How to get a student credit card: Eligibility and applying

When used responsibly, a student credit card can be a helpful way to build your credit history. Responsible use means doing things like making monthly payments on time.

Learn more about how to get a student credit card, including the eligibility requirements and how to apply.

What you’ll learn:

• Student credit cards are like other credit cards, but they’re for students with little or no credit history.

• Student credit card applications typically require proof of age and school enrollment.

• Federal law requires applicants who are under 21 to show proof of income or have a co-signer who’s older than 21. 

• Many major credit card issuers don’t allow co-signers, but becoming an authorized user is another way to access and build credit.

Student credit cards are similar to regular credit cards, but they’re geared toward college students with little or no credit history. That can make them easier to qualify for than other types of cards. Another benefit is that some student cards, like those offered by Capital One, don’t have an annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

If you use a student card responsibly by making payments on time or paying your bill in full each month, it could help you build your credit history. And a positive credit history could help you reach personal and financial goals in the future.

To qualify for a student credit card, you’ll typically need to meet a few basic criteria.

According to federal law, you have to be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card. And if you're under 21, you’ll need to prove sufficient income to make your payments or have a co-signer on the account who’s over 21. It may help to know that many credit card issuers don’t allow co-signers.

Typically, you’ll need to prove that you’re enrolled in college. For instance, you might be eligible for a Capital One student card if you’re enrolled at an accredited community college, university or other institution of higher education—or if you’ve been admitted and have plans to enroll in the next three months.

If you’re applying for your first credit card, you may not have a credit score yet. But student credit cards are typically designed with this in mind. It could help to compare credit requirements as you’re reviewing your options.

Applying for a student credit card is similar to applying for a regular credit card. Here are some steps you can take to prepare.

Even if you don’t have much credit history, it can be helpful to check your credit scores to know where you stand. You can visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get free copies of your credit reports.

Once you turn 18, CreditWise from Capital One could also help. It’s free and using it won’t hurt your credit scores. Plus, as you build credit you can use CreditWise to track your progress.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) says if you decide to apply for a credit card, you should first compare cards based on annual percentage rates (APRs), fees and rewards. Two options you might consider are the Capital One student credit cards:

• Quicksilver Student: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.

• Savor Student: Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, groceries and streaming services.

Neither Capital One student credit card has an annual fee. View important rates and disclosures. And they both allow access to exclusive benefits—like elevated cash back—through Capital One Entertainment and Capital One Travel.

It can be helpful to have your personal information and documentation ready before you start applying for student credit cards. You’ll typically need to provide information such as your name and address, date of birth, Social Security number (SSN), proof of income and college enrollment details.

Applying for a credit card usually involves a hard inquiry. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), “These inquiries will impact your credit score because most credit scoring models look at how recently and how frequently you apply for credit.” So you may want to consider how many cards you apply for in a short period of time. 

Checking whether you’re pre-approved can help you avoid unnecessary hard inquiries by showing you what cards you may be eligible for. At Capital One, checking whether you’re pre-approved won’t hurt your credit scores.

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting a student credit card.

Getting a student credit card can be a first step toward financial independence. And if the card is used responsibly, it can help you build your credit history, work toward higher credit limits and earn cash back rewards on everyday spending.

If you’re looking for a way to build credit and earn rewards while you’re in college, using a student credit card responsibly may be a good option.

• See whether you’re pre-approved for a student credit card without harming your credit scores.

• Explore student rewards credit cards you can use to build credit with responsible use.

• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on food and fun with the Savor Student card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with the Quicksilver Student card.