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As you prepare for your life after college, one of the best financial decisions you can make is to work on building your credit history. Your credit score is a crucial indicator of how well you manage debt, and it helps determine whether you'll qualify for credit in the future and what interest rate you'll have to pay if you do.
The best student credit cards offer an opportunity to establish a positive credit history while also offering rewards and other features that can take a little bit of the stress out of college.
1 Partner Offers
| Our Top Picks for the Best Student Credit Cards of 2023 | |
|---|---|
 Credit One Bank® Secured Card | 1% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases as well as mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services; terms apply $200 refundable security deposit No annual fee |
Credit One Bank® Secured Card
Secured cards are a good first choice for building credit while you're in college. The Credit One Bank® Secured Card has no annual fee and requires the typical minimum $200 security deposit.
This card also offers rewards. Earn 1% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases as well as mobile phone service, internet, cable and satellite TV services. Terms apply. Make sure you use the card responsibly and pay every bill in full since there's a high 29.74% Variable APR.
Credit One Bank® Secured Card
on Credit One Bank's website
Terms Apply
Recommended FICO® Score*
Credit One Bank® Secured Card
APR
29.74% Variable
Intro APR
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services. Terms apply.
Annual Fee
$0
Card Details
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone service, internet, cable and satellite TV services, terms apply
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Looking to rebuild credit? We report to the major credit bureaus monthly
- Earn interest on your required security deposit account (minimum deposit $200)
- Never miss an account update with customizable text and email alerts
- Manage your account on-the-go with the Credit One Bank mobile app
- Show off your personality by selecting from a variety of card designs, a fee may apply
How Is a Student Credit Card Different From a Regular Credit Card?
In general, student credit cards and regular credit cards function the same way. The main difference is that student cards are more accessible to people who haven't had the chance to build a credit history, such as students.
They also tend to offer some benefits to encourage you to use your account wisely. Credit limits are generally lower, and while many of the top student credit cards offer rewards, they're not as lucrative as what you'd get with many traditional credit cards.
Can You Get a Student Credit Card With No Credit?
Yes, it's possible to qualify for a student credit card with no credit.
And although it's possible to get approved for a different student credit card with no credit, it could be more difficult to achieve your goal.
What Are the Benefits of Student Credit Cards?
As a college student, here are some of the reasons to consider applying for a student credit card while you're still in school:
- Build credit for free: Unlike loans and other types of credit-building debt that accrue interest automatically, you can avoid interest charges with a credit card as long as you pay your bill on time and in full every month.
- Incentives to develop good habits: The sooner you start practicing good credit habits, the better. You don't have to wait until you have access to a full-time salary and high credit limits, either. Many student cards offer certain incentives to encourage you to pay on time and keep your balance low.
- Earn rewards: Many of the best student credit cards offer rewards when you use them to make purchases. If you're already planning on making that purchase, the extra cash back or points are a nice perk. Plus, over time, those rewards add up.
Do You Have to Be a Student to Get a Student Credit Card?
You generally have to be a college student to qualify for a student credit card.
You'll also need to meet other eligibility requirements, which can vary by card issuer. In general, you'll need to be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number, and have at least some form of income to show that you can repay the debt you incur.
Before you apply for a card, review the fine print to help you understand your chances of qualifying. If you can't find the information online, don't be afraid to call and ask or submit a prequalification application.
Use Experian CreditMatch™ to Find Your Odds
If you're looking for a new student credit card, you can use Experian CreditMatch™ to narrow down your list of options. The free service will provide personalized offers based on your unique credit profile. Using CreditMatch™ won't impact your budding credit score, either.
As you start using your student credit card, look for opportunities to learn more about how to build credit and maintain a solid credit history over time. To monitor your progress, make sure you review your free credit score from Experian on an ongoing basis.