Best Student Credit Cards in 2023

A student credit card is an excellent way to start building your credit. The best student credit cards come with no annual fees, competitive rewards on everyday spending, low interest rates, and perks like bonuses for good grades and educational tools to help you learn more about credit. Over time, responsible financial habits will help prove to potential lenders that you can manage credit. Good credit means you’ll have an easier time qualifying for things like a car loan or an apartment.

• Best Student Credit Card Offers
• Quick Tips for Comparing Student Credit Card Offers
• What Parents & Students Should Know When Applying for a Credit Card
• Expert Advice & FAQs

We selected the best credit cards for college students based on a few factors: low fees, offers to earn cash back and incentives to pay on time. These factors are a great way to encourage responsible credit use and keep fees and interest to a minimum.

A student credit card is a card specifically designed for students, typically those in college with limited or no credit history. It serves as an excellent tool for young adults to start building a credit profile, gain financial independence, and learn about credit-related responsibilities. However, it's essential to note that these cards are best suited for students who are responsible and capable of managing their expenses wisely, as misuse can lead to substantial debt and negatively impact their credit score.

When evaluating a student credit card, consider the card's annual fee, APR, rewards program, and additional benefits. Cards with low or no annual fees and lower APRs are generally more student-friendly. Furthermore, the rewards structure should align with your spending habits for maximum benefit. Additional features like cell phone insurance, travel coverage, and financial education resources can also add considerable value. Ultimately, the best student credit card should serve as a stepping stone towards responsible credit use, providing both financial flexibility and a learning opportunity.

Unlike regular credit cards, student credit cards generally have lower credit limits to minimize the risk of overspending. They may also offer educational resources to help students understand credit card usage and responsible financial habits. In addition to typical rewards options on credit cards, like cash back or earning points or miles, many student cards incentivize academic performance, offering perks for maintaining good grades. Their interest rates are generally lower than the average APR for credit cards, and some cards also offer introductory 0% APR periods to help students cover the costs of setting up for college or studying abroad. Overall, they're designed as a stepping stone to more comprehensive credit products.

• Earn Rewards on Purchases: Student credit cards often offer points, miles, or cash back on everyday purchases, providing opportunities to earn while you spend, which can be used for discounts, travel, or other rewards.
• Build Credit History: Regular and responsible use of a student credit card allows young adults to build a credit history early, which is vital for future financial endeavors, such as applying for loans or renting apartments.
• Learn Financial Responsibility: Having a student credit card provides practical exposure to managing finances and understanding concepts like interest rates, fees, and credit scores, serving as an essential step toward financial independence.
• Spending Flexibility: Credit cards offer increased spending flexibility, allowing for larger purchases that can be paid off over time or for emergencies when immediate cash is not available.
• Access to Credit Card Benefits: Many student credit cards have added benefits, such as travel insurance, extended warranty coverage, or fraud protection, providing additional value beyond just credit.

• Temptation to Overspend: With the convenience and flexibility of a credit card, there's a risk that some students might not understand the financial consequences and spend beyond their means without a plan to pay off their balance.
• Interest Charges: If you don't pay off your balance in full each month, it will quickly start to accrue credit card interest, leading to higher costs over time.
• Credit Card Debt: If not used responsibly, student credit cards can lead to significant debt, which can be stressful and make it harder to reach financial goals.
• Credit Score Damage: Missed payments, high credit utilization, and applying for too many cards at once can negatively impact your credit score, making it more challenging to secure loans or other credit in the future.

A student credit card works in much the same way as a regular credit card does. When you're approved for a student credit card, you're granted a line of credit, which you can use for online and in-store purchases. This line of credit comes with a limit. Each purchase made reduces the available credit until you pay it back. Most experts recommend using less than 30% of your available credit - this is called your credit utilization ratio and is a significant factor in your credit score. For example, if your credit limit is $1,000, you'd keep your balance below $300.

Many student cards offer rewards on purchases. These rewards may come as cash back, points, or miles. For example, a card might provide 1% cash back on all purchases, meaning for every $100 spent, you'd earn $1 back. Some cards offer bonus rewards for specific spending categories like groceries or dining.

Each purchase you make contributes to your balance. If you don't pay off the entire balance by the statement due date, you carry a "revolving" balance, which will accrue interest, increasing your debt over time.

Each month, your card issuer sends a statement summarizing your transactions, total balance, minimum payment due, and payment due date for the billing cycle.

The period between the end of a billing cycle and when your payment is due is called the grace period. During this time, no interest accrues on new purchases as long as you've been paying your previous balance in full. Grace periods vary but are typically around 21 to 25 days.

You can avoid paying interest by paying off your entire statement balance by the due date each month. Paying only the minimum due will lead to interest charges on the remaining balance, and it can also take a long time to pay off your debt.

Focusing on school and your academic performance is incredibly important, but considering your life post-college is just as important. Getting a student credit card can be an excellent choice for those seeking to establish a solid credit history early on. They offer the dual advantage of facilitating credit-building while providing rewards like cash back or redeemable points. Additionally, the educational resources many student cards provide can instill sound financial habits.

On the other hand, there are potential pitfalls. If a student lacks budgeting discipline or tends to overspend, access to a credit line could lead to substantial debt. The high interest rates common with these cards can exacerbate this situation if you don't pay your balance in full each month. Moreover, card misuse, such as regular late payments or maintaining high balances, can negatively impact the credit score, hindering future credit access.

The utility of a student credit card hinges on responsible use and financial management skills. If you use a student credit card wisely, it can be a valuable financial asset.

• Fiscally-Responsible Students: A student credit card can be an excellent choice for students who are disciplined with their finances but new to credit. It allows them to start building their credit history early while learning about credit card use and financial management.
• Students Ready to Learn Financial Management: A student credit card can be an educational tool for students eager to develop their financial literacy. Many such cards provide resources to understand credit scores, interest, and debt management.
• Students Planning to Study or Travel Abroad: Some student credit cards offer travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees, making them suitable for students planning to study or travel abroad. These cards can help them avoid extra costs on overseas purchases while enjoying the card's benefits.

• Impulsive Spenders: Students who struggle with impulse buying or sticking to a budget should avoid student credit cards. The availability of credit could exacerbate their spending habits, potentially leading to unmanageable debt.
• Individuals Unprepared for Financial Responsibility: Those who struggle with managing financial obligations might find a credit card challenging and damaging to their credit history.
• Students with Stable Income: If a student already has a steady income or substantial savings, they might not need a student credit card. They could qualify for a regular credit card with better benefits and lower interest rates.

If you have been approved, congratulations! Your card will be sent to you in the mail, and you should receive it within a few days. If you were declined, don’t fret. There are a few steps you can take from here.

• Ask for Reconsideration: In some cases, if this is your very first credit application and you have no credit history at all, the card issuer may need to verify your identity and other information before they can approve you. To submit a request, search for the issuer's name along with “reconsideration line.” You will likely find a phone number you can call to speak with customer service about your application.
• Apply for a Secured Card: You can always try applying to a
  different credit card issuer or start building your credit through a
  secured credit card. If you get declined for a second credit card, it's best to stop and consider other options as multiple hard inquiries will lower your credit score, which may make it even harder for you to get approved.
• Become an Authorized User: Have a parent or family member add you as an authorized user on their credit card. However, they are ultimately responsible for your
  purchases, so if they are open to the idea, be sure to speak with them
  about a payment plan to repay them for your purchases.

Secured Credit Card: A secured credit card requires a cash deposit, which usually serves as your credit limit. A secured card can be a good choice as a student if you're struggling to get approved for a student card or unsecured credit card because of a lack of credit history. The deposit minimizes the issuer's risk, making these cards easier to get. Over time, responsible use of a secured card can help you build credit and eventually qualify for an unsecured card.

Authorized User on a Parent's Card: If your parents have good credit, you can ask to become an authorized user on their credit card. This can help you start building credit, and you'll also benefit from their financial experience and guidance. This option is best if your parents are responsible with their credit card usage, as their behavior will directly impact your credit score.

Credit-Builder Loan: A credit-builder loan is designed to help people build or improve their credit scores. You borrow a certain amount, which the lender holds in a secure account. You make payments over a set term, and your payment history is reported to the credit bureaus, helping you build credit. This can be a good option if you're uncomfortable with the potential to overspend with a credit card, as the loan structure ensures you can only borrow what you can repay.

Debit Card: A debit card linked to your checking account can be a good starting point for students to learn financial responsibility without the risk of debt or high interest. While it won't help build credit, it can teach budgeting skills and the importance of living within one's means. This might be a practical first step before graduating to a credit card.

Starting the journey down the line of credit cards can be intimidating and tricky, but it can be done. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about student credit cards.