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Discover® Student Credit Card Requirements

6 min read

Last Updated: January 9, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Student credit cards are a good option for people with limited credit, and they enable you to build credit when used responsibly.
You’ll typically need proof of your student enrollment status, along with meeting specific age and income criteria.
If you aren’t eligible for a student credit card, you may still build credit by exploring other options.

If you’re a college student looking to apply for a credit card, it may be worthwhile to explore cards specifically for students. A student credit card shares several similarities with a standard credit card, such as the ability to make purchases and earn rewards. But a student credit card also has terms and conditions specifically for college students. That means, in some cases, a credit card issuer may not require a credit score or credit history to apply, which is good news if you’re looking to build your credit. Instead, a credit card company may consider a student’s age and income when reviewing applications. While each card has different rules, some card issuers may also require you to provide proof of enrollment as a part-time or full-time student in a two-year program or longer.

By researching different cards and their requirements, you may be able to find a student credit card that’s a good match for you and your financial goals.

Discover student credit card qualifications

When researching your credit card options, you may have considered questions like, “Do I need to be a student for a student credit card?”. To qualify for a Discover student credit card, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Social Security number: You must have a Social Security number.
Address: You’ll need to provide a U.S. mailing address.
Proof of enrollment: You must be a full-time or part-time student enrolled in a college, university, or community college program.
Income: You’ll need to report your sources of income, for example, a part-time job.

An application typically requires you to provide additional personal information, such as your name, date of birth, home address, and school information. And remember, there is no credit score required to apply for Discover Student credit cards.²

Student cards may have more lenient eligibility criteria compared to standard credit cards. For example, instead of showing creditworthiness, some credit issuers may only require applicants to prove their enrollment in a college or university.

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Types of Discover student credit cards

Student cards might offer rewards that benefit college students. Discover has two student cards to choose from: the Discover it^® Student Chrome credit card and the Discover it^® Student Cash Back credit card. Both the Discover it Student Cash Back credit card and the Discover it^® Student Chrome credit card helps you build your credit history with responsible use³ while you earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You’ll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.⁴ With the Discover it Student Cash Back credit card, you may earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Get tips on choosing the best credit card for college students, or keep reading to explore four alternatives to a student credit card, or keep reading to explore four alternatives to a student credit card.

Did you know?

Student credit cards typically have lower credit limits, which may help young adults build credit responsibly and with less risk. You may be able to upgrade your card after graduation and become eligible for a higher credit limit and better rewards.

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What if you’re denied a Discover student credit card?

If you aren’t eligible for a student credit card, you may consider alternative ways to establish credit instead, including:

Applying for a secured credit card: With a secured credit card, you must pay a cash deposit to the card issuer before you start using it. For example, with the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card, your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200.⁵ Additionally, with the Discover it Secured credit card, there is no credit score required to apply.⁶
Applying for a joint credit card: You might apply for a joint credit card with someone who already has good credit. With a joint credit card account, both people share the power to make purchases as well as the responsibility for paying debts. Not all issuers offer joint credit cards, so it’s best to contact the issuer to see what options may be available.
Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account: If you don’t meet the requirements to get your own credit card, you may become an authorized user on another person’s account, such as a parent or adult sibling, which may be a good option if you’re under 18 years old or if you’re over 18 but don’t meet the issuer’s requirements. You may potentially build credit, provided the account holder has good credit and maintains responsible financial habits.

Remember, it’s important to research the programs and offerings of each credit card issuer before you apply.

The bottom line

Are student credit cards only for students? In most cases, yes but that shouldn’t discourage you from exploring the credit options that may be available to you. Whether you’re a part-time student, a full-time student, or not a student, there are multiple types of cards and credit card alternatives to fit your financial needs.

If you use a student credit card responsibly and focus on building good credit, you’re on the path toward a better credit score and with it, improved eligibility for new loans and credit cards in the future.

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