If you’re looking for the best credit cards for students with no credit, you’re in the right place. Many students want to build credit, but they don’t know where to start. The good news is that some credit cards are made just for you.
In this post, you’ll learn why credit cards matter, what to look for, and which student cards are the best right now. Let’s get started.
Why Students Need a Credit Card
Most students don’t have a credit history. That’s normal. But the sooner you start, the better.
A credit card helps you build a score. That score can help you later. You’ll need it for renting an apartment, getting a car loan, or even landing a job.
A card also teaches you how to manage money. You learn to budget. You learn to spend wisely. You learn to pay on time.
And yes, it can help in emergencies.
But not all student cards are good. You need one that’s made for first-time users. You want low fees, good features, and simple tools.
What to Look for in a Student Credit Card
When searching for the best credit cards for students with no credit, focus on these things:
- No annual fee – You should not pay to build credit.
- Easy approval – The card should work for students with little or no credit history.
- Reports to all three credit bureaus – This is how your score gets built.
- Low interest rate – You don’t want high fees if you ever carry a balance.
- Cash back or rewards – Some cards offer simple rewards, even for new users.
Best Credit Cards for Students with No Credit
Here are some of the top picks for students with no credit history. Each of these cards is easy to apply for and offers great benefits.
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
This card is a top choice for many students. It checks all the right boxes.
- No annual fee
- Cash back rewards on certain spending categories
- Free FICO® score every month
- Dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back in the first year
Discover also has good tools. Their app is easy to use. They also offer a freeze button to stop card use if it gets lost.
This card is made for students with no credit. You don’t need a long history or big income to get approved.
2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
This is another solid option. It’s simple and useful.
- Flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- No annual fee
- Easy approval for students with no credit
This card is good for students who don’t want to track rotating categories. You get the same cash back everywhere.
The app is clean and lets you track spending in real-time.
3. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Chase offers a great starter card. It doesn’t offer huge rewards, but it helps you build your credit.
- $20 bonus after your first 5 on-time payments
- 1% cash back on every purchase
- Credit limit increase after 5 monthly payments on time
- No annual fee
This card is best for students who want to build slowly and safely. It gives you rewards and helps you form good habits.
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
If you love to travel or study abroad, this one might be for you.
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Redeem points for flights, hotels, and more
Even if you don’t travel now, the rewards can add up. It’s good to start with a card that grows with you.
5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
This card is made with students in mind—especially international students.
- No SSN needed for approval (for non-citizens)
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- Amazon Prime Student free for a year (after spending $500 in 3 months)
- No annual fee
- Reports to credit bureaus
This card is unique because it helps international students build U.S. credit. That’s hard to find. And it has solid features too.
Tips for Using Your First Student Credit Card
Getting a card is just step one. To grow your score, you must use it the right way.
Here’s how:
- Pay your bill on time every single month.
- Set up auto-pay so you never miss a due date.
- Keep your balance low – stay under 30% of your credit limit.
- Use the card for small things like gas or groceries.
- Don’t carry a balance – pay in full if you can.
Also, keep your oldest card open. That helps your score over time. Use your card just enough to keep it active.
How Credit Cards Help You Build Credit
These student cards report your payments to credit bureaus. That’s how your score grows.
Here’s how the score is built:
- Payment history – 35%
- Credit use – 30%
- Length of credit – 15%
- New credit – 10%
- Credit mix – 10%
Pay on time. Keep your usage low. Over time, your credit will rise.
Conclusion
If you’re a student with no credit, now is the best time to start. The best credit cards for students with no credit are simple, safe, and easy to use.
Start with one of the cards listed above. Use it wisely. Pay your bill on time. Keep your spending low.
Over time, you’ll build a strong credit score. That score will help you later in life.
Pick a card. Start today. Build your future.
FAQs
What credit card is best for students with no credit?
The Discover it® Student Cash Back and Capital One Quicksilver Student are great for first-time users.
Can students get a credit card without a job?
Yes, if they have income or a co-signer. Some cards accept financial aid or part-time work as income.
How can a student build credit fast?
Use a student credit card. Pay on time. Keep balances low. Check your score monthly.
Does applying for a student credit card hurt your credit score?
Yes, a little. But the score will grow fast with good use.
