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Should You Get a Secured Card or Student Credit Card?

5 min read

Last Updated: April 9, 2026

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

One major difference between a student credit card and a secured credit card is that a secured card requires you to pay a deposit to the credit card issuer upfront.
Both types of cards have their own pros and cons, and the right choice for you depends on your needs and goals.
You’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements to apply successfully for either type of card.

Student credit cards and secured credit cards are two popular types of credit cards that might seem similar at first glance. Both may help you build credit history if you use them responsibly, both offer rewards for making purchases, and both are usually available to applicants without a credit history.

Understanding the factors that set student and secured credit cards apart may help you identify the best credit cards for building credit history.

What are the differences between a student and a secured credit card?

Both secured credit cards and student credit cards may help you begin building credit history. But the cards usually have different requirements.

A secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, which typically equals your credit limit. A student card is generally an unsecured credit card (meaning it doesn’t require a deposit), and you must be enrolled in college to qualify.

The deposit on a secured credit card acts as collateral. That way, if you miss your credit card payments, the credit card company may keep the cash you provided up front to cover your balance. Your cash deposit amount generally determines your initial credit limit. With a student credit card, like Discover It^® Student Cash Back, there’s no need to pay an upfront deposit.

Student credit cards and secured credit cards also have distinct eligibility requirements.

To qualify for a student credit card, you’ll need proof of enrollment at a college, community college, or university.
Anyone 18 years old or older may apply for a secured card, depending on income.

If you use your secured card responsibly and raise your credit score far enough, it can often be upgraded to a regular, unsecured credit card.

Did you know?

Depending on the card issuer, you may be able to upgrade from a secured card to an unsecured card and get your deposit back. To qualify, typically, you need to use your secured credit card responsibly and make on-time payments for a certain amount of time.

Pros and cons of student credit cards

Student credit cards offer numerous benefits, but there are also some potential drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons to consider when applying for a student card.

Advantages of student credit cards:

Many student cards offer rewards on eligible purchases. For example, your Discover It^® Student Cash Back card allows you to earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
Managing your card responsibly may help you build credit history.
Some student cards, like Discover It^® Student Cash Back and Discover It^®, may offer a low APR for your first 6 months.
Unlike a secured card, there’s no need to pay a security deposit upfront. With Discover^®, there’s no credit score required to apply.¹

Disadvantages of student credit cards:

Some charge a higher interest rate or an annual fee.
You may need to provide proof of income and college enrollment to be eligible.
A student card may have a lower credit limit than a regular credit card, at least initially.

Pros and cons of secured credit cards

Choosing a secured credit card can be a smart way to begin building credit history whether you're a college student considering it as an alternative to a student credit card, or someone who isn't a student. However, it’s important to be aware that secured credit cards have drawbacks, too. Let's review the pros and cons of using secured credit cards.

Advantages of secured cards:

As long as the credit card company reports your card activity to a credit bureau, secured cards, may help you build credit when used responsibly.
You may be eligible even if you don’t yet have a good credit score.
You don’t need to be a college student to apply.
Many don’t have annual fees.

Disadvantages of secured cards:

You’ll need to pay a refundable security deposit up front before you can use the card.
A secured card may offer fewer rewards than a traditional credit card.
A secured card may have a lower credit limit than a regular credit card, especially if you only provide a small cash deposit.

Eligibility requirements for a student vs. secured credit card

Now that we’ve covered some of the major differences between a student card vs. secured card, such as their pros and cons, let’s focus on how they differ when it comes to specific eligibility requirements. Here are a few points to know before you apply:

Age Requirements: Regardless of whether you’re enrolled as a student, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to apply for any type of credit card. However, if you’re under 18, you may be able to become an authorized user on another person’s account.
Income Requirements: While you don't need a high salary or even a full-time job, you do need to show the credit card issuer that you can pay your credit card bills. Whether you're applying for a student card or a secured card, prepare to provide proof of your wages, a parent's income, or other sources of income.
Credit Requirements: Student credit cards are designed for people who have little to no credit history. Secured credit cards tend to have relaxed credit score requirements, with many available to applicants who have poor credit or no credit history.

The bottom line

Choosing between a student credit card and a secured credit card is not about which is the best overall. It's about finding matches that align with your financial situation, needs, and credit background. To choose the right card, consider different factors like cash back rewards, associated fees, mobile banking tools, interest rate offers, and your eligibility. Both types of cards may aid in building your credit and enhancing your credit worthiness when used responsibly. They also offer added flexibility for emergencies and everyday purchases.

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