If you’re enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university, you may be eligible for a student credit card, even if you don’t have a credit history. Some trade school students may qualify, as well. From a high level, learning how to get a student credit card is straightforward: Simply choose a card and apply. However, there are several nuances that can improve your odds.
Remember you must be over 18 to get a card solely in your name—and applicants under 21 must show sufficient income to qualify. It is possible to get a credit card as a non-U.S. citizen, and some card providers will issue cards to international students, but in most cases, you will need to be a U.S. citizen to apply.
How To Apply for a Credit Card as a Student
In most cases, the research and decisions will take more brain power. The actual act of applying for a card is the easy part, but it is an essential part of the process:
- Research student credit cards. Compare fees and benefits to determine the best fit for your needs.
- Learn about the application requirements. It may require minimum age, income or status as a university student.
- Obtain necessary documents to prove your identity and application details. You usually need a Social Security number, permanent address, annual income information and information on housing expenses.
- Submit an application. You can do this online, by phone or in person at a local bank branch.
Application decisions are often returned within minutes, though in some cases it may take days or weeks to fully process your application. If you’re approved, you’ll usually receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 business days.
Pro Tip
When applying for a student credit card, choose a card that has no annual fee, and also offers rewards or benefits for good grades or responsible credit usage, as these features can provide added value while building your credit history.
How To Fill Out the Income Section on a Student Credit Card Application
When applying for any credit card, you’ll likely be asked to show you have sufficient income to make monthly payments. This is especially true for anyone applying independently under the age of 21. Though you’ll need to be truthful, there’s a lot you can legally report as income on a student card application, including:
- Income from part-time jobs and/or summer work, including tips and bonuses
- Income from verifiable freelance, contract, gig or irregular work
- Regular, ongoing allowance from parents or other family members
- Grants and scholarship funds (student loans, which you need to repay, do not count as income)
As with any application for a credit card or financial account, it’s important to be as honest and accurate as possible. Additionally, if you are under 21, it’s important that you only report individual income, even if you live with a domestic partner. Lying on a credit card application is considered fraud and is a federal crime.
How To Receive Approval for Student Credit Cards
Approval for any credit card is never guaranteed, but you can improve your odds by providing complete and accurate information. To estimate your odds of approval in advance, some issuers offer a preapproval check on their website. By answering a few preliminary questions, the issuer can give you a good idea, if you’d be approved before pulling your credit report. Be aware that preapproval or prequalification does not represent a guarantee of approval, so the results should be treated like a best guess.
What is a good credit card limit for students?
Caroline Lupini
Credit Cards Managing Editor
Becky Pokora
Credit Cards Writer
Harlan Vaughn
Credit Card Expert
Student cards typically offer lower credit limits to start. My first credit card—a student card—initially offered a $500 limit. With responsible use, I was able to increase my limit over time.
Realistically, most students will only be eligible for a line of credit under $1,000 and often more like $300-500. A more important number to keep in mind is your credit utilization rate, or the amount you have charged compared to your credit limit. Keep this under 30% to keep your credit score high: That means having a maximum $150 balance if you have a $500 credit line.
Ideally, the credit limit for a student credit card shouldn’t be more than a couple of weeks of expenses—$500 to $1,000 is plenty. This serves to make the card useful for regular use and prevents temptation to overspend, which helps students build positive credit history (and higher credit limits in the future).
When Should You Get a Student Credit Card?
If you’re a college student with proof of income, consider getting a student credit card. However, it’s easiest to apply after you have turned 21. The CARD Act of 2009 restricts those under 21 from getting a credit card unless they’re able to demonstrate independent income or have a creditworthy co-signer. Since many credit cards no longer allow co-signers, someone under 21 may need a more substantial, independent source of income to qualify compared to older applicants.
Ironically, because student credit cards are often designed for those new to credit, it can be easier to apply for a student card before graduation rather than waiting to apply for a non-student card as a recent college graduate, especially if you don’t have a job lined up right away.
If you’re about to apply for your first credit card, we recommend you read our guide to applying for your first credit card.