see if they have any special rates when you first get the card. 
2. Also, look at the regular rate. This affects how much extra you pay if you do not pay off your full balance each month.
3. Next, check the fees. You do not want to pay extra money, so try to find cards with no annual fees.
4. If you like the idea of getting rewards, compare the cards to see which one gives you the best rewards for things you buy a lot. Some cards give you extra points or cash back for specific types of purchases.
5. Please make sure the card company reports your credit activity to the credit bureaus. This helps you build a good credit history. This is important for your financial future.

What Counts as Income on a Credit Card Application?

When you apply for a credit card, the company wants to know how much money you have coming in. It is not just about having a regular job. You can use different types of income when you apply. Here are some examples:

• The money you make from working by the hour or having a salary from part time jobs. 
• If you have investments, like money you make from stocks or renting out a place, that counts too.
• If someone else puts money into a joint account with you, like a spouse or family member, that money can be counted as your income too.
• Any money you get regularly from alimony, child support, or an allowance from your parents.
• If you get scholarships, grants, or financial aid and it goes into your account, that counts as income.
• If you are not sure if the money you make can be used when you apply for a credit card, you can talk to someone from the credit card company for help.

How to Get The Best First Credit Card For Students With No Credit?

When you are a student and do not have a job, getting a credit card can be tough. But don’t worry, there are ways to work around this. 

Having a student credit card is important because it helps you start building your credit history. This is important for your future.

Here is how you can get a student credit card even if you do not have a credit:

1. Use Your Parent’s Income: Some credit card companies let you include your parent’s income when you apply. This can boost your chances of getting approved. Just make sure you are responsible with your credit.
2. Show Your Financial Aid: If you are getting money for college from scholarships or grants, some credit card companies will count that as income. It shows you have got some money coming in, even if it is not from a job.
3. Open a Bank Account: Having a bank account that you manage well can show credit card companies that you are good with money. It is not a guarantee, but it can help your chances.
4. Find Someone to Co-Sign: If you cannot get a card on your own, you can ask your parents to cosign for you. It means they will be responsible for paying if you cannot. But please be careful with this option because it puts them on the hook for your debt.
5. Try for a Secured Card: If nothing else works, you can go for a secured credit card. You have to put down a deposit, but it is easier to get approved for. This can be a good way to start building credit, even without a credit.

How Can a College Student Build Credit with No Income?

Starting your financial journey as a student means building good credit is important. It will also set you up for big things like renting a place, buying a car, or even getting a house later on.

Here is how a student can build credit with no income:

1. Get a Student Credit Card: These cards are made for students like you who are just starting. They do not need you to have a steady income, and they usually come with low spending limits. But they are a great way to start your credit history.
2. Join Someone Else’s Card: If your parents or someone else you trust has a good credit card, you can ask them to add you as an authorized user. This means you can use their good credit habits to build your own.
3. Find a Co-Signer: If you cannot get a card on your own, you can ask someone with good credit to cosign for you. They will be responsible if you can’t pay, though, so make sure you are careful.
4. Try a Secured Card: These cards need a deposit upfront, but they are easier to get approved for. You use it, pay it off, and it helps build your credit.
5. Use Your Card Wisely: Once you have a card, make sure you use it responsibly. Pay on time and do not spend more than you can pay off each month. That way, you will build a good credit history and set yourself up for financial success. 

Credit Card For Students With No Credit Summary

Feature	Description
What is it?	Credit card for students with no or limited credit history
Benefits	Lower credit limits, easier to get approved, build credit history
Types	Unsecured, Secured
Important considerations	Annual fees, interest rates, rewards programs, foreign transaction fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Credit card for students with no credit are a good choice because they usually do not have yearly fees. They help you build credit by reporting your account activity to credit bureaus. 

They also charge lower interest rates compared to other cards. It means you pay less if you carry a balance. Many of these cards even offer special deals like 0% interest for a while or rewards for using them. 

A good credit card for students with no credit is great because they are easier to get. The credit card companies understand that you are just starting. Since most students do not have much credit history, these cards are extremely helpful for students. 

As long as your credit is not bad, and you have a college email address, you should be able to get a student credit card for yourself.