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How to Get a Student Credit Card

11 min read

Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

A student credit card is designed specifically for college students who have just begun building their credit history.
To qualify for a student card, you must be enrolled in school and meet age and income requirements.
If you don’t qualify for a student credit card, you may want to apply for a secured card or become an authorized user on another credit card account.

College is a perfect time to begin your credit journey. You can start strong by practicing good financial habits, like repaying debts on time and keeping your balances low. This will help you down the road when you want to lease an apartment or apply for a personal or car loan, because these lenders often check your credit report and credit score. A student credit card can put you on the path toward good financial health later in life.

Federal consumer protection laws, like the Credit CARD Act of 2009, determine who can apply for student credit cards. This guide will explain the requirements students need to meet, how student credit cards work, how to get a student credit card, and what to expect both during and after the application process. Explore how you can find the student card that best fits your financial needs.

What is a student credit card?

Student credit cards are like traditional credit cards with features and eligibility requirements designed specifically for college students (or students in other types of secondary education). Like a traditional credit card, a student credit card provides a line of credit that you can borrow from up to a set credit limit.

How do student credit cards differ from other types of cards?

Student credit cards look and function like traditional credit cards, but have a few distinctive features that make them well-suited for students.

Because student cards are designed for those who have just begun building credit history, they typically have lower credit limits than many other credit cards. After you develop healthy credit habits and a positive credit history, you may qualify for higher credit limits and more credit card options.

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Student cards may also offer rewards geared toward college students’ spending habits. For example, you may earn cash back stocking up on snacks at convenience stores or grabbing lunch off-campus.

What's needed to get a student credit card?

This information at your fingertips will make it easier to fill out your application when the time comes.

Age requirements

Legally, you need to be at least 18 years old to apply for your own credit card. If you’re 18, 19, or 20, you have to show that you have adequate independent income to pay back credit card debt. You’ll have to provide your birthdate and Social Security number to confirm your age.

School enrollment

Credit card issuers generally require you to be a student to qualify for a student credit card. You may have to provide documentation that proves you’re enrolled full-time or part-time at a university, college, trade school, or another academic institute, depending on the credit card company. You’ll also have to provide your anticipated graduation date.

Income

Student credit cards may have less stringent income requirements than standard credit cards. However, you’ll still need to show that you have the financial resources necessary to repay your balance.

If you’re under age 21 when you apply, you have to demonstrate independent, consistent income. That income could come from a full-time or part-time job, freelance work, grants or scholarships (but only any amount left after tuition), or regular allowance from a family member, as long as it’s deposited directly into your bank account on a consistent basis.

So, if your parents deposit $500 into your account on the 15th of every month, for example, that can count it toward your income. But a one-time $500 birthday gift can’t.

If you’re over age 21, income from your spouse or partner may count toward your overall income and help you qualify for a credit card.

Credit history

Generally, a strong credit history can help you qualify for the best credit cards available. But a student credit card is designed specifically for people who are just starting out. Many student cards don’t require a credit score or credit history. There’s no credit score required to apply for Discover Student credit cards¹, for example.

Benefits of student credit cards

A student credit card can be an excellent tool for your financial life while you’re in school. Consider the following advantages:

Build positive credit history. As long as your credit card company reports your student credit activity to a major credit bureau, it effects your credit score. With a Discover Card for Students, you may build credit with responsible use.²
Learn responsible credit habits. A student credit card can give you the opportunity to practice tracking your spending, keeping your balance low, and paying your bills on time.
Earn rewards. Unlike a debit card or gift cards, a student card may offer rewards on your everyday purchases. So your morning (or late-night) coffee could earn you cash back.
Have a card for emergencies. A credit card can make it easier to cover unexpected expenses, like car repairs or an urgent care visit.

Drawbacks of student credit cards

Before you apply for a student card, it’s important to understand some potential risks and disadvantages:

High interest rates. Some credit card issuers charge a higher interest rate on student credit cards to offset the risk of extending credit to new borrowers.
Low credit limits. Student credit cards tend to have a lower credit limit than some other credit card options.
Risk of credit card debt. Like any credit card, you may accrue debt on a student credit card if you fall behind on your payments, especially with a higher annual percentage rate (APR). It’s important not to use your credit card for purchases you couldn’t otherwise afford. You could also set up automated payments so you never forget a bill.

How to choose the best student credit card for you

If a student credit card seems like a good fit for the current phase in your financial life, you should carefully research your options. Student credit cards may offer a wide range of features and benefits, consider your priorities and your needs.

As you compare cards, you may want to keep fees in mind. A card with an annual fee may not be worthwhile if you won’t be able to earn enough rewards to offset the cost. Discover has no annual fee on any of our cards. If you plan to study abroad, you might also look for a credit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. Discover^® has no foreign transaction fee when you travel internationally.

You may also look for card features that support responsible credit management, like online banking or mobile banking apps with spend tracking tools.

Finally, if you value rewards, you should look for a credit card that offers rewards on your most common purchases. For instance, Discover offers two student credit cards that provide different rewards in various spending categories, allowing you to choose the card that fits your lifestyle best.

The 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.

As another option, the Discover It^® Student Chrome card allows you to earn 2% Cashback Bonus^® at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.³

Did you know?

Some credit cards may offer introductory promotions to help you earn more rewards. Both student credit cards from Discover offer Cashback Match, for example. We’ll automatically double all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.⁴

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How to apply for a student credit card

Once you’ve conducted your research and chosen the best credit card, it’s time to apply. Understanding what to expect can make the application process go smoothly.

1. Gather your necessary documents and information

Taking the time to gather the paperwork and data you’ll need for the application can prevent frustrating hiccups that might slow you down. Try to get the following ready before you start:

Proof of enrollment. While not all credit cards ask for proof, it’s a good idea to have something like a transcript on hand that shows you’re enrolled in school and when you expect to graduate.
Social Security number (SSN). The credit card issuer will use your SSN to verify your identity. Some card issuers accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you can’t get an SSN.
Date of birth. Card issuers have to confirm you meet the minimum age requirements.
Proof of income. You could use paystubs or bank account information.
Monthly housing cost. Card issuers want to confirm that you have enough money left after your rent to manage a credit card. You should only list the amount you pay for rent.
Contact information. You’ll likely have to provide a phone number and email address.

2. Complete your application

Once you have all the necessary information, you can fill in your credit card application. You may be able to apply for a student credit card in a few different ways.

Apply by mail. You may be able to print out an application and mail it to your card issuer, or request one and wait to receive it. Keep in mind that this method may mean waiting a little longer to hear your result.
Apply online. You can typically apply for a credit card through the issuer’s website or online banking portal.
Apply by phone. You may be able to call your card issuer’s customer service number and complete an application over the phone.

The information you use in your student credit card application is the same no matter what method you use, so stick to whatever feels comfortable for you.

3. Review the terms and conditions

Before you submit your application, review the terms and conditions of your credit card agreement. Should you be approved, you’ll be tied to these terms—like the annual percentage rate (APR), interest rates, and fees for a balance transfer and late payments.

4. Finalize your application

Once you’ve gotten to the end of your application, take a moment to review your work. Make sure you:

Filled in all required sections
Typed and spelled each section accurately
Used the best contact information
Understand the terms and condition

After you’ve finalized your application and feel ready, you can submit it. When you submit an online application, you may receive immediate credit card approval or denial. However, it's possible that credit card issuers might not send a confirmation for several days or even weeks as they conduct a thorough review.

Options if you’re denied a student credit card

You still have options even if a credit card issuer denies your student card application. You may qualify for a secured credit card. Unlike a traditional credit card, a secured card requires a deposit at account opening, which will usually be equal to your credit limit. You may be able to build a credit history with the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card with responsible use.⁵

Another option for building your credit history as a college student is becoming an authorized user on a trusted family member’s card, like a parent. Just keep in mind that both the primary user’s and authorized user’s activity may affect both of your credit scores.

How to use a student credit card responsibly

Once you receive your student credit card, it may be tempting to go on a shopping spree. But it’s important to use your card responsibly so you can establish a strong credit score and avoid accruing too much debt.

Always pay at least the monthly minimum payment by the due date each month. Late and missed payments may appear on your credit report. You should also try to avoid using too much credit at one time. Spending a big portion of your available credit can hurt your score.

What happens to your student card when you graduate?

What happens to your student card when your years of hard work pay off and it’s time to graduate? The answer depends on your card issuer. Your student card may become a regular credit card with a different set of terms. Or nothing may change at all. You might be able to keep using your card the same way.

You may keep your Discover student credit card account open after graduation. But, as with all credit cards, terms are subject to change.

If you begin working right after college or have a significant increase in income, be sure to update your information with your card issuer, in case you qualify for a credit line increase.

The bottom line

With a student credit card, you may take the first step down a path to a strong credit score and healthy financial habits. But to reap the benefits of a student card, you have to find the best fit and use your card responsibly.

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