Best student credit cards for no credit of April 2024
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
BLUEPRINT
Updated 4:56 a.m. UTC April 1, 2024
Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy.
Building your credit history while still in college can help you qualify for a lease, new car or loan after you graduate. Just know that you must be at least 18 years old to apply and show that you have some type of income to be eligible to apply. Student card issuers will also likely require proof that you’re either currently enrolled in school or planning to enroll in a few months.
We analyzed a broad swath of credit cards in this category from a variety of issuers to curate a list of the very best. Here are our selections.
Best student credit cards for no credit
- Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best overall.
- Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for gas and dining.
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate cash back.
- BankAmericard® credit card for Students : Best for an introductory APR.
- Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for foodies.
Why trust our credit card experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 250+ cards analyzed.
- 5 data points considered.
- 5-step fact-checking process.
our partner
Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.
Firstcard® Credit Builder Card with Cashback for College Students
Best overall
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best for gas and dining
Discover it® Student Chrome
Best for flat-rate cash back
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best for an introductory APR
BankAmericard® credit card for Students
*The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best for foodies
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Compare the best student cards for no credit
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus when you spend $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
N/A
Earn $50 cash bonus when you spend $100 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
Why this card made the list
The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers an impressive rewards rate on a variety of everyday spending categories that change throughout the year for a card that doesn’t require a credit score to apply. The card also offers a welcome bonus where Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year and a short intro APR promotion on new purchases.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum once activated and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Why this card made the list
If you’re looking for a simpler rewards program structure than the Discover it® Student Cash Back, consider the Discover it® Student Chrome. It offers cash-back rewards at gas stations and restaurants, an intro APR promotion for six months, plus Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year. Again, no credit score is required to apply.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
For ultimate simplicity, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers 10% cash back on Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on every other purchase. This easy-to-digest rewards structure is likely to be appealing to students who are new to credit cards and rewards potential. The card will also cover your Uber One monthly membership fee through Nov. 14, 2024.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 10% cash back on Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on every other purchase.
- Welcome bonus: $50 cash bonus after spending $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
If you’re looking to finance a big purchase over several months, high-interest credit cards generally aren’t a good option as interest charges can quickly inflate what you owe. However, the BankAmericard® credit card for Students * The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. can give you an extended time to pay down that purchase without incurring interest charges. The BankAmericard® credit card for Students * The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, followed by an APR of 16.24% to 26.24% variable. Balance transfers must be completed in the first 60 days. An intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transaction made within 60 days of account opening applies. After that, the fee will be 4% of each transaction.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: None.
- Welcome bonus: None.
- Foreign transaction fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency.
The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a great rewards rate on things a student is likely to spend money on — like going out and staying in. You can take your rewards for cash or as a statement credit against your purchases, a redemption structure that’s as simple as it gets.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 10% cash back on Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: $50 cash bonus after spending $100 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings.
Factors we considered include:
- The ability to apply even without a credit score.
- Annual fees.
- Rewards potential.
- Any additional perks and benefits.
How to get approved for a credit card with no credit
Getting a student credit card with no credit can be challenging, even with less stringent eligibility criteria. Even if there’s no minimum credit score required to apply, card issuers will still evaluate your ability to repay any debt you incur.
If you get approved for a student credit card, it’s important to learn about and develop good credit habits, such as keeping a low balance and paying your bill on time everytime, so you can make the most of your credit-building opportunity. Here’s more on what you should know.
Before you apply for a credit card, it’s important to know what to expect when it comes to approval requirements and to take your time to pick the right card for you.
Income requirements
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 21, it can be difficult to get approved for any type of credit card on your own. Federal law requires credit card issuers to establish that young adults can independently repay any debt incurred, which means that you need to include personal income, scholarships and grants on your application.
If you’re 21 or older, though, you can also include other income to which you have a reasonable expectation of access. That includes things like spousal income, alimony and child support, investment income, trust fund payments and allowances.
Credit requirements
While some cards may be marketed to consumers with no credit, including many college students, they may still require some credit history. What’s more, most major card issuers don’t allow you to add a co-signer anymore to improve your chances of getting approved.
As you research your options, focus on cards that specifically state that they don’t require a credit score to get approved.
Get preapproved
Some credit card issuers allow you to get preapproved before you submit an official application. This process involves just a soft credit check, which won’t negatively impact your credit score and can give you an idea of your approval odds.
Just keep in mind that a preapproval doesn’t guarantee final approval. You’ll still need to formally apply for the card to see if you are approved.
How to choose student credit cards for no credit
It’s important to take your time to shop around and compare several credit cards to ensure you find the right one for you. As you consider your options, here are some features to pay attention to:
- Rewards rates: Some cards offer a flat rewards rate on everything, while others provide accelerated rewards rates in certain spending categories. Take a look at your budget to get an idea of how much and where you spend, and find a card that can help you reward you on your everyday purchases. Just know that if you don’t pay your balance in full every month, any rewards you earn will likely be negated by interest charges.
- Welcome bonus: While some student credit cards offer higher welcome bonuses than others, it’s important to also consider the spending requirement. Make sure you can meet the minimum threshold without spending more than you normally would.
- Fees: The best student credit cards don’t charge an annual fee, but if you’re thinking about studying abroad at some point, you may also want to consider a card with no foreign transaction fee. Just note that while Discover doesn’t charge fees on international purchases, its cards aren’t accepted widely abroad.
- APR: Most student credit cards come with high interest rates. The good news is that you can avoid interest charges altogether by paying your balance in full each month. If you need some time to pay down a large purchase, though, look for cards that offer a 0% introductory APR to new cardholders, which allows you to pay down the balance with no interest charges for a specified period of time.
Tips for establishing and building credit
Once you receive your card, here are some tips to help you get started building a positive credit history:
- Use the card sparingly: While many student credit cards offer rewards on your purchases, they also typically come with low credit limits. Your credit utilization ratio, or the percentage of your credit limit you’re using at a given time, is an important factor in your credit score. Many credit experts recommend keeping your ratio below 30% (e.g., charging no more than $150 on a card with a $500 credit limit), but the lower it is, the better.
- Pay on time every month: Your payment history is the most influential factor in your credit score, so it’s crucial that you always pay your bill on time. If you miss a due date, pay your balance quickly, as missed payments aren’t reported to the credit bureaus until 30 days after they’re past due. However, you may be socked with a late fee and a penalty APR. It’s best to call the issuer immediately and ask that any late fee or penalty fee be waived the first time you miss a payment due date.
- Pay in full every month: Paying your balance in full each month won’t directly impact your credit, but it will prevent interest charges being added to any unpaid balance.
- Keep tabs on your credit score: Many card issuers and banks allow you access your credit score through their app or website. It’s important to understand all the factors that impact your scores. You’ll want to ensure that you’re handling credit responsibly and your reward for doing so will result in a great credit score over time.
If you can’t get approved for a credit card yet, ask a parent or other loved one to add you as an authorized user on their credit card account. Having authorized user status can help you establish a credit history and increase your credit score over time as long as the primary account holder uses the account responsibly.
Is a student credit card for no credit right for me?
A student credit card is a great way to build credit while still in college. If you don’t have a credit score yet, a student credit card for no credit can help you do that.
That said, it’s important to consider your income and spending habits to determine if a credit card is right for you. Even with no credit score requirement, these cards still require you to have sufficient income, so if you have no income or earn minimal wages from a part-time job, you may not be eligible.
If you’ve had trouble with overspending in the past, consider whether you can maintain discipline with a credit card. While a student card can help you establish your credit history, racking up a large balance and missing payments could have a devastating impact on your credit profile for years to come.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Generally, no. Student credit cards are designed specifically for college students. That said, there are plenty of great starter credit cards, many of which don’t require student status to get approved.
There are many reasons a credit card issuer may deny an application. Fortunately, card issuers are required to explain their reasons for denial in the form of an adverse action letter. Review the letter carefully to learn about your consumer rights and determine your next steps.
If you’re under the age of 21 and at least 18 years old, you can include independent personal income, scholarships and grants as income on your application. Once you reach age 21, you’ll also be able to include other forms of income, such as spousal income, alimony and child support, investment income, trust fund payments and allowances.
Carrying a balance from month to month on your credit card is never necessary to build credit, so avoid doing so if possible. What you’ll want to focus on instead is making payments on time every month and keeping your balance at zero or low relative to your card’s credit limit.
Because each credit card issuer has different underwriting criteria, there’s no single student credit card that’s easiest to get for everybody who applies. Take your time to research and compare several cards to determine which one works best for you.
*The information for the BankAmericard® credit card for Students, Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
