An optimistic university student with curly hair carrying notebooks and wearing a yellow shirt and backpack, standing in a modern building with glass doors.

Do You Have to Be a Student to Get a Student Credit Card?

6 min read

Published July 17, 2024

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

Student credit cards are a good option for people with limited credit histories, and they enable you to build credit when used responsibly.
You’ll typically need to provide proof of your student enrollment status, along with meeting specific age and income criteria.
If you aren’t eligible for a student credit card, you can still build credit by getting a secured card, becoming an authorized credit card user, or exploring other options.

One major benefit of student credit cards is that they enable cardmembers to earn rewards while they make purchases and build credit. They may also have lower spending limits and more relaxed eligibility requirements than regular credit cards. Nonetheless, you’ll still need to meet some basic criteria to qualify, such as age and income requirements.

Student cards may be a good option for students who may not yet have an established credit score. For example, there is no credit score required to apply for Discover Student credit cards.¹ You can continue using your card with the same Cashback Bonus^® program after graduation and may even become eligible for a credit line increase.

Student credit card qualifications

When researching your credit card options, you may have wondered about questions like, “Do I need to be a student for a student credit card?” or, “Can you get a student card without being a student?” While each card has different rules, most card issuers require you to provide proof of enrollment as a part-time or full-time student in a two-year program or longer. You’ll also need proof of U.S. citizenship, information about your sources of income, and you must be at least 18 years old.

If you meet the age and income requirements, student cards have more lenient eligibility criteria compared to standard credit cards.

For example, instead of demonstrating creditworthiness through income or credit history, some credit issuers may only require student card applicants to prove their enrollment in a college or university.

What is a student credit card?

A student credit card shares several similarities with a standard credit card, such as the ability to make purchases, and earn rewards. However, a student credit card has terms and conditions specifically for college students. That means, in most cases, a credit card issuer won’t require a credit score or credit history to apply. Instead, a credit card company may consider a student’s age and income when reviewing applications. Income requirements for student credit cards are lower than those for regular credit cards.

Did you know?

Because of their typically lower credit limits, a student credit card can be one way to help young adults build credit history responsibly and with less risk.

Learn More

Student cards might offer rewards that benefit college students. For example, the Discover it^® Student Chrome Credit card helps you to build your credit history² while you earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.³ Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Get tips on choosing the best credit card for college students, or keep reading to explore four alternatives to a student credit card.

Are there ways to get a credit card without being a student?

In short, yes. If you aren’t eligible for a student credit card, you can use other alternative strategies to establish credit instead. Four of these strategies include:

Applying for a secured credit card
Applying for a joint credit card
Getting a cosigner to help you apply
Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account

Remember, it’s important to research the programs and offerings of each credit card issuer.

Secured credit cards

If you don’t meet the requirements for a student credit card, consider applying for a secured credit card instead. In many ways, a secured card works like a traditional credit card: you can use it to make a wide range of purchases, earn rewards on certain purchases, and build credit with responsible use.

The major difference between a secured card and a traditional card is that, before you can begin using a secured card, you must pay a cash deposit to the issuer. For example, with the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card, your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200.⁴ Additionally, with the Discover^® it Secured Credit Card, there is no credit score required to apply.⁵

Become an authorized user

If you don’t meet the requirements to get your own credit card, an alternative is to become an authorized user on another person’s account, such as a parent or adult sibling. For example, becoming an authorized user may be a good option if you’re under 18 years old. Also if you’re over 18 but don’t meet the issuer’s requirements. As an added benefit, this strategy may potentially boost your credit score, provided the account holder has good credit and maintains responsible financial habits.

Apply for a joint credit card

One potential alternative is to apply for a joint credit card with someone who already has good credit. With a joint credit card account, both people share the power to make purchases—as well as the responsibility for paying debts. This is an important distinction from being an authorized user, where only the primary cardmember is liable for the debts accrued.

Not all issuers offer joint credit cards, so it is best to contact the issuer to see what options may be available.

Find a credit card co-signer

If you don’t qualify for a credit card on your own, applying with a credit card cosigner may be a solution—and in some cases, a requirement. For example, if you’re under age 21 and don’t have independent income, you may need a cosigner to help you.

A cosigner is typically a parent, relative, or trusted friend who has good credit and is at least 21 years old. It’s important to understand that if you fail to make any payments you owe, your cosigner becomes liable instead, making it vital to stick to a payment schedule carefully.

Not all issuers may offer the option to add a co-signer, so it may be best to see if you’re preapproved on your own before submitting a full application.

The bottom line

Are student credit cards only for students? In most cases, yes—but that shouldn’t discourage you from exploring the credit options that may be available to you. Whether you’re a part-time student, a full-time student, or not a student, there are multiple types of cards and credit card alternatives to fit your financial needs. If you use a student credit card responsibly and focus on building good credit, you’re on a solid path toward an optimal credit score—and with it, improved eligibility for new loans and credit cards.

Important Information >

Students: See if you’re Pre-approved

Check Now

Next steps

See if you're pre-approved

Check Now

Learn about Discover student credit cards

See rates, rewards and other info

Learn More