Best Student Credit Cards of 2021

No, you do not. However, you may have difficulty getting your first credit card with little or no credit history and limited income. The Credit Card Act of 2009 is a great reference guide to help you understand your rights as a credit card customer. One of the rules listed is credit card companies cannot issue a card to anyone under 21 unless they have a cosigner or show proof that they can repay their debt. It also explains how credit card fees work, your rights if your credit card is lost or stolen and what to do if there are sudden changes in the card’s terms.

Unless your parent has access to the credit card online login, they will not see the purchases you make on your credit card. However, because they are a cosigner, they can call customer service to inquire about recent purchases.

Regardless of your acceptance status to your preferred college, you must be 18 years old to apply and receive a student credit card. However, it is advantageous to get a student credit card as early as possible so you can begin building your credit history.

Each circumstance and credit card issuer is different, so be sure to speak with your issuer to see what your options are with your student credit card. With regular use and on-time payments, your issuer will look at your profile more favorably and will likely be more inclined to increase your credit limit or move you into a different credit card product.

Each student credit card has different upgrading possibilities. In some cases, it may not be possible to upgrade your card. Instead, you may have to close the one card and open up a new card with either the same issuer or a different one. But some card issuers do offer the option to transition to a traditional consumer credit card after college. If you desire to upgrade your card after college, it is best to contact the card issuer before applying to explore your options.

Credit limits can vary widely depending on your credit profile. They can be as low as $100 or as high as $10,000.

There is no income requirement for a student credit card. However, credit card issuers will ask for your income to determine if they can approve you for a line of credit, as well as how much credit line to allot. Also, you will need to show proof that you’ll be able to pay the debt back.

Yes. However, you will need a cosigner to back up the line of credit. Without a cosigner, the credit card issuer will not approve your application.

Yes. Because you use your Social Security number when you apply, it is tied to your credit score. And as long as you use your student credit card responsibly and pay your bill on time each month, your credit history will build.

Yes. However, it may not be easy to get one without a cosigner. If you can’t get a student credit card because of your bad credit, consider an alternative payment method such as a prepaid debit card or secured credit card.

The difference between a student credit card and a regular consumer credit card is that student credit cards have features geared towards students and may be easier to be approved for. A regular credit card may have higher standards to be approved and will likely offer either cash back or travel rewards in exchange for spending.

If you cannot get a student credit card, you can look at other options such as a regular consumer credit card, prepaid debit card or secured credit card.

Your GPA does not affect your credit card eligibility or score. However, some student credit cards offer incentives for students who maintain a certain GPA.

No, you do not. However, you must be actively enrolled in school, such as a vocational school.

Yes, international students can get credit cards. If you can obtain a Social Security number through your student visa, or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), you will be able to apply for a credit card.

No. If you need assistance with credit card debt, you may want to consider debt consolidation or, worst-case scenario, bankruptcy.

Yes, they can. All they will need is their Social Security number. However, per the Credit Card Act of 2009, card issuers will ask for anyone between the ages of 18 to 21 to either have a cosigner or prove they have the income to pay their debts back.

Yes, they can. All they need to get a credit card on their own is their Social Security number. Per the Credit Card Act of 2009, a cosigner is no longer an across-the-board requirement. But card issuers may still recommend a cosigner for cardholders looking for a lower APR or higher credit limit. And regardless, the applicant will still be asked for proof of income.

Cosigning on a credit card means the credit card company will also check your credit to approve the person you are cosigning for. In addition, cosigning on a credit card makes you responsible for paying back the balance if the primary cardholder does not fulfill their obligation.

Potentially, yes. Anytime you allow your name to be attached to applying for credit, your credit score will be checked. When you have an additional inquiry added to your credit report, you may see a small decrease in your score.

No. It can be anyone over the age of 18 who is willing to assume financial responsibility for repaying the card’s balance.

To have your own credit card, you must be at least 18 years of age. However, minors can be added as authorized users onto someone else’s credit card account.

A credit card is a large responsibility as no one will restrict you from spending as you please. However, a credit card is a great financial tool to earn credit card rewards for your spending, as well as building your credit history. If you or someone you know is a college student interested in a credit card, it is important to analyze their spending habits to see if they can spend responsibly.

If a student credit card isn't the right solution for you, consider other payment options such as prepaid debit cards, personal loans or a secured credit card.