daniloandjus / e+ / getty images
If you want to get approved for your student card but haven’t started building your credit yet, there’s no reason to despair. Credit building can be challenging when you first start, but there are credit cards for students with no credit history or with thin credit profiles.
Many uncredited student cards are protected cards. This means you need a security deposit. However, if you’re not a fan of putting your money on hold, there are plenty of unsecured credit cards for students we include. Our card recommendations were made with people like you in mind, so compare them to find the right fit.
Top Cards for Uncredited Students
When you are trying to build your credits from scratch, you need the card with the most likely approval. Here are the cards we recommend, their biggest attributes, and the cards they best suit.
Perfect for social butterflies
Apply now
Above Capital 1A safe site
See rates and rates
19.24% – 29.24% (variable)
Perfect for a welcome offer
Apply now
Above DiscoverA safe site
See rates and rates
17.24% – 26.24% Variable APR
19.24% – 29.24% (variable)
Compare the best cards for students without credit
| Card name | Bankrate score | Minimum credit score | Reward highlights | Welcome bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 (See Fees and Fees) | No credit history required | 8% cashback on one Capital entertainment purchase Book with 5% hotel and car rental cashback Capital 1 trip 3% cashback at grocery stores (except superstores such as Walmart® and Target®), dining, entertainment and popular streaming services 1% cashback on all other purchases |
$50 for spending $100 in the first three months |
| Discover IT® Student Cashback | $0 | No credit history required | 5% cashback in activated spin category (up to $1,500 for total purchases, 1%) | Discover uses your card for all cashback you earn at the end of your first year. |
| Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 (See Fees and Fees) | No credit history required | Cashback on 1.5% general purchases | If you spend $100 in three months, you get a $50 cash bonus. |
| FirstCard® Secure Credit Builder Card with Cashback | n/a | No credit history is required. There are no strict inquiries. | Get up to 15% cashback with over 29,000 partner merchants. Random cashback up to 10% for each eligible purchase | none |
| Chase FreedomRise® | $0 | No credit history is required. Having a ChaseCheck or Savings Account for at least $250 can improve your approval chances. | Cashback on 1.5% general purchases | A $25 statement credit if you sign up for Autopay within three months of opening your account and register for at least 90 days. |
How to choose a student credit card without a credit history
Finding a student credit card that will help you build your credit from scratch can be difficult, but it’s worth it. It all starts with knowing what’s important to you. If your top priority is building credits, then the top tier rewards may be on the back burner for now. It is also wise to imagine how this card fits into your life as a student. When you run into a final or Rush Week, is it difficult to keep up with the spin category and monthly payments? Are you planning on traveling internationally or studying abroad using your chosen card? These are factors you want to compare when choosing a new student credit card.
- interest rate: Check if the cards you are considering offer a referral fee when you purchase. I would also like to know about the ongoing APR for new cards.
- Fee: Look for a minimum or no fee student credit card. Don’t settle for a card that charges annual fees.
- Reward: If rewards are interesting to you, compare student cards and find out which categories offer more rewards in the categories you use a lot. Conversely, you can also choose cards that offer higher flatter rewards for everything you buy.
- Credit Report: Finally, the cards you are considering should check your credit balance and report your payments to the three credit departments (Experian, Equifax and Transunion).
- Welcome offer: Some cards offer the opportunity to spend a certain amount or earn a bonus when you meet certain criteria that are close to opening an account. If you are deciding between two cards with similar stats, this could act as a tiebreaker.
How to build credits when you have nothing
If you’ve just started building your credits, there are some important actions to start your credits with a positive note.
Only spend what you can afford to pay back
Payment history has the biggest impact on your credit score. Once you open your credit line like a credit card, you will do your best to pay as much balance as possible, and always try your best to pay on time.
Keep your credit usage low
The second biggest impact on your credit score is your credit utilization rate, or the amount of credit you use in relation to your available credit. Keeping your credit usage below 30% is one of the best ways to help you build your credit.
Consider becoming a certified user
If you are not trying to get your card right away, being an authorized user on another person’s card could be a replacement. Make sure that the person you choose is a responsible credit user and a trustworthy person.
Are student credit cards perfect for you?
If you’re currently at school, if you’re not making much money and you have limited credits on your credit report or have no credit history, your student card may be the right choice. If you have never had a credit card or loan type before, these factors may apply in your case.
That being said, students aged 18-20 should be aware that they can only report their income on credit card applications, which can include income from employment or income obtained from scholarships and financial aid. As a result, if you don’t earn much, it can be difficult to get approval for your student card. If you are over 21 years of age, you can include your household income in your application.
On the other hand, if you have fair credit or better income, you are more likely to be approved. You may not even have to choose a student credit card at all. In fact, if you’re at work and pay your bill, there are many credit cards for fair or good credits to qualify for. Your best bet is to check your credit score to see where you stand. You can also use apps such as Experian Boost to take steps to build your credit history, such as getting credits for subscription services you pay.
What’s next?
Conclusion
Student credit cards were built with students in mind. This makes it easy for people without a credit history to get approved. These types of cards also tend to also have perks, rewards and fee structures tailored to university students.
There are many unsecured student credit cards that can be used without a credit history, but you may need to apply for a secure card to start until you qualify for an unsecured credit card. In any case, the steps to improve your credits are the same. Always pay on time, avoid overexpenditures, and don’t apply for credits frequently. Keep your credit usage below 30%.
